Greece to make 287 beaches wheelchair accessible with high-tech swimming tracks

09 May 2023 , 13:13

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Greece has rolled out high-tech accessible tracks across many of its beaches (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Hundreds of beautiful beaches across mainland Greece and its islands could soon be accessible to wheelchair users.

In what will be a major boost for those with mobility issues who love soaking up the sun and visiting new places, remotely-operated ramps are to be put in at 287 beaches across the country.

Greek company Seatrac is leading the ramp project and has already made improvement at 140 beaches.

The tech is operated with a remote control, allowing wheelchair users to be moved along with their chair into the sea down a track. A handrail is positioned at the end of the runway, making it easy to slip off the chair and into the water for a swim.

A list of beaches that are currently accessible is available through an interactive map showcasing a number of beaches on both the mainland and the islands of Crete, Naxos and Andros. More are set to be added in the coming months as the rollout continues.

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The improvements should make beach visits much easier for wheelchair users (Getty Images)

"Equal access to the sea is an inalienable human right," Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias told the Greek Reporter.

"People with disabilities and people with limited mobility are given the opportunity to participate in beach activities with family and friends, enhancing the quality of life for everyone… (They) can engage in activities such as swimming that contribute to their physical and mental health."

Work is also ongoing to install removable changing rooms, portable sanitary facilities and accessible parking areas, among other advancements designed to make Greece an accessible beach capital.

Weymouth in Dorset was on the list (Graham Hunt/BNPS)

For those looking for a beach trip closer to home, then new rankings of the UK's most accessible beaches may be of interest.

Topping the list was Bournebouth Beach, thanks to its easy accessibility from the main promenade, which is smoothly paved over.

A wheelchair can be hired for a £50 deposit (this is refundable) and the disabled toilet accessed for £5 a day.

All of the beaches in the top ten have ramps for wheelchair access and some even offer beach wheelchairs for hire equipped with specially designed wheels to cope with sand and shallow water.

Overall, Dorset was unveiled as the go-to beach destination for people with mobility issues, with four beaches in the top ten located in the county.

Milo Boyd