Crete: Beaches in Rethymno to Receive New Accessibility Infrastructure

Rethymno (Agia Galini), Crete. Photo source: Incredible Crete

The Greek Tourism Ministry has approved funding for the construction of accessibility infrastructure for people with disabilities on beaches in the Municipality of Agios Vasileios in Rethymno, Crete.

The funding is part of the ministry’s initiative, “Improvement and Modification of Accessibility on Greek Beaches”, under the project titled: “Comprehensive Intervention for People with Disabilities on the Blue Flag Beaches of the Municipality of Agios Vasileios, Crete (Souda, Rodakino)”.

With a total budget of 131,650 euros, the funding will support the installation of two new accessibility systems at the Rodakino and Souda beaches. The Municipality of Agios Vasileios already has similar systems in place at Agia Galini and Plakias.

The project is part of the Greek Tourism Ministry’s broader strategy to position Greece as an accessible and welcoming destination for all travelers. According to the ministry, promoting accessibility is integral to sustainable tourism development, fostering the diversification and competitiveness of the country’s tourism offerings.

The new infrastructure will include carefully planned interventions designed to improve beach accessibility for individuals with disabilities. These will feature a beach access sliding systems (ramps), remote-controlled facilities, chemical toilets, and changing rooms that enable individuals with disabilities and their companions to enjoy the Blue Flag-awarded beaches in the region.

Key components of the infrastructure include:

– A wheelchair-friendly ramp system for beach access, designed for individuals with disabilities and quadriplegics.
– Non-permanent support facilities, including changing rooms for people with disabilities, portable sanitary units, and transport corridors for equipment
– Windbreaks
– Special signage marking accessible beaches
– Additional equipment, such as sun loungers and tables, exclusively for users with disabilities, with clear signage

Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni highlighted that the ministry’s goal is to make Greece a global leader in accessible tourism. “We aim to ensure that everyone can equally experience the unique travel opportunities Greece offers—without discrimination, barriers, or exclusions,” she said.

Agios Vasileios Mayor Yiannis Tatarakis also expressed his support for the project. “Ensuring equal access for people with disabilities is a fundamental policy choice for the Municipality of Agios Vasileios,” he said. “This project is a significant step forward in making our region more inclusive for all visitors.”