Greece’s National Confederation of Disabled People (ESAmeA) has raised concerns over what it describes as the widespread exclusion of people with disabilities from beaches across the country, citing numerous complaints about inaccessible coastal areas during the peak summer season.
According to the organization, its “Claim Together” service has received a growing number of reports from residents, visitors with disabilities or reduced mobility, and their families regarding a lack of accessible beach infrastructure.
Accessibility equipment missing or out of service
ESAmeA says it has already alerted the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece and several local authorities about the problems.
The organization reports that in many locations, special systems designed to provide independent access to the sea for people with mobility impairments have either been removed or remain unused despite funding having already been approved.
It also points to significant installation delays in parts of northeastern Greece and northwestern Greece, while one beach near Thessaloniki is said to be missing the required access walkway.
On the island of Rhodes, the accessibility systems reportedly suffer from repeated technical failures, while fewer than half of the available access facilities are operational across islands in the northeastern Aegean. On Zakynthos, ESAmeA says no accessibility systems had been installed by the final week of July, despite four beaches having been designated for the equipment.
Call for urgent action
The confederation argues that the lack of accessible infrastructure effectively excludes people with mobility disabilities and reduced mobility, along with their families, from enjoying the country’s beaches.
It describes the situation as a violation of the fundamental right to recreation and reminds local authorities of their responsibility to ensure safe and accessible public infrastructure for both residents and visitors with disabilities, chronic illnesses or rare diseases.
