A Step Toward Inclusive Island Living
By 2026, the islands of Naxos and Donoussa will welcome visitors of all abilities to their beaches, marking a major step toward inclusivity and sustainable island tourism in Greece.
The initiative, titled “Disabled Service Infrastructure on the Beaches of Naxos and Donoussa” is part of the South Aegean 2021–2027 Regional Program. It aims to create beaches that are open, safe, and enjoyable for everyone: residents, families, seniors, and travellers with disabilities.
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with a budget of almost €260,000, the project will be implemented by the Municipality of Naxos and Small Cyclades. It reflects a broader regional strategy to ensure accessibility and equality across the South Aegean islands, while promoting Greece as a model for inclusive travel in Europe.
Inclusive Beaches Accessible for All
Starting in April 2026, six popular beaches will be equipped with modern, non-permanent accessibility installations designed to make swimming and beach-going easier for people with limited mobility.
These include self-propelled sea-entry devices, accessible changing rooms, and shade umbrellas, all engineered to ensure comfort, safety, and independence.
The beaches selected for the project are the following:
– Agios Georgios (Naxos)
– Amitis (Naxos)
– Abram (Naxos)
– Apollonas (Naxos)
– Moutsouna (Naxos)
– Stavros (Donoussa)
These locations were chosen for their high visitor numbers, spacious coastlines, and proximity to other tourist facilities such as thermal springs and wellness centres, destinations often favoured by older visitors and families.
Once completed, both locals and tourists will be able to enjoy the Aegean’s crystal-clear waters without barriers, turning Naxos and Donoussa into true examples of inclusive island destinations.
Enhancing Quality of Life and Tourism Appeal
Beyond accessibility, this initiative is about creating a better quality of life for residents and enhancing the islands’ overall tourism experience.
“This project strengthens accessible tourism on Naxos and Donoussa,” said the South Aegean Regional Authority in a statement. “By improving access to our most iconic beaches, we promote inclusion and enhance the well-being of both residents and visitors.”
The works are expected to be completed by December 2026, just ahead of the 2027 summer season. Once operational, these upgraded beaches will join a growing network of accessible coastal destinations across Greece, from Crete to the Dodecanese, placing the South Aegean at the forefront of sustainable and inclusive tourism in the Mediterranean.
An Inclusive Future for the Greek Islands
As global travel trends evolve, inclusivity and accessibility are becoming essential pillars of modern tourism. With this initiative, Naxos and Donoussa are proving that small islands can deliver big ideas for a more open and welcoming world.
In the words of local leaders, this is not just a construction project, but a commitment to equality, dignity, and shared enjoyment of Greece’s natural beauty.
By 2026, the blue waters of Naxos and Donoussa will be open to everyone, a vision of tourism that reflects both progress and respect for all who come to experience the magic of the Aegean.
