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My Experience at the Elysium Hotel in Paphos – A Wheelchair and a Cypriot Dream
- צבי וורובל
- Oct 1
- 7 min read
The moment I realized this would be something special
When our taxi stopped in front of the Elysium Hotel in Paphos, I didn’t expect the wave of emotion that washed over me. I understood right away that this vacation would be something special.
Before I could even plan how to get out of the taxi and settle into my wheelchair, there was already a smiling bellboy. He not only helped me carefully out of the car, but also set up my wheelchair professionally, took the luggage, and accompanied me to the reception desk, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
I realized I had arrived at a special place. Not just another hotel that tries to “manage” with guests with disabilities, but a place where accessibility is naturally part of the service.
The hotel is located, like a jewel, next to the historic Tombs of the Kings in Paphos and just steps from the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The architecture combines classical elements with contemporary design, and the lobby terrace—oh, that terrace!—at sunset, when the sky turns shades of golden red and purple above the sea, you understand why people fall in love with Cyprus.
The room that awaited me – smart accessibility planning
The Elysium Hotel has 14 adapted rooms for people with disabilities—six designated for wheelchairs and eight more for reduced mobility. But the technical details actually tell the whole story.
Room entrance
The 85 cm wide door opens easily and stays open if pushed all the way, and the peephole is adjusted to wheelchair height.
Inside, there’s a maneuvering space of 104 cm and a full turning circle of 1.5 m. The space between the bed and wall is designed so that guests don’t have to make unnecessary wheelchair movements. The floor is carpeted—not always ideal—but here it’s a high-quality carpet that doesn’t block the wheels of powered chairs.
Accessible bathroom
Truly impressive. The door is extra wide—93 cm—leading to a bathroom designed by someone who really understands accessibility.
Some rooms include roll-in showers that can be entered directly with a shower chair, while others offer an adapted bathtub with an adjustable seat.
The safety rails around the toilet and shower don’t look like an “add-on” but are part of the integrated design. The sink is set at 65 cm with free access underneath, and the overall space allows comfortable wheelchair maneuvering.
Accessible balcony
The room opens to a balcony with only a 3 cm threshold (which is possible for some of us) — something that may sound minor, but when you’re sitting outside with a morning coffee looking at the sea, you appreciate every centimeter that saves effort.
Smooth movement throughout the hotel
The hotel has been thoroughly checked by Cypriot tourism authorities, and the results are impressive.
Spacious elevators
The elevators measure 1.37 m by 1.31 m, with a 91 cm wide door—wide enough even for large electric wheelchairs. The most exciting detail: all buttons include Braille markings. A small feature that proves the hotel gave thought to every level of accessibility.
Indoor spaces
All floors are fully accessible, with no steps or changes in level. Corridors are carpeted with quality material that doesn’t hinder movement of a power wheelchair, and the lighting is pleasant and well designed.
Additional facilities
Public restrooms: fully accessible, 1.60 m by 2.90 m.
Example of accessible restrooms in the pool area 
Example of accessible restrooms in the lobby and restaurant area Restaurants: The hotel has 5, all with accessible entrances. Adapted tables are always available. At buffets, staff will reserve a table near the food for guests with mobility issues and are happy to assist with carrying plates.
Reception desk: not lowered, but staff are attentive and provide front-facing service.
The buffet area is accessible; even the placement of the plates is wheelchair-friendly 
The buffet area is wheelchair accessible
The pools
The main outdoor pool is large and stunning, but has one clear drawback: no hydraulic lift for independent access. There is a stair entry with a handrail on the right side, but not everyone can use it.
The spa pool has the same type of water access as the main pool. There is no hydraulic lift for independent entry of a person with a disability into the water. However, there is a stair entry with a handrail on the right side, but not everyone can use it.
Changing rooms, showers, and dressing areas near the pools are fully accessible, so at least preparation for swimming is not an issue.
Access to the beach
The path to the beach is defined as suitable and convenient, with a smooth direct route. The hotel itself does not provide beach wheelchairs, but nearby public beaches do offer good solutions.
Moving around the hotel grounds
The hotel is very accessible, attracting tourists from around the world, including many with disabilities. Guests moved around on electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Scooters can be rented locally and delivered to the hotel lobby. The site wheelerz.online can assist with arranging this service.
Paphos - city accessibility
Accessible beaches
Cyprus leads the way with 52 accessible beaches — 36 fully accessible and 16 partially. In Paphos you’ll find:
Municipal Baths – special lift for wheelchairs to the sea and floating chairs.
Vrisoudia A Beach – floating wheelchair and adapted pathways.
Yeroskipou Beach – floating chair with lifeguard assistance.
Accessible historical sites
Tombs of the Kings: Partially accessible – it is possible to view from above and reach some of the sites. The impressive structures from the 4th century BCE are available for viewing and are well worth the effort. Located within walking distance of the hotel.
Kato Paphos Archaeological Park: Partially accessible with guidance from local staff. The famous Roman mosaics can be seen.
Paphos Castle: Adapted access and nearby parking.
The Old Town: Souvenir shops, clothing, and locally made Cypriot products.
Shaded passage in the old city market. Shop entrances are accessible or have a ramp at the entrance 
Another shaded passage in the old city market. Shop entrances are accessible or have a ramp at the entrance. Paphos Harbor – Accessible spaces with restaurants and taverns.
Accessible nature trails
Livadi Trail in the Troodos Mountains – a 1.5 km circular route.
Mantra tou Kampiou Trail – a 1 km trail in the forest.
Essential Information – Electricity and Sockets
It is important to know: the electrical voltage in Cyprus is 240 volts, 50 Hz, with type G sockets (three pins, like in England). This is different from mainland Europe and the USA. The Elysium Hotel lends one adapter per room for the duration of the stay.
If you are arriving with an electric wheelchair, medical equipment, or charging devices, you must bring a UK/Cyprus adapter — prepare one in advance. Hotels do not always provide suitable adapters.
Transportation and Advanced Services
Airport
Paphos Airport complies with European regulations, offering full accessibility services, charging stations for electric wheelchairs, and ramps for buses.
Public transportation
In Paphos, public transport consists mainly of buses and taxis. If you need an accessible bus, it is recommended to contact the bus company in advance to arrange a special bus with a ramp, seatbelts, and air conditioning.
In addition, there are special taxis adapted for wheelchairs. The bus network includes accessible buses with ramps, and they also offer discounts for people with disabilities.
Bolt (taxi app): Bolt is a taxi application operating in Cyprus and can serve as an alternative to Uber. You should check with their customer service about the availability of adapted vehicles when booking a ride, or select a suitable vehicle at the time of booking.
Car rental: This option provides complete freedom, allowing easy access to different sites in and outside the city, and enables a flexible daily itinerary. Roads in Paphos are convenient and easy to navigate, but remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
Personalized transportation: You can look for private transportation services specifically adapted for people with disabilities, or check for special shuttles that can be booked in advance. This service can be arranged through the website wheelerz.online.
Support System
The European Blue Parking Card is recognized throughout the island.
The European Disability Card grants discounts at various sites.
The city buses are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for people with disabilities.
Practical Tips for a Perfect Trip
Book an accessible room in advance: Although the hotel offers 14 adapted rooms, availability is good but it’s still recommended to reserve ahead of time.
Lithium battery and wheelchair approval: Make sure to get airline approval for your wheelchair/scooter and lithium battery(ies) at least a week in advance—and even earlier during peak seasons (holidays, summer). The process can take time, and early preparation will save stress and disappointment.
Choose your room type: Specify whether you require a room with a roll-in shower or an adapted bathtub.
Power adapter: Bring a UK/Cyprus adapter—essential for charging electric wheelchairs and medical equipment.
Assistive equipment: You can rent a local mobility scooter for maximum convenience in the city.
Beaches: Visit Municipal Baths or Vrisoudia Beach for the best accessible sea experience.
Transportation: Pre-book accessible transfers, especially for airport rides.
Conclusion – Paphos as an Accessible Dream Destination
The Elysium Hotel in Paphos is more than just a luxury hotel – it is a gateway to an accessible and fulfilling vacation in this charming city. With well-adapted rooms, advanced roll-in showers, professional staff, accessible historical sites, and modern services, Paphos becomes a destination where you can feel true freedom.
The accessible beaches and adapted services make Cyprus one of the most inclusive destinations along the Mediterranean. It’s not just a vacation spot – it’s a place where accessibility is treated as a basic right and implemented at the highest standard.
And most importantly: in Paphos, I never felt like a “guest with special needs.” I simply felt like a guest who came to enjoy a perfect holiday – and that’s exactly how a vacation should feel.
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