A destination for everyone
If you have a disability and are eager to visit new places, the province of Barcelona is your ideal destination. And not only because its towns and cities devote lots of resources to safeguarding the right of persons with reduced mobility or with other vision, hearing or intellectual impairments to enjoy the destination, but also because they aim to do so in a sustainable, environmentally friendly manner. Accessible tourism can and should be sustainable! From Calella Beach to the Natural Area of Guilleries-Savassona, here are four suggestions for an enjoyable, sustainable break.
1. Accessible beaches
On the Costa Barcelona, persons with reduced mobility can enjoy the sun and sea in comfort thanks to a range of special facilities available at several beaches: reserved parking spaces, special walkways for wheelchairs, adapted toilets and changing booths, equipment to facilitate bathing, etc. However, among all the accessible beaches, three stand out for holding the Biosphere Commitment to Tourism Sustainability seal: Garbí Beach in Calella, the beach in Sant Vicenç de Montalt and Les Barques Beach in Sant Andreu de Llavaneres. You can bathe with total peace of mind at any of them!
2. Nature without limits
While we’re on the subject of going for a dip... Having a physical, mental or sensory disability shouldn’t stop you from visiting a natural park and having fun in the heart of nature. That’s why the Natural Parks Network of Barcelona Provincial Council has designed six routes adapted to your needs: the botanic route of La Pleta (Garraf), the Portella Spring route (Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac), the Frare Spring route (Montseny), the route of the Masia Mariona building (Montseny), the Fondal path (Serra de Collserola) and the route of the Sau Nature School (Natural Area of Les Guilleries-Savassona). These parks have installed several support elements, such as wayfinding directional bars, tactile maps, joëlettes (all-terrain chairs), information packs and technical sheets in braille, among others.
3. Inclusive sport
Do you enjoy physical exercise? BOX21 of the Itinerarium Foundation promotes running and walking activities for people with physical difficulties, creating a series of routes adapted for everyone in various towns and cities. In the regions of Barcelona, there are inclusive cicuits in Calella, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Matadepera, Sant Sadurní d’Anoia, Cornellà de Llobregat and Berga, among others. And they’re all free of charge to download onto your smartphone.
4. Museums from a different perspective
For several years, through a dedicated programme, the Cultural Heritage Office of Barcelona Provincial Council has been implementing actions to make museums and their rich heritage accessible to all of society. The programme, entitled La Mirada Tàctil (The Tactile Gaze), has been adopted by several museums, such as the Cercs Mines Museum, the National Museum of Science and Industry of Catalonia, in Terrassa, and the Cal Tinturé Museum in Esplugues de Llobregat. But if you’re already familiar with these museums, we suggest heading to the Vinseum - the Catalan Wine Cultures Museum, since it offers a multisensory experience using a surprising narrative method. What’s more, it’s located in Vilafranca del Penedès, a city that holds the Biosphere Commitment to Sustainability seal.
- Are you feeling peckish? Do you fancy staying overnight in the area? No problem! There are plenty of fully adapted hotels and restaurants in the regions of Barcelona, some of which hold the Biosphere Commitment to Sustainability seal. Explore your trip on our website and you’ll soon find the perfect option!
More information:
Accessible beaches on the Costa Barcelona Accessible routes of the Natural Parks Network of Barcelona Provincial Council
Inclusive sports circuits of the Itinerarium Foundation
Accessible museums of the Local Museums Network of Barcelona Provincial Council