Mallorca’s beaches are continuing to top the tables of best beaches in Spain, Europe and across the world. Now, the beaches of Samil, Las Vistas, Las Canteras, La Misericordia, La Malvarrosa, Alcudia and Nova Icaria are among the most accessible in Spain, according to a study carried out by mobility manufacturer Stannah, which has selected the main beaches on the Spanish coast characterised by their accessibility for people with reduced mobility.
The study points out that Alcudia beach in Mallorca is characterised not only by its fine sand, calm waters and family-friendly environment, but also by its adapted access, accessible toilets and showers, as well as support staff and amphibious chairs during the high season. Spain is one of the countries with the longest coastline, at 7,905 kilometres, renowned for its impressive coastline and high-quality beaches. The summer season is the favourite time of year, coinciding with the holiday season, for sun and beach tourism.
“Spaniards prefer this type of tourism (53%), although many are unable to enjoy this true treasure that Spain offers due to the lack of accessibility in many of them. Joint collaboration between public institutions, companies and individuals is needed to remove all architectural barriers that prevent people with reduced mobility from using and enjoying these impressive places,” said Jordi Gracia, commercial director of Stannah Spain.
To help people with reduced mobility enjoy the beach, the mobility company Stannah Spain has compiled a list of the most accessible beaches in the country. The selection includes beaches on the mainland and the islands, which are characterised by a wide range of services and facilities.
Among the most notable destinations is Samil beach in Vigo, which has amphibious chairs and reserved areas. In the Canary Islands, Las Vistas beach in Tenerife stands out for its transfer crane, assisted bathing area, amphibious chairs, accessible signage and specialised staff, while Las Canteras in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers total accessibility, with amphibious chairs, ramps, toilets and professional assistance during the summer.
The Mediterranean coast also has first-class options, such as La Misericordia beach in Malaga, equipped with bathing assistance, convenient access, adapted showers and shaded areas, and La Malvarrosa in Valencia, which includes an accompanying service in the water. Finally, in Catalonia, Nova Icaria in Barcelona is renowned for its assisted bathing area with support staff and the availability of amphibious chairs for getting around the area.
The experts at Stannah Spain believe that ensuring safe access to beaches is key, so they should not only have access stairs, but also offer alternatives such as lifts, escalators, ramps or stairlifts.
If access is flat, the installation of walkways helps to ensure a uniform and firm surface, making it easier for people to reach the seashore without difficulty. Added to this is the importance of offering assisted bathing thanks to solutions such as amphibious chairs, crutches and life jackets, which allow people to enjoy the water safely and inclusively.