From tapas and Mediterranean beaches to medieval streets and museums, the world is your oyster, even when you’re holidaying in your wheelchair. Just be savvy about where you go, and pick one of these city breaks that have made accessible holidays their priority. And when you want to make your adventure even easier, order a travel-friendly wheelchair or walking aid from websites like Fenetic Wellbeing, who offer free delivery and 12-month guarantee on everything
1. Barcelona, Spain
Sagrada Familia, Barcelona credit: ValeryEgorov
One of the best adventures you can have in a folding wheelchair is to Barcelona where every bus is wheelchair accessible. Ramps and lifts also help you aboard the metro trains, making it oh-so convenient to go sightseeing, where there are a few perks in store for you. Wheelchair users can even skip queues and get free, priority access to a slew of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, including the legendary Sagrada Família cathedral.
And when the white sand beaches tempt you away from the tapas and shopping delights of La Rambla, follow wooden paths right to the water’s edge or rent a beach wheelchair to whisk you across the sand.
2. Vienna, Austria
Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna credit: vichie81
Vienna is ideal for culture-obsessed wheelchair users. The Austrian capital has removed most of its cobblestones and kerbs, making your folding wheelchair ride that bit more comfortable. Make a beeline to the huge pedestrianised zones around St Stephan’s Cathedral and the Hofburg winter palace, or explore Schloss Schönbrunn and the fully accessible Schönbrunn Palace with your free audio guide. Almost every museum, palace and church offers street-level entry, ramps or lifts. In fact, the Museum of Fine Arts, well worth a visit, has a wheelchair entrance.
3. Dublin, Ireland
St Stephen’s Green, Dublin credit: meshaphoto
If you’re on a budget, you don’t even have to leave the British Isles this summer, because Dublin is a cracking place for holidaymakers in any portable wheelchair. Shop the boutiques on Grafton Street by day, full to bursting with buskers and entertainers, and by night, cross the iconic bridges over the River Liffey to sample the boozy delights of The Temple Bar district.
Alternatively, explore Dublin’s medieval and Viking history on a wheelchair-friendly walking tour. Stop for a picnic at St Stephen’s Green or escape the hustle and bustle altogether and hop on the Dublin Bus to Dublin Bay.
4. Benidorm, Spain
Benidorm beach credit: OlafSpeier
Over 1.5 million Brits flock to Benidorm’s flat promenades and beaches every year. The best one, particularly if you have a lightweight folding wheelchair, is Levante Beach – where you can go for a dip in a specially adapted wheelchair for free with your companion. Otherwise, ride the wooden ramp to the sunbathing platform and change in the rooms.
You may choose to make a day of it at the Terra Natura water and wildlife park, where you can take a seat reserved for wheelchair-users at a show.
Ultimately, it’s easy to hire an electric wheelchair, collapsible wheelchair or walking frame in Benidorm.
