Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in !

Explanada de España

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Explanada de España

Embark on an enchanting journey along Alicante"s most iconic promenade, the Explanada de España. Renowned for its mesmerizing wave-patterned tiles (over 6.5 million!), this boulevard is a delightful spectacle and fully accessible, promising a smooth and scenic stroll along the Mediterranean coast.

Starting Point: Plaza del Mar

Begin your tour at Plaza del Mar, where accessible parking spots and nearby public transport options (bus lines 21 and 22 are wheelchair-friendly) make it a convenient starting point. Here, you can soak in views of the marina with its array of boats and yachts bobbing gently in the water.

Stroll along the Explanada

As you roll onto the Explanada, the tactile sensation of the esplanade’s unique tricolor marble tiles is both a visual and sensory treat. The promenade is lined with towering palm trees and dotted with intricately carved stone benches, providing plentiful resting spots with excellent vantage points to appreciate the seaside ambiance.

Cultural Stop: Craft Market

Halfway down the Explanada, you’ll encounter a charming craft market (open in the evenings, particularly lively during summer months). It"s a fantastic spot to pick up local handicrafts and interact with friendly local artisans. All stalls are easily accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the vibrant display of crafts and souvenirs.

Refresh and Refuel: La Terraza del Gourmet

As the promenade curves, stop at La Terraza del Gourmet. This restaurant offers wheelchair-accessible dining with a view. Savor traditional Spanish dishes like paella or delight in fresh seafood, all while gazing out over the Mediterranean.

Concluding at Canalejas Park

Your tour ends as you enter the lush Canalejas Park, the oldest park in Alicante. The paths here are wide and well-maintained, making it easy to explore the greenery, including the famous centenary rubber trees.

This wheelchair-friendly tour not only showcases Alicante"s beauty but also ensures comfort and accessibility, making it a perfect outing for everyone.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Casa Carbonell

Why Visit?

Discover the charm of Alicante through a wheelchair-friendly tour that promises an enrichive and accessible experience, with Casa Carbonell standing as a highlight of your journey.

Morning

Begin your day at the accessible Explanada de España, a stunning marble-laid promenade lined with palm trees and cafes, perfect for a leisurely morning. It’s a smooth pathway that offers a beautiful view of the port, making it an ideal starting point.

Mid-Morning: Visit to Casa Carbonell

Located at the end of Explanada de España, Casa Carbonell is one of Alicante’s architectural jewels, designed by Juan Vidal Ramos in 1925. This majestic building, easily recognizable by its ornate façade and opulent design, is a symbol of the economic boom of the 1920s. Entry is free, and the building features accessible entrances on its side for easy wheelchair access. Explore the ground floor where you can admire intricate details and learn about the history of the Carbonell family, prominent textile merchants of the era.

Lunch

Enjoy a Mediterranean meal at one of the nearby accessible restaurants. Many places around the port area offer ramp access and spacious seating suitable for mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

Afternoon: MARQ Provincial Archaeological Museum

Post-lunch, take a short, accessible tram ride from Mercado Tram Station to MARQ. This museum is renowned for its wheelchair-friendly design, complete with ramps and lifts. Discover Alicante’s rich history through exhibits from the Roman era to the Middle Ages.

Evening

Return to the Marina by tram for a delightful evening stroll. The area is well-paved and offers spectacular sunset views. Finish your day with a drink at one of the accessible beachfront bars, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Alicante.

Tips

Carry a map of the city’s accessible routes, available at tourist information centers. Check each attraction’s accessibility options online before visiting. This ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable experience exploring the timeless beauty of Alicante.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Santa Barbara Castle (Castillo de Santa Bárbara)

Why Visit?

Embark on an enthralling journey to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, perched majestically atop Mount Benacantil in Alicante, Spain. This fortress, one of the largest medieval treasures of the Mediterranean, offers panoramic vistas and a deep dive into Spanish history, all accessible by wheelchair.

Getting There

Start your adventure at the foot of the mountain. For those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, the easiest way to ascend is via the elevator accessed from Postiguet Beach. Look for the entrance across from the Plaza del Mar. There"s a small fee (around 2.70 EUR), but it"s worth it for the smooth ride up and the stunning views that await at the top.

Touring the Castle

Once at the summit, you"ll find that many of the castle’s terraces and key viewpoints are accessible. Begin at the "Plaza de Armas," where you can soak in the sweeping views of Alicante"s cityscape and coastline. The area is well-paved and spacious, allowing for easy maneuverability.

Next, head to the "Sala Noble," accessible via ramps, where you can explore exhibits showcasing the castle"s history. Interactive screens provide insightful information and are positioned at a convenient height for all.

Don"t miss the "Baluarte de la Reina," a key vantage point. Here, ramps ensure that everyone can enjoy the breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea. It"s the perfect spot for memorable photos!

Interesting Facts

- The castle dates back to the 9th century during Moorish rule, but it has seen many transformations.

- Legend has it that the mountain resembles a human face, often referred to as the "face of the Moor."

Relaxing and Refreshments

Wind down at the castle’s café, which is accessible and offers a selection of snacks and beverages — the ideal way to reflect on your visit to this historic emblem of Alicante.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari (Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour to Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari

Embark on an enchanting journey into the heart of Alicante and discover the majestic Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas of Bari, a gem of Spanish Baroque architecture that promises both spiritual solace and architectural awe.

Getting There

Begin your day with a leisurely ride to the cathedral, located centrally at Plaza Abad Penalva. If using public transport, the closest stops are at the Mercado Tram Station or buses that halt at Plaza del Mar. For those driving, parking spaces designated for disabled visitors are available near the cathedral entrance.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The main entrance is step-free, ensuring a smooth glide into the cathedral. Once inside, the nave awaits with its wide and unobstructed aisles, allowing comfortable navigation for both wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Tour Itinerary

Start your tour in the main chapel, where the serene ambiance is as uplifting as the sunlight casting through the stained-glass windows. The cathedral is renowned for its 45-meter-high blue dome — a sight to behold as it towers gracefully over the altar. Discover the cloister, a peaceful courtyard that promises a quiet moment of reflection amidst verdant greenery and accessible paths.

Interesting Facts

Constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries, this cathedral stands on the grounds of a former mosque, reflecting the rich, layered history of Alicante. The cathedral was elevated to the status of a co-cathedral in 1959, sharing its title with the Cathedral of Orihuela.

Conclusion

Conclude your visit by exploring the surrounding area of the Barrio de la Santa Cruz, accessible through adapted pathways that lead you through charming streets lined with cafes and shops. Enjoy a refreshing drink or a local delicacy as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic quarter.

This wheelchair-friendly tour not only offers an accessible route to experiencing one of Alicante’s most revered landmarks but also ensures a journey filled with discovery, ease, and enjoyment.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Port of Alicante

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Guide to the Port of Alicane

Embark on an accessible tour through the vibrant Port of Alicante, a delightful blend of history, culture, and stunning seaside views. Alicante, known for its friendly ambiance and beautiful landscapes, offers a smooth and enjoyable experience for wheelchair users and mobile scooter travelers.

Morning: Maritime Promenade Stroll

Begin your day at the Explanada de España, a picturesque promenade lined with palm trees, running parallel to the port. The path is adorned with 6.6 million tricolor marble tiles, creating a mesmerizing wave-like pattern that"s entirely wheelchair-accessible. Start from the western end near the Puerta del Mar, where you can easily rent a wheelchair or scooter if you haven"t brought your own. As you glide along the promenade, enjoy the Mediterranean breeze and the bustling street artists and musicians.

Midday: Historical Exploration

Continue to the nearby Casa Carbonell, located at the end of the Explanada. This striking building, one of Alicante"s most iconic, showcases early 20th-century architecture and is accessible to explore the lower floors. Learn about Alicante"s trading history and the families that helped shape the city.

Lunch: Accessible Seafront Dining

Stop for lunch at one of the accessible restaurants along the port, such as Dársena, which offers local cuisine with a view of the harbor. The restaurant provides ramp access and adapted restrooms, ensuring comfort throughout your meal.

Afternoon: Visit to Volvo Ocean Race Museum

Post-lunch, head to the Volvo Ocean Ocean Race Museum. This modern, interactive museum is fully accessible, featuring exhibits on the history of the world"s premier offshore race. Indulge in the thrilling stories of sailors and the extreme conditions they face at sea.

Getting Around

The entire tour route is wheelchair-friendly, with flat surfaces and ramps available throughout. Public transportation in Alicante is also accessible; buses and trams are equipped with low floors and ramps to accommodate everyone.

This accessible journey through the Port of Alicante doesn"t just skim the surface but dives deep into the heart of the city"s maritime spirit.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.