Barrier-free beaches

Croatia is a land of 1,001 beaches - but not all visitors have the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of them all and dive at their own whims into the blue waters. The stairs, slopes and stones that for some make up the charm of so many Croatian vacation destinations, represent insurmountable obstacles for others. Physically disabled people, however, must no longer forgo a holiday in Croatia. Information can be found with a little pre-planning so that all will have the chance to experience the magic of the Croatian Adriatic coast without any hindering circumstances. On the other hand, not every official beach is well developed enough to be disabled-friendly. In recent years, Croatia's tourism authority, however, has created numerous opportunities for disabled people to be able to spend a wonderful day on the beach and in the sea - and the tendency is rising.

What does it mean for a beach to be disabled-accessable and friendly?

Did you know that many of the beaches in Croatia that are accessible to the disabled proudly display blue flags? Conversely, this does not mean that the blue-flag beaches are automatically disabled friendly. The blue flag does mean, however, that at least one of the beaches applying for the award from the community has to be designated as being disabled-accessible. Precisely, this means the the beach must have, for example, barrier-free access to the beach and sea for people with disabilities. Ideally, this would include an easy to travel on path without curbs or other barriers, leading from the car park directly to the water at the appropriate sections of the beach. In many places, there are ramps instead that provide barrier-free access. Some beaches also have special facilities such as handrails, special wheelchairs and lifts that allow people with disabilities to independently bathe in the sea. On all disabled-friendly beaches, those who need help can always find help, especially from the lifeguards. In order to enable people with disabilities to feel comfortable, it is also important that the beach equipment should not fail to provide good service. Unfortunately, not all beaches have barrier-free accessibility everywhere, especially toilets and changing rooms, as well as supply equipment and first aid stations. To avoid disappointment it is all the more important to inform yourself about the different beaches and bathing facilities in the area a day before heading to the beach.

Disabled-friendly beaches in Istria

Many blue flag beaches are to be found in Istria in particular – and thus, an above average number of disabled-friendly beaches. Particularly well-known and popular are the beach areas around the Sol Hotels of the Melia group in Umag. The Hotels of Sol Aurora and Sol Garden Istra have a special wheelchair that can go directly into the water with the disabled guests. Even the surrounding beaches dominated by pine forest can be well explored by wheelchair. Around Porec there are some hotels as well as the beach of Gradsko kupaliste that have barrier-free access to the beach and sea. In the vicinity of the Lim Channel, there are three suitable beaches for the disabled: (A/C Valkanela in Vrsar, A/C Koversada in Vrsar, Zabavni centar Villa Rubin in Rovinj). Speaking of Rovinj: The Orthopedic Hospital Dr. Horvat here prevails in providing perfect conditions for disabled visitors. Wheelchairs, handrails, physiotherapy and disabled toilets leave nothing to be desired. Even the sporting cities of Pula and Medulin provide barrier-free access to the beach. Especially recommended beaches include the Ambrela Beach in Punta Verudela near Pula and the sandy beach of Bijeca in Medulin.

Disabled-friendly beaches in Kvarner

Rijeka is, not only because of its beautiful beaches, a special attraction for disabled guests. Particularly recommended here is the beach of Plaza Kostanj. Physically impaired people can get to the beach and into the water on their own here, thanks to the ramps and the lift. Lifeguards and disabled-accessible toilets are also available. Similarly, the beach town of Crikvenica is also well-equipped with a wheelchair lift, lifeguards and disabled toilets. On the popular holiday island of Krk, disabled-friendly beaches are mainly found in the north, such as the Plaza Pesja in Omisalj or the Pecine Plaza in Silo and Plaza Rupa in Malinska.

Disabled-friendly beaches in Dalmatia

Dalmatia, of course, has many opportunities for recreation and relaxation at the beach - even for disabled visitors. For example, in Omis near Split, where the great "Punta" city beach, among other beaches, have a special elevator. Nearby there is also the beach of Artina in Lokva Rogoznica, where wheelchair owners will find unhindered access to the sea. Even Split itself is a worthwhile destination for beach lovers with disabilities: On the beach of Bene there is a ramp and special wheelchair access and the Znjan Beach, among others, is equipped with ramps, a lift, disabled toilets and parking. There are also two beaches around Vodice that lure guests with limited mobility to their shores, Plava plaza and Bijela plaza. Basically, the disabled-friendly beaches in Dalmatia are strung up like pearls on a string. From Starigrad (Plaza Bluesun Hotel Alan) to the Copacabana beach in Dubrovnik, southern Croatia has plenty sun, beach and sea to offer- for disabled and non-disabled visitors alike.