The Almeria coast: embracing accessible tourism
Almeria, tourism and accessibility are a reality today. Its coastal towns have readied themselves to welcome visitors with disabilities: proof of this is Almeria's Network of Inclusive Tourism Municipalities.
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since May 2014, when the creation of the Network of Inclusive Tourism Municipalities in Almeria was announced. It was promoted by the Almeria Federation of Associations for People with Disabilities (FAAM) in collaboration with different public institutions, and it presented the ambitious idea of going even further: of facilitating wheelchair tourism at beaches. Are there accessible cultural facilities, monument tours and hotels in our easternmost province? Is inclusive tourism a reality in the towns of Almeria? Here are a few hints if you want to organise a tourist visit without barriers to places like Almeria, Níjar, Mojácar and Pulpí.
Mojácar
Sierra Cabrera houses the town of Mojácar, boasting Moorish and Jewish past, steep streets, staggered terraces and simple, whitewashed beauty. In addition to having accessible beaches on the coast, it allows people with physical disabilities the chance to enjoy walks that avoid urban and architectural barriers. And feel the town's heartbeat from La Plaza Nueva Viewpoint, where you can contemplate Las Pirámides Valley. Ramp paths provide access to this balcony, as well as to El Castillo Viewpoint, which offers sea views. Fuente Mora, which features in ancient Arab texts, also facilitates access via a ramp.
Marina Playa, in Mojácar, is one of the province's best hotels in terms of accessibility. Its adapted double rooms feature accessible bathrooms, inclined mirrors and footless washbasins.
Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park
Cabo de Gata is paradise for beach fans, as well as an attractive destination if you are a curious person. Do you know how flora survives in these semi-arid lands? At El Albardinal Botanic Garden in Rodalquilar, in the heart of the Natural Park, you can discover how unique European species adapt. The facilities are accessible for those in wheelchairs and, furthermore, guided tours are organised for groups.
However, you can't leave Almeria's volcanic treasures without heading to an accessible beach: Las Negras. It has access ramps and amphibious chairs, and it is the perfect place to visit as a family. As for everything else, many bars have "friendly" entrances for people with physical difficulties, inviting you to take a seat and enjoy a cool beer or soft drink. This is the life! Don't you think?
Almeria
The province's cinematographic past - and present -is widely known and a large part of the interesting plans you can enjoy when you visit here lie in this sector. If you have a physical disability, don't worry. Almeria's Casa del Cine is accessible for all publics: both its ramp and lift are extremely useful for getting around between the building's two floors, tenants of which included many Hollywood stars who came to film movies in Tabernas Desert. A glamorous past.
Pulpí
Bordering Murcia, this town is considered given its inclusive nature at institutional level (the Local Government of Andalusia recognised it as an Accessible Andalusian City in 2010 due to the efforts made in this regard). Its symbolic beaches are an example of this: both Mar Rabiosa and Mar Serena are adapted for people with reduced mobility. Car parks, ramps, moving gangways, adapted toilets, showers and dressing rooms, amphibious chairs, signage... they have everything!
