Tourists with mobility issues visiting Murcia this summer are able to enjoy enhanced access to the region’s beaches. The region has 37 accessible beaches (five more than in 2021), as well as a further 18 Costa Cálida beaches that offer special adapted equipment.
According to minister for the presidency, tourism, culture and sport Marcos Ortuño, the increase in the number of adapted beaches highlights the regional government’s commitment to “making our tourism resources available to all… and contributing to the integration of people with disabilities”.
Last summer, the region provided a total of 2,375 assisted swimming services along the coast to people with reduced mobility, as part of the government’s ongoing program to promote “sustainable tourism that is safe, high-quality and accessible”.
Every year, the Tourism Institute (Itrem), in collaboration with coastal municipalities, undertakes a review of the main beaches in terms of adapted equipment and services, which include reserved parking, walkways, toilets and adapted changing rooms, amphibious chairs and crutches, shaded areas and bathroom aid services.
Of the 37 beaches distributed throughout the Costa Cálida, 25 are in Mar Menor and La Manga and 12 on the south-western coastline. Three (San Ginés, La Puntica and El Mojón) have incorporated adapted changing rooms and showers in accordance with new regulations for accessibility in urban beach areas; five (El Puerto in Mazarrón, Villananitos, Barnuevo, Carrión and Los Narejos) have installed special adapted swimming areas with shade, seats and handrails in the water; and six (San Ginés, Playa Honda and Puerto Bello and Isla, Junta de los Mares and Puerto in Mazarrón) provide a free service for assisted swimming in amphibious chairs, overseen by specialist staff.
At other beaches, Civil Protection members facilitate the use of amphibious chairs, although those using the service require the assistance of a companion.
More information about accessible beaches is available on the Murcia Turística website.
Photo of Barnuevo de Santiago de la Ribera beach supplied by Murcia Ministry of Tourism