Canary Islands, Spain Wheelchair Travel Guide

The Canary Islands, an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa, offer diverse landscapes ranging from volcanic terrain to lush forests and stunning beaches. With year-round mild temperatures, these Spanish islands are a popular travel destination. This review covers accessible accommodations, transportation, attractions, dining options, and adaptive recreation programs to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for wheelchair users.

Attractions

• Teide National Park, Tenerife: Home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, this park offers unique volcanic landscapes and stargazing opportunities. Cable car, scenic viewpoints, and hiking trails. Paved and hard-packed dirt paths. Some trails have uneven terrain and steep inclines. Accessible restrooms and parking.
• Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote: Famous for its volcanic landscape, this park offers guided tours and geothermal demonstrations. Scenic drives, guided tours, and visitor center. Find paved pathways, accessible restrooms and parking. Some viewpoints are only accessible via steps.
• Loro Parque, Tenerife: A renowned zoo and marine park featuring a wide variety of animals and shows and a botanical garden. Pathways are paved and there are accessible restrooms and parking. Some paths are steep or uneven.
• Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo, Gran Canaria: This botanical garden showcases the diverse plant life of the Canary Islands. Themed gardens, walking trails, and educational exhibits. Paved and gravel pathways. Some garden areas have steep paths. Accessible restrooms and parking.
• Casa de Colón, Gran Canaria: A museum dedicated to the history of the Canary Islands and Christopher Columbus. Historical exhibits, artifacts, and art galleries. Paved pathways and ramps. Accessible restrooms and parking. Some exhibit rooms have narrow doorways.
• Museo de la Naturaleza y el Hombre, Tenerife: A museum showcasing the natural history and archaeological heritage of the Canary Islands filled with fossils, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Paved pathways and ramps. Accessible restrooms and parking. Some exhibit areas are crowded during peak times.
• Cueva de los Verdes, Lanzarote: A stunning lava tube cave offering guided tours through its unique formations. Guided tours, lava formations, and light displays. Paved pathways, but limited accessibility; parts of the cave have steps and narrow passages. Uneven terrain and steep sections.
• Siam Park, Tenerife: A large water park with a variety of slides, wave pools, and attractions. Paved pathways. Accessible restrooms, changing rooms, parking, pool lift. Some attractions and pools have steps.
• Patea tus Montes: This organization offers guided hiking and trekking tours tailored for individuals with disabilities. Accessible trails and adaptive equipment. Some hiking routes have uneven terrain.

Accommodations

• Hotel Jardines de Nivaria, Tenerife: Located in Costa Adeje, this five-star hotel combines luxury with accessibility, offering breathtaking views and top-tier amenities. Deluxe rooms and suites. King and queen-sized beds with premium linens. Roll-in showers and accessible bathtubs available. Spa, outdoor pool, gourmet restaurants, and bars. Paved pathways, elevator access, accessible parking, pool lift. Some areas around the garden have uneven terrain.
• Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, Gran Canaria: A luxurious oasis in Maspalomas, this hotel offers refined comfort and exceptional service. Standard rooms and suites. King and queen-sized beds with accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers. Spa, pool with a lift, fine dining restaurant, and fitness center. Accessible pathways, parking, and common areas. Some outdoor paths have cobblestones.
• Hotel Rural La Correa del Almendro, Tenerife: A charming rural hotel offering budget-friendly accommodations with beautiful mountain views. Accessible rooms, paved pathways, and ramps. Standard rooms with twin and queen-sized beds. Accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers. Restaurant, garden, and terrace. Some outdoor areas have uneven surfaces.
• Apartamentos Fariones, Lanzarote: Located in Puerto del Carmen, these affordable apartments offer convenient access to the beach and local attractions. Studio and one-bedroom apartments. Twin and double beds. Accessible bathrooms in some units. Some apartments have steps and narrow doorways. Pool, restaurant, and bar. Accessible pathways and parking.
• Camping Nauta, Tenerife: A campsite offering accessible facilities and a serene environment near the coast. Accessible cabins available. Accessible sites with paved parking and nearby accessible restrooms. Pool, restaurant, and recreational activities. Paved pathways throughout the campsite. Some areas have uneven terrain.
• Camping El Brezal, Gran Canaria: Located in the mountains, this campsite offers accessible camping options and beautiful natural surroundings. Accessible cabins available. Accessible sites with paved parking and nearby accessible restrooms. Picnic areas, fire pits, and hiking trails. Paved pathways and accessible restrooms. Some hiking trails have uneven surfaces.

Transportation

Getting around the Canary Islands is made easier with several accessible transportation options. Some smaller towns and rural areas have limited accessible transportation options.

• Accessible Car Rentals: Available from major cities and airports. Companies like Cicar and Avis offer accessible vehicles.
• Public Transportation: The islands have accessible buses and trams, especially in larger cities like Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas.
• Ferry Services: Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas provide accessible ferries between islands.

Restaurants

• La Hierbita, Tenerife: A traditional Canarian restaurant offering local dishes in a charming setting. Ramp access, accessible restrooms. Indoor and outdoor seating options. Some indoor areas have narrow spaces.
• El Rincon de Juan Carlos, Tenerife: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering gourmet cuisine and a refined dining experience. Ramp access, accessible restrooms. Indoor seating with accessible options. Limited space between tables indoors.
• El Equilibrista 33, Gran Canaria: A modern restaurant offering innovative dishes with local ingredients. Paved entrance, accessible restrooms. Indoor seating with accessible options. Crowded during peak times.