An island within reach of more and more people every day
We are all aware (although no one more than those affected and their families) of the difficulties that people with disabilities have to face in their daily lives; apart from the complications specific to each disability, there are the physical and other barriers and limitations that still exist in our societies. What is the situation of accessibility in Tenerife in terms of tourism?
The fight for accessibility in Tenerife is a daily and constant work.
From the institutional level, the island authorities have been committed for years to eliminating and reducing the difficulties that this part of society must face. In 1993, the Island Society for the Promotion of Persons with Disabilities (SINPROMI) was created with this objective. There is still a lot of work to be done in this regard, but the situation has improved considerably in recent decades.
On the other hand, numerous private entities, companies and individuals within the tourism sector contribute their grain of sand to improve the conditions of what has come to be called “accessible tourism“, minimising architectural barriers and access to services where possible: accommodation, recreational spaces, sports areas, restaurants…
Pedestrian walkways, beaches and puddles, viewpoints and trails, museums and exhibition and performance halls, shops and shopping centres, hotels, means of transport and car parks, bars and cafes, tourist offices, sports facilities… The list of adapted spaces grows day by day, gradually increasing accessibility in Tenerife.
Nature, Sport and Adventure
When we think of an accessible holiday in Tenerife, the possibility of getting to know its wonderful, unique and well-preserved natural spaces immediately comes to mind. Sport and observation are two good ways to get closer to them.
The most notorious natural attraction of Tenerife are its beaches, and a good part of them, scattered along the island’s coast, have access enabled for people with disabilities. Some specific places, such as Arona, can show off their efforts in this regard, with notable results (the longest adapted promenade in Europe, for example).
Inland we can also find an accessible Tenerife with many viewpoints, recreational areas and some trails (not so many) to enjoy a day outdoors and immerse ourselves in nature. Outdoor activities such as Hiking or stargazing are also within the reach of tourists with disabilities in the Teide National Park, among many other places.
Other outdoor, sports or adventure activities such as whale watching in the southwest, jeep tours In the most remote corners of the island or a good number of boat trips are within anyone’s reach. Or, why not , flying over the island in adapted paragliding.
Culture and fun in the city and in the countryside
Cultural leisure (visits to museums or guided tours, for example) and family entertainment (with theme parks at the forefront) are another attractive possibility on our island, both in the largest cities and in rural areas.
The island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is one of the island’s most attractive tourist hotspots, as you can imagine. With the implementation of the latest accessibility plan, Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the entire metropolitan area have seen an expansion of tourist options for people with disabilities and reduced mobility. Access to museums, monuments, auditoriums and restaurants has improved significantly.
Another of the strengths of Tenerife’s tourism is its themed parts, varied and very well equipped to delight visitors. Siam Park, Loro Parque or Jungle Park, among others, are adapted (to a greater or lesser extent) to receive people with disabilities who want to enjoy them to the fullest.
And if you prefer to get away from the madding crowd… Accessibility in Tenerife is not a problem in that sense either. The pyramids of Güímar, the Basilica of La Candelaria, the Portillo botanical garden or the auditorium of the University of La Laguna have adapted facilities that will allow you to live a completely satisfactory experience.
"Disability doesn't define you, it defines how you cope with the challenges that disability presents to you." – Jim Abbott
An island for everyone
Would you like to do a wine tasting in a winery? Relaxing in a wellness centre? Play a little golf? Visit a shopping mall, or maybe local handicrafts? We have only just begun to delve into many of the options that exist on the island. As you can see, speaking of accessibility, Tenerife is an island that is always welcoming.
A very useful tool to find out more details about accessibility in Tenerife is the Accessible Tenerife website, where you can search for tourist (and non-tourist) facilities on the island and consult their accessibility conditions, classified by their level of adaptation to the needs of people with disabilities (adapted, practicable, inaccessible).
There you will find almost everything you need to know about access, lifts, building interiors, public toilets, adapted or accessible routes… Also about the accessibility regulations in Tenerife and many other information of interest that can come in handy to prepare your visit.
If before you start reading you were wondering if Tenerife is wheelchair accessible, we hope you have become clear: there is still a lot to do, of course, but Tenerife is a very accessible holiday destination. In our list of specific activities you will find much more information about the different options that open up to you. So come and spend your holidays here and don’t let anything get in front of you.