Welcome to the WheelTribe Blog – where accessibility meets adventure! Looking for travel tips that actually work? We’ve got you. From accessible destinations and real-life travel stories to hacks on how to travel smarter (and cheaper), it’s all here. No fluff, just the good stuff. Ready to explore? Dive in and get inspired!
: Eleonora Censorii
Adaptive sailing in Italy: a breathtaking experience
If you are looking for ideas for your next summer holiday, we have a few suggestions on where to go to learn how to sail a boat. Sounds far-fetched - or expensive? Not at all! Here are some of our favourite organisations in Italy that make sailing fun, accessible - and affordable.
: Eleonora Censorii
Bruges by Wheelchair: Hidden Gems and Accessibility Tips from Locals
The "Venice of the North" has similar issues, when it comes to accessibility, to the "original Venice": cobbled pavements, lots of historic buildings and bridges. But with some locals' tips and tricks, you can enjoy a wonderful holiday. And not miss on the chocolate and beer - especially.
: Eleonora Censorii
Visit the Coliseum on wheels
This September we took a short trip to Rome with Mechthild Kreuser, adaptive yoga teacher and mindfulness coach. from Germany. .
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Check out our travel suggestions with tips from locals and other travellers!
: Eleonora Censorii
Parks and (inclusive) recreation
Discover why hiking is a super activity for if you have a mobility disability - and the perfect way to enjoy the colours of nature in all seasons.
If you are in Tenerife, chances are you’ll catch sight of groups of hikers of the local non profit organisation Montaña para todos. Some walking, some on what is called a Joëlette chair, carried by two people – and some also running. You might also catch sight of a group of friends or a family, where one person is climbing up a hilly spot on a rather rugged and muddy looking wheelchair, with two long handles on the sides that allow the rider to propel themselves forward and climb up on some tough terrains. All over the world, more and more associations are organising accessible hiking activities, and more and more people are trying it out - have we made you at least a little bit curious?
Two different "sets of wheels" have literally “paved the road” to make the most of the outdoors for wheelchair users: joelettes for carrying people, and all-terrain chairs for independent users that allow them to climb ostacles.
A “chaise”(chair) from France, the Joëlette has now been going strong for over 30 years. Created in just two days in 1987 by Joël Claudel, a mountain guide whose nephew had muscular distrophy, it has ever since been produced by Joëlette&Co, part of a company called Ferriol-Matrat. Based near Lyon, Ferriol-Matrat's main activity is actually industrial subcontracting in tube processing.
Different models exist, with one or two wheels, one for kids, and one with electric assistance. Imitated around the world, one interesting variation is the Becasine chair, made of wood, produced by a Belgian family in the town of Virton (update August 2023: the family of the inventor of the Becasine, David Enthoven, who died two years ago, is currently creating a non-profit association to continue the production of the trekking chair, and keep alive their father’s beautiful project).
Joëlette chairs are a great option to take people of all ages to explore the outdoors, and can be packed in a car boot, which makes it a really nice solution for families too.
To organise a hike you usually need to have 4 people for each person in a joëlette, as 2 carriers are needed (one at the front and one at the back) and after an interval they need to swap to get some rest.
For this reason, the offer of outdoors hikes of this type is either via a private company (rather expensive option) or a local volunteers organisation (non profit and either for free or a small fee). Sometimes these associations can be difficult to find, because their websites are mostly in the local languages, but there are more opportunities out there than would seem, and you can find quite a few here on WheelTribe. At the end of this post you will have a selection of our favourite ones.
The other types of chairs that have really pushed the agenda of hiking for people with reduced mobility are the Grit chair and the Mountain Trike.
Both types of all-terrain wheelchairs allow the hiker to use the front handles to propel themselves forward and upwards, and can come with electrical assistance as well.
One of the best things about the Grit chairs is their super enthusiastic community: both the adult users and the parents of younger Grit climbers are a delightful bunch, and you can meet them in the . Join this massive group, which now counts well over 3000 members, for some fun pictures and great tips on beautiful hiking spots around the world.
The also has a lot of enthusiastic users, and different models to accommodate everyone, from the youngest to the oldest.
Another very interesting initiative is Disabled Hikers, a movement created 7 years ago by nature lover from the US Syren Nagakyrie, who describe themselves as “writer, activitist, spoonie”. In January 2023, Nike, the popular sports apparel brand, launched a campaign on their Social Media channels featuring Syren and some of the participants of the Disabled Hikers movement, who were filmed and interviewed during a hike in the woods. Unfortunately currently the project is on hold due to lack of financing.
However, Syren's first hiking guide for all was published in 2022: The Disabled Hikers Guidebook to Western Washington and Oregon. You can follow the to stay updated and consult the information shared in the past years: even if the project is currently on hold we really hope it will be soon active again.
The associations listed below offer outings for families, individuals and groups, and trainings on how to organise an outing with people with reduced mobility in joëlettes, check them out and find one in your next destination! We will be adding new associations over the next months, and if you know of more organisations, drop us an email at info@wheeltribe.eu to let us know!
: Eleonora
Get your wheels on the beach in Ibiza
Ibiza offers many beaches accessible by car, but there are also hidden spots reachable only by sea or down steep, unprotected steps. While these can be challenging to access, several beaches provide various levels of accessible support and facilities. Here are some of our recommendations, taking from a visit by Eleonora in May 2024 and Eline's post from her blog !
Please note that in May and October not all accessibility services at the beach might be already activated, or not everyday,
You can find the full list of beaches in Ibiza in this map (add link to download) https://www.santjosep.net/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Mapa-de-playas1.pdf
Next to the Salines Natural Reserve, which is only partially accessible but might be worth a visit, is one of the most beautiful beaches in this side of the island: Ses Salines (and yes, Salines are places where they “make” salt – which you can also buy in lots of shops around the island -for a very very high price- but it’s hand made). • Parking: Dedicated wheelchair accessible parking spaces (free parking). • Access to the beach: Wooden ramp (about 100m) with the beginning part a bit steep up. • Facilities: No toilets, several mobility aids such as crutches, chairs, and lifeguards to assist. • Address: Ses Salines, 07818, Balearic Islands, Spain
Reviewed by Eline in 2023
This beach, next to some of the most famous clubs in Ibiza, a very very long strip of sand that is worth checking out for the party vibe.
• Parking: Several parking spaces, limited dedicated wheelchair-friendly ones (near KFC & Dunes). • Access to the beach: Road followed by a wooden ramp to halfway up the beach. • Facilities: Wheelchair accessible toilet (key required). • Address: Platja d'en Bossa, 07817 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Balearic Islands, Spain Reviewed by Eline in 2023
Large urban beach with a cool vibe, with lots of nice shops, flea market and restaurants and a nice wheelchair accessible promenade, the Passeig ses Pitiuses, perfect for a full day or evening out.
• Parking: Several parking spaces available • Access to the beach: Wooden ramp to halfway up the beach. • Facilities: Several mobility aids such as beach chairs, and lifeguards to assist, no bathroom but can use the ones of nearby restaurants just next to the beach (to be verified) • Address: Passeig ses Pitiüses, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain
Enjoy Amazing Views and Fresh Local Cuisine at Talamanca Beach
Talamanca Beach offers a more relaxing atmosphere, with amazing views, very nice if you want to explore one of the nearby restaurants serving fresh local fish, accessible from the beach ramp.
• Parking: 2 dedicated wheelchair parking spaces (free), close to Almar Restaurante. • Access to the beach: Wooden ramp to a few meters from the shore and around the restaurants. • Facilities: Accessible toilet and shower, no mobility aids for water access. • Address: Talamanca Beach, 07800 Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Reviewed by Eline in 2023
Cala Llonga is very beautiful, even with large building complexes built on one side of the Cala, but it still manages to be incredibly charming.
• Parking: 3 dedicated wheelchair parking spaces (near Restaurante SOS). • Access to the beach: Stone path followed by a wooden ramp to a few meters from the shore. • Facilities: Covered accessible area with benches, no public toilets, and no aids for sea access. • Address: Cala Llonga, 07849 Santa Eulalia del Río, Balearic Islands, Spain
Reviewed by Eline in 2023
The Marina of Santa Eularia is worth a trip in itself, all wheelchair accessible and really nice and vibrant, with restaurants and bars, and the beach is reviewed by many people as one of the most accessible as it has dedicated lifeguards and mobility equipment to get you in the water. It has been reported that the beach also has a changing room with hoist (but this needs to be verified).
• Parking: 3 dedicated wheelchair parking spaces (Carrer de Marià Riquer Wallis). • Access to the beach: Path leading to a ramp or stairs with railing to the beach. • Facilities: Accessible shower, toilet, mobility aids for water access, and dedicated lifeguard. • Address: Santa Eularia, 07840 Santa Eulalia del Río, Balearic Islands, Spain
Reviewed by Eline in 2023
This is a small and pretty basic beach but that can be totally fine for a quick beach break. It is just next to the wheelchair accessible promenade and shops of Es Canar, but it has the wooden path pretty far from the water, and no aids.
• Parking: dedicated wheelchair parking spaces nearby and flat access to the beach • Access to the beach: Path leading to a ramp to the beach, you pass the accessible toilets and shower and have the shaded platform all for you. • Facilities: Accessible shower and toilet. • Address: Es Canar
Cala Nova is a cute little spot if you want to hang out for a bite or a drink and chilling out with a view on the beach, but the beach itself is not accessible. However, there is a really nice wooden path (sometimes bikes go there too, so a bit of competition) that connects Cala Nova with various bars and restaurants, which makes for a really nice stroll.
Reviewed by Eleonora 2024
Cala Llenya is a really cute and small beach with a super relaxed vibe, well worth a visit, it has on one side the accessible wooden structure near the bar and beach umbrellas and then the rest of the beach is free. The lifeguard is far from the accessible station.
• Parking: 2 dedicated parking spaces; difficult if full. • Access to the beach: Wooden ramp to a covered space at the beach's beginning – near the bar and restaurant on the beach, no support to access the water. • Facilities: Lifeguard assistance available if called in advance, accessible toilet is installed from June to August only, no other aids. • Address: Cala Llenya, 07850 Sant Carles de Peralta, Balearic Islands, Spain Reviewed by Eline in 2023 and Eleonora in 2024
Very basic accessibility, and no toilets but nice beach to spend some time in or to check out for a quick drink at the beach.
• Parking: Several dedicated wheelchair spaces. • Access to the beach: Wooden ramp but does not reach the shore. • Facilities: Lifeguard assistance available if called in advance, no public toilets or aids. • Address: Es Figueral, 07850 Santa Eulalia del Río, Balearic Islands, Spain Reviewed by Eline in 2023
• Parking: Wheelchair accessible spaces near The Boat House, Grupotel Cala San Vincente, and Ca La Calma. • Access to the beach: Wooden ramps halfway along the beach. • Facilities: Lifeguard assistance available. • Address: Cala San Vicente, 07811 Sant Joan de Labritja, Balearic Islands, Spain Reviewed by Eline in 2023
Explore the Bustling Sant Antoni Beach: Ibiza’s Hub for Restaurants and Nightlife
This beach is not really accessible, it has some ramps but they are damaged and no lifeguards to support. However the promenade is really nice and lively, so it’s worth taking a stroll there if you are in the area, but would not choose to stay in san Antonio if you want to do a proper beach holiday.
• Parking: Several wheelchair dedicated spaces at the port. • Access to the beach: Several ramps, some broken, halfway up the beach. • Facilities: Many restaurants & hotels with accessible toilets, few lifeguards, no aids. • Address: Sant Antoni de Portmany, 07820 Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Reviewed by Eline in 2023
Video to be added with title: Eline of The Spoonie Community shows us first hand some accessible – and not so accessible – beaches: https://youtu.be/NVH4Ij5aNfU?feature=shared
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