Tenerife in a wheelchair – An Accessible Paradise
If you’re seeking an accessible European destination where you can bask in the sun, Tenerife might just be your perfect match.
As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife offers a wealth of experiences tailored for everyone, including wheelchair users.
While I’m not a wheelchair user myself, I’ve put in the time and effort to gather detailed information, ensuring you have the best possible experience on this beautiful island.
Whether you’re lounging on accessible beaches in Tenerife, exploring natural parks, or visiting the island’s top attractions, this guide is designed to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Let’s dive into what Tenerife in a wheelchair has to offer!
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General Accessibility in Tenerife
Tenerife has made remarkable strides in accessibility, particularly in the southern areas like Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas, and Costa Adeje.
These spots are well-known for being wheelchair-friendly, thanks to the extensive efforts by local authorities.
The sidewalks are generally in good condition with curb cuts and ramps, making it easy to get around.
The Municipality of Arona has even won awards for its accessibility efforts, and the whole island is becoming increasingly wheelchair-friendly.
Getting to Tenerife
Tenerife is served by two international airports: Tenerife South Airport (TFS) and Tenerife North Airport (TFN). Both airports are fully wheelchair-accessible and offer well-organised special assistance services.
From my observations, the staff is trained to ensure that wheelchair users have a smooth experience from the moment they arrive.
Wheelchair-Accessible Transport in Tenerife
Navigating the island is a breeze, with several transportation options tailored for wheelchair users:
- Specialized Transportation: Companies like LeRo and Active Mobility Tenerife offer wheelchair-accessible vans that can take you from the airport to your hotel and even on excursions. I’ve heard great things about LeRo, which has been providing reliable services since 2008.
- Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis: Official Taxi Tenerife operates a fleet of wheelchair-accessible taxis across the island. The best part? There’s no extra charge for this service.
- Public Transport: While not all public buses in Tenerife are wheelchair-accessible, newer buses often come equipped with ramps. However, predicting which bus will arrive can be tricky, so I’d recommend sticking with other transportation methods. On the bright side, the Tenerife Tram (Tranvía de Tenerife) is fully accessible and connects Santa Cruz de Tenerife with La Laguna.
Renting Mobility Equipment
If you need to rent mobility equipment like a shower chair, mobility scooter, or electric hoist, you’re in luck. Several companies, including LeRo and Orange/Blue Badge Tenerife, offer a range of mobility aids to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Wheelchair-Accessible Hotels in Tenerife
When it comes to accommodation, Tenerife has several excellent options (according to reviews I have read):
- Mar Y Sol Hotel: Located in Los Cristianos, Mar Y Sol is probably the most wheelchair-accessible hotel on the island. Although the hotel is a bit dated and situated on a steep hill, it offers a range of accessible amenities, including rooms with roll-in showers, pool lifts, and an accessible spa.
- Route Active Hotel: If you prefer a more modern setting, the Route Active Hotel in Los Realejos could be a great choice. This hotel offers spacious, wheelchair-accessible rooms with roll-in showers and a delicious breakfast buffet to kickstart your day.
By clicking in the image below you can filter hotels for accessibility 😉
Wheelchair-Accessible Beaches in Tenerife
Tenerife is home to several wheelchair-accessible beaches, but two stand out in particular:
- Playa de las Vistas: Located in Los Cristianos, this beach is the most accessible and well-equipped on the island. It features a large wooden platform with sunbeds, floating beach wheelchairs, accessible showers, and even a transfer lift. The staff is always ready to assist if needed, and there’s an accessible restroom that can be opened with a Eurokey.
- Playa de las Teresitas: Close to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this beach also offers excellent accessibility with ramps, accessible showers, and handicap parking. While I couldn’t confirm the availability of floating beach chairs, the beach itself is a fantastic spot to relax.
Exploring Teide National Park
No trip to Tenerife is complete without a visit to Teide National Park, home to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide. The park is surprisingly accessible, allowing wheelchair users to enjoy the stunning volcanic landscape.
- El Portillo Visitor Center: This fully accessible visitor center provides a detailed overview of the park’s volcanic ecosystem. A short, wheelchair-friendly path leads to a breathtaking Mount Teide lookout. While the packed gravel path is manageable, manual wheelchair users might need some assistance due to moderate inclines.
- Mount Teide Cable Car: Unfortunately, the Mount Teide Cable Car isn’t wheelchair-accessible. However, you can still enjoy the spectacular views from the visitor centre, which has an accessible restroom and a cosy café.
Roques de García Trail: If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the Roques de García Trail offers an accessible route along the park’s famous rock formations. While the trail is mostly flat, the fine gravel can be tricky, so manual wheelchair users may need help navigating some sections.
Loro Parque: Europe’s Biggest Zoo
Located in Puerto de la Cruz, Loro Parque is one of Tenerife’s top attractions, and it’s quite wheelchair-friendly despite being situated on hilly terrain.
- General Accessibility: The park offers free manual wheelchair rentals, and you can also rent a mobility scooter if you reserve it 72 hours in advance. Accessible restrooms are scattered throughout the park, though their size and layout vary. The park also provides designated seating areas for wheelchair users at each show theatre.
- Accessibility Tips: If you’re visiting Loro Parque, I’d recommend hiring a strong pusher if you’re in a manual wheelchair, as the park’s hills can be challenging. Additionally, handicap parking is available in the underground car park, making it easy to access the park.
Discovering Anaga Rural Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful nature experience, the Anaga Rural Park near La Laguna and Santa Cruz de Tenerife offers a wheelchair-accessible trail called the ‘Path of the Senses.’
Path of the Senses: This short, 300-meter wooden walkway takes you through the tranquil laurel forest of Anaga. The trail is easy to navigate, and you’ll find handicap parking at the Cruz del Carmen Visitor Center. The nearby ‘Mirador del Carmen’ lookout is also accessible, although the cobblestones can be a bit bumpy.
Other Must-See Spots
Icod de los Vinos and the Millenary Dragon Tree:
Although the Drago Park itself isn’t wheelchair-accessible due to rough cobblestones, you can still admire the Millenary Dragon Tree from the nearby Plaza Andrés de Lorenzo Cáceres. The plaza is accessible, and there are handicap parking spots nearby
Teno Rural Park:
This park is one of Tenerife’s most stunning natural areas. The Punta de Teno lookout offers breathtaking views, though the accessibility is somewhat limited due to bumpy walkways. If you’re in a manual wheelchair, you’ll likely need some assistance.
Masca and Scenic Roads:
The road to Masca is considered one of the most scenic in Europe. While the village itself isn’t fully accessible, the viewpoints along the way, such as ‘Mirador Altos de Baracán’ and ‘Mirador de la Cruz de Hilda,’ are worth the trip.
Ethnographic Park Pirámides de Güímar:
This park is fully accessible and offers an intriguing look at the mysterious lava stone pyramids. The park’s paths are well-maintained, and there are accessible restrooms and handicap parking.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
The capital city offers a variety of wheelchair-accessible attractions, including the Auditorium of Tenerife and the Tenerife Tram. While the Palmetum Botanical Garden is accessible, it’s worth checking if it’s open during your visit.
Candelaria:
Known for the Basilica de Candelaria, this town is easily rollable, with plenty of handicap parking and a flat route to the basilica. The sea promenade featuring statues of the Guanche Kings is another highlight.
Santiago del Teide and Los Gigantes:
While Santiago del Teide itself isn’t the most wheelchair-friendly, the nearby Los Gigantes cliffs are a must-see. The ‘Mirador Archipenque’ lookout offers fantastic views and is wheelchair-accessible
Garachico:
This charming historic town is relatively accessible, despite some cobblestone streets. Handicap parking is available, and the town’s beauty makes it well worth a visit.
Tenerife in a wheelchair is an experience that proves how far accessibility has come in travel.
The island’s combination of stunning natural landscapes, accessible beaches, and tourist-friendly infrastructure makes it an ideal destination for wheelchair users.
Whether you’re exploring volcanic landscapes or lounging on the beach, Tenerife offers a little something for everyone, ensuring that your trip will be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore the beauty of Tenerife—this island paradise is waiting for you!
More wheelchair accesible activities in Tenerife!
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Juan from Canarian Calling
Passionate about the Canary Islands, my blog offers insightful recommendations to enhance your travel experience, ensuring unforgettable adventures and cherished memories.
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