December 15, 2010

Bars and restaurants without gluten in Spain


Every time we travel or need to eat out that we face a restaurant to go, where to buy bread or products suitable for coeliacs, that hotel has a restaurant or lodging and prepared with the necessary skills to safely consume their products.


ViajarSinGluten.com created with the aim to facilitate this work report of the restaurants, hotels, cottages, campgrounds, shops ... etc. that offer gluten-free products.

November 10, 2010

SADIV accessible tourism in Lanzarote the island of volcans.



Discover the magic of Lanzarote by exploring the spectacular volcanic landscapes which seem to come from distant planets, and where the heat from the centre of the earth shoots to the surface. Relax in the peaceful beaches of white sand and transparent water, and take in the impressive views of the small islets that can be glimpsed from the cliff tops



Lanzarote is a special experience for the senses, especially in terms of sight and sound, which capture these impossible formations in the landscape and the silence which fills you with peace. A Biosphere Reserve, the island also boasts a Marine Reserve, a National Park and 12 natural protected areas: this is a treasure for those who like to spend their leisure time in natural settings, enjoying the sunshine along with the fresh sea air. In the island of the volcanoes you will see, as in nowhere else, the extent to which the volcanic origin of a land influences the lives of its inhabitants. In agricultural settings of great beauty, you will discover how the peasants of Lanzarote worked with nature, in order to survive, and developed a unique system of cultivation that made it possible for them to grow excellent products in an apparently sterile land, where crops are cultivated below a covering of black volcanic sand.

http://www.turismolanzarote.com/en/index.jsp






Although Lanzarote is on its way to the wheelchair accessibility, there are still many challenges at the infrastructure level. We in Sadiv are firmly committed to open the island to all the tourist, no matter what their needs or limitations are by offering our services.
That is why the idea of offering our services to all, using the best technical support and human resources to help open the path to the accessible tourism in Lanzarote.



TARGET AUDIENCE:

• disabled persons
• elderly
• people with temporary disability (due to accident or illness)
• families in difficult situations
• In general people with difficulties to cope with their daily routines


ABOUT US

We are a team of professionals with social-health vocation, special training and years of experience.We are ready to provide the best care adapted to each indivudal´s situation. Our main goal is to offer the best service to tourist who come to our island whatever the degree od dependence, the situation or needs are. We know how to help to make the stay on Lanzarote an unforgettable experience.
Sadiv aims to:
o help you enjoy the time of your vacation
o avoiding the isolation of elderly or disabled in the hotel or resort
o increasing the autonomy of both, dependent and their relatives
o giving the security for people fearing travelling alone because of physical or mental problems
o Providing the personal assistance in order to relieve the stress of regular caregivers
o Accompaniyng in the hotel, on the island, enjoying the sxwimming pool, the beach, etc.
O Making the elderly sure that they are being safe and well cared of




SERVICES PROVIDED:

• Personal assistance:
- getting up
- showering, bathing
- getting dressed, changed
- shaving
- helping to prepare maels, eat
- getting up and down the stairs
- etc.

• Tecnical items: electric hoist, wheelchairs, etc.






October 18, 2010

ApartaHotel Silver your home in Barcelona


Aparthotel Silver is one of the recommended accessible establishments in Barcelona. We offer our customers a lovely stay thanks to our constant renovation and PRICES THAT ARE ALWAYS VERY ATTRACTIVE.



Aparthotel Silver work with a single objective: for you to feel at home with us.

Aparthotel Silver is located in a very central, but quiet, area of the city (we are in the neighbourhood of Gracia, which many have termed the ‘Barcelona Greenwich Village’) very close to the main shopping and business streets and the architectural routes of Modernism (Gaudí) and only a few minutes in metro from the historic centre of the city and the beach. The hotel is surrounded by restaurants, cinemas, all types of shops, supermarkets.

There is also a full range of different public transportation options to move anywhere quickly around this great city. The FONTANA metro stop (line 3) is at our doorstep, which will leave you in the historic centre (Plaza Catalunya, La Rambla, etc.) in only 10 minutes.

Accessibility
The entrance is reached by a ramp.
The suite room is adapted, is a very large room. In the bathroom the shower has a step, a mobile ramp is available at the hotel, inside there is a shower seat and the toilet has grab bars. There is only one adapted room.
The price is the same as a standard room when it is for a person with a disability.











Calle Bretón de los Herreros,26 - 08012 BARCELONA (SPAIN)
Tel: +34 932 189 100 - Fax: + 34 934 161 447
Skype: hotelsilver - Mail: reservations@hotelsilver.com
http://www.hotelsilver.com




Links:
Accessible Barcelona

Le guide de Barcelone accessible (FR)

Barcelona - Guía de la Barcelona Accesible

September 14, 2010

An integration tournament for all abilities - able-bodied and disabled golfers. International Mar y Sol Open 2010



After the first International Mar y Sol Open 2009, now will take place at Amarilla Golf & Country Club the 2nd International Mar y Sol Open 2010 from the 29th to the 30th of November 2010. The principal aim of this tournament is for the promotion of golf as an ideal sport option for the disabled, providing the benefits of physical exercise, therapy and social integration with able-bodied golfers.

Organized by the Mar y Sol Hotel and sponsored by a range of companies, who support this project in the Canaries, the organizers anticipate able-bodied and disabled players from England, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Holland and of course from Spain.

All competitors have a recognized golfing handicap and all golfers – able-bodied and disabled - play to “The Rules of Golf”, as legislated by the R&A in Scotland.

The climate and surroundings of Tenerife and the collaboration of the Amarilla Golf & Country Club and Mar y Sol Hotel, are pleased to offer their facilities for this mixed ability event – The International Mar y Sol Open 2010.


More info: http://www.golfopen-marysol.com

September 2, 2010

"Los Pocillos" an accessible beach in Lanzarote (Canary Islands)



This is one of the most renowned beaches in Tías, having once again been awarded a EU Blue Flag due to its outstanding quality. The beach is 1.230 ms long and 150 ms wide and is conveniently equipped. It is surrounded by an attractive promenade with a cycle-path, ideal for walking, cycling or simply seeing the art sculptures disseminated through the coast of Puerto del Carmen. It also has plenty of quiet and romantic corners. Images of this golden sand coast surrounded by an intense blue sea have been seen all through Europe and attracted thousands of tourists each year.

Close to the Pocillos beach a number of diving schools offer persons with limited mobility the chance to visit the seabed, a unique experience.

Pocillos is an accessible beach…ALL, without exception, can enjoy the beach in a convenient and safe way. The Tías municipality has equipped the beach with all necessary facilities and equipment:

1. Parking area close to the beach, with reserved parking places

These reserved places are signalled with graphic indications on the pavement and in vertical position. They are located in front of Playa de las Naciones. From this area up to the beach there are no barriers.

2. Signposts for accessible route, accessible beach and services are under way now and shall be placed soon

This way all persons shall be informed about access by car to the beach and fully accessible routes for wheelchair-users.

3. Accessible route

The pedestrian route that connects the town centre with the beach is now adapted after physical barriers were removed in public ways and the sea promenade. Pedestrian crossings in the area immediately connected with the accessible entry to the beach are also adapted.

4. Fixed, wood-made walkways

These are about 2,10 ms wide and 51 ms long, complemented with non-fixed, roll-up routes that lead to the seashore. Pocillos beach has a number of these walkways, from Playa de las Naciones up to the wet sand area. Wheelchairs can turn around in the rest area. The size of this area allows for parking of wheelchairs and transfers to and from adapted wheel- and amphibious chairs.

5. Roll-up walkways

These are to be found in the wet sand zone and allow direct access to the sea for persons with limited mobility. They are 1,20 ms wide and 21 ms long.

6. Shaded rest area

The beach is equipped with an adapted platform that allows persons with limited mobility to access rest areas.

7. Toilets and Showers

Adapted toilets and showers can be reached via the accessible route. The beach is equipped with four public adapted WCs and two showers with folding seats, present in Playa de las Naciones and Playa de Los Jameos.

8. Surveillance and first-aid area

This are is next to the accessible beach area and allows assistance to swimmers. Emerlan assists chair users through its staff of lifeguards and its volunteers.

9. Safe bath area

Lifeguards have the resources and aids for persons with limited mobility to access the sea in a proper way, including floating wheelchairs. Lifeguards have in place a system to help bathers leave the water when they have finished their bath and especially for emergency cases.


ADAPTED TOILET

Adapted toilet service in the Pocillos beach.

The Tías municipality has now strengthened the service for toilet access and accompaniment to the sea for persons with limited mobility, and this service shall be extended during the summer season. This services is targeted at elderly persons and persons with mobility problems, with its quality ensured by the team of lifeguards.

This system is available to all residents and tourists wishing to book amphibious chairs. This can be done by directly contacting lifeguards in the beach, without an appointment. This service is currently free of charge, available 365 days a year from 11.00 till 17.00.

Disability aids include aquatic chairs that ensure highly safe access to the sea.

Children and persons with intellectual disabilities should be accompanied by an adult.





Near accomodations:Bungalows Nautilus
More information about accessible Lanzarote: link

September 1, 2010

Around 600 disabled people enjoy the sea on the accessible beaches at the Balear Islands


About 600 people with disabilities have enjoyed this summer in the Balear Sea the "beach access" available to disabled swimmers offered by "Cruz Roja".

As explained the regional director of Cruz Roja Emergency Relief, Victoria Avella, persons with disabilities receive physical help, for the entrance to the beach, in the use of showers and the locker room and during the bath.

In this sense, the user is helped by the rescuer to access the amphibious wheelchairs or anfibuggys "entitled to the bathroom for people with reduced mobility, and during the time that remains in the sea the person receives a constant help.


For a better security, in the main beaches of Palma (Playa de Palma, Cala Estancia, Can Pere Antoni, and Cala Major Garden City) there are areas defined for these users bath.



A new service also offered by the Red Cross is accompanying blind people.


The service must be requested 24 hours in advance, a lifeguard takes the user through the bus stop, taxi or desired meeting point, accompanies him during his stay at the beach and then to where it tells you .


But the most original service, completely new in the Balear lands, carried out by the Ibiza Town Hall, in collaboration with ONCE, which was implemented on the beach of Talamanca the system known as " audioplaya "


The beach has a point of bathroom accessible for blind and visually impaired, equipped with a voice information system that allows them to be guided in the environment as well as knowing the water depth and the distance you are from shore .


It also has a number of buoys that help the user to deposit their belongings, each marked with a symbol touch.


With this system the Talamanca beach becomes the first of the islands completely accessible for blind and visually impaired.


The system of audioplaya was implemented for the first time on the beaches of Valencia and also runs in Melilla, Malaga and Almeria.

August 19, 2010

The tourist complex Nautilus Lanzarote has just received the Title of Accessibility and Adaptability in the category of Adapted.



Nautilus turns this way into the first tourist establishment into the Canary Isles that there shows this distinction with which there is guaranteed the practiced of his facilities to persons with problems of limited mobility.

Located in Matagorda, in Lanzarote's south, Bungalows Nautilus it has followed a Plan of Accessibility attending to all the aspects to obtain a tourist polyvalent complex directed all kinds of clients under the concept of tourism for all.

The equipment and Nautilus Lanzarote's direction have done of the accessible tourism his maxim and this way he remains reflected in a few facilities provided with ramps, bathrooms adapted in common zones, swimming pool equipped with hydraulic hoist etc. The complex consists of 70 bungalows of one and two rooms of which 34 have been specially reformed to offer a few ideal conditions of accessibility for persons with disability and to facilitate so this collective enjoyment of an of integration tourism.

34 adapted bungalows possess entry to level zero, doors free space of step of 90 cm, zones space of draft of 150 free cm of obstacles Baths completely equipped with bars of support in water closets, showers to level zero with seat and bars and wash basins without foot between other details. Some of the bungalows possess also kitchens without furniture under the vitrocerámica “kitchen” or the sink to allow the frontal access to users of wheelchair.
The excellence as for accessibility of his facilities turns it into a modal into Lanzarote's island for the group of persons with physical disability and comes to increase this way the tourist accessible offer of quality in the Canary Isles.


The Title of Accessibility and Adaptability has been granted by Equalitas Vitae, consulting specialized in elimination of architectural barriers and accessible tourism for persons with problems of mobility reduced in Spain



http://www.nautilus-lanzarote.com

August 18, 2010

Cicar - Canary Island Car - removes barriers and launches a fleet of adapted vehicles



In line with one of the main objectives of Cicar from the industry leader in car rental in the Canary Islands continues to innovate. If a year ago Cicar joined the fleet of "Opel Vivaro adapted" for transporting disabled people now they want to go further incorporating a fleet of rental vehicles adapted to driving for people with reduced mobility.

For the launch of this new project, Cicar has relied on the new Opel Astra in the version 1.6, with automatic gearbox. A Orvecame brand sold by another company of the Group Cabrera Medina.

Adaptations installed devices Canary Sapphire Electro Group company, unique in the archipelago and a specialist in the adaptation of such vehicles, covering about 80 percent of disabilities, so people with reduced mobility can rent at any island a vehicle adapted to their needs.

The equipment has a knob on the steering wheel, rev the accelerator, hand brake lever and approved electronic accelerator ring, to move with any of the possible adaptations. The rental price is the same as a vehicle without adaptation of the same group.

Mamerto Cabrera, CEO of Cicar, believes that "this initiative is another step forward to improve service to our customers." "We want to provide barrier-free service on all islands, so we have created a fleet perfectly adapted to cover 80 percent of physical disabilities."

"The history of the company and commitment to our customers and Canary us to improve every day by offering more services and taking our slogan to the maximum exponent. We intend to be faithful to this concern we have delivered for more than 40 years and therefore We extend our services to as many customers as possible, "Cabrera added.


Agreement with Sixt

Moreover, Sixt and Cicar became collaborators since last August 1 in the Canary Islands and more than 100 countries in Europe, Africa, South America, Asia, Oceania and South America.

Cicar (Canary Island Car) was founded in 1967 with a fleet of only five cars, but now offers a fleet of more than 7,900 vehicles and employs through group Cabrera Medina Lanzarote, more than 950 people . Now, through Cicar, Sixt now offers its customers an excellent coverage anywhere in the Canaries.

Sixt rent a car S.L.U. It is present in our country since 2005 directly and since then has grown steadily. Sixt employs over 150 people in Spain, 30 of which deal with the central services of the German subsidiary in Palma de Mallorca. A fleet of 8,000 new vehicles are distributed throughout the 18 establishments that Sixt has scattered airports and TGV stations in the center of some Spanish cities.

SIXT rent a car S.L.U. It is a subsidiary of the German company SIXT AG, founded in Munich in 1912 Martin Sixt. It operates in over 100 countries and generates a turnover of 1,600 million euros per year, employing about 3,000 people worldwide.

Estanislao Pérez Mata, managing director of SIXT rent a car Spain has said that "with this agreement we have an excellent partner in the Canary Islands." And, now, customers of this company can make reservations for any of the islands. It seeks to "provide greater coverage" to customers, "in another corner of the Spanish territory," said Mara. In addition, customers Cicar, added, "will feature Sixt services in over 100 countries around the world."

http://www.cicar.com



Source of the information in Spanish: http://www.lavozdelanzarote.com/article42791.html

July 21, 2010

Casa Arroal in the land of Salamanca at the Natural Park of Batuecas.



In the land of Salamanca one of the beautiful places in Spain, the well Known Natural Park of Batuecas. One of the towns that conform this natural park is Sotoserrano where Casa Arroal is located.

This natural enclave in a mountanious zone, filled with vegetation with pretty forests and hidden valleys, all surounded by numerousus rivers.

Casa Arroal is accessible on whellchair and has an adapted room with adapted bathroom.


http://www.arroal.com
arroal@arroal.com
923422005 / 610648359

July 6, 2010

Proposed trip to Aran Valley in the Pyrenees.



Surrounded by mountains of more than 3.000 meters and a caracteristic Atlantic climate, the Valle de Arán is one of the most beautiful resorts in the Pirinees.

Cultural peculiarities such as language and cuisine makes a visit in the valley any time of the year very interesting and offers a wide selection of activities bonding with nature.

Ample open air activities such as ski, rafting, cannoeing, paragliding, horse riding, hunting, fishing are available, as well as cultural excursions to monuments and churches representative of Aránese Romanesque art..




The Aparthotel El Refugi d'Aran is situated in Viella, in the heart of the Arán Valley, on the banks of the River Garona and 100 mts. from the sports center 'Palacio de Hielo" ('Palace of Ice', which includes an ice-skating rink) and 12 Km from Baquiera Beret . With a select interior decoration foliowing the traditional architecture "Aránes", the hotel consists of 48 spacious and comfortable apartments, fully equipped with double bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, television and central heating.

The Aparthotel is wheelchair accessible.

Restaurant, cafeteria, meeting room are located on the ground floor with accessible routes.
Parking is outside the building and there are two reserved places (2.40 x 5.00) for people with reduced mobility.


http://www.elrefugiodearan.com/

June 28, 2010

Ibiza, Universally Accessible City and Tourism



For years Ibiza-Eivissa Town Council has been working on being a municipality universally accessible to all people, a city in which its citizens and visitors can get around the entire city safely and without difficulties.

With the aim of improving the quality of life of disabled people, all the rehabilitation work that is carried out is to improve the pavements and the levels of accessibility in streets throughout the city, removing architectural barriers in the streets, beaches and public buildings.

For people with limited vision, we are adapting traffic lights with audible signals. Furthermore we offer an accessible website, and with the collaboration of the ONCE (Spanish National Organisation for the Blind) we have prepared a tourist guide to the city and the menus of the restaurants in Braille.

A city without barriers: improving the quality of life of all the citizens and offering accessible, safe tourism to our visitors is a priority for the city of Eivissa.

At the Touristic Informaction Ofice, you can ask for the Tourist Guide Ibiza World Heritage for visual deficiency people. These guide is available in Catalan, Spanish, English and German.


In Talamanca Beach and ses Figueretes
Life-saving Service
Amphibian Wheelchair Chair Service
From 11.00 to 19.00 h
+ info: +34 971 399 232


Attachments:
http://www.eivissa.es/portal/attachments/355_eivissa-guia-accessibilitat.pdf
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http://www.eivissa.es

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June 24, 2010

Accessible Hotel in Fañabé beach - Tenerife



Adonis Isla Bonita Hotel is located in the Playa Fanabe in Costa Adeje, one of the most prestigious residential areas of southern Tenerife, at 350 meters from the beach.

The complex has 438 rooms. All rooms have air conditioning and can accommodate up to 4 people.
Bathroom have bath with shower and hairdryer, separate bedroom, small refrigerator, balcony with tables and chairs.
Outdoor swimming pool, separate children's pool, jacuzzi.
Non-smoking restaurant with an International Buffet. Baby chairs.
Barbecue Restaurant.
On the roof there are two solarium, one of them nudist.
Animation team. Program of daytime and nighttime & Mini Disc
Sports to play badminton, football, soccer, handball, volleyball, archery, shooting the rifle, etc. A tennis court, a squash court. Gym & sauna
Mini Club 4-12 years. New Mini Club and playground for children & young people from 4 -14 years (has not included).

All major areas are accessible for guests with wheelchairs. There are 8 rooms (street level, shower instead of bath) suitable for customers in wheelchairs. Measures Doors: Entry: 80 cm. Bedroom: 80 cm. Bathroom: 80 cm.


reservas@adonisislabonita.com
http://www.adonisresorts.com
Tel.: 922 71 30 12

June 21, 2010

Welcome to Villas Don Pepe in Lanzarote (Canary Islands). Totally adapted for wheelchair guests.


Villas Don Pepe are the ideal destination for those who desire luxury, space and intimacy in an individual villa with its own heated pool, 4 sleeping-rooms, three bathrooms, air conditioning, huge terrace with many deck chairs, BBQ, private car park and the most complete interior equipment.

The Villas are totally adapted for our wheelchair guests with a disabled bathroom, a pool hoist, spaciousness all around, no barriers, etc. We are awaiting you here in one of the most peaceful and beautiful zones of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca - an old fishing town along the coast of the municipality of Yaiza.


Villas Don Pepe have all types of facilities to make your stay unforgettable. The following equipment will be provided to you:
-Zona WI-FI ... You can bring your laptop !
-Private heated pool
-Hoist for the pool
-Four bedrooms
-Three bathrooms (one adapted)
-Terrace with deckchairs
-Air conditioning
-BBQ
-Private car park
-DVD-Player and movies
-Spaciousness everywhere



http://www.villasdonpepe.com

June 15, 2010

La Molina (ski resort) offers summer family activities and sports suitable for all ages and for disabled people.

Between 5 June and 12 September The Molina offers a world of entertainment beyond the snow and winter sports and a good way to see in nature and have fun during the months of good weather.
The station will open the weekends of June 5-6 and 12-13 and continuously from 19 June to 12 September.


La Molina has many activities fully adapted and accessible to people with disabilities:

• Handbikes with suitable circuit.
• Routes with Handbikes
• Swimming pool with a fixed chair in the showers.
• Check with quads.
• pony rides at the lake.
• Classes and Archery circuits.
• Enjoy the surroundings and the views by using the cable car that has a ramp for the disabled.


The accessibility of the project throughout the year Molina has been possible thanks to an agreement a few seasons ago with Johan Cruyff Foundation (cea@lamolina.cat)


Summer 2010 Events La Molina

* May - 1915 to 1916: Bike Show BCN'10.
* June - 2-4: Avante Fira BCN
* June - 23: Verbena de Sant Joan.
* August - 7-8: Fiesta Mayor La Molina.
* August - 15: XX Meeting of Accordion.
* August - Havanera in the restaurant "El Bosc.
* September - 11: National Day

Directions

Optimal accessibility by road, GPS: 42 º 20'03 .90''N - 1 º 56'04 .59''E
By train: www.renfe.es - 902 24 02 02.
By bus: www.sagales.com - 902 13 00 14
By plane: Airport of Barcelona - Girona Airport
Deportivo La Cerdanya aerodrome
Distances to major cities: Barcelona 150 km, 135 km Girona, Tarragona 200 km, 170 km Lleida, Bilbao 500 km, Madrid 600 km, Valencia and Zaragoza 450 km 300 km

La Molina Phone: 972 892 031

Web: www.lamolina.cat

Let's Go Costa Brava Adapted Apartments and activities programs.


Let's Go Costa Brava apartments, in Llagostera, are especially designed to accommodate groups of people who use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility.
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Let's Go Costa Brava does not only have apartments with disabled access, it also provides all kinds of transport facilities, information about tourist attractions with disabled access and much more.




Services
In order to make easier your stay and to solve any inconvenient that might occur, we offer special services for the disabled during the holidays apart from the apart-hotel services.

Our staff is on hand to make your stay more pleasant and to help you whenever they can, with the aim to make your holidays the most easy, pleasant and fun.

You can opt to rent just the apartment or choose bed and breakfast, half board or full board


The accessibility in Let's Go Costa Brava is integral

All the apartments are accessible with wheelchairs (ramps, spaces for rotation,...).
Bathroom with disabled access: shower on the same level of the floor and non-skid ground. (120 cm minimum rotation in each). The mirrors are inclined and there is enough space to transfer the wheelchair to the WC.

Doors of 95 cms. Of width, pushbuttons to the adequate height, low cupboards, etc.
Lift to basement floor with access to the parking spaces.
Disabled access terrace and swimmingpool with hydraulic chair lift and stairs for people with reduced mobility.

Recommended Excursions
* Costa Brava beaches with special services
* Towns in the coast: Playa de Aro, L´Estartit...
* An adapted cruise
* Historic and Cultural town Girona: Jewish Quart...
* Medieval towns
* The culture of Dali: Museum Dali, Pubol
* Barcelona & Gaudí
* Oriental Pyrenees: Besalú, Castelfollit de la Roca


The apartments Let's Go Costa Brava together with the Sailing School Força 3 in Sant Feliu de Guixols organize a stay of 6 days - 5 nights with the aim of initiating people to the world of accessible sailing. For only € 350 .- you will learn the basic tips of accessible sailing, have fun and enjoy an unforgettable holiday.



Phone: +34 972 830 159
info@letsgocostabrava.org
http://www.letsgocostabrava.org
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct6zaV3H0Jw
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June 14, 2010

Welcome to 'Accessible tourism Sierra Luz' in Andalusia.


The center for social and accessible tourism Sierra Luz,-promoted by the association Paz y Bien- is located in the beautiful town of Cortegana (Huelva). Their facilities are designed so that the visitor may enjoy the relax, the mountain gastronomy and tourism in a natural environment. Its complete accessibility for people with reduced mobility transforms it into the first great center of this type in Andalusia. Its offer includes leisure, therapeutic, formative and tourist activities.




Facilities

Acclimatized and accessible swimming pool

One of the attractives of the complex is their covered and acclimatized great swimming pool (20 meter-long). It is provided with a ramp and a mobile crane in order to facilitate the access of people with disability, as well as showers for two heights.



Center for rehabilitation

The gym is designed according the last technology for systems of physical training, and specially designed to assist neurological, trauma, rheumatism, cardiorespiratory and functional processes.



Restaurant and Snack bar

Sierra Luz houses a restaurant and a snack bar. In the first, the visitor can enjoys the traditional plates of mountain gastronomy, in which the main dishes are the Iberian pig and the products of traditional market garden. On the other hand, the snack bar offers the visitor a space for relax and quiet conversation.



Multipurpose rooms

The complex has two multipurpose rooms to celebrate meetings of companies, congresses, exhibitions, and formative activities.



Solarium

From the terrace-solarium of the center you can enjoy the views of the castle of Cortegana and the green fields nearby.



Garden of the Senses

Chestnut trees, oaks, cork oaks, poplars, black poplars, strawberry trees, olive trees and aromatic autochthonous plants form this flower and fruit garden wrapped up by the murmur of the water of the fountains, an environment in which are located the principal building and the three rural houses. In addition to it, the diverse ruggedness of the pavements and adapted signage make possible the sensorial enjoyment of the mountain scenery to people with any kind of disability.


http://www.sierraluz.com/

June 11, 2010

OFFER SUMMER 2010 for a very accessible Hollidays. CASAS HEDDY, LANZAROTE


Casas Heddy is a rehabilitation center with hotel capability, specifically designed for people with a physical handicap. The better part of the complex is totally free of physical obstacles, making it ideal for guests in wheelchairs. All rooms are equipped with alarm in the rooms to contact the nurse in duty in case of necessity.

The prices offered here are for the period 19th june to 11th October of 2010.

Prices pr person/night:
From 19/06-11/10 2010
Only Breakfast: Individuals € 45 Groups of 10+ € 39 Groups of 20+ € 39 and 1 Free.
(For only breakfast and half board, possibility to buy lunch and/or dinner (Buffet) if desired.)
Half Board: Individuals € 52 Groups of 10+ € 46 Groups of 20+ € 46 and 1 Free.
Full Board: : Individuals € 60 Groups of 10+ € 55 Groups of 20+ € 55 and 1 Free.
These prices are for 2 guests sharing a double room (or 3 persons sharing a triple room).
Individual rooms (not sharing) have an added cost of € 15 pr day.



These prices include:
Different daytime activities, such as f.eks, physical training on land or in the pool (28 degrees centigrade). Inside pool over 32 degrees centigrade.
Physiotherapy treatment costs: 20 Euros pr. 30 minutes.
Different shows during the week (night time entertainment).
An outdoor BBQ every other Saturday, and dance every Saturday. (Not included in only Breakfast)
Excursions to Pto del Carmen, Arrecife ,to the market in Teguise and Playa Blanca with the Casas Heddy bus (specially equipped with an elevator and room for wheelchairs).
Excursions to the beach with special chairs, used to get to the water for those who might need it.
A nurse on duty 24 hrs a day.
Reception with a mini market, open from 8 am to 21 pm.
For groups over 20 persons we can arrange excursions with a guide and our special bus to all the principal sightseeing places of Lanzarote at a very cheap price.
In the case of larger groups, airport transfer with our bus will be included in the price. We take you luggage from the airport to your room so you don´t have to worry about that.




INFORMATION & RESERVATION:
Tlf: 928510016
Móvil: 639 270 115
Fax: 928 8414142
Email: karina@casasheddy.com

June 10, 2010

Your free-barrier hostel in Barcelona. Pere Tarrés Hostel.


The Pere Tarrés Hostel is a completely new building in a safe financial and shopping district in Barcelona, very close to Metro stations (L3 and L5), bus routes (6, 7, 15, 30, 33, 34, 43, 59, 63, 66, 67, 68, 75, 78) night buses (N12, N0) and the tram, and 10 minutes on foot from Sants railway station.

It has a total number of 240 beds in individual, double and 8 bed rooms. Bed linen is included in the price. Each room has a full bathroom and individual lockers. All the bedrooms are spacious and have natural light.

We also have rooms with 32 adapted beds in a building with no architectural barriers.

The Pere Tarrés Hostel has a restaurant (breakfast included in the price, lunch, dinner, picnics and café), meeting rooms, free internet, laundry facilities, fully equipped kitchen that can be freely used by hostellers, a large terrace for enjoying our magnificent climate, a ping-pong table, a large TV room and parking facilities.

The staff at the Pere Tarrés Hostel are looking forward to your arrival to make your stay an unforgettable experience. We will look after you and provide you with all the information you need about our city.

The Hostel is a member of the Red Española de Albergues Juveniles and of the International Youth Hostel Federation (IYHF)


Ideal for individuals and groups (school / college students, sports groups, families and groups of friends).
For young people from 0 to 100 years’ old!!!
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http://www.peretarres.org/alberg
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June 8, 2010

Las MEDULAS, a World Heritage Cultural Landscape



Las Médulas is a Cultural Landscape, the result of the Roman intervention in the territory over two centuries and the changes experienced in this territory up to our time. Its importance, however, goes beyond the monumental remains of Roman gold mining, as it is the product of historical changes of all types that this exploitation and domination implied.
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The inscription in December 1997 of Las Médulas in the List of World Heritage Sites meant the international recognition of a Cultural Landscape for the first time in Spain.
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Today Las Médulas is a Bien de Interés Cultural (Cultural Interest Property) as an Archaeological Zone (1996) and, as a Natural Space, recently declared a Natural Monument (2002). But, above all, Las Médulas is a Cultural Park, a dynamic reality in which the fossilised remains are articulated within a living landscape, that of our time, leading the visitor of today’s territory to the ancient territory.
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The Archaeological Information Centre, at the entrance to Las Médulas village, that was recently reformed for improving his accesibility for all, is the ideal complement to a visit to the area. Here one can find all the information necessary for an understanding of Las Médulas: the cultural landscape is placed into its historical context through maps, models and graphic reconstructions and offers another type of information that is difficult to show on site, such as mining tools or their use in the various phases of the mining system. There is also the projection of a video on the Archaeological Zone.
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http://www.fundacionlasmedulas.org
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June 2, 2010

Canary Islands Package Tours, accommodation, excursions, transfers in adapted vehicles ...


Canary Islands, the perfect destination for disabled and senior citizens ...

Sol Access Service is a team of highly qualified, multilingual professionals, with 20 years experience in accessible travel industry. We are committed to provide the best possible service and support to meet the needs, a deep knowledge of the destination and the most competitive prices in the market.

A warm welcome will be awaiting you!




Our sevices includes
-Accomodation:we offer a wide range of accessible hotels, apartments, bungalows and villas, the majority of which are equiped with a pool hoist.
-Groups: please give us your requirements and budget and we will endeavour to accomodate your needs.
-Transfers in adapted vehicles.
-Full excursion programme.
-Rental for equipment.
-Carer/assistance service.
-Car rental.
-Multilingual representatives.

At SOL ACCESS we take care of every aspect of your holiday which is tailored to your individual needs.

Sol Access Service, despite his short professional career, has managed to gain the confidence of the majority of disability associations and agencies specializing in barrier-free tourism in Europe.




SOL ACCESS SERVICE S.L.L.
C/ J. González González nº 20
38626 Valle San Lorenzo
Tlf. 922 76 51 86
Movil: 664 64 64 84
E-mail: ic@solaccessservice.com
www.solaccessservice.com
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May 28, 2010

The Alcazar of Segovia (World Heritage City)


The Alcazar of Segovia (World Heritage City) is one of the most important monuments of Segovia, Spain, which stands on a hill at the confluence of the rivers and Clamores Eresma.
The Alcazar is accessible to persons with reduced mobility by providing ramps at all main floor (entrance, throne room, royal bedroom, patio and other rooms).



http://www.alcazardesegovia.com/

Other accesible places to see in segovia

May 24, 2010

Mallorca for all





InfoMallorca is an initiative by the Consell de Mallorca (Mallorca Island Council) and the Consorci d'Informàtica Local de Mallorca (Local Information Technology Consortium of Mallorca), which offers a cultural, procedural and tourist agenda for all Mallorca's institutions to visitors.

As well as being the only agenda of institutional events in Mallorca, Agenda Mallorca is a web space where you can find all kinds of social and cultural information.
It is important to everyone to be able to arrange your leisure time optimally. With this in mind a travel guide attempts to assist the visitor in the decision about whether the accessibility of the various forms of public transport or touristic facilities correspond to his / her particular requirements.

At the same time the visitor recieves advice about where he / she can recieve complementary information to any queries.


Further Information:

Tourist Guide Mallorca

www.mallorcaforall.com

May 20, 2010

Marieke Vervoort testimony twice triathlon world champion from Lanzarote



Picture: Marieke Vervoort in Bungalows Nautilus - Lanzarote
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Hello everybody

My name is Marieke Vervoort, I am from Belgium and I am 31 years old. As you can see, I am sitting in a wheelchair, but this has not always been the case, I did not land in a wheelchair after an accident, but because of a rare progressive disease.

I actually grew up as a healthy child. I used to mountain bike, Jiu-jitsu, ski, I was in a swimming club, and I participated in youth movements, I took part in everything. Suddenly at the age of 15 my life took a completely different direction because of this unknown disease. Slowly and gradually, I had to put more and more things aside, and I ended up in a wheelchair. Because something is wrong with my brain and central nervous system control, I am now paralyzed approximately up to my diaphragm, and my hands are also deteriorating.

In the rehabilitation centre, I slowly but surely learned to find my way by rolling on these wheels. I learned how to dress myself again without help, how to cope with the barriers with my wheelchair, I learnt about mounting and dismounting pavements and other issue that we take for granted. When I learned to drive an adapted car, I started to experience more freedom and independence.

Then, I was completely astonished when I first got in touch with adapted sports. Every sport you can imagine that exists for able bodied athletes also exists for rollers… from dancing to rugby. Just incredible! I felt most attracted to wheelchair basketball and went looking for a team and eventually became the only woman in a male team.

I also found my way in to scuba diving. After some time, wheelchair basketball stopped fulfilling my expectations and not long after that I also had to stop diving for medical reasons. I then bought an athletic running wheelchair and so I had the ability and opportunity to start triathlons. First the swimming was mentally very hard, after competition swimming as a non disabled, now watching those legs lifeless dangling in the back was tough, but it did go impressively well. After only 2 months of training I took part in my first aquathlon and finished as third woman overall, me being the only wheelchair participant.

So I both literally and metaphorically free wheeled in to the fearful sport of triathlon. I started in 2004 and in 2006 I was World Champion in Switzerland on the Olympic Distance Physically Challenged or Para-Triathlon. World champion again in 2007, I managed to qualify for the heavy Ironman Hawaii, my ultimate dream! I lived out my dream, I did go to Hawaii. But what was to be a dream became a hell. All my stuff only arrived 4 days before the race, which is a disaster for an athlete. I could not go swimming because I did not have my splints, I could not go biking, because I had no hand bike, and I could not go wheeling / wheelchair riding, as my running wheelchair had not arrived. The only thing I could do was to wait; I was full of fear and stress. I had completely lost the wish to participate. However, I put my mind back to square one and decided I had to make the best of the situation.


The swim start was impressive, just as if we were fish who had not received any food for weeks. Maybe it is hard to believe, but I even enjoyed it, and in the end saw a turtle. After only 1h17 I had completed the 3800m swim and could start the 180km bike. It was extremely hot and the wind was blowing strongly. On the course, I lost my drink bottle and had bad luck because the wind turned just when I reached the turning point. As a result, I had headwind the whole way along, but I did not surrender. I went on. The cut off time is the same for all athletes, physically challenged and able bodied. I finished barely 15 minutes outside of that cut off time, but was not allowed to start the third part of the race. I was immensely disappointed but I still felt and still feel that I am an Iron Lady!

When I came back home, I was crowned the Honour of Flanders, for being the most perseverant person of the year. I was fully determined to come back in 2008 and do the Hawaii Ironman again, but my disease decided differently. My health deteriorated severely and triathlon was not an option anymore. I got really very depressed. From an average of 30 hours of training or so per week to nothing at all, was somehow too much for me. In 2009, my book “Wielemie Sport for Life” was published. It is an honest book about my life. In the meantime, I have found a couple of new challenges: blokart and chair skiing. In October I will participate into my first Blokart World Championship. Last year I did the European Championship in Denmark for the first time and managed to break a record.

With all my experiences, the most beautiful thing that ever came into my life is my dog. She is not only helpful physically but also mentally; for example, she takes my socks off, she grasps things from the floor and she even pays for me in the shop. What I cannot do myself anymore, she does it for me, she is wonderful.

With the story of my life, I would like to let you know that it is so important to see and embrace the things that you can do and appreciate how lucky you are.

Complaining and mourning does not help to keep moving on, it’s rather the opposite.

May 17, 2010

Cadiz Tourism. Prized International Video.



You can see in this video the best images of Cádiz (South of Spain - Andalucía).
This video was prized on the International Cinema Festival of Brasil.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHpZoS-Wtz8

May 14, 2010

Accessible Tourism in Lanzarote - Bungalows Nautilus





The beautiful island of Lanzarote offers spectacular and unique landscapes, easily accessible with a car: the impressive volcanic landscape of the Fire Mountains, the wine area of La Geria or the charming fishing village of Arrieta to mention just a few. Nearby the Nautilus bungalows there is a nice, comfortable beach promenade inviting to explore sandy beaches, shops, restaurants and bars.
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Welcome to Bungalows Nautilus
Our resort is cosy and welcoming: 70 double and single bungalows, within a 12,000 sqm green terrain surrounded by palm trees, and just 100 m away from the beach.

Comfortable – quiet – well located
You will find all comfort in a quiet but very well located space and the pleasure of the canarian and international food in our Nautilus restaurant next to a sea promenade several kilometres long, close to a commercial centre and the fun of Puerto del Carmen. Only 3.5 km away from the airport.

Relaxing or active?
In Nautilus we sum our experience to our dedication to being up to date in all the necessities of our visitors, both those who come to relax and those who also want an active holiday. Browse the different activity packages we offer online or contact us for personal advice.

Commitment to Art & Environment
At Nautilus we make big efforts to bring art closer to everybody. A specially designed bungalow for creative persons helps to inspire and many results of this inspiration are spread throughout the gardens of the complex.

Care about the Environment
Being a member of the Biosphere Hotel, Nautilus has a strong commitment to protect natural environment and to develop a sustainable tourism. We help to preserve the extraordinary beauty of this island and offer our guests a truly “healthy” way of exploring Lanzarote.



Mobility at Bungalows Nautilus

Mobility for everybody
We know that life, time and health impose a number of limitations, but we are committed to diminishing those artificial limitations. That is why those who in one way or another are impeded physically can find in Nautilus bungalows fully adapted to their necessities.

No limitations throughout the resort
All the 12, 000 square meters of our resort are accessible through ramps. We have two heated swimming pools: one for children, the other one equipped with a hydraulic chair lift. There is an adapted toilet close to the pool and restaurant. The staff at Nautilus bungalows will be more than happy to help you with any need arising.

Bungalows with all facilities
All 1 and 2 bedroom bungalows of 53 square meters with terrace and a patio of 16 square meters have fully equipped living room and bathroom, including a hair dryer. They feature satellite TV to receive national and international channels, a built-in safe, telephone and answering machine. The kitchen has a stove with 2 or 4 burners and oven, micro wave, refrigerator, toaster, kettle, iron and ironing board and a complete set of kitchen equipment.

The facilities in the adapted bungalows have the following elements and measures:
Bathroom:
* Sliding access door: 110 cm width (90 cm width of free space)
* Non-slip floor and shower surface
* Door-free, floor access shower tray
* Shower controls 80 cm above floor>
* Folding shower chair, 45 cm above floor
* Fixed support arm in the shower, 80 cm above floor
* Washbasin 80-85 cm above floor
* Toilet seat 45 to 46 cm above floor
* Folding support arm beside toilet seat, 80 cm above floor

Bedroom:
* Access door: 110 cm width (90 cm width of free space)
* Bed 40-45 cm above floor
* Room for 360 degree turn for wheelchairs



http://www.nautilus-lanzarote.com

May 12, 2010

Confortel Hotels, Spain, Receives Three New Certificates of Universal Accessibility from AENOR




On 23 December 2009 the Confortel Hotels, Almirante, Barcelona Confortel Bel Art and the Confortel Puerta de Triana in Seville, received the Certificate of Accessibility of the Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification ( AENOR ), UNE Universal Accessibility 170001-2:2007.

By obtaining these three, new certificates, the hotel chain of the ONCE Business Corporation now has eight venues with this distinction.

Hotels Confortel Suites Madrid, Confortel Auditori Confortel Barcelona received this label last July while the Confortel Alcalá and Norte Confortel Pío XII, in Madrid achieved the label in January 2009 and June 2007, respectively.

The Universal Accessibility Certification established by AENOR guarantees to any person, with or without disabilities, equal access and enjoyment of the services provided by the establishment.

The aim of Confortel Hotels is to reach excellence in accessibility, eventually aiming to achieve AENOR certification for all its establishments.

Confortel Hotels is a pioneer in the promotion of accessible tourism and intends to continue incorporating new technical facilities in this regard. Currently, all hotels have fully adapted rooms, designed with the same aesthetic criteria as other facilities in the chain.

In addition, Confortel means universal accessibility as a precondition. For this reason all staff undergo training, when joining the chain, on how to make the hotel services accessible to all customers, regardless of whether they have disabilities or not.

http://www.confortelhoteles.com/en/

May 10, 2010

Formentera Island adapts Cavall d´en Borràs Beach.




Formentera Council (Balear Islands) expect that the beach Cavall d'en Borrás next summer will become the first of the island fully adapted for persons with reduced mobility. This was announced by the Environment Councillor island, Silvia Tur.

Toor said that this adaptation involves the intervention in both the wooden walkways and umbrellas on the beach, with a view to removing any barriers which affect their accessibility. Intervention within Cavall d'en Borrás is partial, since the summer of next year is to extend it to the beaches of Es Pujols and Migjorn. This is a plan that prompted beaches at the time the Platform for Physically Handicapped State Representation (Predif), which defends and advises the handicapped groups in projects of universal accessibility and accessible tourism.

Moreover, the first half of May will be installed the first four health services on the beaches of Caló and Migjorn. It is a wooden model specially designed for Formentera and whose cabins are equipped for disabled guests. The user must pay 50 cents per use and are trained to 700 applications each day. Beach entrepreneurs have reached an agreement with a local company for cleaning and maintenance.

Silvia Tur said formalities are being completed to renew contracts with contractors for beach services and being made a general cleaning of the entire coastal area of bathrooms, with the removal of the remains of sea grass in the city's most presence of this material.


http://www.guiaformentera.com/english/index.asp

May 5, 2010

The beach Santa Marina in Rivadesella (Asturias) is now accessible for all.



Santa Marina is a "good example" of the road must be traveled to achieve "basic levels of accessibility 'for all people, said yesterday the head of the Asturian Agency for Disability, Javier Antuña. A few months ago the City purchased a new vehicle to facilitate access to the beach to people who use wheelchairs or have disabilities. It is a model "MR," Caterpillar ", with seat platform on which to anchor the wheelchair, belt and a simple control panel for the person who is responsible for its management. "We came to Ribadesella because we wanted to see this device so new that there is not any other beach in Asturias," said Antunes. The Asturian Agency for Disability subsidized the purchase of the car, which cost about 14,000 euros.

"It offers many guarantees and is safe," said Antuna, after giving a short ride with the contraption, which led the mayor riosellano, Ramon Canal. "They will adapt quite well to the service for which you are thinking," the director said, adding that it would be interesting also to consider their use of forest roads and even visits to the snow, since it has the capacity to explore different types of surfaces . "It is very important that tourism start thinking about the disabled to provide quality services," said Antunes. The director is convinced that the beaches of Asturias are working to improve accessibility but the sands of the South take advantage because 'have long been working in this field. "

Santa Marina Beach is the only Bay of Biscay which has a European certificate Aenor global accessibility, awarded in September 2008. The award certifies the site as ideal for access to all users, both people with disabilities and those without any kind of disability but who benefit from the services.

"We want to keep the certificate and improve," said the mayor riosellano. For Ramon Canal, investment in this type of facility is "a good initiative" and expect a high level of demand for the service over the summer. The beach and had a "anfibugui" that allows the toilet for the disabled with greater mobility problems, but it was necessary to facilitate access to the water. "We found that was very challenging to reach the shore with their wheelchairs and others," Channel said, adding that the new vehicle solves that issue and "low and rises from the sand with no problems."

The vehicle needs a person responsible for their management and effective will be the Red Cross who will take over handling. "We are in negotiations with the Red Cross to conduct the rescue of our beaches this summer," announced the Mayor. So far, the City was responsible for first aid service of the sands, but has decided to request the Red Cross because he has "great experience, can do better and we will cost the same," he acknowledged Canal.

The council has since last December a comprehensive municipal accessibility plan, a detailed guide with recommendations for conditioning spaces and services in the area so they can access and enjoy them all citizens, without exceptions. The paper analyzes in detail the accessibility of public spaces, buildings and other services like banks, sports facilities and exhibition halls. The town already has measures in this regard, in addition to the beach of Santa Marina, as the historical route by the artist Antonio Mingote on the promenade of the crane, which features panels with braille texts and speech.


http://www.lne.es/oriente/2010/04/24/santa-marina-accesible/905471.html

http://www.desdeasturias.com

May 3, 2010

New Madrid and Sevilla Guides for Accesible tourism




New Madrid and Sevilla Guides for Accesible tourism are available in french, edited by "Toujours un chemin. Guides touristiques pour personess àmobilité réduite"

These guides are available online at the following link.
http://www.toujoursunchemin.com

Costa Blanca accessible apartments for everyone.




Welcome to Villa Romántica.
Beautiful and charming tourist apartments situated between the two towns Alfaz del Pi and Albir, just
north of Alicante on the Costa Blanca.

Villa Romántica offers fully equipped apartments with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms. The surroundings are very peaceful and quiet. Favourable to children.

It has a beautiful garden full of lovely plants and flowers in nice colours all year through. Here you can enjoy our pool and spa, on a sunny terrace with spectacular views towards the mountain. The tennis court is just next to the establishment. The social area around the BBQ is very popular and has many seatings.

Free private parking.
The establishment is suitable/accessible for everyone.

Villa Romántica is located in a quiet area called Jardín de Alfaz (The garden of Alfaz),only 600m away from where you can take the bus to Alfaz-Albir-Altea-Benidorm. The train station (Alicante-Denia) is within a 5 minutes walking distance.

Few minutes by car or 15 minutes walking, you will find the centre of Alfaz. A town that offers all kind of services such as: sport centre, culture centre, public health service, shops, restaurants, bars, market every Friday etc.

Within a 25 minutes walk you get to the beautiful beach of Albir, with its cosy bars and restaurants. Here you will also find the famous beach promenade, called the promenade of the stars. Every famous spanish actor that have passed by the film festival of Alfaz during the years, have gotten their names written on the pavement on this particular promenade. The promenade joines up with Altea town.

Altea is a fishermans town known for its charm and narrow streets with small white town houses. It is an idyllic and picturesque town with lots of artistic details. On the well known church square in the old town you will find lots of bars and restaurants in a cosy atmosphere. Every summer you will find a handicrafts market here, with some of the local artists selling their arts.

Benidorm is a 10 minutes drive away. A typical tourist spot with numerous shops, restaurants, discos, sandy beaches, theme parks: Terra Mítica (amusement park), Terra Natura (zoo), Aqualandia (water park), and so on.

http://www.villaromantica.es

April 28, 2010

Relaxing and lively holidays in a barrier-free environment in Tenerife.




Relaxing and lively holidays for disabled and able-bodied guests in a barrier-free environment.
Welcome to the Mar y Sol Hotel

A privately managed hotel, situated in Los Cristianos, in the south-western corner of the island of Tenerife
Spring temperatures all year round offer a perfect holiday climate
Wheelchair-accessible accommodation throughout; all rooms have bathrooms with wheel-in shower
Most bathrooms are also equipped with elevated toilet and with grips

-Two big pools with hoist, one heated all year round to approx. 32ºC
-Modern therapy centre with a variety of individually-tailored holistic and traditional treatments offering programmes designed to promote vitality and well-being
-Wheelchair accessible transfer
-Appliances for hire (electric beds, hoists, air-mattresses, electric wheelchairs, etc.)
-24 hours emergency service
-Excursions for the disabled and able-bodied
-Golf & Diving for everybody
-Free shuttle-service to the accessible beach, 5 days a week

http://www.marysol.org

April 26, 2010

Virtual visit to Lisbon belvederes (Portugal)




In this interesting website you can visit Lisbone virtually.
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http://www.visitlisboa.com/Conteudos/Miradouros-Virtuais.aspx

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http://www.accessibleportugal.com/

April 21, 2010

Marina Alta (Alicante) - Adapted Natural Areas


La Marina Alta (Alicante) will become the leader of the Mediterranean region in tourism of natural areas suitable for people with disabilities ....

La Marina Alta (Alicante) will become the leader of the Mediterranean region in tourism of natural areas suitable for people with disabilities. The Government is working on a project to harness the tourism potential of a region that, according to official data, receives more than six million visitors a year.

The idea is to create a network of themed routes suitable for people with disabilities can enjoy the countryside. Thus, in the Montgo Natural Park, one of the largest protected areas in the region, four itineraries are enabled.

One will be the tour Camí de Dénia between the Colony and the Cova del Camell, suitable for those wishing to explore the different species of Montgo. Another route, between Torre del Gerro and Molinos de la Plana de San Jeronimo, Xàbia combines botanical values and cultural elements. In third place was immersed in the architectural heritage of recreational area of windmills. The last of the routes between the port of Javea and the Cabo de San Antonio, noted for his landscapes and coastal ecosystems.

In all these routes will be implemented wooden platforms so that the paths are accessible, adapted viewpoints for visitors to enjoy the panoramic and tactile elements are enabled by the system 'braille' for people with visual impairments can distinguish natural elements.

Also expected to incorporate security features, mainly ropes and barriers, to make walking in the right conditions and infrastructure adapted to promote navigation.


The itineraries are designed based on three axes: they are tailored to the needs of people with disabilities, who have a low level of difficulty, especially in forest areas, which are characterized by their high ecological value visual. Another factor considered was the combination of terrestrial, coastal and submarines.

Also in another of the natural parks of the Marina Alta, the Marsh of Pego-Oliva, Consell strategy proposed routes and Racons Bullent rivers. The objective of this enclave is that by suitable boats, be possible to navigate these rivers that separate the marsh from the sea. This proposal is complemented with tourism linked to bird watching and educational itineraries for the marsh, which would explain to visitors the significance of the landscapes of rice.

Another project they are working from the Social Welfare Department is to ensure that the marinas of Marina Alta include sailing courses for people with disabilities.

April 19, 2010

“LAS VISTAS” Accessible beach all the year open (LOS CRISTIANOS-TENERIFE SUR)


“Las vistas” is one of the only two national beaches that offers the service of the bathroom adapted during all the years, for this reason it has been granted several awards for quality, including the Blue Flag and the Distinction Theme Accessibility.

La Playa de Las Vistas is located in southern Tenerife resort of Los Cristianos, in the municipality of Arona. It is considered a favorite by locals and European tourists and is connected by the promenade, with the nearby beaches of Los Cristianos and gown and the tourist resort of Playa de Las Americas.

The Vistas is one of only two national beaches that offers the service of the bathroom adapted throughout the years, why has been granted several awards for quality, including the Blue Flag and the Distinction Theme Accessibility.

This beach is one of the best in Spain thanks to its facilities (promenade without barriers, ramps, walkways, locker rooms, solarium with umbrellas, chairs and crutches water) and accompanying service to the sea. This service offered by a specialized rescue team in caring for disabled swimmers, is provided free of charge, daily (Monday-Sunday) in the schedule from 11 to 17 h. More than 10,000 elderly and disabled people have benefited from the services and facilities accessible from Playa de Las Vistas.

El resort of Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas has a mild climate, an average temperature of 23 º C and about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it has become the ideal place to significantly improve health and quality of life for thousands of tourists who elected annually.

The water temperatures stay between 17 and 25 º C. The sea that bathes its coasts is an inexhaustible source of health thanks to its rich in microorganisms and iodine.

Playa de Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Americas is a tourist area provided with suitable accommodations, barrier-free pedestrian kilometer, facing the sea where many shops offer. Charming tourist spot, tailored to the needs of disabled tourists, who have positioned themselves as the second most visited destination in the world for tourists with mobility difficulties.




Accessible facilities of Playa de Las Vistas:

Parking near the beach with reserved spaces.
Signaling accessible route, accessible beach and services.
Accessible route.
Access ramps with less than 6% slope.
Fixed wooden walkways.
Gateways shutters.
Seating areas with umbrellas.
Showers.
Toilets.
Surveillance area.
Crutches and amphibious wheelchairs.
Hydraulic crane.

Affordable Playa Las Vistas meets the requirements for the bathroom of a large number of users, offering an innovative tourism product and a great social benefit with no environmental impact Arona becoming a municipality for all.


http://www.arona.travel/

April 14, 2010

RONDA (Malaga - Andalucia), a City for All



"Ronda, a City for All." Turismo de Ronda works for the City of Tajo river become an affordable destination for people with disabilities ....

Worldwide, 600 million people with disabilities, in Europe there are around 50 million and Spain has four million. In Ronda, 10% of the population falls in this group. "It is a tourist with a medium and high purchasing power and a lot of free time to travel." This has described the Councillor for Tourism, Maribel Morales. However, it is not just an economic issue but also social: "The disabled person looking for autonomy, the possibility of touring without relying on another person to the extent possible," said the mayor of Ronda, aware that the effort in accessibility gives more quality for tourism in the city.

This is an emerging sector of the first magnitude that brings together people with permanent disability (mental, sensory and physical), temporary disabilities and people over 60 years, which have increased in recent years their participation in the tourism market. Have much free time, substantial economic rents and great desire to travel, which also contributes to the seasonal break. With this background, it is not surprising that the tourism industry is striving to be accessible.

The International Tourism Fair (FITUR) showcased for the first visible efforts on accessibility. Thus, the delegation showed the foreground Ronda tourist city for blind people using Braille.
Similarly, the group of people with disabilities will soon have a guide that lets you know the level of accessibility of monuments, restaurants, hotels, streets, shops ... It is the result of diagnosis made by the Royal Board on Disability for the council. We analyzed 142 sections of streets in the historic district, 23 hotels, 52 restaurants and 24 monuments.

In this sense, it would be interesting to install a new tourist information point in the historic center, so that people with disabilities to have the plane in Braille or the Accessibility Guide, for example. A second tourist information office, to share the work with the one located at Blas Infante, may be a good idea. Between the Plaza Duquesa de Parcent and the District of San Francisco could be a strategic point. It is almost inconceivable that a tourist who has a disability have to move to Blas Infante to get this information after landing in the city through the bus station or the different car parks, mostly away from the historic center, and walk several streets to connect with the tourist circuit.


Mobile Application
When approaching a deaf person to a monument or area of interest can be downloaded on your mobile or portable device a video in which a sign language interpreter will provide information Spanish. It is another initiative by Turismo de Ronda, S. A. To be realized. The hearing impaired can download an interactive visual guide to your own mobile using wireless technology. The videos would have a duration of two to three minutes and would be subtitled. The new technologies thus play a key role to achieve real integration of the collective.
Ronda The delegation also plans to design a tourist route fully adapted for disabled people in the Old Town. This will include miniature reproductions in bronze of the main monuments with inscriptions in Braille that blind people can read.

Arab Baths and “Acinipo”
As for the monuments, Morales has referred to the work done to make available the Arab Baths, the best preserved thermal complex in Spain (fourteenth century). Historically, the back of the monument has been closed to the public and now can be visited. Space has been extended towards the visitor and recovered the wheel, in the old system used for the abstraction of water, and tanneries, where the skins were treated.

In the same way, Acinipo could become the primary site accessible for people with disabilities. The Minister for Tourism, with whom the mayor Ronda will meet in the coming weeks, and showed his interest in this project and now the rest of initiatives.

On the other hand, have already been awarded the work to build the first youth hostel in Ronda, a building that will join the tourism infrastructure and will be fully accessible to persons with disabilities. The project will be a pioneer, as the mayor of Tourism. The intention of the Town Council that the group is also occupy the jobs being generated. The hostel has 15 rooms and be built next to the IES Martin Rivero.
On the other hand, the Consistory has reserved 300,000 euros for the second regional measure against crisis (Protect plan) to the elimination of architectural barriers. This project joins municipal intention of creating a Centre for Disability and accessibility training momentum.

Finally, the Councillor for Tourism Cities Project has pointed out H and A, which aim to achieve a comprehensive and structured action of the City of Ronda, Cuenca, Castiglion Fiorentino (Italy) and Landerneau (France) and companies in these cities involved in the sector tourism and are interested in working accessibility. Morales has referred to upcoming meetings with officials from these cities. The latest edition of Fitur also served to recover the twinning with Cuenca.
In short, it seems that for some time, city leaders have echoed the harshest critics of the tourism industry has always pointed to the need to diversify supply. New segments such as wine, nature tourism, with the addition of the potential of the region, tourism conferences and meetings, and now the bid to become accessible destination, tourism fuel the preponderance of Ronda in the sector.


http://www.turismoderonda.es/