Portugal's Beaches Declared Accessible For All
LISBON, Portugal, July 20, 2005. With a breathtaking coastline and miles of golden sandy beaches, it is no surprise that Portugal is one of Europe's most popular destinations for those looking for a break in the sun. Furthermore, with 68 of Portugal's beaches and inland bathing areas having recently been awarded the 'Accessible Beach' standard by the Coordinating National Commission for the European Year of People with Disability, even more of Portugal's bathing areas can now be safely accessed by people restricted mobility.
The European wide scheme, which launched at the start of 2004, aims to ensure that Portugal's sea coast and inland beaches are easily accessible for people with disabilities whilst also increasing the awareness of other beach users to the problems related to visitors with mobility restrictions. Thanks to partnerships formed by local municipalities and beach commissions access to the bathing areas has been improved with designated parking now readily available, clear pathways created through the sand, the toilet facilities adapted for disabled use and all the beaches having clear access to a first aid station. The beaches have also ensured that a range of technical aids, including wheelchairs and crutches, are available to assist disabled visitors.
As such the 68 'Accessible Beaches' in Portugal can now be promoted as ideal holiday destinations for disabled travellers. These areas include Praia da Luz, Carvoeiro and a host of beaches at Albufeira in the Algarve region, as well as the superb beaches of Baleal do Sul at Peniche and Nazar'e in the Lisbon region, amongst many others. The beaches have all met the necessary standards to receive the award in time for the 2005 summer season ensuring that Portugal's stunning coastline can be easily reached by all types of holidaymakers.
The 'Accessible Beach' initiative is just one scheme by which Portugal is improving its facilities for visitors with restricted mobility. Wheelchairs and adapted toilet facilities are now readily available at all Portugal's major airports whilst reserved parking, ramps and lifts are also being installed into public places. Furthermore, the cities of Lisbon and Porto offer a 'Dial a Ride' bus service for the disabled whilst smaller cities such as Braga and Coimbra also offer disabled specific taxi services.
Jos'e Ant'onio Preto da Silva, Director of the Portuguese National Tourist Office, comments: "We are committed to ensuring that Portugal is able to welcome disabled travellers on holiday. As such the 'Accessible Beach' initiative is a superb example of how Portugal is continually improving the range of facilities available to cater for the needs of people with limited mobility. We are delighted that 68 of our beaches have already reached this standard and we will continue our work in the future to ensure that even more of our beaches are accessible to all our visitors."
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