Top accessible destinations in Italy for people with disabilities

Do you often daydream about visiting Italy but worry that it might be challenging for travelers with disabilities? The good news is that many Italian cities and towns are easily accessible, allowing you to enjoy the best of Italy.

To make your trip more comfortable, find out more about the amenities, services, beaches, and activities. On Ferryhopper, you can book your ferry tickets to Italy and travel carefree!

The lighthouse of the port of Livorno at sunset

Accessible holidays in Italy: info and useful tips

With its thousand-year history, priceless art and exquisite cuisine, Italy has something for everyone.

Thanks to the efforts of the tourism industry and local authorities, Italy is currently one of the most popular travel destinations for travelers with reduced mobility. Numerous services have recently been added to ensure complete accessibility and to meet the needs of visitors.

Start planning your trip with our top tips and enjoy everything Italy has to offer stress-free.

Is it possible to find wheelchair-accessible facilities in Italy?

Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available in the majority of Italian cities. Usually, all big cities and the most renowned resorts try to offer as much as they can to their visitors, ensuring that they have access to adequate spaces and facilities, as well as easy access to the beach.

In any case, it is always advisable to double-check everything before making travel plans. In fact, due to their topography, some areas of Italy may not fully satisfy the needs of visitors with disabilities or may not be completely accessible.

Are there accessible hotels in Italy?

Travelers with disabilities can find a wide range of accommodations in Italy. There are many options, including all-inclusive hotels, B&Bs, villas, and vacation rentals.

Most facilities frequently include stairlifts, accessible restrooms, elevators, and stair-free entrances. 

Tip: to ensure accessibility, we recommend contacting your preferred property directly.

Accessible shower in a hotel room in Italy

4 ideal destinations in Italy for travelers with disabilities

Are you having trouble finding an accessible place in Italy for your upcoming vacation?

Here are 4 travel ideas for a short or long day trip:

1. Livorno, ideal at any time of year

Livorno, which is flat, easily accessible and well connected to many Italian ports, could be a great year-round option. Its beautiful promenade, city museums and the famous Mascagni Terrace are all worth seeing.

One of the most interesting activities in Livorno is visiting its Aquarium, which provides tactile experiences for the blind visitors as well as personalized tours based on each individual's needs.

If you visit Livorno in the summer, you can visit Tre Ponti, the city's largest beach. Thanks to various amenities that assist people with reduced mobility, it is completely accessible and surrounded by a lovely pine forest. There is a walkway leading down to the sea, as well as a JOB type wheelchair and a special designed beach chair.

2. Cilento, for sea fun without obstacles

Cilento is an area south of the province of Salerno that is home to stunning beaches, historical sites, and works of art. The good news is that it is one of Italy's best-equipped resorts for people with disabilities.

Starting with Pompeii, a path over 3.5 km long has been built from the Piazza Anfiteatro entrance to Porta Marina to make it possible for people with disabilities to visit the archaeological city. Additionally, the Cilento sea is easily accessible, and a significant number of businesses are located there, particularly close to the Saline beach in Palinuro.

One of the most exciting opportunities to explore the underwater world is available in Agropoli, where the Yogi Diving Center organizes dives that are accessible to people with disabilities, enabling them to enjoy a fun-filled day in complete safety.

Exploring the depths of Cilento

3. San Vito Lo Capo, for a carefree summer in Sicily

Sicily is one of the most popular summer vacation destinations. San Vito Lo Capo is a great option if you're looking for a place with stunning sea views and easy access to the beaches.

This well-known town in western Sicily is about 37 km away from Trapani and is regarded as a place without limitations and obstacles. Sunbeds, beach wheelchairs and trained staff are available at the city beach to help with any needs.

There are also 3 different types of beach wheelchairs (JOB, tiralo, and sand & sea) to help with access to the water, and volunteers organize social group activities at sea.

4. Genoa, a city for everyone

Despite the impression that it is a remote and difficult-to-access city, Genoa is a functional city that is accessible to people with disabilities. There are actually 500 accessible establishments in the Ligurian capital, including museums, shops, theaters, hotels, and restaurants.

One of the best seaside resorts in the region is Sestri Levante, which is less than an hour from Genoa. Here, there are several accessible bathing facilities with platforms, chairs, and walkways.

Additionally, some of the beaches offer braille playing cards and qualified LIS personnel for the blind visitors.

The Piazza De Ferrari and the palaces of Genoa's historic center

Disabilities and ferry travel

By taking a ferry, you can travel safely to many locations throughout Italy all year.

In fact, the majority of Italian ferry companies have the necessary amenities to guarantee the safety of passengers with disabilities. Depending on the type of vessel, accessible services like ramps, elevators, stairlifts, accessible restrooms, and designated parking lots are available.

Take a look at the 2023 ferry connections between Italian ports and travel with ease!

Tips for a barrier-free holiday in Italy

Here are 5 tips to make your trip to Italy more accessible:

1. To avoid any inconvenience, try to plan everything out in detail.
2. The best time to visit Italy is in spring, but September is also a good option if you want to avoid crowds.
3. If you need assistance before, after, or during your ferry trip, you must let the ferry company know at least 48 hours in advance.
4. It is preferable to travel by car or private means because public transportation in Italy may be insufficient.
5. Some facilities that allow people with disabilities to access the water may be unavailable during the off-season.

A happy traveler on an Italian beach

Where to book ferry tickets for my trip to Italy?

On Ferryhopper, you can easily and quickly book ferry tickets to many Italian destinations. Find all available routes on our Map of ferries and choose the best destination for you.