Catalonia, in the northeast corner of Spain, is best-known for its capital city, Barcelona. Bordered on the north by the Pyrenees and on the east by the Mediterranean, this beautiful region offers scenic variety, a rich historical past and a fabulous cuisine that draws on the bounty of sea and countryside.
The towns of Vic and Girona are close enough to Barcelona for a day trip, but it would be a shame not to stay longer to also explore the Costa Brava or “Wild Coast.”
Disability Access Improving
Like Barcelona, the smaller cities of Catalonia are working to improve disability access for both visitors and residents. In Vic, which dates back to the 3rd century B.C., the picturesque town hall recently installed a ramp and elevator. The Episcopal Museum, boasting one of Europe’s finest collections of medieval and Romanesque art, moved in 2002 to a new, fully accessible building.
Vic is best known for its lively outdoor market, held on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the main plaza. On the day I visited, several people were shopping via scooter. The narrow streets in the historic town center have level access (no sidewalks), so one can easily get to nearby attractions such as the Roman temple. The Hotel NH Cuitat de Vic, near the main plaza, has an elevator and wheelchair-accessible rooms, according to its website.
Welcoming to People with Disabilities
Girona, too, is extending a warm welcome to all visitors. The local tourism office produces a map indicating the accessible attractions and how to reach them, as well as the location of designated parking and adapted restrooms.
This is a lovely, historic city with a well-preserved center that includes two spectacular 15th-century Gothic-Baroque cathedrals, Roman ramparts, medieval city walls and a famous Jewish quarter, the Call, dating back to 890 A.D.
Visits to the city’s history museum and the museum of Jewish history, both wheelchair-accessible, are a must, as is a stroll down La Rambla de la Libertat, a pedestrian walkway along the River Onyar. Here are cafes, restaurants and a lively street scene. Hotel Carlemany, located a few blocks away, has 2 adapted rooms and 1 adapted suite, designated parking and a fabulous restaurant, El Pati Verd.
To the east of Girona lies the Costa Brava, a 125-mile stretch of sandy beaches, secluded coves, pine-covered hills and small fishing villages. At Palamós, one can visit the accessible Fishing Museum, located right beside the local fish auction. Although the cliff walk at S’Agaró has numerous steps, there is also an accessible boardwalk along the beach.
In Begur, a ramped observation platform provides a panoramic view of this picturesque hilltop town and the beautiful coastline. Finally, a real highlight of our tour was a cooking lesson and luncheon at the Gastronomic Academy of the Empordà, which has ramped entry to its spacious, modern kitchen and an adapted restroom.
To learn more about Catalonia, contact the Tourist Office of Spain (212-265-8822).
Laurel Van Horn is an access consultant, educator, and journalist who has specialized in accessible travel and tourism since 1987. In addition to her travel columns for Able News and the Open Doors Organization website, her articles have appeared in Pulse, Agency, Inc., Travel Agent Magazine, Travel World News, Exceptional Parent, Paraplegia News, Caribbean Vacation Planner and Review of Disability Studies.
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Considering an international vacation? If so, check out Accessible Travel in Barcelona—Every Traveler’s Paradise information on accessible Spain.
Before you travel via plane, see Secrets of Accessible Air Travel—Know Your Rights.
