There are good facilities for the disabled at all the terminals of Gran Canaria airport – including lifts, ramps and disabled spaces of all levels of the car park. In addition, Gran Canaria's major resorts of Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, Meloneras, Puerto Rico and Mogán boast a selection of hotels with disabled-adapted rooms that are wheelchair friendly. Many include wheel-in showers and pool hoists. There has been recent investment in extensive promenade development along the coast in the south, which is now complete and is easily accessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
All of the commercial centres have good access ramps to restaurants, bars and shops and the pavements are now better suited for wheelchair users than in the past. However, many of the older small bars and restaurants are still lacking in ramps and disabled facilities and although changing, it is happening slowly!
Adapted taxis with electric wheelchair lifts are available for airport transfers and short trips in Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas and Meloneras. Contact Socomtaxi on 928 154 777, for further details. Other island areas now have adapted taxis too, as well as estate cars and some seven-seated vehicles where a wheelchair can be carried in the boot. Disabled travellers are also advised to give SolMobility, a specialist firm based in Gran Canaria, a try. Providing 8-seater minibuses, these vehicles come fitted with electric wheelchair accessible lifts perfect for airport transfers and day excursions.
You can contact SolMobility S. L through www.SolMobility.com or by phone on (0034) 928 735 311. The recommended service provider to UK charities, tour operators, hotels and clinics of disabled-mobility aids, offer a wide-ranging selection of equipment with a free delivery & collection service to your hotel. On their website, you can find a list of hotels with adapted rooms that are wheelchair friendly. When planning a visit to Gran Canaria, disabled tourists should check the travel conditions and latest hotel facilities with their travel agent.
The Spanish association for the disabled – Confederación Española de Personas con Discapacidad Física y Orgánica (COCEMFE) & Cruz Roja Española, Asamblea Local Las Palmas, León y Castillo, 231 – 35005 - Tel: 928 290 000 – can help with emergencies. However, they will often only speak Spanish and it is a better idea to contact your tour operator directly for assistance.
Our tip:
Visit Holiday Care, the UK’s Premier Holiday & Travel Information Service for Disabled and Older People, to buy a guide for the Canaries with very useful information online. Alternatively, contact them on 0845 124 9971.
