Barcelona is a city that I dreamed of visiting for such a long time. So it was a great feeling when we packed our suitcases and boarded the plane to sunny Spain in 2017. We loved it so much that we visited again at the end of last year.
Our home for both trips was a fully wheelchair accessible apartment at MICs Sant Jordi. It really did feel like home to us especially on our second visit. Located in the lovely Sarrià neighbourhood just outside the city centre. MICs Sant Jordi offers the best experience for an accessible holiday in Barcelona and is without a doubt the most accessible place I’ve ever stayed.
The accessible apartments have roll-in showers, adjustable beds, automatic door entry systems, light switches and controls at wheelchair height. Not only that but the entire building has wheelchair access, including the hydrotherapy pool and pool hoist, adapted gym, restaurant with outside terrace, a range of equipment and hoists for use, plus 24-hour care service and more.
I loved that the apartment wasn’t in the city centre as we enjoyed the peaceful neighbourhood, but there were also shops and restaurants nearby as well as the metro station directly outside the apartment. We used the metro each day to travel the 12 minutes into the city centre, where we were able to explore the many things to see and do.
One of my favourites was the Gothic quarter, and although this is an old part of the city, it is in fact very accessible and incredibly beautiful.
We couldn’t visit Barcelona without taking a peek inside Sagrada Familia. This Gaudi masterpiece has been under construction since 1882 and is still nowhere near completion. However, it’s still a place you have to visit. Prepare to be amazed at its impressive size and beauty. It really is a masterpiece.
There are lots of great things to do in Barcelona as well as providing the perfect balance of sightseeing and beach fun. A few of my favourites were the super colourful urban Parc Güell, admiring the view from the Montjuïc cable car, relaxing in Parc de la Ciutadella, the delicious food and amazing architecture.
Another highlight of my trip to Barcelona has got to be our day at the beach. It is a day I’ll never forget as it was the first time in 25 years that I got to enjoy the beach with my family like everyone else. I got to go on the sand and in the water using a beach wheelchair. Nova Icària Beach offers amazing accessibility for disabled people and that alone makes me want to return to Barcelona again and again.
About Emma Muldoon…
Emma created her blog, Simply Emma, to share her life and experiences of being a powerchair user and encourages others to see more of the world, whether that means international travel or being a little more adventurous in your hometown. The blog, founded in 2014, has grown to become one of the UK’s leading travel and accessibility blogs.
Twitter: @Simplyemma2
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