Beaches for people with disabilities in Riccione

In Riccione, the beach is for everyone, and that's not just a slogan. The city has worked for years on coastline accessibility, and today the vast majority of beach clubs are equipped to welcome visitors with motor or sensory disabilities. This isn't a handful of "special" beaches scattered here and there: accessibility has become the standard, with walkways reaching the waterline, Job chairs for entering the sea, spacious cabins and showers, accessible toilets and trained staff. Anyone visiting Riccione with a disability doesn't need to search for the right beach: almost all of them are ready.

This is the result of a journey that began years ago, involving the municipality, volunteer organisations and private beach clubs. The most important project is called Spiaggia LiberAtutti, and it was born right here in Riccione.

What you'll find at accessible beaches

Accessibility services are now widespread along almost the entire coastline. Here's what you can expect at most beach clubs:

Walkways to the waterline. Paths in wood or non-slip material that run from the beach club entrance all the way to the water's edge. They allow wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility to reach the sea without obstacles. In many cases they're wide enough for two wheelchairs side by side.

Job chairs. These are special chairs designed for entering the water. They have large yellow wheels that move easily on both sand and sea. Beach club staff help position the person on the chair and accompany them into the water. The Job chair has become the symbol of beach accessibility in Riccione, and you'll find them at an increasing number of beach clubs every year.

Accessible toilets. Bathrooms with manoeuvring space, safety grab bars and step-free access. These are present in almost all equipped beach clubs.

Spacious cabins and showers. Spaces designed to allow wheelchair entry and manoeuvring, with showers fitted with seats and grab bars.

Trained staff. Many beach clubs have operators trained to assist people with disabilities. These aren't lifeguards who just "lend a hand": they're properly prepared individuals who know how to use Job chairs, how to accompany people into the water and how to ensure safety and dignity throughout the experience.

Tactile paths for the visually impaired. Some beach clubs offer sensory paths with raised signage to help people with visual disabilities find their way. This service isn't universal yet, but it's constantly expanding.

Special mats on the sand. At various points along the coastline, rigid mats have been placed to make it easier to move across the sand for wheelchair users or anyone who finds it difficult to walk on soft surfaces.

The Spiaggia LiberAtutti project

It all started in 2007, when the Spiaggia LiberAtutti project was launched in Riccione, an initiative by the Province of Rimini with the backing of the Ministry of the Environment. The idea was simple and ambitious at the same time: to make the beach a barrier-free place where people with disabilities can experience the sea with the same freedom and safety as everyone else.

The project didn't just install a few walkways: it defined a complete accessibility standard combining social and environmental sustainability. Participating beach clubs offer walkways to the waterline, Job chairs, accessible toilets, tactile paths, Braille maps and qualified assistance, all while prioritising eco-friendly materials and alternative energy sources.

The model has worked. In the 2025 summer season alone, the project welcomed 526 people with disabilities, recording 1,539 bookings and approximately 4,617 total attendances. Gazebo occupancy reached 126% thanks to half-day bookings, and around 20% of requests were turned away due to lack of availability. Nearly half the users came from Emilia-Romagna, 40% from the rest of Italy and 11% from abroad. Over 100 volunteers contributed 1,678 hours of work during the season.

For 2026, a further expansion is planned with an investment of 45,000 euros from the regional project "In Emilia-Romagna c'è una vacanza per me", in addition to 500,000 euros from the FUNT grant by the Ministry of Tourism (half state funding, half municipal co-financing) earmarked for upgrading accessible infrastructure.

Bagno Giulia 85: where it all began

Bagno Giulia 85 was the first beach club to join the project in 2007, becoming the first beach in Europe to be entirely accessible and eco-sustainable. It holds ISO 14001 certification for environmental management. Among its services: a walkway with a final roundabout for wheelchair manoeuvring, a sound path in the paving for the visually impaired, a Braille map of the facility at reception, Job and Off-Car chairs for sea access, raised sun loungers to make wheelchair transfers easier, spacious cabins and accessible toilets. From here, the model has spread to dozens of other beach clubs along the entire Riccione coastline.

Website: bagnogiulia85.com
Google Maps: Open navigator

💡 Pro tips for a stress-free visit

Some practical pointers to make the most of your beach day:

1. Call the beach club beforehand. Most are accessible, but the level of service can vary. Job chairs, for instance, aren't unlimited: some beach clubs have one or two, others more. Calling ahead lets you check availability and, if needed, book a chair for the time you prefer.

2. Ask for detailed information. Don't just ask "are you accessible?". Ask specifically whether they have a walkway to the waterline, a Job chair, accessible toilets, accessible showers and trained staff. That way you know exactly what to expect.

3. Arrive unhurried. Beach access with a wheelchair takes a little more time. The walkways are comfortable but can be busy at peak hours. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for a calmer arrival.

4. Swimming with a Job chair. The experience of bathing in the sea with a Job chair is safe and assisted. Beach club staff accompany you into the water and stay present throughout. If it's your first time, don't worry: the staff are trained and the experience is designed to be enjoyable and relaxing.

5. Parking. Disabled parking spaces along the seafront are available but limited, especially in high season. Arriving early helps. Some partner hotels offer transport to the beach: ask your accommodation.

Practical Information

Coastline accessibility: the vast majority of Riccione's beach clubs are equipped for accessibility.
Job chairs: available at an increasing number of beach clubs. Booking recommended.
Key project: Spiaggia LiberAtutti, born in Riccione and now a model for other Riviera resorts.
Pioneer beach club: Bagno Giulia 85, the first beach in Europe to be entirely accessible and eco-sustainable.
Updated info: the Riccione municipal website (riccione.it) publishes information on beach accessibility and the Spiaggia LiberAtutti project.

Accessibility in Riccione is not an add-on service, it's the way the city understands the beach. Walkways, Job chairs, trained staff, tactile paths: everything exists because a seaside holiday should be a right, not a privilege. It's not all perfect yet, but the direction is clear and the commitment is real. The sea is the same for everyone, and in Riccione they work every day to make sure it truly is.