What is accessible tourism
Accessible tourism is an approach that aims to ensure that all people, regardless of any disabilities or physical conditions, have the opportunity to travel, stay, visit attractions and participate in recreational activities in conditions of safety, autonomy and comfort.
It is not just about breaking down architectural barriers, but about creating a truly inclusive welcome, capable of responding to different needs: motor, visual, auditory, cognitive or dietary.
Tuscany without barriers: a concrete commitment
In recent years, Tuscany has made significant progress in the field of accessible tourism, thanks also to the push of public and private projects. Among the most important initiatives we mention:
Tourism without barriers: an interactive map of the Tuscany Region that indicates accessible structures, museums, paths, beaches and attractions.
Vetrina Toscana and Toscana Promozione Turistica: which promote inclusive catering and accommodation facilities.
Collaborations with associations such as ANMIC, UILDM, FIABA and other entities involved in the field of disability.
Cities of Art: Florence, Pisa, Siena and Lucca
Florence
The cradle of the Renaissance has made significant progress in urban accessibility. The historic center is largely pedestrian and flat, and many attractions are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Uffizi: priority access for disabled people, internal elevators and equipped bathrooms.
Florence Cathedral: accessible with mobile platforms and support staff.
Museo del Novecento and Museo Galileo: fully accessible, with audiovisual aids and tactile paths.
Florence also has an excellent network of buses equipped with accessible platforms and taxis.
Pisa
Pisa is one of the friendliest destinations in Tuscany for visitors with disabilities.
Piazza dei Miracoli: the entire complex (Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery) has been made accessible, with facilitated paths and elevators (excluding the climb up the Tower, obviously).
Museo delle Sinopie: fully accessible.
The sidewalks in the center have also been modernized and the train station has a well-organized assistance service.
Siena
Despite being a medieval city with many hills and stone pavements, Siena has introduced well-marked accessible routes to visit the Piazza del Campo, the Duomo and the Civic Museum.
A shuttle service for people with disabilities is also available, operating on days of greater tourist influx.
Lucca
Thanks to its Renaissance walls accessible by wheelchair, Lucca is an excellent example of an accessible historic city. The center is flat, many museums and churches are equipped with platforms or elevators.
Accessible villages and inclusive routes
Even small villages, notoriously more complex to make accessible, are starting to offer experiences for everyone.
San Gimignano
Many of the main entrances have been made accessible. The Torture Museum is accessible and the historic center has some facilitated sections.
Pienza
In the heart of the Val d’Orcia, Pienza has accessible pedestrian paths and the Duomo is equipped with ramps. The center also offers excellent signage for the blind.
Castiglione della Pescaia
In 2023 it was awarded the Bandiera Lilla, a recognition dedicated to tourist municipalities that are attentive to accessibility. It also offers one of the best accessible beaches in Tuscany (“Le Rocchette” beach).
Accessible beaches in Tuscany
Tuscany boasts several barrier-free beaches equipped with walkways, job chairs, accessible bathrooms and inclusive services.
Here are some of the best:
- San Vincenzo (Livorno): “Dog Beach” and “La Conchiglia” are also accessible to people with disabilities.
- Montignoso (Massa Carrara): beach awarded for inclusive services.
- Viareggio: many accessible beach resorts, some with agreements with associations for the support of disabilities.
- Follonica: several stretches of public and private beach are equipped with facilities for easy access.
Inclusive experiences and activities for everyone
Trails and parks
- Maremma Park trail: some sections are also suitable for wheelchairs.
- WWF Burano Oasis and Padule di Fucecchio: flat paths, observatories with ramps.
- Tarot Garden (Capalbio): art and inclusiveness in a magical place.
Accessible tastings
Numerous wineries and agritourisms have introduced barrier-free tasting experiences, including:
- Antinori in Chianti Classico: elevators, ramps and inclusive paths.
- Banfi Wineries in Montalcino: accessible facilities and trained staff.
Multisensory museums
- Museo Galileo (Florence): Offers accessible tours, tactile experiences and interactive scientific instruments. Inclusive guided tours available, also for the blind and visually impaired.
- Museo Leonardo da Vinci (Vinci): Displays tactile models of Leonardo’s inventions. Wheelchair accessible and simplified explanatory material.
- Museo del Tessuto (Prato): Offers tactile workshops and guided tours suitable for people with visual or cognitive disabilities.
Where to sleep: accessible facilities
Many hotels, farmhouses and B&Bs in Tuscany have adapted to the needs of guests with disabilities. Some useful sites for accessible bookings:
- TurismoAccessibile.it
- Booking.com (select filters for “accessibility”)
- Handy Superabile: association that maps accessible facilities in Italy
Recommended areas:
- Chianti (equipped farmhouses)
- Versilia (seafront hotels)
- Arezzo and province (widespread hospitality)
Practical advice for travellers with disabilities
- Contact the facilities in advance to confirm actual accessibility.
- Check public transport: Trenitalia offers assistance in many Tuscan stations (reservation required).
- Use apps and maps such as Google Maps (“barrier-free” function) and Wheelmap.
- Bring certifications and documents with you to take advantage of discounts or priority access.
Conclusion
Tuscany, with its extraordinary cultural and natural heritage, is increasingly becoming an inclusive destination, where the right to travel can be exercised by everyone. From cities of art to villages, from beaches to trails, the commitment to accessibility translates into an increasingly varied and aware tourist offer.
Visiting Tuscany without barriers is not only possible, but it is also an extraordinary experience, capable of enriching anyone who lives it.
Do you want to discover other inclusive itineraries in Italy or learn more about accessible experiences in Tuscan villages? Follow us on Tuscany Planet to stay up to date!
