Wheelchair rental in Dubrovnik

Adaptability of Dubrovnik
30%

Discover Dubrovnik

Fort Lovrijenac

Fort Lovrijenac

Sponza Palace

Sponza Palace

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Gruž Market

Gruž Market

Walls of Dubrovnik

Walls of Dubrovnik

Srđ Mountain

Srđ Mountain

Your Dubrovnik guide

First of all, we want to say that Dubrovnik is not a very wheelchair-friendly city, as it is a city with many stairs and cobbled or paved streets. We recommend going accompanied by someone who can help you in the most complicated sections. Be that as it may, Dubrovnik is an incredible city that is worth the effort!

Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic, is a city in southern Croatia that dazzles with its beauty and historical richness. This Croatian destination, known for its impressive walls and picturesque old town, offers a unique experience for all visitors, including those with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs.

The history of Dubrovnik dates back to the 7th century when it was known as Ragusa. Over the centuries, the city has been an important center of commerce and art, resisting both sieges and earthquakes. Its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture reveals the influence of various eras and cultures.

Dubrovnik has worked to improve accessibility for people in wheelchairs. Although some areas of the old town, with their cobblestones and stairs, can be complicated, many of the main attractions are accessible.

The city's iconic walls, dating from the 10th century, offer spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. For wheelchair users, it is recommended to access through the Pile Gate entrance, where there are ramps and adapted elevators.

Dubrovnik's main street, Stradun, is completely accessible and flat, making it easy to visit in a wheelchair. Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of cafes, shops, and views of historic buildings.

The city is known for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. Many restaurants in the old town and along the port have improved their accessibility, offering street-level tables and adapted bathrooms.

One of the most representative dishes of Dubrovnik is the "black risotto" or squid ink risotto. This dish is made with squid ink, giving it its distinctive color, and usually includes other seafood such as shrimp and mussels. It's a delight that reflects the influence of the Adriatic Sea on local cuisine.

Some Interesting Facts:

  • Population: The population of Dubrovnik is approximately 42,000 inhabitants.
  • Time Zone: The time zone of Dubrovnik and Croatia in general is GMT +1.
  • Telephone Prefix: The telephone prefix for Croatia is (+385).
  • World Heritage: The old town of Dubrovnik is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, recognized for its well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
  • Movie and Series Location: Dubrovnik has gained worldwide fame as a filming location, especially for serving as the setting for "King's Landing" in the popular television series "Game of Thrones".
  • Dubrovnik Summer Festival: This annual event is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Europe, celebrating the performing arts with music, theater, and dance.
  • Cable Car: The Dubrovnik cable car offers spectacular views of the city and the Adriatic Sea and is a popular way to reach the top of Mount Srđ and is wheelchair accessible.
  • Elafiti Islands: Near Dubrovnik are the Elafiti Islands, a group of small and charming islands that are popular for day trips, offering tranquil beaches and unspoiled nature.
  • Finally, we leave you a link to the accessible areas of the city: https://portal.giscloud.com/map/2334589/accessible-tourism

In summary, we can say that Dubrovnik, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and efforts in accessibility, is a destination that welcomes all travelers. Its combination of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern adaptations make it an ideal choice for those seeking an inclusive and memorable tourist experience on the Dalmatian coast.

Dubrovnik Tourist office

Here we provide the contact details of the most important and busy tourist offices in Dubrovnik:

 

TIC Pile Office

  • Address: Brsalje 5, Dubrovnik
  • Phone: +385 20 312011
  • Email: tic.pile@tzdubrovnik.hr
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm; Sundays and holidays from 10 am to 4 pm.
     

TIC Gruž Office

  • Address: Pape Ivana Pavla II 1, Dubrovnik
  • Phone: +385 20 417 983
  • Email: gruz@tzdubrovnik.hr
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm; Sundays and holidays closed.

 

Turistička zajednica grada Dubrovnika Office

 

Tourism Office at Svetog Dominika

  • Address: Svetog Dominika 7, 20000 Dubrovnik
  • Phone: +385 (0)20 312 011
  • Email: info@tzdubrovnik.hr

 

Dubrovnik Card:

This tourist card offers access to various attractions in Dubrovnik. Depending on the duration you choose when booking (1, 3, or 7 days), the card includes entry to the following attractions:

  • Cultural History Museum
  • Dubrovnik Walls
  • Rector's Palace
  • Dulcic Masle Pulitika Gallery
  • Pulitika Studio
  • Ethnographic Museum
  • Natural History Museum
  • Maritime Museum
  • Franciscan Monastery Friars Minor
  • Bukovac House
  • Museum of Modern Art
  • Marin Drzic House

In addition, the Dubrovnik Card offers unlimited use of city buses for the selected duration.

You can purchase this card at many places in Dubrovnik, such as travel agencies, tourist offices, and hotels. However, it is recommended to purchase it online, as this will give you a 35% lower price.

Furthermore, buying it online through the official website www.dubrovnikcard.com will allow you to get an additional 10% discount.

As for the prices, they depend on the duration of the card you choose:

  • 1-day Dubrovnik Card: Valid for one day and priced at 225 kunas (approximately 30.3 euros).
  • 3-day Dubrovnik Card: Valid for three consecutive days from its first use and priced at 270 kunas (approximately 36.3 euros).
  • 7-day Dubrovnik Card: Valid for seven consecutive days from its first use and priced at 315 kunas (approximately 42.4 euros).

With this card, you can access multiple attractions in Dubrovnik and enjoy unlimited use of the city buses for the time you choose.

The card is activated with its first use and will be valid for 1, 3, or 7 days depending on the option chosen. For example, if you activate the card at 9:00 am, its validity will end at midnight on the last selected day. It is recommended to activate the card in the morning to make the most of its benefits.

Transport

Airport: 

Dubrovnik Airport, also known as Čilipi Airport, is located near the city, specifically in the Čilipi area, about 15-20 kilometers southeast of the center of Dubrovnik. Flights to Dubrovnik Airport come from a variety of domestic and international destinations. During the peak tourist season, the airport receives numerous charter and regular flights from all over Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, as well as flights from more distant cities, especially in high season when tourist demand is higher. The airport also operates domestic flights connecting with other major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split, and Zadar.

It's a modern and accessible facility, designed to ensure the comfort and safety of all travelers, including those with reduced mobility or using wheelchairs. Features and services at Dubrovnik Airport include:

  • Entrances and exits equipped with ramps and automatic doors for easy access.
  • Low check-in counters for wheelchair users.
  • Personal assistance services for navigating the airport, checking in, and boarding.
  • Adapted restrooms at various locations.
  • Elevators and ramps throughout the airport for easy wheelchair circulation.
  • Adapted vehicles for wheelchair transportation within the airport, including transfers to and from aircraft.
  • Waiting areas and rest zones designed for accessibility, with enough space to accommodate wheelchairs.

 

Transport from the Airport to the City Center: 

There is no direct public transport from the airport to the city center, but several options are available:

Private Bus

Platanus operates a private bus service from Dubrovnik Airport to Dubrovnik Central Bus Station, running approximately every 30 minutes. Tickets cost between 9 to 10 euros, with a travel time of about 35 minutes.

Libertas Buses

In addition to the Platanus bus, Libertas Dubrovnik also operates this route about 5 times a day. These public buses connect the airport with different parts of the city. Bus lines 11, 27, and 38 of Libertas run between the airport and Dubrovnik.

Taxi:

Taxis are available all day, with average fares of around 25 to 30 euros, and the total travel time is less than 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Disabled Transfers Dubrovnik-Croatia

This company offers transportation in wheelchair-adapted minivans with a hydraulic ramp (350 kg capacity), AMF-Bruns wheelchair restraint systems, and seat belts for all passengers. Capacity is for 1 wheelchair user plus 6 passengers and driver, or 2 wheelchair users plus 5 passengers and driver. They also provide transportation services for concerts, shopping centers, medical visits, and various excursions. Reservation is required 24 hours in advance.

Contact:

 

Transportation Within the City:

Bus

Dubrovnik has 13 bus lines operating within the city: 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. Most of these lines pass or terminate at Pile Gate, the western entrance to the Old Town. Recent years have seen the acquisition of many new accessible buses, most of which are MAN Lion’s City models with low floors for easy wheelchair access, and equipped with easily deployable ramps at the middle door. There are also vans with automatic lifts available for daily rental and transfers, including airport transfers.

Taxi

The same taxi services and company mentioned for airport transfers are available within the city.

Cable Car

All facilities of the Dubrovnik Cable Car are fully equipped with access for people with disabilities, including both stations, cabins, restrooms, and an elevator. The lower station provides a comfortable space for visitors to alight from buses and has appropriate restrooms.

  • Additional facilities: Accessible parking for wheelchair users.

 

Port:

The Dubrovnik Cruise Port, known as Gruž, is one of the most important and busiest ports in Croatia, especially concerning cruise tourism. It is located in the bay of Gruž, northwest of Dubrovnik's old town.

Located about 3 kilometers northwest of the famous old town of Dubrovnik. To get to the city center, visitors can opt for a short bus ride, taxi, or even a walk, depending on their preferences and mobility capacity. The bus or taxi journey usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes.

The Dubrovnik port is capable of accommodating large international cruise ships, making it a popular destination in the Mediterranean. It has modern facilities to receive cruise passengers, including waiting areas, tourist information services, and comfortable access for boarding and disembarking.

Cruises arriving in Dubrovnik come from various points in the Mediterranean and other international destinations. During the high season, the port receives a large number of cruises from major lines, making it a hub for tourism in the Adriatic. Cruise routes typically connect Dubrovnik with other popular destinations such as Venice, Athens, the Greek islands, and other coastal cities in Croatia and Italy.

The cruise port plays a crucial role in Dubrovnik's tourism economy. Visitors arriving on cruises significantly contribute to local commerce and have the opportunity to explore the city's rich cultural and historical offerings.

In addition to basic facilities, the port offers various services for cruise passengers, including guided tours, transportation to local attractions, and food and shopping options near the port.

Therefore, this is an important point of entry for visitors wishing to explore the beautiful city of Dubrovnik and its surroundings, combining modern facilities with easy access to one of the most picturesque and historical destinations in the Adriatic.

Adapted beaches

Copacabana Beach

Copacabana Beach in Dubrovnik is well equipped to accommodate people with reduced mobility (PRM). Here is a summary of the accessibility features and facilities available on the beach:

Disabled Access Elevator: The beach has a disabled access elevator, useful for wheelchair users who wish to swim in the sea.

Wheelchair Accessible Facilities: Most of the beach is accessible via pebble paths. These paths allow wheelchair users to access various areas of the beach, including sun loungers located on cement piers.

Parking: The parking area, although small, is on level ground, facilitating wheelchair users to move from their vehicle to the cement pier and beach areas. However, there are no specific spaces designated for disabled parking, which could affect availability upon arrival.

Restaurant and Water Sports: The beach also offers a variety of facilities, including a restaurant and water sports activities. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, but be aware that it is quite expensive.

Bathrooms: Although the bathrooms are easily accessible, there are no bathrooms specifically designed for disabled users. The existing bathrooms, although step-free, offer limited space, which might not be convenient for wheelchair users.

 

Sunset Beach Dubrovnik

This beach, located in the Lapad bay, offers several amenities for people with reduced mobility (PRM). Below, we detail the accessibility features and facilities of this beach:

The beach is located just 2.5 km from the old town of Dubrovnik. It is an ideal destination for families with children and young adults, and is equipped to accommodate people with special needs.

General Facilities: The beach has various facilities such as parking, bathrooms, Wi-Fi, showers, sun loungers, and umbrellas for rent.

As we mentioned earlier, it also has wheelchair-accessible facilities, including adapted bathrooms and showers, as well as a changing room.

Moreover, it features a wooden walkway that divides the beach, facilitating movement over the hot stones. Visitors can enjoy luxurious sun loungers and VIP cabanas with easy access to the sea and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and Dubrovnik sunsets.

Finally, we want to remind you that beaches like Mandrač, Veliki Zaton, and the islands of Koločep (Donje Čelo) and Šipan (Suđurađ) are also equipped with elevators for people with disabilities.

Neighborhoods / Areas

Old Town Dubrovnik:

Visiting the old town of Dubrovnik in a wheelchair is a unique experience, filled with history and beauty. This city, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", offers an unforgettable journey through its cobblestone streets and historical monuments, although its accessibility can sometimes be a bit challenging.

We want to start with the famous and majestic Pile Gate, the main entrance to the old town. Here, the contrast between the ancient walls and the modern wheelchair access sets the tone for our route. Through this gate, we enter the famous main street, Stradun, a paved avenue full of life and activity. Although some sections can be difficult to navigate due to the uneven stones, the experience of being surrounded by historical buildings makes the effort worthwhile.

Continuing our way, we reach Onofrio's Fountain, a popular meeting point and an excellent example of Dubrovnik's Gothic-Renaissance architecture. Here, we take a moment to refresh ourselves and admire the detailed sculptures that adorn the fountain. Despite the cobblestones, the fountain is accessible and offers a well-deserved break.

We proceed to the Franciscan Monastery and the oldest functioning pharmacy in Europe. Its entrance is accessible, allowing us to discover this historical place where history, medicine, and art converge. The monastery's corridors, full of tranquility and beauty, transport us to another time.

From here, we can continue to the Dubrovnik Cathedral, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture. Although access can be challenging, the effort is worth it. Inside, we find impressive works of art and the rich history it houses.

We can stop for a meal at one of the many accessible restaurants, enjoying the delicious local cuisine. Dubrovnik's hospitality becomes evident in how restaurateurs and locals strive to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

In the afternoon, we explore some of the less-traveled side streets. Here, we find craft shops, art galleries, and charming corners, offering a more intimate view of life in Dubrovnik. Although some areas are less accessible, the cultural richness and hidden beauty in these streets are worth discovering.

One of the highlights of our tour is a visit to the Sponza Palace. This historic building, with its blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, is a testament to Dubrovnik's prosperous past. Its interior is accessible and houses an important collection of historical documents, offering a window into the city's past.

As the sunset approaches, we head towards the city walls. Although touring them entirely can be challenging in a wheelchair, there are accessible sections that offer spectacular views of the Adriatic and the city. This moment, with the sun setting over the horizon, is magical and will leave us with unforgettable memories.

Finally, we end our day in Luža Square, a lively social hub where people gather to enjoy the evening. Accessibility here is good, and we join in the joy and bustle of the nightlife, reflecting on the wonders we have experienced throughout the day.

Adapted restaurants

Restaurant 360: https://360dubrovnik.com/

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not 100% accessible, but it does have some tables on the lower floor that are accessible for people with reduced mobility. We wanted to include it in our list as it is a Michelin-starred restaurant and we are sure that you will enjoy an incredible dinner there.

This restaurant only serves dinner and reservations must be made in advance as it is in high demand.

Address and Contact:

  • Sv.Dominka bb, 20000 Dubrovnik
  • Phone: (+385) 20 322 222
  • Email: reservations@360dubrovnik.com


 

Cele Gourmet Bar: https://www.celedubrovnik.com/

Located on Stradun, this restaurant with over 80 years of history offers a varied menu for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

It is an elegant and fun place, with accessible bathrooms.

Address and Contact:

  • Placa 1, Dubrovnik, Croatia
  • Phone: (+385)099-423-0400
  • Email: info@celedubrovnik.com

Other cities near Dubrovnik

Contact us - whatsapp