SPLIT, Croatia: Wheelchair accessible Hotel & local Transport.
Split was one of the stops on my Croatia trip, and I wanted to share my experience with accessible accommodation, getting around the city in a wheelchair, and traveling from Split to Dubrovnik.
This is based on my personal experience, so some accessibility details may vary depending on the type of wheelchair you use.
1. Wheelchair Accessible Hotel in Split
I initially contacted AC Hotel Split to find an accessible room for three people.
The challenge was that they did not have a three-person configuration in their accessible room. They had one accessible room available, and I asked if they could add an extra bed. Unfortunately, they were not able to do that because of fire-code or other room restrictions.
They did offer me a second room at half price, which was still a reasonable option.
However, when I compared the total price of the two rooms at AC Hotel with what I could get at the Radisson Blu Split, the Radisson Blu turned out to be a better option for us.
The Radisson Blu had a wheelchair-accessible room where they were okay with adding an extra bed, allowing all three of us to stay in the same room.
For me, this turned out to be a good decision. The Radisson Blu was also located right on the sea, so the views were really good.
2. Airport to Hotel Wheelchair accessible taxi
For our transfer from Split Airport to our hotel, I used (https://disabletaxi.com/)., which provides accessible transportation for wheelchair users.
The transfer was arranged directly with Mladen Susic. The vehicle was suitable for wheelchair transportation, making the journey from the airport to the hotel much easier after our flight.
Contact: +385 98 264 503
Contact person: Mladen Susic
Airport transfer cost: €65
If you are planning an accessible trip to Split, it may be worth contacting them in advance to confirm the vehicle and wheelchair requirements for your particular chair.
3. Getting Around Split by Bus
The main challenge with the Radisson Blu was its connectivity to public transportation.
The nearest bus stop was approximately 800 metres to 1 kilometre away from the hotel.
The walk had a combination of flat portions and inclines, so it wasn't completely flat all the way to the bus stop.
Once you reached the bus stop, however, the bus provided a direct connection to Split Old Town.
Wheelchair Accessibility on the Bus
The buses were reasonably wheelchair accessible.
The ramp was manually operated by the driver, and I found that it was somewhat inclined. Because of this, wheelchair users should take a little extra caution when boarding.
I was using my lightweight travel power wheelchair during this trip, and even with a power wheelchair, I had someone positioned behind my chair while I was going up the ramp so that the chair wouldn't topple backwards.
For manual wheelchair users, I would recommend being particularly careful with the ramp.
4. Exploring Split Old Town in a Wheelchair
Once I reached Split Old Town, I found the main promenade to be quite wheelchair accessible.
One of the places I wanted to visit was the main square of Diocletian's Palace, where the Change of Guard ceremony takes place around noon.
There was a challenge here: the main route to the square had stairs.
I had to find a separate route that could be used with a wheelchair. It was a little tricky to figure out, but when I asked local people, they were able to guide me toward the accessible way.
So if you are visiting in a wheelchair, don't assume that the main route is the only option. Asking someone nearby can be very helpful.
5. Marmontova Street and the Split Promenade
I also explored Marmontova Street, the main pedestrian and shopping street in Split.
The street eventually connects with the waterfront promenade, giving you the opportunity to continue toward the sea.
I was able to explore this area in my wheelchair and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
The weather was beautiful during my visit, and one of my favourite parts was simply being able to enjoy the Mediterranean Sea views and the mountains behind Split while moving along the promenade.
** Stay tuned for pictures and reels on insta- @wheelogger
