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Wheelchair accessible transport in Málaga and the Costa del Sol: airport, beaches and van hire
Málaga is one of the better-prepared places in Spain for wheelchair users, with beaches that have assisted bathing every summer. Getting a van with a ramp still takes some planning.
Updated 26 October 2026 · AbleVan · 3 min read
In short: Book Aena's free assistance at Málaga Airport at least 48 hours ahead. Ramp vans exist on the Costa del Sol but sell out in summer, so ask early. In summer, Misericordia, Malagueta and El Dedo beaches offer assisted bathing.
Arriving at Málaga Airport
Like every Aena airport, Málaga offers free assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, from a signposted meeting point to the aircraft seat and back. Request it at least 48 hours before the flight through the airline or Aena's website.
Finding a van with a ramp
There is more choice here than in most of Spain: at least one national rental company announced ramp vans at Málaga Airport in 2023, and smaller local firms also have adapted vehicles. Even so, they go quickly from Easter to October. Ask early, check whether the van is delivered to the terminal and what that costs, and make sure it suits your chair with our checklist.
Need to drive with hand controls? Some companies also offer adapted cars for disabled drivers. Ask for "coche adaptado con mandos manuales".
Accessible beaches in Málaga
Málaga city runs two kinds of accessible beach points in summer:
- Assisted bathing, with staff who go into the water with you, at Misericordia, Malagueta and El Dedo. In 2026 it ran on weekdays until mid-September, from 11:00 to 20:00.
- Independent bathing points with amphibious chairs, a hoist with harness and adapted toilets at Guadalmar, San Andrés, La Caleta, Pedregalejo and El Palo.
Dates change each year, so check with the city council before you travel.
Parking
Recognition of the UK Blue Badge depends on each local authority. Carry it with a translation and check local rules before you park.
Want us to look for you?
Tell us your dates, where you are staying on the Costa del Sol and a few details about your chair. We ask the rental companies in the area and send you one offer with the full price if we find a van that fits. If not, we tell you straight away.
Need a van with a ramp? Tell us about your trip and your chair, and we look for a van that suits it before we send you an offer. Free, no commitment, reply within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hire a wheelchair accessible van at Málaga Airport?
Yes, there are ramp vans on the Costa del Sol, including from at least one company at the airport, but they sell out from Easter to October. Ask as early as you can.
Which beaches in Málaga have assisted bathing for wheelchair users?
In summer, Misericordia, Malagueta and El Dedo have staff who help with bathing. Guadalmar, San Andrés, La Caleta, Pedregalejo and El Palo have amphibious chairs and a hoist for independent use.
Sources
- Málaga City Council, accessible beaches 2026 (Spanish)
- Hosteltur, adapted vehicles at Málaga and Mallorca airports (Spanish, 2023)
- GOV.UK, using a Blue Badge in the European Union
About AbleVan
AbleVan helps visitors to Spain who use a wheelchair hire a van with a ramp. We do not own vehicles: we find one from a Spanish rental company, check that it suits the traveller's chair and arrange the booking. This guide is written by the AbleVan team from official sources, listed above, and is reviewed when the rules change.