Porto Recanati launches 'Libera‑mente' accessible beach for people with disabilities

From 1 July to 30 August 2026, the coastal town of Porto Recanati in Italy will operate “Libera‑mente – Una spiaggia per tutti”, a fully equipped beach designed for people with disabilities. The site includes wheelchair‑friendly walkways to the water, floating Job chairs for sea entry, showers, shaded areas with sun‑beds and umbrellas, a cabin, sanitary facilities and reserved parking.

The initiative is the result of a co‑design effort between the non‑profit association Oltre i Limiti APS, the municipal administration and private sponsors. Mayor Andrea Michelini described the service as “a concrete expression of inclusion, dignity and real attention to people”, while Public Works Assessor Lorenzo Riccetti called it a “virtuous model of collaboration between the third sector, private partners and the public body”. The project aims to turn the right to enjoy the sea into an everyday reality, promoting autonomy, participation and equal opportunity for families with disabled members.

Support from local companies, foundations and citizens helped fund the infrastructure, and the municipality says the model is already being referenced by other Italian communes seeking to replicate the inclusive approach.