Not all Lithuanian beaches are accessible for people with disabilities

Some of Lithuania’s most highly rated beaches still fail to provide proper access for people with disabilities, an investigation by LRT has found.

Beaches awarded the Blue Flag—an international certification for environmental quality, safety, and infrastructure—are required to be accessible. However, in practice, many remain out of reach for those with mobility impairments, who cannot even drive close to the water.

Visaginas, which does not hold Blue Flag status, offers a contrasting example. The beach there features a dedicated accessible path, allowing people with disabilities to enter the water independently. Marius Montikas, a man with a mobility disability from Zarasai, recently tried the route for the first time. Previously, he had to make do with improvised solutions, such as sitting on a bench and sliding into the water—an uncomfortable and undignified process.

After receiving instructions from lifeguards, Montikas used the path to reach the water. His wheelchair rolled slightly into the shallow end, allowing him to hold the handrails and enjoy a swim. The path then guided him back out. “I’d give it a ten out of ten—it’s great,” he said. “Of course, deeper water would be even better, but as it is, it’s fantastic.”

In contrast, Aurimas Kosteckas, a Vilnius resident with a mobility disability, expressed frustration at Valakampiai Beach in Vilnius, which does hold Blue Flag status. While the beach’s website claims it is accessible, Kosteckas said it is impossible to reach independently. There is no proper parking, no changing facilities, and the terrain is difficult to navigate. “You still have to ask for help, either from lifeguards or others. I have strong arms, but someone weaker would have no chance. You have to push yourself up a hill just to get there,” he said.

Accessible beach wheelchairs are available at Valakampiai, but they require lifeguard assistance, pulling staff away from their primary duties.

Ernestas Marčiulionis, a representative of the Lithuanian Association of People with Disabilities, criticised the superficial approach to accessibility. “It looks like they’ve installed something and expect praise. But we’re not angry for the sake of it—we just want what’s built to actually work. A person with a disability can immediately tell you what’s wrong and how to fix it. A healthy person sits down, and the chair just rolls—what’s the problem?”

Lithuania currently has seven Blue Flag beaches, all of which are supposed to meet accessibility standards.