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Tennis is being left behind by Spain’s fastest growing sport, thanks to cheaper courts and a buzzing social environment.
You may have heard this question before if you live in Marbella. “Padel is a great game to play?”
Once a niche pastime played quietly behind hotel walls, padel has exploded across Spain – and nowhere more so than on the Costa del Sol.
The racket game of choice among expats is the glass-walled court. It’s easier, cheaper and social.
Padel has a much deeper history in Marbella than most people realize. In the 1970s, the sport was introduced to Spain by Prince Alfonso de Hohenlohe at the Marbella Club Hotel.
What started as a curious curiosity has grown to a national obsession.
Spain is home to more than 17,000 Padel courts. This is one of highest ratios of players per court in the world.
Marbella alone has over 30,000 residents. 60 padel clubsThe city has a population of more than 300,000. The city is one of Europe’s padel centers, with around 20 tournaments being held each year.
Padel isn’t only for the locals. Spain’s sunny, southern coast is a great place to play outside all year.
Celine, a Norwegian student of 24 years, says, “Coming from cold Norway it feels amazing to play outdoors in Marbella.”
What is the switch from tennis to Padel?
Tennis lovers need not panic. The sport will not disappear anytime soon. Marbella has 14 tennis courts. Many of them are shared with padel clubs.
It’s hard to ignore the change in racket-swinging behavior. Simply put: padel fits modern expat life better – and tennis is no longer the default choice.
Lower costs, better value
Padel is the winner when it comes to cost. The cost of padel is one of many factors that makes it attractive to expats.
Padel is usually played as a doubles game, which means that the court is shared between four players.
Tennis, by contrast, is usually singles – and coaching costs can quickly add up.
Take Marbella for example. Take Marbella as an example. Los Naranjos Padel Club, court hire costs around €22 for 60 minutes, €33 for 90 minutes and €44 for two hours.
This is a reasonable cost for a social sport that involves four players.
Tennis court hire, on the other hand, can range from €22 to 106 per match.
Private tennis lessons often start around €65 an hour, which is before factoring in regular court time.
The math is easy for expats who want to play padel several times per week: it makes more sense financially.
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It is easier on the body
Another big factory is injury risk – or rather, the lack of it.
The Padel court is smaller. Underarm serves are used, and the emphasis is on positioning than raw power.
It is especially appealing for players who are returning to tennis after a long absence, or have sustained a few injuries in the past.
Padel players often say, “It is competitive but not punishing.”
Padel is better for the knees, shoulders, and elbows than tennis, especially when played on hard courts. Many expats find that it can be the difference between them playing at all or just occasionally.
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This is a great product for beginners
Padel is a beginner-friendly sport, unlike tennis. The enclosed court and the glass walls make rallies more enjoyable for beginners.
No need to have a perfect serve, or even years of practice in order to enjoy yourself. Most beginners will be able to play a proper rally within a couple of sessions. This boosts confidence and keeps them coming back.
The low barrier to entry for new expats to Spain is vital. Padel isn’t only for beginners. It’s designed specifically for them.
Padel for All Levels
Here is where padel truly stands out.
You can find a club that suits your needs, whether it’s the first time you pick up a racket or you play every week. The majority of clubs offer introductory classes, group coaching, and mixed-level matches, as well as competitive leagues to those who want a more challenging experience.
Padel is particularly accessible to international residents due to the availability of coaching in English. This is important in a city like Marbella.
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Social appeal built-in
Tennis is typically viewed as a serious sport or solo activity. Padel, on the other hand, is a social game.
The doubles format encourages teamwork – and plenty of banter. On the terrace, matches are usually followed by coffee or fresh juices.
The post-match discussion can sometimes last longer than the actual match.
Many clubs offer mixed-ability games and league nights. WhatsApp groups also make it easier to find and schedule matches.
For expats building a new social circle in southern Spain, padel has become one the of the easiest ways to meet people organically – without the awkwardness of formal networking events.
Celine said, “I became addicted to padel as it is easy to play and you don’t need to be a professional to enjoy it.” “I have made so many new friends because of the sport!”
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Marbella padel hotspots
Since the first court opened at the Marbella Club Hotel in the early 1990s, the city is now one of Spain’s strongest padelholds. There are clubs to suit all tastes and budgets.
CIMN, a local real estate company, recently compiled a list of notables.
Sport is more than just a game
Padel is now a part of life in Marbella, and throughout Spain. The sport is included in the weekly schedule along with school runs, meetings at work and beach walks. The city is dotted with courts, so it’s simple to grab a group of friends and start playing.
Matches lead to friendships, tournaments build long-lasting fitness habits, and the setting – with mountains, sea and sunshine never far from view – does the rest.
Tennis has its place. For many expats padel is a better fit for modern life: it’s cheaper, easier, more social, and kinder to the body.
Padel is not just a sport for tennis players in Spain. It’s the social glue that holds expats together.
The Olive Press has more Marbella News. Click here to read it.
