The Costa del Sol, located on the southern coast of Spain, is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and luxury resorts. It is also a popular destination for those looking to engage in sports and fitness activities, thanks to its mild climate and wide variety of inland and beach activities. The famed climate of the area means that winter and summer seasons often merge, with most traditional summer sports being able to be practised even throughout the so-called ‘off’ season.
Summer is most popular for beach activities, of course, and water enthusiasts can practise sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding throughout the long Mediterranean summer days. The warm waters are perfect for swimming, while kite-surfing and electric surfboards are sports that are becoming more popular each year.
Tennis players are also well-served (pardon the pun!) on the Costa del Sol, with several top-flight clubs, including the Club de Tenis Hotel Puente Romano at the exclusive Puente Romano hotel and Wimbledon veteran Manolo Santana’s club welcoming both tennis and padel tennis aficionados. Padel tennis has seen a great surge in popularity over the past few years, and clubs such as Racquet Club Villa Padierna and the Real Club Padel Marbella have wonderful facilities as well as fully equipped gyms for a comprehensive workout.
Of course, we can’t discuss sports on the Costa del Sol without mentioning golf, home to over 70 courses and one of the top golfing spots in the world. There are courses to suit all abilities, from world-class clubs, including Valderrama, latterly host of the Ryder Cup, to easier 9-hole rounds. The range of courses offers a variety of challenging holes and stunning views, making them a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.
Marbella has the highest number of golf courses in any municipality in Europe, 21 in total which, coupled with first-class hotels and plentiful fine dining establishments make it one of the best places in Europe, if not the world, for golf holidays or permanent residence. The abundant, year-round sunshine means that golfers can take to the fairways while rarely having to worry about inclement weather.
Inland adventures
From fun days out paintballing with friends, to rock climbing and four-wheel drive safaris, the Costa del Sol has much to offer for days away from the beach. The beautiful Andalucian countryside can be practically deserted even on the busiest days at the seafront, with hikes that take in some truly spectacular scenery.
The rivers running through the Sierras that give the area its stunning backdrop provide cooling relief in the summer months, with canyoning and bouldering that would thrill even the most experienced adventure seekers. It’s best to book with a tour company to do these trips, as they can get rather challenging.
The pinnacle of them all – literally – is a climb to the top of La Concha mountain. It’s well signposted but be sure to sally forth well-equipped for a long and sometimes challenging climb. The view from the top is well worth the effort, however, with vistas that stretch all along the Costa del Sol, over the Mediterranean to Africa and the Rock of Gibraltar. An unforgettable experience.
The Costa del Sol is a fabulous destination for serious athletes as well as those just wanting to stay healthy and active in the breathtaking scenery.
We are biased, but there can be few better places for to live or visit for holidays. We’d love to help you find the perfect home so you can enjoy all the Costa del Sol has to offer too. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.