The fantastic weather we enjoy here on the Costa del Sol means that sports lovers can enjoy a fabulous range of activities throughout the year. Commonly known as the Costa del Golf, visitors can choose from around 70 different courses to suit all tastes, abilities and budgets. Tour operators offer a range of bespoke golfing packages – from luxury golf experiences to corporate groups and holiday/golf combination breaks.

From the world famous Valderrama to Torrequebrada (nicknamed The Beast) and Monte Mayor which boasts some of the best views in Europe, golfers are spoilt for choice.

[pullquote]Puerto Banús bullring hosted the 2009 quarter finals of Davis Cup featuring the game between Germany and Spain[/pullquote]

TENNIS

Tennis is also a big fixture on the Costa del Sol with thousands of courts, many clubs and top level tournaments. Marbella plays host to several annual tennis events including the Andalucia Tennis Experience, Puente Romano Marbella Masters and the ITF Nations Senior Cup, attracting prominent International players such as Martina Hingis, Sergi Bruguera, Boris Becker, Richard Kraicek and Mansour Bahrami but to name a few. In 2009 July, Marbella also hosted the famous Davis Cup quarter finals where Germany and Spain played each other at the Puerto Banús Plaza de Toros (bullring).

Paddle is less widely known within the International community but it’s fast paced short game attracts a large following in the area. Amongst the best raquet clubs are Manolo Santana’s, the Puente Romano and Don Carlos Tennis Clubs, El Casco, Club del Sol and the renound Nueva Alcantara Raquet Club which is also a big favourite for Paddle.

OTHER SPORTS

There are local amateur teams for most sports including basketball, football, rugby and netball which welcome new members and are a fantastic way to meet people. The larger towns all have municipal sports centers with excellent facilities and there are extensive private gyms operating all along the coast.

WORDS BY Susanne Whitaker