Padel and tennis in Nerja

 A few times a week, I'm on the padel court myself. It's a good way to stay fit, and a bit different from the usual beach walk. It's quite different here than in the Netherlands, though; being on a court at two in the afternoon, with 35 degrees, is a workout in itself. Water, lots of water, and maybe a cap, isn't a luxury then. But hey, that afternoon cerveza tastes all the better. ### Club de Tenis en Pádel Nerja The most obvious, and for most, the best option, is the Club de Tenis en Pádel Nerja. It's a bit hidden behind the bus station, just up the hill. For padel, they've got seven courts here, all with artificial grass. For tennis, there are four clay courts. Booking is a must, especially in high season. You can check online which times are still free, that saves calling. They've also got a small bar for afterwards, where you can sit quietly for a bit. Nothing too special, but functional.  The courts are well-maintained, that's the main thing. The padel courts feel fresh, the artificial grass is still in great condition, and the lighting is good enough even in the evening. That's nice, 'cause in July and August, playing in the evening is the only option if you don't wanna melt. Around nine in the evening, it's still perfectly fine on the court. The clay courts for tennis are also decent, but you've gotta have a bit of that Spanish knack with clay. No hardcourt here. ### Nerja Club de Tenis Los Pinos A bit outside the centre, towards Frigiliana, you'll find Los Pinos. This is an older club, more focused on tennis than padel, though they've added a few padel courts. Don't expect luxurious facilities, it's all a bit simpler here, a bit more local. The atmosphere is very friendly, though. If you don't mind a bit of dustiness and prefer being among the Spaniards, this is a good choice. The tennis courts here are a kind of green carpet, so just a bit different from the clay courts at the other club. That doesn't mean they're worse, they just play differently. !Tennis court with player in the evening sun The padel courts are fine for a game. I mostly come here when I'm looking for a quieter court, or if everything at the other club is full. Parking is a lot easier here, you can usually just park right in front. They've also got a small shop where you can rent balls or a racket, if you haven't brought your own. Mind you, most communication here is in Spanish. A few Spanish phrases wouldn't hurt, but you'll get by with hand gestures too. Or Google Translate on your phone, of course. ### Rental times and prices The prices for renting a court are similar at both clubs. Count on about 15 to 20 euros per hour for a padel court, and a bit less for tennis, depending on the time. Evenings and weekends are always the most expensive. My tip: try to play around midday, between twelve and two, then it's often a bit cheaper and there are more spots available. You'll have that heat, but once you're used to it, it's quite manageable. A good siesta afterwards helps then.  If you haven't got your own racket, you can usually rent one for a few extra euros. They've got balls for sale too, or sometimes you can rent a tube. Just check this beforehand when you book. Good to know: at Club de Tenis en Pádel Nerja, you can book via their website, that works pretty smoothly. For Los Pinos, you'd better call, or just drop by to arrange a time. Things are a bit more traditional there. ### Sports with children For families who wanna be active: both clubs sometimes offer lessons for children, especially in the summer months. Check their website or call for the possibilities. If you're on holiday with younger kids, and you want a day out to cool down, then Aquavelis waterpark in Torre del Mar or Aquatropic in Almuñécar are good options too. Aquavelis is bigger, but Aquatropic is great for the little ones. And the Cueva de Nerja is an adventure too, honestly, all those stalactites are quite impressive for kids from about six years old. As I wrote before about the Rio Chillar: walking through the river is also a top outing for kids, as long as you can trudge through the ankle-deep water. That's really adventurous and a nice way to escape the heat. But anyway, when you're back from such an activity, a game of padel or tennis is a nice change for older kids or adults who still have energy left. Especially with the heat we've got here in July, it's smart to spread activities throughout the day. ### My quick conclusion If you wanna sweat a bit and be active, then there are great places for padel or tennis in Nerja. Club de Tenis en Pádel Nerja is the most organised option, with easy online booking and good courts. Los Pinos is a bit more authentic, especially if you want to experience the local atmosphere. My advice is: play in the evening when the sun's gone down. Then you'll really enjoy your sport, without drying out halfway. Don't forget to fill your water bottle. ### You might also like - [Tennis and Padel around Nerja](/en/blog/tennis-padel-around-nerja) - [Hiking and day trips around Nerja](/en/blog/hiking-day-trips-around-nerja) - [Padel near Nerja and on the Coast](/en/blog/padel-near-nerja-coast)