Padel & tennis in Nerja: where to play, book & prices

2026-03-03 Padel & tennis in Nerja: where to play, book & prices

My first taste of padel in Nerja, and I'm hooked. Discover the sport on the Costa del Sol.

It was love at first sight

tennis and padel in the Nerja region and Costa del Sol

I still vividly remember that sunny Saturday afternoon in March, the sky so clear blue it almost hurt my eyes. My friend Marta had talked me into going to this new padel club just outside Nerja, a sport I’d been pretty skeptical about until then. I could smell the resin and rubber of the padel balls as soon as we pulled into the car park of the Club de Tenis y Pádel Nerja, a scent that immediately catapulted me back to my youth on the tennis court. The soft thwack of the ball against the racket and the rhythmic shuffle of tennis shoes on the artificial grass sounded like an invitation. With a rented racket I’d picked up at reception for less than five euros, I awkwardly stepped onto the glass padel court. The ball was lighter than I was used to, and the shorter racket felt a bit unnatural at first, but within a few shots, I started to grasp the finesse of the game. The way the ball bounces off the glass walls and the quick, strategic exchanges made it intense and addictive, much more dynamic than I’d imagined. I was instantly sold – this was more than just a variation of tennis, it was a completely new experience that perfectly suited the relaxed, social atmosphere here on the coast. That first time, time flew by, ending with a well-deserved beer on the clubhouse terrace, where the warm March sun still felt lovely on my face. As I sat there, looking out at the gleaming courts and the distant Mediterranean Sea, I knew this wouldn't be a one-off adventure. Since then, I’ve been there every week, and the sport hasn’t just boosted my fitness, but also expanded my social circle with loads of enthusiastic locals and expats. Padel here in Nerja is more than a sport to me; it's pure joy of life.

Padel or tennis?

Padel courts in Nerja with palm trees and a clear sky

Padel or tennis, that’s the question many people struggle with here. Personally, I’ve always been more of a tennis man, with the serve and the long rallies that really challenge you. Here in Nerja, you'll find various tennis clubs, like the Club de Tenis y Pádel Nerja on Camino de Burriana, where the red-dusted clay courts beckon under the sun. You can rent a court here for about ten to fifteen euros an hour, depending on the time of day, and I usually play with Peter, whom I know from the blog, and with whom I’ve sweated buckets during many a match. That club also has a small cafe, where we always share a beer and a tapa afterwards, essential for warding off muscle soreness, you know. Still, I must admit that padel has been undeniably on the rise in recent years. Since I moved here, I’ve seen the glass cages popping up everywhere – and not just here in Nerja, but all along the Costa del Sol. To be fair, I’ve ventured onto them a few times. Just last month, I played a match on the courts near Maro, a short drive outside Nerja, where the wind is a bit fresher and you have views of the mountains. It’s faster, more intense, and the walls give a whole different dimension to the game; you learn to look at the ball differently. What really attracts me to padel is the social component. It’s more accessible than tennis; you get into a rally quicker and need less technique to have fun. If you can’t find a partner for tennis, padel often has open groups you can easily join. But if I had to choose between a heavy topspin forehand on the tennis court or a bandeja against the back wall, I’d still lean towards that old, familiar yellow ball and the sound of strings on leather. That pure, raw power of a good serve on a clay court remains unsurpassed for me.

My favourite place to play

Tennis court in Nerja with mountain views and surrounded

When it comes to hitting a ball, whether it's padel or tennis, after all these years, I definitely have my favourite spots around here. For tennis, there's really only one place that consistently tops my list: Club de Tenis y Pádel de Nerja. The courts there are always in perfect condition, and seven of the eight tennis courts are lit, which is ideal for those late matches once the worst heat of the day has passed. It's also handy that you can book online via their website; that way you avoid disappointment and don't show up to a full house. In terms of atmosphere and facilities, this place is great; they don't just have nine padel courts and a couple of indoor tennis courts, but also a cozy bar where you can have a chat afterwards with a beer or a summer red wine. Prices are reasonable, around 8-10 euros an hour for a tennis court, depending on the time of day. The weekly Americano padel tournaments on Tuesday and Thursday evenings are highly recommended for meeting new people, and they offer a nice mix of beginners and advanced players. A bit further, towards Frigiliana, lies Club de Campo Cortijo San Rafael. The tennis courts there are a bit older, but the setting more than makes up for it. You play among avocado and mango trees, with an occasional remarkable view of the coastline. A few years ago, I even took some lessons there to refine my backhand; the instructors are calm and patient, and speak decent English. It's a bit of a drive up the hill, but the peace and views are worth it if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Nerja for a bit.

How to book a court here

Well, now that you're infected with the padel or tennis bug here on the coast – because trust me, it’s going to happen – you’ll want to know how to snag a court. Luckily, it's a piece of cake these days, though the method varies a bit by location. Most bigger clubs, like Club de Tenis y Pádel Nerja, use a handy online reservation system via their website. You create an account, choose your sport, date, time, and presto, it's done. You often pay directly online with your card, and then you can just walk straight to your reserved spot. An hour of padel here, depending on the time and whether lighting is needed, usually costs somewhere between 10 and 15 euros for the court. For the smaller, more local courts, where you sometimes get a taste of authentic neighborhood atmosphere, you might still encounter the old-fashioned method. Think of a board at the bar where you write your name and desired time, or a phone call is the way to go. A good example of this is the sports complex near Burriana, where, besides delicious paellas and fresh fish, you can often spontaneously find a spot. It takes a bit of getting used to for the digital natives among us, but honestly, it gives you a nice sense of local connection, and it forces you to brush up on those Spanish words for 'free' or 'occupied'. You often pay cash there, or at the bar if there’s one attached. My tip: always start by searching online; you’ll usually find yourself on the club’s website and their reservation system. If that doesn't work out, or you want to try a specific, smaller court, just ask around among expats who've been here a bit longer – like me! – or the friendly folks at the local tourist office. They often know exactly how things work and can point you in the right direction. And don't forget, once you have a regular group, it’s even easier: then you just arrange a weekly reservation.

That drink makes it perfect

Terrace with sea view, a cool glass of beer and tapas on

After a few games, whether on the padel or tennis court, you're ready for some refreshment. And if there’s a beautiful view to go with it, the day is complete. I have my usual spots, but for something special, I’m happy to drive a bit, towards Balcón de Europa in Nerja, to the chiringuito “Burriana Beach Club”. It’s no secret, but the atmosphere is always good there. A beer and a plate of grilled sardines – fresh from the barbecue – while the sun slowly sets, that’s truly the epitome of post-match relaxation here on the coast. The drive there is already a pleasure, with the scent of salty sea air and bougainvillea creeping over the walls everywhere. Parking can be a challenge in high season, but in spring, you can always find a spot somewhere in the streets around the beach. Once you’re there, the fresh sea breeze greets you as soon as you descend the steps to the beach. From May to October, they often have live Spanish guitar music on the terrace, which adds just that little extra to the atmosphere. This is one of those places where you stay longer than planned. Take it from me. I often start with the idea of 'just one drink', but before I know it, it’s dark, and I’m enjoying one last glass of red wine, staring at the lights on the sea and musing about the day’s missed volleys. It’s the perfect end to an active afternoon and a lovely way to truly experience the Costa del Sol, with all its simplicity and beauty.