Playing padel and tennis in Barcelona
Game, Set and LOVE
Feeling the urge for a friendly volley or two? Tennis in Barcelona has been a hugely popular game long before Rafa Nadal became one of the most respected and charismatic players the game has ever seen.
Tennis in Spain started to gain traction in the late 20th century when a return to democracy and internationalisation of the country made it popular with the upper classes. And of course, being able to play an outdoor game under the sun nearly all year round helped.
Tennis in Spain today still has a whiff of exclusivity about it. That could be because free and public-use courts are practically non-existent. Instead, players pay to use them, with the majority being managed by private tennis clubs or fitness centres.
Nearly all tennis courts in Spain are red clay, which can require a little getting used to if you are more used to playing on grass. Players are trained from a young age, with kids trotting off in their tennis whites after school or special tennis ‘casals’ during the school holidays.
Padel is generally viewed as an easier sport. Originating from Mexico, padel is played on a small court enclosed by wire nets. The balls, which are slightly smaller than a tennis ball, can be played off them - in a similar way to squash. Padel has other things in common with squash in so much as it's practised as an informal sport between friends after work or on the weekends – a jolly way to work up a sweat before they all get together for a beer in the local bar.
Where to play tennis in Barcelona
Situated in the posh neighbourhood of Pedrables, the Royal Tennis Club of Barcelona, (El Real Club de tenis de Barcelona, Carrer de Bosch i Gimpera, 5-13, 08034) is one of the most prestigious and oldest clubs in Spain.
The club has trained up some of the most famous names in Spanish tennis, including Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya, and each year hosts the Banco Sabadell Barcelona Open or ‘Godó’.
Given these credentials, the facilities at the club are as five-star as you would expect. With 20 courts for tennis, five for padel, a gym, wellness centre and swish restaurant, the club has a culture and history that stands out from the other tennis clubs in Barcelona.
Tucked away amongst the pine trees on Montjuïc, the mount that overlooks the city, the Reial Societat de Tennis Pompeia (Carrer de la Foixarda, 2, 16, 08038) feels like one of Barcelona’s best-kept secrets.
The truth is, it’s been going since 1908 and, with sweeping views over the city, a terrace restaurant overlooking the courts and shaded swimming pool, it is a lovely place for a casual game of tennis or padel followed by a G&T. Non-members must reserve courts three days in advance.
Also on Montjuïc the Club Natació de Montjuïc boast nine clay tennis courts (`batida’ in Catalan) and five courts for padel, along with an Olympian swimming pool and facilities for frontón ( a Basque game similar to squash) and pickle ball.
For something different in Barcelona why not try your hand at tennis on the sand? Beach Tennis Barcelona is a group of courts set up right on Bogatell beach, so you can enjoy a round or two with the sea breeze in your face.
Playing on a sandy court of course presents challenges of its own. Let the experts show you how by taking some classes at the Beach Tennis School, or watch the pros in action at the Sand Series tournament the club hosts in May.
In the foothills of Collserola, the natural park that envelopes Barcelona, you will find Vall Parc – possibly one of the best-situated facilities for tennis and padel in Spain.
With 11 clay courts surrounded by forests, and nine exterior padel courts (there an additional five indoor ones), Vall Parc (Carrer de l'Arrabassada, 107, 08035) feels more like a tennis resort, and is a fantastic place for a match in fresh, pine-scented air. You’ll need a car to get there, or take the metro to Vall d’Hebron metro station and then a 15-minute uphill walk.
Where to buy (and rent) tennis gear in Barcelona
Most tennis clubs in Barcelona have small shops where you can pick up any gear you have left at home. Check ahead for racket rental, as it’s not always available.
With three locations in the city, the one-stop sports and outdoor department store Decathlon has a huge tennis and padel section with rackets, balls, shoes and all gear at very reasonable prices.
For something more exclusive, or even customized, try Tennis Lab, a tennis ‘boutique’ situated near the Royal Tennis Club of Barcelona (Carrer dels Doctors Trias i Pujol, 7, 08034).
And finally, why not up your game during your Barcelona holiday?
The Barcelona Tennis Academy offers short-stay individual programs from one to three weeks. Each one is tailor-made to ability and potential, and classes are carried out under the palm trees at the beautiful Andres Gimeno Tennis Club in the beachside enclave of Castelldefels.
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