Sport
Padel in Spain: how to get started, find courts and choose your gear
How padel works, how to find courts and players in Spain, what gear beginners need and the etiquette to know.
Updated: October 2026
If you want to meet people quickly after moving to Spain, few things work as well as padel. It is the country’s fastest-growing sport, almost every town has courts, and games are played in fours, so you are never short of company. This guide explains how padel works, how to find courts and other players, and what gear you need to get started.
Why padel is so big in Spain
According to the International Padel Federation, Spain had around 17,000 padel courts and close to 4,500 clubs and facilities in 2024, and the Spanish Padel Federation issued a record 109,040 player licences. That is one court for roughly every 2,800 people. Andalucía and Catalonia have the most courts, so on the Costa del Sol you will rarely be far from one.
Padel is easy to pick up. The court is smaller than a tennis court, the ball is slower, and the walls keep the ball in play, so even beginners have long rallies in their first game. It is also very social: matches are almost always doubles, and many clubs organise mixed games, leagues and tournaments for every level.
The basic rules in one minute
- Padel is played in pairs on an enclosed court of 20 × 10 metres with glass and mesh walls.
- The serve is underarm and must bounce once on the ground before you hit it, diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
- The ball may bounce once on the ground and can then hit the walls, like in squash. You can also play it off your own walls back over the net.
- Scoring is the same as in tennis: 15, 30, 40, game, and sets of six games.
How to find courts and players
- Booking apps: most clubs let you book courts online, and apps such as Playtomic also let you join open matches with players of your level. It is the easiest way to play when you do not know anyone yet.
- Clubs and sports centres: private clubs offer classes, social mornings and leagues. Many municipal sports centres (polideportivos) have cheaper courts for residents registered on the padrón.
- Classes: a few group lessons help you learn the walls and positioning, and they are a good way to meet regular players.
- Expat groups: many international communities on the coast have padel groups on WhatsApp or Facebook. See also our guide to joining a sports team in Spain.
Court hire is paid per court for 60 or 90 minutes and usually split between the four players, which makes padel one of the cheaper ways to play sport regularly.
What you need to get started
- Racket (pala): clubs rent rackets, so you do not need to buy one for your first games. When you do, beginners usually do best with a round, lighter racket with a soft core, which is easier to control than the diamond-shaped rackets the professionals use.
- Shoes: padel or clay-court shoes with a herringbone sole grip the artificial grass and sand of the courts. Running shoes are slippery and can lead to injuries.
- Balls: padel balls look like tennis balls but have slightly less pressure. Bring a new tin for each match or two.
- Sun protection and water: many courts are outdoors. In summer, book early mornings or evenings.
Specialist shops have the widest choice of rackets, shoes and bags for every level. You can compare beginner and intermediate rackets at Padel ProShop (ad).
Etiquette worth knowing
- Arrive on time: courts are booked by the hour and the next group will be waiting.
- Bring a new tin of balls if it is your turn, and offer to split the court fee.
- Be honest about your level when you join open matches. A mixed-level game is less fun for everyone.
- Greet the other players and shake hands or say “buen partido” at the end. Padel is a social game.
Useful links
- International Padel Federation: padel in Spain in 2024 (courts and licences)
- Federación Española de Pádel (Spanish Padel Federation)
FAQ: padel in Spain
Do I need a licence to play padel in Spain?
No. You only need a federation licence if you want to play official federation competitions. For social games, classes and club leagues, you just book a court.
Can I play padel if I have never played tennis?
Yes. Padel is easier to learn than tennis because the court is smaller, the serve is underarm and the walls keep the ball in play. Many players start with no racket sport experience.
How do I find other players at my level?
Booking apps and clubs let you join open matches by level. Group classes and expat padel groups are also good ways to find regular partners.
What kind of racket should a beginner buy?
A round, relatively light racket with a soft core gives more control and is kinder on the arm. Try a few rental rackets at the club before you buy.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Prices, club rules and booking systems vary – check with the club or sports centre before you play.
