Costa del Sol Gyms

A Healthier You on the Costa del Sol

Pack your trainers, charge up your bitFit and find out where to keep up with your exercise regime while on holiday in Marbella and Malaga.

On the Costa del Sol, the sun-kissed region cradling Spain's southernmost coastline, a healthy lifestyle comes almost naturally.

As soon as the sun peeks over the Mediterranean, scores of locals come out to run or power walks coastal boulevards, hop on a paddleboard or bike, or head to the beach for a morning workout or yoga session.

Later in the day, tennis and padel courts start to fill up, and then by late afternoon crowds of school kids and workmates head off tofootball and basketball practice in the parks.

While all this activity lies literally outside the door of your Costa del Sol holiday rental, finding an indoor gym while you are on holiday is a bit more elusive.

Here is our short list of the best gyms and fitness centres in Malaga and Marbella.

Before you leave home, we strongly suggest asking your regular fitness centre which ones they are affiliated with, or download a fitness app for travellers such as Easy Gym Access.

Top gyms and training parks in Malaga

Along with regular fitness centres, Malaga hides a treasure for fitness enthusiasts - outdoor gyms and callisthenics parks set amidst leafy green parks and along the beachfront.

McFIT Av. de Andalucía, s/n, 29007

As the name suggests, this workout space is an excellent choice if you're on a budget. Located inside a central Carrefour Alameda shopping centre, McFIT provides a variety of equipment and flexible membership options. It's perfect for those who want a quick workout minus the frills.

O2 Centro Wellness, Plaza de Toros Vieja, 5, 29002

At the other end of the fitness spectrum, O2 Centro Wellness is not just a gym; it's a holistic lifestyle centre. This well-appointed facility offers a 360-degree approach to health and healthy living, with the latest equipment, expert fitness classes, Olympic swimming pools, spa services, and even a kids' club. Not convinced? You can book a free trial day on the company’s website.

Dreams Nova, Calle Ayala, 11, 29002

Situated in downtown Malaga, Dreams Nova prides itself on its variety of activities and being the only fitness club in Malaga to offer Taekwondo. Small group classes ensure excellent teacher-student attention and any possible injuries in classes that range from pilates to Zumba, hip hop to all forms of martial arts.

Synergym (various locations)

With four locations in Malaga and dozens more across Spain, this Synergym is the go-to option for many Spaniards. Well-equipped workout rooms, saunas and spas align with flexible pricing plans and extended opening hours to make Synergym a good choice to keep up your routine while on the road.

Outdoor gyms and callisthenics parks in Malaga

Given Malagueños' love of outdoor activity, the local council has thoughtfully placed a dozen or so free outside gyms and calisthenics parks around the city.

You will find them in parks and plazas and mostly along the Paseo Marítim Antonio Banderas. (Yes, the street is named after the Hollywood actor, who was born in Malaga.)

One of the best is on the waterfront opposite the Plaza Manuel Martín Molina. It provides a perfect opportunity to combine a workout with a cooling dip in the sea.

Top gyms and spas in Marbella

Whether you're drawn to heart-pounding workouts or serene spa retreats, Marbella caters to a diverse array of preferences.

Professional Elite Sport, Local 4, Marbella Mercado, Av. Mercado, 29601

Not so much a regular gym as a personalised training service, this boutique fitness centre offers one-to-one trainers and post-sports injury rehab. It’s recommended for those seeking tailored workout plans in a motivating environment.

Crossfit Puerto Banus, Centro Comercial Azalea, Calle Ana de Austria, 29660

An excellent place to practice Crossfit and powerlifting in the central Puerto Banus area. Rather than high-tech equipment and state-of-the-art facilities, the centre emphasizes the importance of sweat and hard work to get you into shape.

Purobeach Marbella, Playa El Padrón, 29.680 Estepona

This Marbella branch of this group of European-wide beach clubs has all the brand’s glamorous trappings such as lush white day beds, a sunset DJ, cocktail service and a beautiful palm-filled setting. While this might sound overindulgent, yoga classes and workouts on the sand are also offered, so you can detox before you retox.

Marbella Club, Avenida Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe, s/n, 29602

For the ultimate wellness experience, this club has all the characteristics of a five-star resort with a program that covers pilates, yoga, tennis, padel and personal training. Many of the activities are carried out in the centre’s lush gardens, and there is also a Thalasso Spa on-site for the ultimate pampering treatments that harness the healing power of the sea.

Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona Spa, Autovía del Mediterráneo, Km 1066, 29680 Estepona

Located just a short drive from Marbella, the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona Spa offers a retreat of luxurious indulgence. The spa's hydrotherapy circuit, saunas, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea create a truly immersive wellness experience.

And also..

Don’t forget, staying fit on the Costa del Sol isn't just about physical activity; it's also about savouring the Mediterranean diet which is celebrated for its health benefits.

The region offers an abundance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients that will tantalize your taste buds while nourishing your body.

Read our article on hiring a private chef on the Costa del Sol, and learn about the secrets of Andalusian cuisine.