Anyone for tennis in Valencia?
With an unbeatable climate, every day is a good day for a game of tennis in Valencia.
The region of Valencia boasts more than 70 tennis clubs and has a long and distinguished history of the game.
Many international rising stars choose to come and train here, and Valencia has given birth to a handful of Spanish tennis greats too, most notably David Ferrer and Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Tennis clubs in Valencia, and indeed all over Spain, are also the places where people head for a game of padel – a hugely popular social sport that is played on a small, singles courts enclosed in a net.
Originating from Mexico, padel is a popular way for friends to get together after work or on the weekends, and anyone who knows tennis basics will have no problem picking it up.
Admission policies to Valencia tennis clubs vary wildly – and members are always given preference for court hire. Call ahead, or check with your own local club for affiliation.
Most tennis clubs have gear for hire. To buy rackets, sweats and everything else for every type of sport, Decathlon is your one-stop shop.
There are three branches in the city of Valencia, the most central being at Calle Cirilo Amorós, 62.
OK now that you are geared up, let's see where you can have a game of tennis in Valencia.
As you will read, there is club for every taste.
The Posh One - Club de Tenis Valencia
Dating from 1905, this was the first tennis club in Valencia and only the 4th in Spain.
Now over a century old, it has quite a few feathers in its cap, as host for the Davis and Federation Cup, and the BBVA Open Ciudad de Valencia international tournament.
With 12 clay courts surrounded by landscaped gardens and overlooked by the terrace of an exclusive restaurant, the Club de Tenis Valencia is as prestigious as it gets.
You’ll need to know someone who knows someone to get in if your own club is not affiliated. On weekdays, the restaurant is open to non-members, so you can get a feel for the place, if not for the courts, over excellent food for a bargain price of 14 euros for a set lunch.
The Inner-city One - The Sporting Club
The Sporting Club is another good option if you are looking for a game in the centre of town.
It offers both tennis and padel courts, and short-term training camps for all levels for those who plan to take an extended holiday in Valencia. There is pool, spa and gym on-site too, along with a ‘ludoteca’ (games and activity room) to keep the kids entertained while you are on court.
The one on the beach - Beach Tennis Valencia
Swapping clay for sand adds a whole new dimension to the game of tennis. So why not give it a shot at one of the best beaches in Spain?
Situated on the Playa de Arenas, Valencia’s main beach, this fledgling club aims to promote beach tennis throughout Spain and already has partnerships as far away as Miami.
Every Saturday is an open day, when tuition is offered for all levels.
The one to up your game - Valencia Tennis Academy
Wanting to up your game while on your Valencia holiday?
Valencia Tennis Academy is situated just 200 metres from Valencia’s famous Malvarrosa beach.
It offers tennis training for all ages and all levels, along with 8 clay courts, 7 padel courts and a bar.
Private tennis lessons start at 55 euros an hour and 45 euros for padel. Learning the latter while holidaying in Spain may just prove to be your most cherished take home.
The one for nature lovers - Club de Tenis Collao
If you prefer to breathe fresh, country air while playing tennis or padel you might like to head out to the Club de Tenis Collao.
Situated in the heart of the Turia Natural Park, it’s a friendly, family-run place with 8 clay courts and an open-air swimming pool during the summer months.
Court hire for non-members is 14 euros an hour (18 for doubles) with an extra 5 euros to use the pool. There are BBQs on site too, so pack a picnic and make a day of it.
The low-cost ones – Polideportivos
Of course, not all Valencians who love playing tennis can afford to belong to a tennis club. This is where the ‘polideportivos’ step in – a network of publicly funded sports centres that offer facilities for all sorts of sports, including tennis.
Most of the time they are busy accommodating school sports teams. But if you plan to stay in Valencia for an extended period of time, it’s worth asking if you can hire a court when they are free, which is often the case on the weekends.
Most neighbourhoods in Valencia city have a local polideportivo.
Let google be your friend and just front up and ask!
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