Sports

Sports

Marbella - Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

'Stand up Paddleboarding' or SUP for short or Surf de remo in Spanish. This sport is usually performed in the calm sea or a lake as larger waves or strong winds make it challenging. It was practiced in Tarifa in 2011 and became popular in other parts of Andalucía by 2015.

The origins of the sport are in Africa where it was common to stand on a kayak for better visibility when fishing. Lifeguards in Israel, Australia and California have practiced the same to watch over the swimmers. 

Horse Riding

An Andalusian man without his horse is like a matador without a cape. He feels stripped of an essential part of his identity that has been formed over the centuries. It is part of his life, his work, his status, his culture, his earthly possessions... his horse is central to his very being.

Wakeboard and Cableski

Marbella Wakeboard center ( was called Cable Ski Marbella) offers a unique water sport experience to young and old. Beginner to Advanced can have fun and a sense of achievement through a well designed and safe activity. Various equipment is provided, ranging from beginner’s kneeboards to the more advanced wakeboards and water skis for the extreme wake boarder and water-skier.

Marbella Fútbol Club

The local football team is Marbella Fútbol Club. It was founded in 1997 following the collapse of Club Athletico Marbella which was owned by Jesus Gil. The new club was initially called Unión Deportiva Marbella and renamed in 2013 to appeal to a wider international fan base. The club currently plays in Segunda Division B - Group 4.

Seville Marathon 2025

Seville Marathon, the third largest in Spain, with 14,000 runners taking part. It is traditionally held on the third Sunday in February. The Seville Marathon is usually very fast due to the flat course and (often) good weather. Race record is 2 hrs 04min 43 sec. The XL Zurich Marathon de Sevilla will take place on 23rd February 2025.

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Tennis Competitions in Andalucia

The mild climate also attracts major international competitions to the area, both on the Costa del Sol and in major inland cities. In 2023, the two top global team events in the tennis calendar are both holding their finals in the region.

Tennis clubs on the Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol has the ideal combination of climate for outdoor sports. Tennis remains consistently popular and attracts players of all ages. There are numerous tennis clubs on the Costa del Sol. Here is a list of many of them.

Marbella Ironman 70.3

The inaugural Marbella Ironman 70.3 took place on Sunday 28th April 2018. The race has taken place every year since then except 2020. The race always takes place on a Sunday in Spring or Autumn but the date varies.

Andalucia Rally

The Andalucia Rally for cars and motorbikes has taken place in May in Andalucia in 2020 and 2021. The Andalucia Rally is the opening event of the FIA World Cup for Cross-Country-Rallies.

Competition & Races

In Andalucia many races are held in different sports such as horse riding, motorcycles, bicycles, rally cars or athletics. These events attract many people interested in participating and competing.

Wing foil surfing

Wing Foiling is the latest-born (surf) board sport : it consists in managing a wing not attached to the board and carried with two hands while standing on a short stand up paddle board with a hydrofoil mounted underneath. This a cross-over discipline between Windfoiling, Kite Foiling and SUP Foiling. The foil (hydrofoil) which is mounted under the board can be combined with the other disciplines to become Wing foiling, SUP foiling, Foil Surfing, Wake foil, wind foil.

Wing foil in Tarifa

Wing Foiling is the latest-born board sport : it consists in managing a wing not attached to the board and carried with two hands while standing on a hydrofoil mounted on a short stand up paddle board. This a cross-over discipline between Windfoiling, Kite Foiling and SUP Foiling.

Bird Watching

Andalucía is a birdwatcher's paradise and attracts ornithologists throughout the year. The best time of the year, however, is during the spring, as this is when you can see many wintering species, together with those arriving for the summer months.

River Walking in Andalucia

In Andalucia there are many rivers where you can enjoy a pleasant walk and a relaxing swim surrounded by nature. The best time is undoubtedly summer, although it is also an option in late spring or early autumn.

Some of the most beautiful rivers to make these routes are:

- Rio Chillar near Nerja, Coast del Sol

- Angosturas near Benahavis, Costa del Sol

- Rio Genal near Jubrique, (Serrania de Ronda)