Where to play tennis on the Costa Blanca: courts, clubs and the Ferrero Academy

There are three easy ways to play tennis on the Costa Blanca: municipal courts, hired for a few euros an hour at local polideportivos; clubs, from classic to more accessible; and schools, run by councils or clubs, taking children from age 4 or 5. On top of that, the region has an asset few places can claim: one of the best tennis academies in the world is right here.

A world-class asset: the Ferrero Tennis Academy

In Villena, inland in the province, the JC Ferrero-Equelite Sport Academy has trained champions including Juan Carlos Ferrero and, more recently, Carlos Alcaraz. It is an international reference, with top-level coaching and a Summer Stage camp open to young players aged 8 to 16, running from late May to late August. Even if your child is not aiming for the pro circuit, a camp there is a memorable experience.

Where to play without club membership

Most towns have municipal courts you can book online, at public rates of roughly 4 to 10 euros an hour depending on the facility: unbeatable for a match between friends. Book a few days ahead for evening and weekend slots, because that is when everyone plays.

Which clubs if you want to improve

Every major coastal town has tennis clubs (Alicante, Elche, Denia, Benidorm, Torrevieja and more), often with clay courts, schools for all levels, and private lessons that are easy to fit around your week. Expect a clubhouse atmosphere, with membership or pay-as-you-go depending on the venue: email your nearest club to ask about their options. Many happily welcome adult beginners, and there are plenty of fellow expats.

Where to enrol your child in tennis

There are two routes. First, municipal sports schools, which often include tennis in their children's programme (ages 4 to 18), with sign-ups in spring and modest fees. Second, club schools, structured by level from mini-tennis to advanced, with the flexibility of a centre that is busy all day. Either way, the year follows the school calendar, September to June, and autumn places tend to fill up before summer.

How much does it cost

For casual play: 4 to 10 euros an hour on municipal courts, and a bit more to hire a court at a private club. For a child at tennis school, the usual range runs from a few dozen euros a month for a municipal or neighbourhood scheme to noticeably more at the big clubs, depending on weekly hours. Equipment is lent at first, so there is no need to buy a carbon racquet before you know whether it will stick.

And what about padel?

It is impossible to avoid: padel has become THE Spanish social sport, and many expats make their first local friends on court. Most clubs and polideportivos have padel courts, and apps like Playtomic help you find partners at your level in a couple of clicks. Tennis for the technique, padel for the crowd: the two combine very well.

FAQ

At what age can a child start?

From age 4 or 5 in mini-tennis: short racquets, foam balls and smaller courts. Real technique tends to arrive around age 7 or 8.

How do you book a municipal court?

Online, via your town's sports portal: choose the facility, pick a slot, pay the public rate, and turn up with your confirmation.

Clay or hard court?

Clay often dominates at clubs, a legacy of classic Spanish tennis, while municipal courts are more often hard court. Bring appropriate shoes if you switch between the two.

I'm a complete beginner, will an adult school take me?

Yes: club schools run adult beginner groups, full of expats. No one will judge your backhand.

Sources

• JC Ferrero-Equelite Sport Academy (Villena): ferreroacademy.com
• Federacion de Tenis de la Comunidad Valenciana: ftcv.es

Verified July 2026: prices and hours change each season, so check with the facility before booking.

Information verified in July 2026. The Daily Costa Blanca is an AI-assisted publication with human editorial review and responsibility.