SPORTING ACTIVITIES

GOLF:  Spain has a range of courses available to suit all abilities.  Some clubs offer reduced rates for couples membership, senior citizens and juniors.

Visitors and tourists can get reduced green fees by pre-booking (the service is often available online) or by playing either out of season or during off-peak hours. Visitors may also hire clubs and trolleys at most golf venues.

Electric golf carts, or buggies, can be hired at most clubs and in some cases may be included in the green fee.

The club professionals can be booked for group or individual tuition, at the driving range, on the putting green or even for a round. Many courses have a Pro Shop supplying with balls and selling equipment, clothing and souvenirs from the club.

Here are a few:

Windsurfing, Dinghies and other Water Sports:  There is an excellent range of water sports from kite and wind surfing, jet skis, water skis, dingy, yacht and motor boat sailing plus the rocky headlands and bays offer excellent sub-aqua sport for the snorkel or scuba-diver. Hiring facilities are available in most resorts, and windsurfing schools offering professional tuition.

Sea Fishing:  The Spanish Mediterranean coast, on the whole, has been "plundered" for years by the commercial fisherman. Fortunately now this is better controlled and there can be some quite good sport with bass and conger for the beachcaster, especially at night. There are some quite good Grey Mullet particularly in Calpe harbour and in Javea the fishermen allow anglers to fish off their moored boats in the evening.  Fishing is prohibited in Moraira marina.

Freshwater Fishing:  The interior of Spain boasts a wealth of waterways, mainly mountain rivers and streams and gigantic reservoirs. There is some very good sport for the trout angler but the best fisheries are controlled and day permits are required. All of the reservoirs contain the coarse species Carp, Tench, Barbel, Black Bass, Zander, Pike, Eels, Golden Orfe and Koi Carp.  Locally the reservoirs of Villajoyosa, Guadalest and Beniarres offer reasonable carp fishing with specimens up to 30 lbs but with the average fish being about 4 lbs. Additionally Villajoyosa abounds with Orfe and Koi Carp.  The two rivers of the Pego Marshes contain carp to 15lbs, barbel, black bass and the occasional sea bass.  Unfortunately the locals have constructed "puestos" (-platforms) in the best swims and visitors are not allowed to use them. Please note that a permit is required for fresh water fishing for each autonomous region.  All that is required is your signature on the form and a photocopy of your passport.  Licences can be obtained by any gestor but take about a week to arrive. You can go to the offices of the water authority in Alicante yourself and obtain one immediately.  The penalty for being caught is a stiff fine and confiscation of all tackl

Tennis:  There are numerous tennis courts within the area, mostly attached to residential developments, and some allow non-residents to hire for a small fee. There are also plenty of council-owned and private leisure facilities that include tennis courts.

Cycling:  The quieter roads Inland are ideal for cycling and there are many clubs that you can join.

Walking:  The area North of Alicante with its wonderful mountains, valleys and coast is ideal for walkers and there are many clubs to assist you in finding your route. The mountains are also ideal for hang gliding and this is very much a growing sport.

Rock Climbing:  The Costa Blanca has become the largest and most popular area in Spain for visiting climbers. The routes cover all grades and styles with probably the widest choice of lower-grade Winter-Sun-Rock available in Spain. But there is also lots of hard stuff, adventurous stuff and esoteric stuff. If you explore the area a bit, you will be rewarded.
Horse Riding:  There are many stables and schools to satisfy both the novice and expert.

Most villages have their own sports centre which offers a variety of sports from badminton, karate, basketball, and volleyball etc. These villages usually have their own community 50 metre outdoor pool open from June to October for use by all at a cost of around 1.20€ a day.

Football is popular with many local leagues and 7 a side competitions are available.

So there we have it, beautiful climate, beautiful countryside and coast with a variety of sports to be enjoyed