Sports in Mallorca – A Top Destination for Outdoor Adventures. From professional athletes to keen enthusiasts, Mallorca offers an unparalleled stage for a diverse and active lifestyle. Beyond its beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes, the island is a vibrant hub for a wide array of sports. Whether your passion lies in striking the perfect serve on the court, mastering the greens, conquering mountain roads on two wheels, navigating turquoise waters, or pushing your limits in a marathon, Mallorca provides the ultimate setting for any athletic ambition.
The Nadal Legacy: Tennis and Padel on the Island
The island’s prominence in the world of racquet sports is epitomized by its greatest champion, Rafa Nadal. In his hometown of Manacor, the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar stands as a beacon of excellence, offering state-of-the-art facilities for both high-performance tennis training and the increasingly popular sport of padel. Nadal’s influence extends far beyond his personal achievements; his commitment has inspired a new generation, fostering a culture of athletic dedication. This momentum is clearly seen in padel, widely regarded as the world’s fastest-growing racquet sport, with participation surging across Europe and beyond. Both sports benefit from the island’s ideal climate and the academy’s world-class courts, attracting enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Nadal
More on Tennis and Padel
Tennis and padel courts are not limited to Rafa’s academy — they can be found across the island, particularly in key residential and tourist areas. The courts vary in price and quality, with many offering private sessions and lessons, while all provide a dynamic environment to enjoy the game.
Among the most prominent facilities, the Mallorca Country Club in Santa Ponsa (southwest) stands out as a luxury destination, uniquely offering all three tennis surfaces (grass, clay, and hard courts), alongside modern padel courts and professional coaching. For those closer to the capital, the distinguished Palma Sport & Tennis Club provides red clay courts in a city setting, complete with wellness facilities and regular coaching opportunities. In the north, Smash Padel Group in Playa de Muro boasts one of the largest padel-specific complexes in the Balearics, with numerous panoramic courts and comprehensive amenities. Meanwhile, Playas de Santa Ponsa Tennis Club, also in the southwest, is a well-respected community club featuring eight clay courts and offering both private lessons and popular summer camps that welcome players of all levels. The Sóller Tennis Club offers a more unique experience with clay and padel courts set against stunning Tramuntana mountain views, cultivating a dynamic local community. From high-performance training to friendly social matches, Mallorca’s diverse array of padel and tennis facilities caters to every type of player.
Sailing: Navigating Mallorca’s Coastal Beauty
All sports in Mallorca benefit from its favorable Mediterranean climate however sailing really stands out above the rest as the impressive coastline appeals to both seasoned mariners and eager novices. The island offers diverse starting points and scenic routes, from the lively Port of Palma and the well-equipped marina of Port de Pollença in the north to picturesque anchorages like Cala Pilota Bay and the protected waters around Cabrera National Park (permit required). For those looking to learn or refine their skills, numerous reputable sailing academies are based primarily around Palma. Prominent schools include the Mallorca Sailing Academy and Palma Sea School, both offering a range of RYA courses for all levels. The National Sailing School of Port Calanova, one of the island’s oldest, specializes in dinghy sailing, providing extensive facilities and courses for all ages — ensuring anyone can confidently set sail on Mallorca’s beautiful, clear waters.
Water Sports: Diving, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, Kayaking & More
Crystal-clear waters provide ample opportunities for a range of aquatic sports in Mallorca, especially popular during the warmer months. For those keen to explore underwater, snorkeling is particularly rewarding across the island’s many accessible coves and beaches. Popular spots in the southeast, like Cala Santanyí and Cala Figuera, offer clear waters teeming with diverse fish, while Cala Llombards is ideal for beginners thanks to its calm conditions. More remote locations, such as Cala des Moro, offer stunning coral formations for experienced snorkelers. The island’s rich marine life — including colorful fish, octopuses, and groupers — makes these excursions truly immersive.
Beyond snorkeling, diving enthusiasts can explore significant marine reserves like El Toro and the Malgrats Islands or discover fascinating underwater caves and wrecks around Dragonera Island, with PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses widely available for all levels. On the surface, paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking offer serene ways to navigate the coastline and reach secluded beaches, with rentals and guided tours common in areas such as Alcúdia and Santa Ponsa. For those seeking a faster pace, jet-ski tours are available from multiple points, including Palma and Cala d’Or, allowing for exhilarating coastal exploration. While consistent large waves for surfing are less common, spots like Son Serra de Marina occasionally offer rideable conditions, particularly in autumn and winter.
Cycling: Mallorca’s Premier Road & Mountain Trails
Mallorca has firmly established itself as a premier destination for cyclists, attracting an estimated 200,000 riders annually. The island’s diverse terrain accommodates all abilities, from the challenging climbs of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains — featuring iconic routes like Sa Calobra and Coll de Sóller — to smoother, flatter roads ideal for recovery rides or leisurely tours. The favorable weather, particularly during spring and autumn with temperatures ranging from 16–25°C, provides optimal conditions for riding. Notably, professional teams such as Ineos Grenadiers (formerly Team Sky) frequently choose Sa Calobra for their annual training camps, highlighting the island’s world-class cycling infrastructure and demanding routes. The island is well-equipped to support the cycling community, offering numerous cycle hire shops, cyclist-friendly cafés, and specialized hotels.
Running & Marathons: Trails and Races Across the Island
Mallorca offers a diverse landscape for runners, from scenic coastal paths to challenging mountain trails and accessible urban routes. The island’s mild climate, particularly in autumn and spring, creates ideal conditions for training and racing without extreme heat. For those seeking organized events, Mallorca hosts several notable races throughout the year. The TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca, held annually in October, is a prominent event attracting international participants with its flat, scenic course that weaves through Palma’s historic old town, along the seafront promenade, and past iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral. Beyond the main marathon, other significant races include the Caixabank Palma City Half Marathon & XIV 10K Port de Palma, offering shorter distances in the capital, and the Mitja Marató Cala Rajada — the oldest half marathon in Mallorca — held in the vibrant town of Cala Rajada. For trail-running enthusiasts, the rugged terrain of the Serra de Tramuntana provides challenging routes, including endurance events that allow runners to explore the island’s vast natural beauty.
Golf: Championship Courses and International Events
We can’t discuss Sports in Mallorca without talking about Golf, as the island is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts, home to a variety of immaculately maintained courses set among natural Mediterranean landscapes. Among them, Club de Golf Alcanada stands out as a championship-level course, known for its breathtaking sea views and challenging layout. Alcanada regularly hosts international tournaments, including the prestigious Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final. This event is confirmed to return to Mallorca in 2025 for the fourth time, solidifying the island’s reputation as a key stop on the professional golf circuit and offering spectators the chance to witness top-tier competition.
If you’d like to learn more about sports in Mallorca, or you’d like to further progress your property journey and discuss your options please do book a consultation with one of our team.
