Where to Play, How to Book, and Local Tips

 

Tennis in Sitges

Sitges is a great base for racquet sports: plenty of sun, sea-level conditions (easy on the lungs), and a growing padel scene alongside classic tennis. Here’s a practical guide to get you on court—whether you’re after a casual hit, coaching, or match play.

Where to Play (types of venues)

• Tennis clubs (members & visitors): The town’s main tennis club(s) typically offer hard or artificial grass courts, lights, coaching, stringing, and a bar/terrace. Most welcome non-members with a visitor court fee and advance booking.

• Municipal sports centers: Public multi-sport facilities often have bookable outdoor hard courts at budget rates. Expect simple amenities; bring your own balls.

• Hotels & resorts: A few hotels in/near Sitges have guest-only courts (sometimes rentable to non-guests off-peak). Good for a quick hit if you’re staying on site.

• Nearby towns (10–20 min): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Sant Pere de Ribes, and other neighbors have additional clubs—useful if Sitges times are full.

Tip: In Spain, many venues manage both tennis and padel. If you don’t immediately see “tennis,” check the venue’s sport list or call—courts can be listed under a general “raqueta” category.

Booking your court

• Apps: In Catalonia, Playtomic is widely used (especially for padel, but many clubs list tennis, too). Create an account, set location = Sitges, filter by tennis.

• Direct contact: Clubs still take bookings by WhatsApp/phone. Ask for: surface, lighting fee, visitor rate, and racket/ball rental.

• When to book: Weekday mornings are easiest. Evenings (19:00–21:30) and weekend mornings fill up—book 24–72 h ahead in high season.

Coaching, stringing & hitting partners

• Private lessons: Most clubs have federated coaches offering 1:1 or small-group sessions. Typical lesson blocks: 60 or 90 minutes.

• Hitting partners / match play: Ask the club office about level-based mixers or a WhatsApp group for visiting players.

• Stringing: Larger clubs can string within 24–48 h; bring your usual strings if you’re picky.

Padel (because you’ll see it everywhere)

Padel is huge in Spain, and Sitges is no exception. If tennis courts are tight, consider:

• Padel taster: Easy learning curve; 60–90 minutes with friends is plenty to get hooked.

• Socials & Americano formats: Rotating-partner events—great for meeting locals.

Surfaces & conditions

• Common surfaces: Outdoor hard or artificial grass for tennis; artificial turf for padel.

• Wind: A light sea breeze is normal. Aim for morning sessions for calmer air.

• Heat: July–August can be hot—book early morning or after 19:00. Many courts have lights.

Expected costs (typical ranges)

• Public/municipal courts: ~€8–€18 per hour (day), add €2–€6 for lights.

• Club visitor rate: ~€14–€30 per hour depending on surface/slot; lessons ~€35–€70/hour.

• Rentals: Racket €3–€6; ball can (~€6) if you’re buying.

What to pack (besides your racket)

• Light, breathable kit + hat and sunscreen (reef-safe if you’ll swim after).

• Non-marking shoes (hard courts can be strict).

• Water & electrolytes—refill stations aren’t guaranteed at municipal sites.

Sample “tennis day” in Sitges

1. 08:00–09:30 Morning hit (calm winds, cooler temps).

2. 10:00 Coffee & croissant in the old town; quick sea dip at Sant Sebastià.

3. 13:30 Lunch (try xató or seafood rice).

4. 19:30–21:00 Match play under lights; post-session vermut or cava on the promenade.

Family & juniors

• Many clubs run kids’ clinics and holiday camps (Easter/summer).

• Ask for mini-nets, red/orange/green balls for younger players.

Finding specific venues

• Search “tennis Sitges” or “club tennis Sitges” on Google Maps / Playtomic for the closest options.

• If everything’s full, widen to Vilanova i la Geltrú or Sant Pere de Ribes (10–15 minutes by car/taxi).