Benidorm, the new Spanish destination that is attracting padel enthusiasts

Spain has no shortage of destinations for padel training. After Malaga, Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, another city is increasingly attracting players looking to improve: Benidorm , on the coast of the province of Alicante. While the seaside resort is best known for its huge skyscrapers and beaches, it also hides very high-level infrastructure and an academy run by one of the most renowned coaches on the world circuit.

An easily accessible destination… provided you rent a car

Located about 40 kilometers from Alicante airport, Benidorm is easily accessible by motorway. However, direct flights are mainly available from Paris, depending on the time of year.

Once there, renting a car is practically essential. The main padel clubs in the region are difficult to reach by public transport. Among the agencies offering competitive rates, Record Go Mobility allows, for example, finding a rental property in the vicinity €96 for five days , in the low season (end of May).

Upon arrival, the scenery is striking. Benidorm contrasts sharply with the traditional image of Spain: the seafront is dominated by immense buildings, some with spectacular architecture, often earning it the nickname "Mediterranean Manhattan." This style won't appeal to everyone, but it comes with particularly pleasant beaches, often considered more attractive than those of Malaga.

The Universal Padel Academy, a benchmark for progress

The highlight of the stay remains, without a doubt Universal Padel Academy Led by Claudio Gilardoni , trainer of Paula Josemaría and Agustín Gutiérrez .

The academy is located in the hills above Benidorm, in a quiet environment, at the entrance to the Meliá Villaitana A superb hotel complex, particularly convenient for interns. Its price can rise quickly depending on the season, but having a car makes it easy to stay in more affordable accommodations nearby.

Benidorm, the new Spanish destination that is attracting padel enthusiasts

A top-of-the-range internship… but one that lived up to expectations

The price is undoubtedly the main obstacle.

count €156 for a 1.5-hour session for two , or €120 for a private lesson .

A significant investment, but one that is justified by the quality of the coaching. During the training camp, Claudio Gilardoni regularly assists the head coach of the session, providing numerous tips, corrections, and discussions with the players.

An approach reminiscent of José Solano's at Malaga, but with an even more pronounced presence throughout training.

In the end, despite its cost, this internship proved to be the most enriching of those undertaken in Spain.

Beyond technical work, the sessions emphasize decision-making, point construction, positioning and tactical understanding of the game, all aspects that often help amateur players take a step forward.

High-level physical support

Another advantage rarely offered in this type of stay: the possibility of consulting on site Diego Otermin , Paula Josemaría's physiotherapist.

Highly competent and particularly effective, he is an excellent complement to training sessions. For a five-day stay including a few matches, a recovery or injury prevention session can prove especially beneficial.

It is also possible to find him directly at his clinic located near Alicante: Now Rehab Clinic .

Two clubs to increase the number of matches

In addition to the academy, there are plenty of other gaming opportunities.

Le Club Padel Point Meliá , which has seven pitches, is located just seven kilometers from Padel Point La Nucía , a complex of thirteen tracks known for regularly hosting FIP circuit tournaments.

An app makes it easy to create or join games. For those who prefer to play with others, Gustavo, at Padel Point Meliá is happy to help visiting players find local partners.

An ideal destination, first and foremost, for padel.

Benidorm may not have the cultural richness of cities like Seville, Madrid, or Barcelona. However, for a padel-focused holiday, the destination ticks almost all the boxes: easy access, modern facilities, a high level of training, opportunities to play daily, and coaching among the best in Spain.

The overall budget remains high, especially for an intensive internship at Universal. Padel Academy. But for players who really want to take their game to the next level, Benidorm is now one of the most attractive destinations on the Spanish coast.

Fabien Conjat

Padel fan and itinerant traveler, I offer you my point of view on padel sites around the world. Have a good trip!