Marbella Leisure

As controversial as it is, bullfighting is still one of Spain’s most popular spectator sports and the bullfighting scene in Marbella is as well attended as anywhere in the country. During the April to October season, the bullring at Puerto Banus is regularly the scene of high profile ‘fights’, with some of the country’s most famous matadors. A large amount of opposition to this practice exists throughout Spain, but it continues unabated for now.  If you have no objections, as a visiting spectator, you’ll get to experience one of Spain’s longest cultural traditions.

Local sports

For something a little less gory, the neighbouring city of Malaga is home to its own football team, a premier league outfit who play their home games at La Rosaleda Stadium. Both local support and attendance figures are high.  Visitors wanting to attend a game can buy tickets online or direct from the stadium itself.

Visitors wanting to play some sport, rather than sit and watch, have a number of options to choose from in Marbella.

Golf

Golfers will find a variety of courses in and around the city, with those in Marbella East, Nueva Andalucía and San Pedro Alcántara among the best. Membership is required for some, while others are municipal affairs, open to anyone on payment of the required fee, providing they are correctly attired. For equine lovers, there are some good opportunities for horseback riding in the area, with several centres offering excursions for complete novices. At the Marbella Gun and Country Club, you’ll find a wide variety of sporting options on offer, with popular activities such as archery, go-karting, clay pigeon shooting, rifle range shooting and quad-biking.