Tag: Spain

8Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Guides

Balearic Islands sporting events in 2025 – marathons, cycling and more

The Balearic Islands – Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera – are set to have a busy sporting year in 2025, with events and activities attracting athletes and visitors from around the world. From marathons and cycling challenges to sailing regattas and tennis, the Balearic Islands offer something for all sports fanatics. Running events The Santa Eulària Ibiza Marathon on 12 April invites participants to experience the beauty of Ibiza with race distances of 12km, 22km, and the full marathon. Runners will pass through scenic villages, coastal paths, and the island’s charming landscapes, before careering down the home stretch on the promenade of Santa Eulària des Riu, meaning racers of all distances finish as one.  On 23 March, the Caixabank Palma Half Marathon & 10K in the M...

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4Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Madrid: a sports travel city guide 

Madrid is one of the world's top sports cities. With a rich sporting history, world-class stadiums, and elite events all year round, Spain’s vibrant capital offers an unparalleled sports travel experience. Whether you're attending a La Liga football match, exploring historic sites, or enjoying the local cuisine, Madrid offers a dynamic and enriching experience for every sports traveller. Major sports teams in Madrid Real Madrid CF: established in 1902, Real Madrid are one of the most successful football clubs globally, boasting a record number of European Cup/UEFA Champions League titles (15). They play their home games at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Atlético de Madrid: founded in 1903, Atlético Madrid are another top-tier football club in the city. They have secured multiple...

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2Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Venues & Stadiums

Sports travel bucket list: LEGENDS The Home of Football in Madrid 

Located in the heart of Madrid at Carrera de San Jerónimo, 2, near the iconic Puerta del Sol, LEGENDS: The Home of Football stands as a premier destination for football enthusiasts. This seven-story museum offers an immersive journey through the rich history of the sport, showcasing a vast collection of memorabilia and interactive experiences. Exhibits and collections LEGENDS boasts more than 4,000 historical football artifacts, making it one of the most comprehensive collections globally. Visitors can admire match-worn shirts from iconic players, including those from the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, as well as shirts from legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane and Andrés Iniesta. The museum also displays trophies from major tournaments such as the FIFA W...

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14Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Hiking in Mallorca and Ibiza: new routes to open 

The long-awaited East Mallorca GR-226 hiking route, which stands for Gran Recorrido (Great Tour), is set to open in 2025 on the island of Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic archipelago.  The route, also known as the Gran Recorrido del Llevant, will cover a distance of over 104 kilometres, with a main route spanning 93.81 kilometres, plus two additional access points from Son Macià and the Costa dels Pins.  The GR-226's main itinerary will be divided into four different stages:  Cales de Mallorca-Manacor (24,99km) Manacor – Son Carrio (22.99km) Son Carrio – Arta (23.19km) Arta – Cala Mesquida (22.63km).  Hikers will be able to enjoy the East of the island like never before through various points of interest and areas of natural beauty along the way. See m...

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3rd World Sports Tourism Congress, Madrid, Spain

UN Tourism, the specialised agency for tourism within the United Nations, and the Government of the Region of Madrid will jointly organise the 3rd World Sports Tourism Congress. Taking place from 28-29 November 2024 at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, the congress will be held under the theme of “Tourism and Sport Creating a Lasting Legacy for Destinations”.  Bringing together stakeholders from across the sectors, the event in Spain’s capital city will focus on best practices in sports tourism, including its economic impact, contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and strategies for effectively promoting destinations through sports events and sponsorships. Agenda topics include: Sports tourism on government agendas  Partnership mode...

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6Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides

Barcelona: a sports travel city guide

Catalonia’s capital city Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, Mediterranean charm, and is also a must-visit destination for sports fans. From its world-famous football club to its major stadiums, Barcelona offers a rich tapestry of sporting history and excitement.  In this feature, we dive into the heart of Barcelona's sporting scene, looking at its teams, venues, historic moments, and travel tips for visitors looking to immerse themselves in this sports-loving city. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter FC Barcelona: more than a club No discussion about sports in Barcelona can begin without mentioning FC Barcelona, or Barça, as it is affectionately known. Established in 1899, the club is more than just a football team – it's a symbol of Catalan ...

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8Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

Explora Journeys named global partner of the 37th America’s Cup

Explora Journeys, the luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has been announced as a new global partner of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. The pinnacle of global yacht racing, the America’s Cup is the oldest competition in international sports, and will this year take place in Barcelona, Spain, from 22 August to 27 October.  The 37th America’s Cup will see teams from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and France race in the prestigious Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series before the ultimate showdown as the triumphant challenger earns the right to face off against defending champion, Emirates Team New Zealand, in the illustrious Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Match. Since its inception in 1851, the America's Cup has symbolised sailing's pioneering spirit, ...

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2024 Uefa Women’s Champions League final, Bilbao

The 2024 Uefa Women's Champions League final between Barcelona and Olympique Lyon will be held on Saturday 25 May 2024 at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. For more information see uefa.com and final2024bilbao.com Image: final2024bilbao.com 

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29Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips

Cycling holidays 2024: new tours along Spain’s Camino de Santiago

Famous as a walking route, northern Spain’s Camino de Santiago is also growing in popularity with cyclists. New tours along the pilgrim trail by cycling holidays company Saddle Skedaddle give riders the chance to explore more of the network of camino ways that lead to the city of Santiago de Compostela. Bilbao to Santiago road cycling holidays This newly-extended Camino de Santiago tour takes riders from Bilbao, along the dramatic Atlantic coastline, into the wild Camino Primitivo mountains, before reaching Santiago de Compostela. After collecting the pilgrim’s stamp, riders head out of Bilbao and along the rugged coastline of the Cantabrian Sea before leaving the Basque Country for Cantabria. The route then journeys through the natural parks of Liencres and Oyambre before following...

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20Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Guides

Surfing in the Canary Islands: best waves and beaches 

The Canary Islands have become a popular destination for surfers searching out perfect lefts and rights, spectacular peaks, powerful, hollow tubes or long, gentle waves. Due to their unique geographical location, the islands have an ideal beach for every style of surf and receive frequent waves measuring between two and four metres in height. The excellent wind conditions also makes the Canaries a great spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.  Although conditions in all of the Canary Islands are perfect for these sports, thanks to the climate, the winds and the quality of the waves, which have turned them into a frequent destination on international competition circuits, Lanzarote is regarded as one of the best surfing locations. Famara Beach, ideal for beginners, has hosted many Wo...

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27Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Solheim Cup 2023 host venue: Finca Cortesín, Andalusia, Spain

It’s not just the men’s Ryder Cup that golf fans will be looking forward to this autumn – the 18th Solheim Cup will also see the best women golfers from Europe and the United States go head to head.  Held every two years, the Solheim Cup will take place this year from 22-24 September 2023 at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa in Casares, Andalucía. It's the first time that Spain has hosted the prestigious women’s team golf event. “Finca Cortesin is a world-class venue and deserving host of the 2023 Solheim Cup as it takes place in Spain for the first time in the tournament’s history,” said Alexandra Armas, CEO of the Ladies European Tour. “The Costa del Sol is truly one of golf’s most exciting destinations and I am sure that the pristine and challenging course design at Finca wil...

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17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Travel

Sports hotel in focus: Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa – the first Grand Hyatt hotel to open in Spain and the fourth operating under the luxury brand in Europe.  To capitalise on the hotel’s prime position within the prestigious La Manga Club Resort in Murcia, southeast Spain, the property has undergone extensive refurbishment. As well as golf and a spa, the hotel’s extensive world-class sports facilities offer a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. “Every Grand Hyatt hotel is carefully designed as a destination within a destination and the newly opened Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa sets the bar high when it comes to delivering a luxury travel experience with an abundance of options for our discerning guests,” sai...

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2024 ​​IAGTO European Convention, Malaga

Global golf tourism organisation the IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators) has announced that its European Convention will return to Andalucía in Spain in 2024. Held from 13-15 May 2024, the event will take place in the city of Málaga, the gateway to the “Costa del Golf”. Established in 1997, IAGTO’s membership comprises almost 2,500 accredited golf tour operators, golf resorts, hotels, golf courses, receptive operators, airlines, tourist boards, approved media and business partners in 90 countries including, at its core, 675 specialist golf tour operators in 61 countries. IAGTO’s operators control more than 90% of golf holiday packages sold worldwide and turnover more than €2.5bn per year. For event information and hotels see: Event details: iagto.com Hote...

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16Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

Mallorca sports guide: events and activities in 2023

In addition to its natural beauty, mild weather and unique cultural heritage, Mallorca is the ideal destination to practise sports 365 days a year. Due to its long sporting tradition and excellent infrastructure, the island isn’t short of international competitions either and in 2023 a large number of events will attract visitors throughout the year. Here we take a look at the cycling, triathlon, running, golf and tennis events and activities in Mallorca.  Cycling With 2,071km of roads and cycling paths, Mallorca has become a bucket list destination for the world’s amateur and professional cyclists alike due to the island’s 16 routes that make up its extensive cycle route map infrastructure.  Mallorca 312 is one of the island’s most important races. Taking place on 29 A...

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30Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Cycling holidays in Spain with Saddle Skedaddle

A look at Saddle Skedaddle’s cycling holidays to Spain in 2022 and 2023. Trips include a guided leisure cycling holiday along the Camino de Santiago; a Basque Country to Andalucia north to south guided road cycling holiday; and a Trans Andaluz guided mountain bike holiday. Camino de Santiago guided leisure cycling holiday Travelled by pilgrims for more than 1,000 years, Saddle Skedaddle’s guided cycling holiday along Spain’s historic Camino de Santiago follows in the footsteps of ancient travellers. After collecting the official pilgrim's passport to log the journey along the Camino, the cycling begins with a picturesque ride through vineyards and villages to the town of Villafranca del Bierzo. A challenging climb to the village of O’Cebriero is rewarded with stunning views and a 10...

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31Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel

Active holidays in Spain’s Murcia region: golf, cycling, hiking and more

Visitors to the region of Murcia in Spain can enjoy a range of active and sporting holidays. Activities of offer include golf, horse riding, cycling, hiking and diving. Golf at La Manga Club Located in a charming corner of Spain's Murcia region, La Manga Club is one of Europe's premier sport and leisure destinations, especially for golf. Home to three 18-hole courses, La Manga Club's meticulously landscaped terrain ensures golfers holidaying abroad the finest facilities. Carefully designed by famed architects Arnold Palmer, Robert Putman and Dave Thomas, each golf course features elements set to elevate and challenge players. The North Course, South Course and West Course are all apt for players of different levels from mid to high handicappers. The resort is blessed with year-round...

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23Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

LaLiga and Rafa Nadal Academy sign three-year collaboration deal

Spanish football’s LaLiga and the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar have signed a collaboration agreement to share experience and knowledge and mutually reinforce the reputation of both brands nationally and internationally. The alliance, which covers the next three years, will see the football and tennis organisations offer two-way support and launch a series of joint projects and initiatives. Javier Tebas, LaLiga president, said: “Our alliance with the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar represents another step forward in our bid to expand the world of sport. Rafa and his team will help to promote the values that are fundamental to us and to give even greater visibility to the LaLiga brand.” Men’s tennis world No.3 Rafa Nadal added: “Since we opened the Academy in 2016, we’ve grown consis...

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17Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

LaLiga Exhibition: Spanish football to be showcased on world tour

LaLiga will later this year launch LaLiga Exhibition - an interactive and immersive experience showcasing Spanish football’s top division and its clubs.  The exhibition will travel around the world, beginning in Latin America in the second half of 2021. The launch marks the next step in LaLiga’s commitment to support its clubs in their international expansion and to bring the competition closer to fans. Fans will have access to two experiential areas at LaLiga Exhibition. The first is a free access area, with no time limits, where they can enjoy a range of different games plus a hospitality area. The second is a closed tour, with specific time slots for each group of visitors, where they can experience the clubs’ changing rooms, the tunnel leading to the pitch, the pressroom and int...

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6Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Travel

2020: the year of sports tourism in Catalonia 

As a region that boasts world-class football clubs, beaches, mountains and an action-packed events calendar, it’s no surprise that Catalonia is positioning itself as a major sports travel destination.  At the end of 2019 the Catalan Tourism Board declared 2020 to be “the year of sports tourism”. With Tokyo hosting the Olympics Games in 2020, the Catalonia sports tourism year has an aim to promote the Pyrenees-Barcelona candidature to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2030.  On its website the Catalan Tourism Board says of the sports tourism push in 2020: “This thematic year is regarded as an opportunity to position Catalonia as a leading destination for sports tourism around the world.  “The quality of the tourist attractions and its excellent sports facilities, coupled with its climate ...

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24Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Holidays & Trips, Hotels & Resorts

Palma Marathon travel and hotel packages available for Mallorca event

A number of hotels are offering special marathon packages for the 2019 Palma Marathon in Mallorca on 13 October.  Held on one of the most picturesque marathon routes in Europe, the breathtaking course traverses through the Balearic Island capital of Palma and its old town, alongside the promenade of Palma Bay following the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and past the emblematic medieval cathedral known as “La Seu”.  There are three race options for visitors wishing to participate. The full marathon and half marathon will both begin at 9am and the 10k race will start at 9.45am.  Following the race there will be two event ceremonies and an after-race party held for participants starting at 7.30pm in the Mega Park at Playa de Palma.  Palma Marathon travel information For 2019, ...

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