Spain is a remarkable country known for its cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, and affordable coastal real estate.

However, one aspect that truly shines in Spain is its passion for sports. Sports hold a prominent place in Spanish society, with a staggering number of Spaniards actively engaging in various sporting disciplines.

Moreover, sports in Spain contribute significantly to the thriving tourism industry, as high-level sporting events hosted in the country have become major attractions in their own right.

Let’s explore the top 10 most popular sports in Spain:

Cycling: Regarded as an elegant European sport, cycling enjoys immense popularity in Spain. According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports in 2017, 43.5% of the sporting population in Spain prefer cycling over other sports.

This sport develops perseverance, strengthens the body and mind, and allows individuals to broaden their perspective of the world.

Football: Unquestionably the most beloved sport in Spain, football boasts the largest fan base worldwide, with 64% of Spanish adults identifying as football fans.

Professional football reigns supreme in Spain, constantly growing in popularity and encompassing various forms, including the discipline of futsal. Organized leagues and countless football halls and pitches can be found even in the smallest municipalities across the country.

Padel & Tennis: Padel, a form of tennis, holds a prominent place among the most frequently practiced sports in Spanish sports clubs. Introduced in the 1980s, padel has continued to captivate hearts and currently boasts approximately 4 million practitioners.

Reserving a padel court is relatively easy compared to other sports, making it highly accessible. Tennis still maintains a significant fan base despite many enthusiasts transitioning to the fast-paced game of padel.

Swimming: Swimming ranks among the top five most popular sports in Spain, with 24.2% of Spaniards engaging in this activity. A study titled “Spanish Physical Health” reveals that swimming has the highest percentage of practitioners, followed by football (14%) and gymnastics (12.7%).

Swimming offers a fantastic way to stay fit and enjoy the water, with numerous swimming pools and aquatic facilities available throughout the country.

Gymnastics: Rhythmic gymnastics holds considerable popularity in Spain, with many individuals beginning their gymnastics journey during childhood.

Spaniards participate in gymnastic sections, both regionally and internationally, not necessarily aiming to raise Olympic champions but rather to foster health and body control.

This graceful sport can be found even in small Spanish cities, where gymnastic schools cater to both boys and girls.

Basketball: Despite football’s dominance, basketball has gained considerable popularity, particularly among young people in Spain.

Both boys and girls actively participate in basketball, and Spanish teams affiliated with the Association of Basketball Clubs (ACB) compete in European championships organized by ULEB and the FIBA Europe Cup.

Hunting: Hunting, once an aristocratic pastime, has now transformed into a regulated sport in Spain. It remains intertwined with the agricultural lifestyle and holds historical significance.

Last year alone, over 350,000 licenses were issued for hunting, with numerous federations concentrated in Andalusia.

Golf: Golf, often associated with a higher socioeconomic status, has defied stereotypes in Spain. Approximately 300,000 individuals obtained official licenses to engage in golf last year, emphasizing its accessibility to a broader audience.

Catalonia and the Valencian Community are home to a significant number of golf federations in the country.

Rock Climbing and Hiking: Surprisingly, rock climbing has gained a well-deserved place among the most popular sports in Spain.

Over 200,000 Spaniards actively pursue this discipline, with the province of Alicante in the Valencian Community, specifically on the Costa Blanca, offering picturesque and sought-after routes of varying difficulty for climbers and hikers alike.

Spain’s passion for sports extends beyond the top 10 mentioned here, with an array of other activities captivating the hearts and minds of Spaniards.

The rich sporting culture in Spain is a testament to the country’s vibrant and active lifestyle, promoting physical fitness, competition, and the pursuit of personal excellence.