If you like to stay active, there are many sports to practice in Madrid and its surroundings that will make this possible. Whether you live in this city or are out for a walk, please take advantage of what it offers in terms of sports.
Madrid, the vibrant capital of Spain, is known worldwide for its rich history, impressive architecture, and lively nightlife.
However, many need to learn that this metropolis is also a paradise for sports lovers.
With many disciplines, Madrid has positioned itself as a national and international sports benchmark.
The city also has different spaces for practicing sports, including parks in the city center, such as the Retiro Park, courts and public swimming pools, closed gyms, and many more.
In this article, you will find a complete list of sports to practice in Madrid, some more popular than others, highlighting how practicing sports promotes health, integration, and sustainable development in the Spanish capital.
Get ready to discover the most active and healthy side of Madrid!
What are the advantages of being able to practice different sports in Madrid?
The possibility of practicing a wide variety of sports in Madrid offers numerous advantages both for the city’s inhabitants and visitors.
Practicing them regularly helps improve physical and mental health, preventing diseases and reducing stress.
Sports foster camaraderie and friendship between people of different ages, genders, and cultures, which favors integration and coexistence in the city.
In addition, it facilitates the development and detection of young talents in various disciplines, which can lead to the emergence of future elite athletes.
The sports diversity of Madrid attracts tourists interested in practicing sports during their stay, which contributes to the economic development and positioning of Madrid as a sports city.
Many sports facilities and the demand for coaches and professionals from different disciplines generate employment in the sector.
On the other hand, practicing different sports allows you to develop physical, mental, and emotional skills useful in other areas of life, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and discipline.
Also, it provides leisure and entertainment options for all ages and tastes, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle.
The variety of sports in the city allows each person to find the activity that best suits their interests, abilities, and physical needs.
Finally, exercising in the open air also helps to promote respect for and conservation of the environment.
List of sports to practice in Madrid
Below is a list of sports you can practice, some in the city and others on the outskirts.
You will find traditional sports activities and other adventure and outdoor activities.
- Martial arts (judo, taekwondo, karate, etc.)
- Motorsports: You can drive from a kart to a Porsche, Formula, Ferrari, or Lamborghini in the prestigious Madrid Jarama circuit
- Athletics (different disciplines)
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Handball
- Billiards
- Skittles/Bowling
- Boxing
- capoeira
- Cycling
- Dance (ballroom, salsa, flamenco, etc.)
- Fencing
- Climbing
- Water skiing
- Snow skiing (on indoor slopes or organized trips to nearby ski resorts during winter)
- Horse riding
- Fitness and functional training
- Soccer
- Gym
- Golf
- Ice Hockey
- roller hockey
- kayaking
- kitesurfing
- Struggle
- Mountaineering
- Swimming
- Synchronized swimming
- Paddle
- Skydiving
- paragliding
- Ice skating
- inline skating
- Pilates
- Canoeing
- Rugby
- Hiking
- skateboarding
- Tennis
- Shot
- archery
- Candle
- Volleyball
- Yoga
The Community of Madrid has public and private sports facilities for each discipline, facilitating the practice of these sports for people of all ages and skill levels.
Most popular sports in Madrid
In Madrid, as in the rest of Spain, several sports are prevalent both in practice and among the fans.
Some of the most popular sports are:
Soccer: Undoubtedly, soccer is the king of sports in Madrid and Spain in general.
The city has two internationally renowned teams, Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid.
In addition, there are numerous local leagues and amateur teams to participate in.
Basketball: This is another trendy sport in Madrid. Real Madrid Basketball is one of the most successful teams in Spain and Europe.
There are also many local leagues and clubs where you can practice this sport.
Padel: This sport has experienced significant growth in recent years in Spain, and Madrid is no exception.
The city has many padel courts and clubs where you can play and compete.
Tennis: Tennis is a classic sport with a broad base of fans and practitioners in Madrid.
The city has several facilities and tennis clubs where you can take classes or participate in tournaments.
Cycling: Madrid offers various routes and trails for cyclists of all levels, from amateurs to professionals.
Road biking and mountain biking are especially popular in the region.
Swimming is a sport widely practiced in Madrid, both in indoor and outdoor pools.
In addition, numerous swimming clubs and schools offer classes and training for all ages and levels.
Athletics: Athletics has a long tradition in Madrid, and the city has various sports facilities and clubs where you can practice and compete in different disciplines, such as running, jumping, and throwing.
Frequently asked questions
Although Madrid does not have access to the sea, water sports can be practiced in nearby reservoirs, such as San Juan or Valmayor. Some activities available include kayaking, sailing, and kitesurfing.
Madrid has ice skating rinks and sports centers with indoor ski slopes. In addition, there are ski resorts in the nearby mountains, such as the Sierra de Guadarrama, which can be easily accessed from the city.
Many sports facilities in Madrid are accessible for people with disabilities and offer adapted sports programs. Make the consultation in the facility of interest or through the web to obtain more information.
Madrid has a climate that allows outdoor activities during most of the year. However, spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons due to moderate temperatures and the slightest chance of rain.
CeleBreak, the App for playing soccer
The CeleBreak app is available for both iOS and Android operating systems.
Once you download it, you register and play.
CeleBreak organizes friendly soccer matches in Madrid throughout the day so you can play when and where you want.
Choose to play on natural or artificial grass fields or in closed gyms.
You can join the matches individually or with your friends and choose any of the modalities, women’s football, men’s football, or the popular mixed football.
