Padel and tennis
Padel is Catalonia's social sport: glass courts bookable by the hour and a level-based ladder of players. Tennis rides along in the same clubs and municipal facilities.
Court access
Municipal courts book by app at district rates and disappear fast at popular hours; private clubs sell court time and playing membership. Split the cost four ways and padel is cheap.
Getting into the game
Beginner clinics and level-based group classes are the standard entry: a few sessions teach the walls, which is the whole difference from tennis. Classes fill the social calendar too.
Rental gear exists
Clubs rent rackets, so first sessions need no purchases. Shoes with proper grip (no running soles) are the one piece worth buying early.