Published on
January 12, 2026
Torremolinos has emerged as the leading sports tourism destination on Costa del Sol in 2025, bringing hope and pride to families and local businesses. This coastal town welcomed thousands of athletes and teams from across the world and drew record numbers of visitors. For many local hosts, small hotel owners, and restaurateurs, this success was personal, with each visitor adding life and energy to the town streets. The surge in sports tourism delivered economic good news and strengthened Torremolinos’ reputation as a global sports hub.
Sports Tourism in Spain: A National Growth Engine
Sports tourism in Spain is recognised as a strong pillar of the national tourism economy. Government data shows that foreign tourists visiting Spain mainly for sports reasons neared 1.47 million in 2024, with this group generating more than €1.7 billion in spending across the country. Spain’s annual sports statistics reveal that travel linked to sports activities, whether for playing or watching sport, continues to grow and contribute solidly to tourism revenues and jobs. In recent years, this segment has helped promote regional development and expand tourism beyond traditional sun‑and‑beach markets. Government initiatives also channel investment into sports infrastructure to enhance sustainability and accessibility, reinforcing sports tourism’s vital role within the wider Spanish tourism strategy. (csd.gob.es)
Torremolinos Sees Major Athlete Visit Increase
In 2025, Torremolinos recorded 6,444 athlete visits, a dramatic 44% increase compared to the previous year. This rising trend confirms that elite athletes and amateur teams now choose Torremolinos as their training and competition base. The town’s mild climate and quality sporting venues were significant draws. For local residents, this meant more vibrant streets and fuller cafés and shops throughout the year.
Economic Impact Nearly Doubles in 2025
The sports tourism sector in Torremolinos generated a €4.4 million economic impact in 2025, nearly double the €2.2 million reported in 2024. This boost came from a mix of athlete spending, team organisers, visitor accommodation, and local activity bookings. Local business owners reported fuller bookings and increased footfall in restaurants, retail shops, and service providers.
Foreign Teams Fuel Growth and Overnight Stays
In 2025, 277 foreign sports teams visited Torremolinos, a 24% rise over 2024. These teams accounted for 34,395 overnight stays, marking a 28% increase compared with the previous year. The growth in overnight stays helped local hotels and guesthouses perform well even outside peak season. Team coaches and managers often chose this destination for its excellent weather and well‑maintained pitches.
Municipal Sports Facilities See Revenue Boom
Torremolinos’ municipal sports facilities reported a 45% rise in revenue in 2025. Venues such as the Virgen del Carmen III swimming pool were particularly popular with visiting teams. Football clubs used these well‑equipped pitches for pre‑season training camps. The high number of bookings reflects the quality of infrastructure and the town’s ability to host demanding training programmes.
Community Engagement Remains Strong
The town also saw strong local engagement with sports activities. In 2025, over 16,000 registered users accessed community sports services. Of these, 9,447 were regular participants, while more than 7,000 were occasional users. This high level of participation indicates that locals are actively involved in using the facilities that also attract visitors. Families, young athletes, and fitness enthusiasts all benefited from improved access to courts and training spaces.
Major Investments in Sports Infrastructure
Torremolinos continued to invest in sports infrastructure in 2025. New pavilions, upgraded courts, and modern training centres were delivered to meet rising demand. The town also added a new roof to a multi‑sport court, improving year‑round usability. These upgrades not only serve visiting teams but also support grassroots sport for residents. Enhanced venues give confidence to teams seeking high standards in training and competition.
Health and Inclusive Programmes Expand Reach
Torremolinos’ focus on community wellbeing complemented its sports tourism strength. Health‑oriented and inclusive sports programmes, including the popular back school initiative, helped bring more residents into regular physical activity. These programmes, designed to improve posture and prevent injury, also attracted visitors interested in wellness travel combined with sports experiences.
Outlook for Torremolinos and Regional Tourism
Looking ahead, Torremolinos is expected to build on its strong 2025 performance. Local officials emphasise the role of sports tourism in diversifying seasonal travel patterns and boosting off‑season economic activity. For many local businesses, team arrivals and athlete visits promise steadier revenue streams throughout the year. Torremolinos’ success story also highlights Costa del Sol’s broad appeal beyond traditional leisure tourism, strengthening the region’s year‑round competitiveness.
Torremolinos’ rise as Costa del Sol’s top sports tourism destination in 2025 is more than an annual statistic. It is a story of renewed confidence for local businesses, community pride, and international visibility. With nearly 6,500 athletes visiting, hundreds of foreign teams staying longer, and millions of euros flowing into the local economy, the town has shown how investment, community engagement, and strategic destination marketing can pay rich dividends. As Spain continues to strengthen its sports tourism profile nationally, Torremolinos stands out as a model for how towns can capture new markets and transform their tourism fortunes.
