Spain is the world capital of padel — and playing in an international tournament here is a completely different experience from your local club competition. The atmosphere, the level of organisation, the mix of nationalities, and the social events that surround the matches make it one of the most memorable sports weekends you will ever have. This guide explains everything you need to know before you sign up.
Why Play a Padel Tournament in Spain?
Spain hosts more padel tournaments than any other country — from local club events to national circuit competitions. For international players, there is a particular appeal to travelling here specifically to compete:
- The best facilities in Europe: Spanish padel clubs have invested heavily in court infrastructure. You will play on outdoor courts in sunshine, often at beach-side or sea-view venues.
- High competitive density: Even at amateur level, Spanish players push a high standard of play. Competing against them improves your game faster than any clinic can.
- Tournament culture: Spanish padel tournaments come with a social layer that most Northern European competitions lack — DJ sets on court, prize ceremonies, welcome packs, and a nightlife element that most players end up talking about for years.
- All levels welcome: International tournament operators like Padel & Go organise categories by skill level (Gold, Silver, Bronze) so you always face opponents at your ability, regardless of whether you have a national ranking or not.
How International Padel Tournaments Work
If you have only played local competitions, the international format might look different. Here is how our tournaments in Lloret de Mar are structured:
- Categories: Men's, Women's and Mixed doubles. Within each, players are divided by level (Gold = most advanced, Silver = intermediate, Bronze = developing).
- Group stage: All teams are guaranteed a minimum of 3 matches in a round-robin group stage. You always play — no one gets knocked out in round one.
- Knockout rounds: Top teams from each group advance to quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.
- Match format: 9-game sets with golden point at 4-4. Finals are played in 2 sets (format may vary by edition).
- Second category option: For €25 extra, you can register in a second category — guaranteeing 6+ matches over the weekend.
What Is Included in a Tournament Package?
A tournament package is more than just an entry fee. At Padel & Go, our packages combine accommodation, meals, and the full competition experience:
- Hotel accommodation (2–4 nights depending on your chosen pack) at a 4-star partner hotel in Lloret de Mar
- Half board — breakfast and dinner with water and house wine included
- Tournament entry fee for your chosen category
- Welcome pack — branded gear, balls, and giveaway items for all participants
- DJ on court during matches — the atmosphere at our tournaments is unlike anything you will find at a standard club event
- Professional photographer — capturing the best moments of the tournament, included for all participants
- Raffles and giveaways from our sponsors throughout the weekend
Not included: flights, local transport, tourist tax (~€2.50/night at the hotel), personal expenses, and single room supplement.
Padel Levels Explained: Which Category Are You?
One of the most common questions is: "what level am I?" The answer varies by country, because France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the UK all rate players differently. As a rough guide:
| Category | Who it is for | Roughly matches |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | Advanced and competitive players, strong technique and match experience | A and strong B+ |
| Silver | Intermediate, comfortable with rallies and basic strategy | B+ and B |
| Bronze | Beginner to lower intermediate, newer to competitive play | C and below |
The A/B+/B/C letters come from our padel level guide, which includes a country-by-country comparison chart (for example, French 5–6, Dutch 4–5 or Belgian P500–600 all sit around B).
Match rules follow the standard padel rules published by the International Padel Federation (FIP), with the tournament format described above. If you are not sure which category fits you, contact us before registering. We would rather place you correctly than have you over- or under-matched.
How to Prepare for Your First International Padel Tournament
Competing internationally for the first time is exciting, and a little preparation goes a long way:
- Train specifically beforehand: Increase your playing frequency in the 4–6 weeks before the tournament. Focus on consistency under pressure rather than trying to add new shots.
- Communicate with your partner: If you are coming with a known partner, play together at least 3–4 times beforehand so you know each other's patterns and preferences.
- Arrive Friday morning: Our tournaments typically start Friday afternoon. Arriving in the morning gives you time to check in, settle, and warm up before your first match.
- Recover smartly: Matches run across Friday–Sunday. Sleep well on Friday and Saturday nights. The social events are great — but knowing when to dial them back keeps your game sharp for Sunday finals.
- Bring the right gear: Padel shoes (not tennis shoes: the outsole is different), your own racket if you have one, and comfortable sportswear for warm conditions.
Lloret de Mar as a Tournament Destination
Most international padel tournaments in Spain are held at standalone clubs. Our tournament is different: it is fully integrated with the town of Lloret de Mar on the Costa Brava, which means the non-padel experience is just as strong.
- Location: about 1 hour 15 minutes north of Barcelona by car and 35–45 minutes from Girona–Costa Brava airport. Easy to reach from anywhere in Europe.
- The courts: All matches played at outdoor clubs in and around Lloret. The backdrop is the Mediterranean — there is nowhere better to compete.
- The town: Lloret de Mar is a proper beach resort with dozens of restaurants, bars, and a famous nightlife strip. Lloret is a great place to spend the evenings after the matches.
- Optional extras: Stay an extra day and visit Tossa de Mar, explore Girona's old city, or take a day trip to Barcelona. The Costa Brava is worth more than a long weekend.
When Is the Next Tournament?
Our next edition is the 9th Padel & Go International Tournament, 28–30 May 2027 in Lloret de Mar. Pre-registration is open. Past editions (May 2025 and May 2026) sold out months in advance, so joining early is strongly recommended.
See upcoming tournaments and packages →
Reserve your spot for the current edition →
Further reading:
Padel Holidays in Spain: The Leisure & Lifestyle Guide — planning your trip from scratch, airport transfers and accommodation options.
Padel Camps on the Costa Brava — for players who prefer structured training over competition.
Padel Level Guide — find your category before you register.