Active in Almeria: Pickleball tour arrives as Vera offers free beach activities

Autumn sunshine is providing plenty of opportunities to get active across Almeria province, with two very different programmes on offer. Around 100 competitors are heading to Almeria city for the Top Pickleball Tour, while Vera is continuing its free programme of exercise and activities beside the beach until the end of October.

Top Pickleball Tour comes to Almeria

One of the world’s fastest-growing sports is coming to Almeria this weekend as the city hosts the Top Pickleball Tour.

Around 100 players are expected to compete from Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25, with €5,000 in prize money on offer.

Matches will take place at the Tinglado del Puerto and the Palacio de los Juegos Mediterraneos.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and is played using paddles and a lightweight plastic ball on a smaller court.

The sport has grown rapidly in popularity because it is relatively easy for beginners to pick up and can be played by different age groups.

Almeria has already been increasing the number of places where people can play, with eight courts at the Recinto Ferial and another 16 on Avenida del Mediterraneo.

The weekend tournament will give anyone curious about the sport the chance to see experienced players in action.

Almeria is the second stop for the new Top Pickleball Tour after its opening event in Gijon attracted more than 70 competitors and thousands of spectators.

Free beach activities continue throughout October

Vera is making the most of the autumn sunshine with a programme of free activities taking place beside the sea throughout October.

Tus Playas de Invierno (Your Beach in the Winter) offers residents and visitors the chance to take part in outdoor exercise and activities on weekends until Saturday, October 31.

The programme includes yoga, tai chi, volleyball, Zumba, Pilates, skating, dance, functional training and self-defence.

Activities are held close to the beach, providing a rather different setting from the usual gym or sports centre.

Most sessions take place from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, while yoga starts earlier and runs from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

There is no charge to take part and advance registration is not required, so people can simply turn up and join in.

Vera Town Hall recommends bringing comfortable clothing, water and sun protection.

The programme began at the start of October and has been running each weekend, with different activities giving people the chance to try something new.

Tus Playas de Invierno continues until October 31, although activities may be changed if necessary.

For more information, head to vera.es.