Unusual Sports You Might Just Get Obsessed With Along the Costa
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
Some sports sneak up on you. You try them once, just for fun, and suddenly you’re watching clips online, talking tactics over dinner, and roping friends into weekend sessions. The stretch of coastline from Alicante down to Mojácar — with its golden beaches, mild winters and buzzing outdoor culture — is the perfect place to stumble into your next unexpected obsession.
While padel, golf and football might rule the headlines, there’s a hidden world of sports here that are anything but ordinary — clever, fast, surprisingly addictive, and easy to get started with. Even better, they’re already being played locally, right on your doorstep.
Below are some of the most unusual but very real sports you can actually try in this region. You’ll find the basic rules, where to play, and just enough to tempt you to Google the rest and dive in headfirst.
Footgolf – Alicante & Costa Blanca
Footgolf is exactly what it sounds like: golf, but with a football. You tee off by kicking a size-5 ball and aim to get it into a larger hole in as few kicks as possible. Out-of-bounds adds a stroke, and lowest score wins. Rounds are typically 9 or 18 holes, making it brilliant for relaxed weekends with friends. One of the best places to play is El Plantío Golf Resort, on Carretera Antigua Alicante–Elche, where Footgolf Costa Blanca runs a well-kept course and welcomes beginners. The setting is beautiful, and it’s become a hit among locals and expats alike.
Bossaball – Andalucía’s Beaches
This one is impossible to watch without wanting to try it. Bossaball is a mix of volleyball, football and trampolines, played on a giant inflatable court with a net in the centre. Teams of three to five score points depending on where the ball lands — three if it hits the trampoline zone, one elsewhere. It’s high energy, fast, and surprisingly beginner-friendly. Seasonal Bossaball setups appear along Andalucía’s southern beaches, particularly during spring and summer. Events and courts often pop up in areas like Málaga, Almería, and Marbella.
Flag Football – La Nucía
This fast-growing, non-contact version of American football is perfect for those who love strategy and speed. Instead of tackles, players wear flags that opponents must remove to stop play. Games are usually five-a-side, with four downs to score a touchdown. It’s ideal for anyone who wants the thrill of the sport without the rough tackling. You can train and play with the La Nucía Spartans at the Polideportivo Camilo Cano, a modern sports complex that welcomes both newcomers and experienced players.
Extreme Biking & Canyoning – Costa Blanca Adventure
For those who prefer a real adrenaline rush, the Costa Blanca’s mountain terrain offers some of the most thrilling routes in Spain. Extreme biking combines off-road cycling with steep, technical descents, while canyoning involves navigating through ravines, waterfalls and natural pools. Professional instructors are available to guide all levels, so you don’t need to be a pro to try it. A number of adventure tour companies operate around Alicante, Benidorm and the surrounding valleys, offering guided experiences and equipment rental for first-timers.
Before diving in, we recommend searching each sport online to learn rules, gear and local schedules. The Costa is full of surprises — and one of these unusual sports might just become your new obsession.
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