The essentials, the nice-to-haves, and what to leave at home. A practical packing guide for warm-weather padel trips to Spain, Portugal, and beyond.
Overpacking is the enemy of a smooth padel holiday. After fifteen years of organising trips to Spain, Portugal and beyond, we have seen players arrive with everything but the kitchen sink, and others forget basics that cost them valuable court time. This guide covers exactly what to pack, what to leave at home, and the small details that make a week on court feel effortless.
The Non-Negotiables
Start with two rackets. Strings snap at the worst possible moment, and frames occasionally crack in transit. Having a backup means you never miss a session. Padel-specific shoes with gum rubber soles are essential; court surfaces abroad vary from artificial grass to porous concrete, and regular trainers slide dangerously. Pack at least three replacement overgrips; the combination of sweat and Mediterranean heat turns handles slippery within a couple of sessions.
High-SPF sun cream and a wide-brim cap belong in your court bag, not just your bathroom. The midday sun in southern Spain and Portugal is stronger than most UK players expect, and sunburn on day two ruins the rest of the week. A refillable water bottle saves money and plastic; nearly every club we partner with has filtered water stations. Finally, slip a small blister kit and basic pain relief into a side pocket.
- Two rackets minimum, including your trusted backup
- Padel shoes with gum soles for variable court surfaces
- Three or more replacement overgrips
- SPF 50 sun cream and a cap or visor
- Refillable water bottle
- Blister plasters and basic pain relief
The Nice-to-Haves
Compression calf sleeves or socks make a noticeable difference when you are playing five days straight. Muscle fatigue accumulates gradually, and recovery becomes the limiting factor by Thursday. A portable massage ball or mini roller fits easily into luggage and earns its weight in gold during evenings.
Consider an action camera or even a modern smartphone clamp if you want to review your technique. Many of our coaching partners use video analysis, and having your own footage from social sessions adds context. A small cooler bag for post-match snacks keeps fruit and electrolyte drinks cold during long morning blocks.
- Compression sleeves for multi-day play
- Portable massage ball or mini foam roller
- Action camera or phone mount for technique review
- Small soft cooler bag for court-side refreshments
- Sweatbands and wristbands
What to Leave Behind
Resist the urge to pack heavy gym weights or resistance bands unless you have a specific rehab routine. You will not use them. The padel court is your gym for the week. Multiple pairs of smart shoes are unnecessary; resort dinners in the destinations we use are reliably casual, and one pair of clean trainers or loafers covers every evening.
Accommodation towels are always provided and usually replaced mid-week, so leave bulky beach towels at home. The same applies to full first-aid kits; basic plasters and pain relief are enough, and local pharmacies are well stocked. If you are not planning a specific hiking excursion, leave the hiking boots behind to save luggage weight.
- Heavy gym weights and resistance bands
- Multiple pairs of formal or smart shoes
- Bulky towels (provided by accommodation)
- Full first-aid kits (pharmacies are nearby)
- Hiking boots unless you have planned treks
Luggage Strategy
If your airline permits a cabin bag of standard dimensions, carry your clothes, toiletries and one racket inside a soft cover. Rackets in cabin baggage avoid the rough handling of hold luggage and temperature fluctuations that can affect string tension. Place the second racket, your shoes, and any liquids over one hundred millilitres in checked luggage, well padded with clothing around the frame.
Use a dedicated padel bag with backpack straps for easy carrying between airports, taxis and courts. We recommend placing a small name tag inside the bag as well as outside; luggage tags have a habit of disappearing on carousel belts.
The best packing list is the one you do not have to think about twice. Focus on keeping your racket hand comfortable, your feet supported, and your skin protected. Everything else is a bonus.
Ready to plan your trip? Browse our destinations or get in touch for a tailored quote.