Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Spain, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the sunny south, between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Mediterranean coast. In the heart of the beautiful Lecrín Valley, just 30 minutes from Granada, you’ll find not only stunning scenery and charming villages, but also six padel courts; in Pinos del Valle, Dúrcal, Nigüelas (indoor), Murchas, Béznar, and El Padul.
What is Padel?
For the uninitiated, padel is a racket sport that’s often described as a mix between tennis and squash. Played on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, it’s a social, fast-paced game that’s easy for beginners to pick up and endlessly fun for seasoned players. In Spain, it’s the second most popular sport after football, and its popularity is spreading across Europe and beyond.
One of the most passionate and experienced padel coaches in the region lives in the Lecrin Valley: Danny Wiggers, whose energy is completely contagious.
I met Danny and his wife Hillie for coffee in their lovely B&B Casa del Patio PdV in Pinos del Valle.
Within minutes of chatting, it was easy to see why people are falling in love with this sport here. “The beauty of padel,” Danny told me, “is that anyone can play. It’s so easy to pick up. Unlike tennis, where you might spend months learning just to rally, with padel you can be playing proper games and having a laugh after just one lesson. It is so rewarding to see a group of beginners finish their session grinning from ear to ear.”
What makes Danny stand out is his background. He didn’t just grab a weekend certificate; he completed a serious, year-long professional coaching program back in the Netherlands, complete with internships and ongoing training. It shows in the way he runs his sessions; relaxed, fun, and tailored to everyone’s level. Whether you’re a total beginner or a regular player keen to up your game, Danny makes sure you leave the court better (and happier) than when you arrived.
Unlike the bigger, commercial padel camps you’ll find around Marbella, Danny keeps things personal. His groups never exceed eight people, and many sessions are just two or three players. “It means I can actually give people real attention and tips they’ll remember,” he explained.
Danny’s a player too, playing at clubs around Granada and always keeping up with the latest techniques. And honestly, it’s that mix of knowledge, passion, and genuine enthusiasm for the sport that makes playing with him such a brilliant experience.
If you’re anywhere near the Lecrín Valley, do yourself a favour: book a session with Danny. Even if you’ve never picked up a racket before, you’ll leave the court smiling.
And for travellers who come specifically for padel holidays, there’s plenty to do after your morning session, from hiking through lemon groves, climb Sierra Nevada mountains to swimming in the Mediterranean or paddleboarding on the Beznar reservoir.
Casa del Patio PdV
Together with his partner Hillie Hofma, Danny runs Casa del Patio in Pinos del Valle, literally 10 steps away from the village padel court. Both former PE teachers from the Netherlands, they’ve perfectly combined their love for sport, nature, and hospitality in this charming guesthouse.
Casa del Patio PDV is a warm, welcoming place where everyone feels at home, from solo travelers to sporty couples, friend groups and families. Besides padel lessons, they organize guided hikes, airport transfers, and complete activity packages with accommodation, healthy meals, and outdoor adventures. What makes them unique is that they are pure, offer personal hospitality, a relaxed atmosphere, and their location between mountains, beaches, and Granada city.
Contact details:
Calle Simon de Rodas 9, Pinos del Valle, Granada, Spain
E: info@casadelpatiopdv.com T: +31610410715 W: https://www.casadelpatiopdv.com/
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