Court design for coastal climates: Lessons from Southern Europe

Written by Communications Department Portico Sport July 14, 2025

Padel continues to thrive along Europe’s coastlines, with clubs flourishing from Marbella to Mykonos. But as the sport expands in regions known for heat, humidity, and sea air, court builders must address an often-overlooked challenge: climate resilience.

Designing padel courts for coastal and Mediterranean environments requires more than aesthetics, it demands careful planning, durable materials, and structural adaptations that can handle salt air, temperature shifts, and seasonal humidity.

How coastal climate impacts padel court design

From Andalusia’s sun-drenched shores to the humid coastline of southern Italy and the Aegean islands of Greece, padel courts face unique environmental pressures:

Humidity and salt air accelerate corrosion in metallic components, particularly in open-air venues near the sea.

High UV exposure can degrade synthetic turf and weaken surface adhesion over time.

Sudden temperature swings — especially between day and night — stress materials, causing expansion, contraction, and structural fatigue.

To ensure long-term court quality and safe play, builders in coastal zones must select materials and finishes that are resistant to rust, fading, and deformation.

At Portico Sport, we’ve designed and installed courts across southern Europe — including coastal locations such as Marbella, Riposto, and the Greek islands — with full awareness of the region’s unique demands. Our experience helps clubs, municipalities, and sports investors build courts that not only perform at a high level but also stand the test of time.

Smart materials for coastal resilience

Modern padel court coastal design incorporates:

Hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated steel, which provides advanced protection against corrosion from salt-laden air.

UV-resistant synthetic turf, designed to withstand intense sunlight without losing performance or color integrity.

Marine-grade fixings and hardware, chosen specifically to prevent deterioration in high-humidity environments.

Additionally, tempered glass must meet high tolerance levels to handle both impact and temperature shifts — especially important in seaside installations where wind and sand are common.

Covered padel courts: A climate-smart solution

In areas like Costa del Sol, Mallorca, or the Amalfi Coast, an increasing number of clubs are turning to canopy-covered padel courts as a proactive solution. These lightweight, open-sided structures:

✔ Shield the court from direct rain and sun

✔ Extend surface lifespan by reducing UV and moisture exposure

✔ Allow for airflow, maintaining that sought-after “outdoor” playing experience

At Portico Sport, our polycarbonate-roof canopies are specially designed for Mediterranean climates. They protect courts from the elements while maintaining visibility and ventilation — ideal for locations where traditional indoor halls are not feasible.

Engineered for coastal performance: Adapting to demanding environments

Portico Sport has developed and installed padel courts throughout key coastal areas, including:

Marbella and Málaga, where weather conditions can shift rapidly between dry heat and coastal fog

Savona and Riposto, where sea breezes and high summer humidity require corrosion-resistant finishes

Costa Navarino and Corinthia, where strong UV radiation and wind exposure present additional challenges

In each of these regions, we apply tailored solutions that ensure lasting performance — from reinforced foundations to anti-rust structures and certified playing surfaces.

Future-proofing coastal padel courts

Whether you’re a club owner near the beach or a developer planning a Mediterranean resort venue, building padel courts that withstand coastal conditions is no longer optional — it’s essential.

By choosing proven materials, smart structures like canopies, and expert court builders with regional experience, clubs can protect their investment and guarantee year-round performance.

At Portico Sport, we understand the demands of the Mediterranean climate because we build in it — every day. Our courts are designed for longevity, certified to international standards, and tailored to meet the needs of coastal environments.

If you’re planning a padel project by the sea in Spain, Italy, Greece, or beyond, our team is here to help. Let’s design a court that looks great, plays even better, and stands the test of time.

👉 Get in touch today to explore our court and canopy solutions for Mediterranean and coastal climates.

Let’s build padel courts that last — built for climate, built for champions.

Communications Department Portico Sport

The Portico Sport communications team is responsible for sharing all relevant content with the audience behind each of our Padel courts. With many years of experience in the Padel industry, we share our knowledge of the sport and the excitement of our projects, from installations at local clubs to large international complexes. We bring our expertise, passion, and a personal touch to every post we publish.