The Top 10 Sport Events in Spain 2017

Whether in large stadiums, indoor circuits or outdoor trails, this year Spain is hosting a range of internationally recognised events and championships to suit all tastes. So no matter where you are staying in Spain, there will be something for you to enjoy. 

This year, the great stars of sport will return to defend their titles. Discover when and where you can get involved with the best sporting events of 2017 in Spain:

1. Spanish Formua 1 Gran Prix 2017, Montmeló 

Formula 1 lovers can mark the 14th of May on their calendars as the Spanish Gran Prix of F1 in Montmeló. Guaranteed to be a fast-paced spectacle with some of the best drivers in the world including Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, Sebastian Vettel and more.

This year, Montmeló is the only circuit in the world to host the pre-season tests that will run from the 27th of February to the 2nd of March and from the 7th to the 10th of March. These dates give spectators the chance of a sneak-preview into what each team has prepared for the race in May.

2. Red Bull Moto GP 2017, Jerez

On the 5th and 7th of May, the great stars of the Moto GP will return to burn rubber on the circuit of Jerez during the Red Bull Moto GP Spain 2017. Bikers and bike lovers alike simply can’t miss it, so make sure you include it in your holiday plans if you're staying in the Cadiz area. 

The current title holder is Marc Márquez and this year’s battle promises to be exciting as Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Pedrosa fight hard to claim the title. Discounted pre-sale tickets are available until the 7th of April.

If you can’t make it to Jerez this year, you can still enjoy the speed and excitement at one of the other three world championships that are also celebrated in Spain: Montmeló in June, Aragón in September and Cheste (Valencia) in November

3. Andalusia Valderrama Masters 2017, Cadiz

From the 19th to the 22nd of October, the best European level golf will return to Spain with the Andalucía Valderrama Masters which will be held at the Real Club de Golf de Valderrama in Sotogrande, Cádiz. 

This competition is the only part of the 2017 European Tour to be held in Spain, so should not be missed. Additionally, it is held at the end of the high season and at that time of year, the Andalusia's climate is perfect to enjoy golf.

Andalusia has a huge concentration of golf courses and what’s more, the International Association of Golf Operators (IAGTO) has distinguished Andalusia as "European Golf Destination of the Year" thanks to the quantity and quality of its golf courses.

4. La Vuelta a España Road Bike Race 2017

On the 19th of August the "La Vuelta Ciclista a España" begins again, but this year’s edition will be a little different. For the first time, the departure point will not be located in Spain. Instead, competitors will start the race in France, in the city of Nimes and the finishing line will be located in the very heart of Spain: by the incredible Cibeles fountain in Madrid.

Over 3 weeks and 21 different stages, La Vuelta will cover much of Spain’s geography, especially the Mediterranean coast and a number of breathtaking mountain ranges. After four years, the ascent up the Alto de l'Angliru (one of the steepest and most demanding mountain roads in Asturias) will return as part of the official route, it reaches 1570 metres above sea level and is the nightmare of many competitors.

Another stage of the race is the ascent up to Los Machucos, a mountaintop viewpoint in Cantabria with 28% incline slopes in some places. One of the last stages of the race is a 42-kilometre time trial in the city of Logroño, La Rioja and is followed by the completion of the race in Madrid. All stages and locations of the race have already been released meaning that spectators can plan their travels accordingly and catch some live race action. 

5. Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament

The incredible Caja Mágica sports stadium in Madrid will once again host the Mutua Madrid Open Tennis Tournament from the 5th to the 14th of May. It’s an incredible stadium due to its moving walls which allow games to be played outdoors or indoors - a true architectural wonder in which to enjoy the best tennis with the best players in the world in one of the best cities in Spain. 

6. RACC Catalunya-Costa Dorada Rally

The 53rd edition of the WRC Rally of Spain (RACC Catalunya-Costa Dorada Rally) will be held from the 5th to the 8th of October and will have its headquarters at the PortAventura theme park in Salou (Tarragona).

The RACC Catalunya-Costa Dorada Rally is the only mixed-terrain rally of the whole season, the first two days take place on asphalt and the last day's route will be over both dirt and asphalt. Therefore, competitors of this race require a special ability to adapt their driving to both surfaces without losing control or speed.

This race will be the third and penultimate test of the FIA ​​World Rally Championship, with the last round taking place in November in Australia. As a novelty, a new technical regulation has been introduced this year which allows teams to race in more spectacular and elaborate cars than previous years. 

7. Volvo Ocean Race, Alicante

The countdown has already begun to officially sail the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18, it starts from the port of Alicante on the 22nd of October and lasts 140 days. Competitors will sail almost 44,000 nautical miles, the longest in the history of the race and will finish in The Hague, Netherlands.

Competitors will call in at eleven ports across five continents of the world. Alicante solidifies its status as headquarters of the Volvo Ocean Race with its port acting once again as the starting point. If you visit Alicante to see the beginning of the race, be sure to visit the Volvo Ocean Race Museum which is dedicated to the 40 year history of the competition. 

8. El Clasico Football: Madrid vs Barcelona

After the 1-1 in December at the Camp Nou and with tensions running high, the moment of truth will come. Coinciding with the day of Sant Jordi on the 23rd of April, El Clasico will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.

When Madrid and Barcelona play against each other, the whole of Spain comes to a halt in front of the TV, as few are lucky enough to enjoy the excitement of the live match inside the stadium.

This year, Real Madrid will have the advantage of playing at home, but in the El Clasico game nothing can be guaranteed except the experience of enjoying some of the best football in the world with the greatest stars of the sport.

9. Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships 2017, Sierra Nevada

Enjoy the best freestyle skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, just half an hour from the enchanting city of Granada. This year's Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships will be held from the 7th to the 9th of March and will feature up to 13 world finals, four of them even more spectacular as they take place at night.

Almost 800 competitors from more than 30 different countries are expected to attend this year’s competition. The level is extremely high and spectators will be treated to breathtaking manoeuvres, tricks, twists and turns in the air. In addition, the quality of the snow during these dates is unbeatable, so spectators and visitors to the Sierra Nevada can enjoy the mountain range in all its splendour.

10. World Trial Championship 2017, Girona

The small town of Camprodón in Girona will again host the biggest trial stars in the 2017 World Trial Championship. The first double TrialGP, Trial2 and Trial125 will be held again in the area of Font-rubí on the 14th of May. The diversity of the terrain makes this area the perfect location for the championship, with rocky and wet areas, logs and all kinds of natural obstacles.

After touring the world during the summer, more than 150 riders from 30 different countries will return to Galicia on the 23rd and 24th of September for "The Trial of the Nations", the last of the championship events.

11: World Cup Tarifa: 23.6.2017 (strapless freestyle)

The 2017 GKA Wave-Freestyle World Tour is growing. The GKA Crew are eager to welcome you all to the 2017 World Cup events and to continue the exciting atmosphere of last year.

In Spain, all types of sports are celebrated in special ways, so it is not surprising that it hosts some of the most important international championships and events in each discipline.

While football will always be the national sport, the popularity of Formula 1, tennis and cycling continue to grow, not to mention that Spain's athletes are among the best.

There is nothing like feeling the excitement of live sport. Now, it’s time to plan your getaway to Spain and which events you' like to see.

 

 

 

 

 

Ref Spain Holiday 

Gisela Pulido at her home beach in Tarifa spain.