Costa Blanca Magazin

Pilota Valenciana - Traditional sport on the Costa Blanca

Ein Spiel mit Geschichte

Experience Pilota Valenciana, the historic ball game from Valencia. A fast, loud sport, deeply rooted in the culture of the Costa Blanca.

When you think of sport, you usually think of cyclists, hikers or golfers. But there is also a discipline that is older than many modern trends: Pilota Valenciana. This ball game has been practised in the region for centuries - in the past on the streets, today mainly in special halls, the trinquets.

The pitch is rectangular, with galleries for spectators and a characteristic staircase, the „Escala“. Fans watch the action from there, often so close that they become part of the game themselves: The ball is allowed to bounce off walls, stairs or balconies and remains in play until a mistake is made.

The best-known variants are called Escala i corda and Raspall.

Both are characterised by high speed and spectacular rallies.

Pilota also has a presence on the Costa Blanca. In Benidorm/Albir, for example, there is a Trinquet hall where tournaments are held and young players train. This preserves a tradition that is not only a sport, but also part of the regional identity. In Valencia itself, the Trinquet de Pelayo is considered the „Cathedral of the Pilota“ - a symbol of the importance of the game in the culture of the Comunidad Valenciana. This gives visitors the opportunity to get to know a sport that is deeply rooted in history, but still fills packed halls today. Pilota is a living culture - loud, fast and unique.