Add Pickleball in Europe to Your Bucket List!
Smart tips to sync your styles, strategy, and mindset
Europe isn’t just for sightseeing, sipping wine, or soaking in history—it’s quickly becoming a hotspot for pickleball too. From cliffside courts in Portugal to Mediterranean escapes in Greece, resorts across the continent are embracing the sport and adding it to their lineup of wellness and fitness offerings.
And if you’re like us a day or two of sightseeing is nice, but a week? Forget, we need to move! The solution? A pickleball trip to Europe can be the perfect mix of sights and sweats.
Here are our top 5 pickleball resorts in Europe:
For those seeking a European escape, the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland offers one of the country's premier pickleball experiences. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Lucerne, the resort features indoor courts within its Diamond Domes, allowing for year-round play. The combination of luxury accommodations and scenic views makes it a unique destination for pickleball aficionados.
2. Levante Beach Club – Rhodes, Greece
Located on the picturesque island of Rhodes, the Levante Beach Club by Neilson Active Holidays offers a comprehensive sports program. Guests can enjoy up to 55 hours of pickleball and tennis instruction, along with access to six tennis courts and two padel courts. The resort also provides childcare services, allowing parents to focus on their game.
3. Aeolian Village Beach Resort – Lesvos, Greece
Set amidst mature gardens on the island of Lesvos, the Aeolian Village Beach Resort caters to active travelers. The resort features padel and tennis courts, with expert tuition available to help guests improve their skills. Beyond the courts, visitors can explore cycling routes, enjoy sailing and windsurfing, or relax on the 3km sandy beach.
4. Pine Cliffs Resort – Algarve, Portugal
Perched atop the red cliffs of Portugal's Algarve region, Pine Cliffs Resort is home to the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy. While primarily focused on tennis, the resort offers a range of racket sports facilities, including padel courts. Guests can benefit from coaching sessions, organized matches, and clinics, all within a luxurious setting that boasts multiple pools, restaurants, and a golf course.
5. Montjuïc Olympic Pools – Barcelona, Spain
OK, technically this is not a resort, but the Montjuïc Olympic Pools in Barcelona have become a hub for pickleball in Spain. The venue hosted the 'Pre-Clásico Pickleball' event, attracting sports legends and top European players. With panoramic views of the city and a vibrant atmosphere, it's an ideal spot for pickleball enthusiasts visiting Barcelona. Note, we’ll be checking this out in person in the fall, when we visit our daughter who’s studying abroad in Barcelona.
These destinations not only offer excellent pickleball facilities but also provide the perfect blend of relaxation and sightseeing. Whether you're aiming to improve your game or simply enjoy matches in beautiful locales, these European spots deliver experiences worth the journey.
