Padel has evolved from a niche racquet sport into a global phenomenon, and its impact on travel is becoming impossible to ignore. According to the International Padel Federation's 2025 report, the sport now boasts more than 35 million players worldwide, with the number of courts surpassing 77,000 after a 15% increase in a single year. Europe sits at the epicentre of this boom, accounting for over 60% of global participation and roughly two-thirds of all courts.
Hotels and resorts are capitalising on this trend by integrating padel into their offerings, blending competitive play with luxury stays and social experiences. For travellers seeking a holiday that combines sport with relaxation, the options are expanding rapidly across the continent.
Spain: The Heartland of Padel Travel
Spain remains the most complete destination for padel-focused holidays. The country's resorts have led the way in combining high-level courts with lifestyle amenities. On Marbella's Golden Mile, Puente Romano Beach Resort has become a flagship destination, with four courts that regularly host international events. The atmosphere is accessible to all levels, set against a backdrop of beach clubs and fine dining.
Further south, La Manga Club in Murcia offers one of Europe's most comprehensive padel set-ups, with multiple courts, academies, and coaching programmes. It caters equally to serious training and casual play. On the Costa del Sol, Reserva del Higuerón Resort delivers a design-led experience, with panoramic courts overlooking the Mediterranean integrated into a broader wellness concept.
Portugal: A Rising Star in the Algarve
Portugal's padel infrastructure has grown rapidly, particularly in the Algarve. Vale do Lobo Resort features eight floodlit courts supported by professional coaching, making it a strong choice for structured play. Quinta do Lago, one of the country's most high-end sports destinations, offers a performance-focused environment with four outdoor and two indoor courts, alongside tennis and fitness facilities.
For a more relaxed approach, Pine Cliffs Resort perches above dramatic cliffs and includes four courts within a family-friendly setting. The resort is also home to the Annabel Croft Padel Academy, appealing to those looking to improve their game while enjoying a holiday.
Italy: Lifestyle and Scenery
Italy blends padel with its signature mix of cuisine and slower travel. Forte Village Resort in Sardinia integrates the sport into a broader ecosystem of beach time, dining, and wellness. In Sicily, Verdura Resort by Rocco Forte Hotels offers a quieter environment with two courts open from March to November, set within a sprawling estate.
As European travel patterns shift toward off-season and activity-focused trips, padel fits naturally into the itinerary. For insights into how tourists are reshaping travel in 2026, see our analysis on how European tourists are reshaping travel in 2026.
France and Monaco: Coastal Luxury
France is integrating padel across its diverse resort landscape. Club Med Opio en Provence includes padel in its daily activity programme, making it easy for beginners to get involved. On the French Riviera, Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel in Monaco has brought padel into the luxury space, with courts complementing a high-end coastal experience.
The region's appeal is further underscored by the upcoming season of The White Lotus, which highlights the area's lavish hotels. Read more in our piece on Inside the Lavish Hotels Hosting The White Lotus Season Four on the French Riviera.
Greece and Sweden: Diverse Backdrops
In Greece, padel is positioned as a premium resort activity. Costa Navarino on the Peloponnese coast features three courts at the Mouratoglou Tennis Center, with coaching and facilities designed for longer stays. Sweden's padel boom, driven by indoor facilities, makes it a year-round destination. Hotel Tylösand on the coast attracts both local and international visitors, while Ellery Beach House near Stockholm offers a social, design-focused experience with three outdoor courts.
For those planning a European summer, our guide to essential travel gadgets for a smooth European summer in 2026 offers practical advice.
Outside Europe, Bali is emerging as a hotspot for high-end padel travel, particularly among digital nomads. The Bali Padel Academy in Canggu attracts international players with a social, community-driven vibe. But for now, Europe remains the undisputed centre of the padel travel revolution, offering a network of destinations that cater to every level of player.
