Italy makes it easy to pair a tennis holiday with the things that make a trip memorable: warm-weather outdoor play, long lunches, beaches, historic towns and regional food. The choice of resort matters, though. Some are built around coaching and court time, while others suit travelers who want a few relaxed matches between spa visits or sightseeing.
Here are five tennis resorts in Italy to consider, from Sardinia and Sicily to Puglia. Facilities and coaching schedules can change by season, so confirm court surfaces, lesson options and court access directly with the resort before booking.
Five tennis resorts in Italy to consider
1. Forte Village Resort, Sardinia
On Sardinia’s southern coast, Forte Village is a strong choice for a tennis-focused family trip. Tennis is part of its wider sports offering, and the resort has an academy-style setup with coaching and organized activities. That makes it more suitable than a hotel where tennis simply means one court you can reserve.
Why go: There is plenty to do off court, too, including beach time, pools and dining options. Families can plan lessons or practice for different ages and abilities, then spend the rest of the day together. Ask which coaching programs run during your dates and whether court time is included or charged separately.
Keep in mind: Forte Village is a large resort, and the experience can feel busy in peak holiday periods. If tennis is your main reason for going, book lessons and preferred court times early rather than assuming they will be available on arrival.
2. Verdura Resort, Sicily
Verdura Resort sits on Sicily’s southwest coast, with tennis among its sports and leisure facilities. It works well for players who want to keep active but also want a restful resort stay, with time for the beach, pools and spa. The setting also makes it a good base for adding Sicilian food and cultural outings to a tennis break.
Why go: The resort’s range of activities gives couples or mixed-ability groups room to build different kinds of days. One player can arrange a lesson or match while another relaxes, swims or explores. Ask the tennis desk about court surfaces, coaching availability and whether equipment can be hired.
Keep in mind: Sicily can be very hot in summer. Schedule matches early or later in the day, bring sun protection and check whether lessons are adjusted during the hottest hours.
3. Club Med Cefalù, Sicily
Club Med Cefalù is a coastal resort near the historic town of Cefalù, and tennis is part of its active-holiday offering. It suits travelers who like a planned resort rhythm, with organized sports and meals on site, rather than arranging every detail independently.
Why go: It is a convenient option for a tennis holiday with a partner or friends who may prefer other activities. You can build court time into a broader seaside stay, then visit Cefalù for its old town, cathedral and restaurants. Check the current tennis program before booking: group lessons, private coaching and court access may vary by season.
Keep in mind: Club Med Cefalù is generally positioned as an adults-oriented resort, so it may not fit every family’s needs. Confirm age policies and the exact package inclusions for your travel dates.
4. Borgo Egnazia, Puglia
Borgo Egnazia brings tennis into a distinctly Puglian setting, with white-stone architecture, local food and easy access to the region’s towns and coastline. It is a good match for travelers who want a polished resort experience and tennis as one part of the holiday, rather than an intensive training camp.
Why go: The resort makes it easy to combine a morning hit with a slower afternoon, a spa visit or an outing around the Itria Valley. Ask the resort to confirm the number of courts available, reservation rules and whether a coach can be arranged. If you want regular practice, get those details in writing before you commit.
Keep in mind: The appeal here is as much the setting and service as the tennis. Players looking for a full schedule of drills or competitive match play should compare the coaching program carefully with a dedicated tennis academy.
5. Is Molas Resort, Sardinia
Near Pula in southern Sardinia, Is Molas is best known for golf, but it can also suit travelers looking for a resort break with tennis and other leisure options. It is worth considering if your group wants a mix of sports rather than a trip centered only on tennis.
Why go: The location gives you a resort base for exploring southern Sardinia, with beaches and archaeological sites within reach. Tennis can add a useful practice session to a day otherwise spent on the coast or at the resort. Confirm the current court setup and whether lessons or racket hire are available.
Keep in mind: Tennis may not be the main focus of the property. If reliable daily court time is essential, ask about booking priority and any maintenance closures before choosing your dates.
How to choose the right Italian tennis resort
Start by deciding how much tennis you want to play. For daily coaching, academy sessions or a family program, look first at resorts with a dedicated tennis operation, such as Forte Village. For a holiday where tennis is one activity among many, a resort such as Verdura or Borgo Egnazia may be a better fit.
| Resort | Best suited to | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Forte Village | Families and players seeking organized tennis | Lesson schedule, court access and program fees |
| Verdura Resort | Couples and mixed-activity holidays | Coaching, court surfaces and summer playing hours |
| Club Med Cefalù | Adults who like an organized resort stay | Current tennis program and package inclusions |
| Borgo Egnazia | Travelers combining tennis with Puglia sightseeing | Court reservations and coach availability |
| Is Molas Resort | Groups combining tennis with other sports | How central tennis is to the current facilities |
Surface matters, too. If you usually play on hard courts, ask whether the resort has a similar surface; a week on clay can feel very different. On clay, the ball tends to bounce higher and points often last longer, so use the extra time to build rallies and move your opponent rather than going for a winner too early. If you are traveling with a coach, mention your usual level and goals before arrival.
For a comfortable tennis trip, spring and early autumn are often appealing in southern Italy: conditions can be gentler than midsummer, and sightseeing is easier in the cooler parts of the day. Availability and weather vary, so check local conditions and seasonal resort schedules. Pack a hat, sunscreen and shoes suited to the court surface, and leave room for a rest day—especially if you are not used to playing in heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Italian resort is best for a tennis-focused family holiday?
Forte Village is a sensible place to start because tennis is part of a broader sports and coaching offering, alongside activities for families. Confirm the program for your children’s ages and book sessions early in busy periods.
Can I book tennis lessons at Italian resorts?
Many resorts can arrange lessons or organized tennis, but the format and availability differ. Ask whether coaching is private or in a group, what levels are accepted, and whether the fee includes court time and equipment.
What is the best time of year for a tennis holiday in Italy?
Spring and early autumn are often comfortable choices, particularly in the south, though the weather varies by region. Summer can be hot, so plan to play early or later in the day and check the resort’s schedule.
Should I bring my own tennis racket?
If you care about racket feel or plan to play often, bring your own. Some resorts may offer equipment hire, but confirm availability and condition before relying on it.
Final Thoughts
The right tennis resort in Italy depends on whether you want structured coaching, easy court access or simply a few matches during a wider holiday. Forte Village is a strong starting point for organized tennis, while Verdura, Club Med Cefalù, Borgo Egnazia and Is Molas offer different ways to combine court time with coast, food and local exploring. Check the details that matter most—surfaces, lesson schedules and reservations—before you book, and you’ll arrive ready to enjoy both the tennis and the trip.
