The Algarve is the perfect tennis holiday destination
Famous as Europe’s favorite golf destination and the training camp of choice for top football teams, the Algarve is also the perfect location for tennis holidays. For future Federers and junior Djokovics, or for weekend tennis warriors, the Algarve offers excellent conditions, courts and coaches, making tennis one of the best things to do in the Algarve. Add in some sunshine, and the Algarve becomes the perfect tennis destination.
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, the weather conditions in the Algarve are perfect for tennis. Summers are warm and dry while winters are generally mild and dry – ideal tennis conditions, unlike most of the rest of Europe. With flights available from most European capitals to Faro airport, and a flight time of less than 3 hours, you can be serving and slicing in the sunshine before you know it. There are structured tennis holidays available for all skill levels and for children and adults. Adults can enjoy intense tennis coaching with a nice mix of socializing. Junior tennis camps are perfect as family holidays. During the day the children receive excellent coaching while the rest of the family relaxes on the beach or by the pool, and evenings can be spent together enjoying the restaurants and nightlife.
Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy
Along the Algarve coast there are excellent tennis facilities, many within the grounds of the region’s leading resorts. At Quinta do Lago, the Jim Stewart Tennis Academy offers year round classes to residents as well as structured tennis holidays on hard courts and EuroClay courts. Choose the course that best suits your play - are you a beginner, are you looking to hone your competitive skills or do you want to play and chill…? Coaching sessions and clinics are morning and afternoon, including video analysis. There is a great range of accommodation available too, within the luxurious Quinta do Lago resort and the Jim Stewart team are happy to help with organizing this. Tennis holidays at the Jim Stewart Tennis Academy have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 participants per course, 5 day course price €375 per person.
At the Conrad Algarve, also in Quinta do Lago, you can enjoy complete luxury and a spot of tennis. Regular coaching sessions are available with the professionals from the Jim Stewart Tennis Academy. The concierge can help book the classes or you can use the very handy Conrad Concierge App and book your tennis session before your arrive.
Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, known for its 2 Michelin star Ocean Restaurant and its lush tropical gardens, is also an ideal location in which to improve your tennis skills. Amid all the luxury and comfort of this leading resort, you can enjoy one on one coaching or group classes with the resident tennis pros, as well as the high energy and fun Cardio Tennis classes. Participants can build their own bespoke course choosing the type and amount of coaching and accommodation that suits them best. The tennis centre at Vila Vita Parc offers astro turf and EuroClay courts. Tennis holidays at Vila Vita Parc also include use of the Spa, table tennis, 9-hole pitch and putt, 18-hole mini golf, 18-hole putting green and driving range (all subject to availability). Accommodation is available in a luxury room or a two bedroom apartment and the packages include the Vila Vita Parc buffet breakfast. Prices from €760 for single, €960 for double for four nights, plus coaching.
Tennis coaching at Vila Vita Parc
The beautiful Vale do Lobo resort has a tennis academy to rival the best in Europe, boasting 10 hard courts, 4 synthetic grass courts and mini-tennis and paddle tennis courts. One of the largest tennis centres in Portugal, the Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy attracts international events and stars. There is a range of tennis holidays available at the Academy – from Semi Intensive to Super Intensive with group and individual coaching, progress reports, welcome and prize-giving cocktail parties and barbeque and accommodation. Prices vary according to the time of year and chosen course, starting at €64 per person per day, for the Semi Intensive course in standard accommodation during low season.
The Sheraton Pine Cliffs Resort is host to the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy. Each course is based on the highly successful drills which are a hallmark of the former British Nº 1 tennis coaching programmes. Set within the lush grounds of the Pine Cliffs Resort, the academy (with clay and all-weather hard courts) welcomes groups of adults and children, from beginner level to competition level. The Academy offers daily, 3 day and 5 day courses and caters for children as young as 3 years of age right up to adults. Rates vary according to the amount of coaching and duration of the course.
Aside from the wonderful weather and quality tennis resorts in the Algarve, there is also an active local population of avid tennis players. From seniors to juniors, local clubs welcome the opportunity to train with visiting players. Clubs such as the Portimão Tennis Club or Jim Stewart Tennis Academy run regular social tournaments and, of course, it is also possible to hire the use of courts for an hour or two just for the sheer pleasure of hitting a few balls.
For more information and reservations:
Jim Stewart Tennis Academy +351 289 398 848 [email protected]
Vila Vita Parc +351 282 310 100 [email protected]
Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy +351 289 353 000 [email protected]
Annabel Croft Tennis Academy at Pine Cliffs Resort + 351 289 500 100 [email protected]
