Sicily, the sunny island at the toe of Italy’s boot, is known for many things, a great cuisine, volcanoes, the mafia… :) But for tennis fans, they do also offer quite a lot in terms of good courts and a welcoming community of players.
Tennis in Sicily
The island’s warm climate makes it a year-round destination for outdoor play of any sport, and its tennis community is a mix of locals, expats and visitors. While there aren’t a ton of professional tournaments, places like the Verdura Resort’s Tennis Academy and smaller clubs around cities like Palermo and Catania keep the sport alive. The community is friendly and inclusive, often organising local matches, tournaments or social events, especially during the summer season.
For visitors, it’s easy to jump in, many hotels with courts offer lessons or can connect you with nearby players. It’s surely not a high-pressure scene, but it’s great for those who just love playing tennis and want to combine their tennis traveling with other traveling experiences.
You’ll find several airports around the island, with the main three being in Catania (east), Palermo (north) and Trapani (west).
Let’s look closer at some of the best hotels with tennis courts in Sicily, and what to expect when traveling here.
Best Tennis Hotels in Sicily
1. Verdura Resort (Sciacca)
Located on the southwest coast near Sciacca, this luxury retreat offers six clay tennis courts, all floodlit for evening play and surrounded by olive groves and sea views. The resort’s Tennis Academy is a standout, offering specific programs for all levels, even complete beginners. You can book private lessons, join group clinics or join weekly summer tournaments. Former pros and other big names occasionally pop in for special events here.
Beyond tennis, Verdura really is a paradise: infinity pools, a private beach, several golf courses etc. Rooms are spacious, with balconies overlooking the Mediterranean, and the dining options include many Sicilian flavors with a upscale twist. It’s not cheap, surely, but for a fantastic tennis-focused trip, it’s tough to beat on Sicily.
2. Villa Igiea (Palermo)
Close to Palermo, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, we find Villa Igiea which is a luxurious Rocco Forte property. This historic Art Nouveau palazzo offers an outdoor tennis court set against a breathtaking backdrop of tiered gardens and the Gulf of Palermo. Arrange private lessons or group clinics with professional coaches. While it’s not a full tennis academy, the setup works for both casual players and those looking for a bit more structure. They also offer cardio tennis session and other fitness programs. One of the better hotels with tennis courts on the island, the postcard-worthy views are just a bonus…
Beyond tennis, Villa Igiea is a five-star retreat with a seasonal outdoor pool, a spa and three dining options serving Sicilian specialties. The 100 rooms and suites are uniquely designed, featuring elegant decor, marble bathrooms, some with sea-view balconies. It’s just a 15-minute drive from Palermo’s center, making it a good option for mixing tennis with cultural traveling.
3. Alberi del Paradiso (Cefalù)
A Cefalù favorite, Alberi del Paradiso! Housed in an ancient manor surrounded by lush gardens, this boutique hotel offers a synthetic grass court in a really beautiful setting with sea views. Following the tennis session, you can cool off at the large outdoor pool or unwind in the wellness area with a sauna and massages. The hotel also runs a free seasonal shuttle to its private beach, so you’re never far from the sea.
Rooms feature classic Sicilian tiled floors and wooden furniture, with some offering sea views from higher floors. Overall, a good option for a smaller, more intimate spot for tennis and relaxation.
4. Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa (Campofelice di Roccella)
Found on Sicily’s northern coast in Campofelice di Roccella, the Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa is a five-star all-inclusive hotel with three tennis courts (hard-court) near the sea, as part of its quite extensive sports offerings. Completely renovated and reopened in 2020, this resort is set within a 10-hectare Mediterranean park, with courts available for casual play or more competitive matches. The staff can arrange equipment and sometimes includes tennis in its daily activity lineup, great for families!
The resort has direct beach access, three pools (one with a kids area) and a variety of dining options from Sicilian to international cuisine. It’s a 15 km drive to Cefalù and close to historic sites like the Himera ruins. Clearly an option to consider when finding the best tennis hotels in Sicily.
5. Villa Zina Park Hotel (Custonaci)
Tucked into the Sicilian countryside near the Zingaro Nature Reserve (north-west), Villa Zina Park Hotel is a peaceful retreat with a tennis court available for guests. This 19th-century property is loacted 17 km from San Vito Lo Capo’s beaches and 30 km from Trapani Airport, surrounded by gardens with countryside views. The court is a nice perk for guests, though it’s more for casual play than intense training, lessons aren’t really advertised, so call ahead if you need coaching.
This is more of a classic Sicilian experience, and the terrace restaurant serves Sicilian dishes paired with an impressive wine list. There’s also a pool, sauna and spa treatments if you need to unwind post-match. It’s a bit off the beaten path, which is often a big positive!
Villas with Private Courts
Another option, obviously even more pricey, is to find one of the many villas that features private tennis courts and also gives options to have private lessons from qualified instructors. Some of them: Villa Sirena, La Ganzeria and Costa Bianca.
If you’re looking for a relaxed setting, nice weather, great food and opportunities to play tennis, one of the many tennis hotels in Sicily might be a good option. Most of them can be book directly, via agents or as part of tennis travel packages for easy planning.
