Best Padel Holidays for Beginners: How to Choose Your First Trip

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The best padel holidays for beginners are relaxed, coaching-led trips that welcome new players, group people by ability and include organised match play. You do not need to be good at padel before you go, but you should choose a trip that clearly offers beginner coaching, patient instruction, racket hire or equipment support, and enough downtime between sessions.

A beginner-friendly padel holiday should make the sport feel easier to enjoy, not harder to enter. That means clear coaching, suitable playing groups, social games, simple explanations and a schedule that still feels like a holiday.

Padel is widely sold as suitable for beginners because it is social, doubles-based and relatively easy to start. Padel holidays can suit beginners as many resorts offer private lessons or beginner-friendly coaching, while most hotels hire out equipment such as rackets and balls.

The rules themselves are pretty simple, and you don’t need to follow them to have a beginner’s game. We started just trying to keep the ball moving and getting over the net, and over time brought in the correct scoring.

What is padel?

Padel is a fast-growing racket sport usually played in doubles on an enclosed court. It combines elements of tennis and squash: players hit the ball over a net, and the surrounding glass walls can also be used during rallies.

The game is easy to start, social by nature, and popular with beginners because the smaller court and underarm serve make rallies easier to enjoy from the first session.

Quick answer: what makes a padel holiday good for beginners?

Beginner-friendly feature	Why it matters
Beginner coaching	You need rules, positioning, basic technique and confidence before fast matches
Ability grouping	You should play with people at a similar level
Organised match play	You should not have to find partners yourself
Racket hire or equipment support	New players may not own a racket yet
Moderate court time	Too much padel too soon can be tiring
Hosted or social format	Makes the trip easier if you are new or travelling alone
Clear schedule	You should know when you are playing and when you are free
Relaxed atmosphere	Beginners need encouragement, not pressure

For a first padel holiday, choose structure over intensity. You want enough coaching to learn properly, enough games to practise, and enough free time to still feel like you are on holiday.

For our first padel game we just focused on getting the ball over the net

Can complete beginners go on a padel holiday?

Yes, complete beginners can go on a padel holiday if the trip is designed for new or recreational players. The important thing is to avoid advanced camps or court-only resorts where you are expected to organise your own games.

You do not need to know every rule before travelling. A beginner-friendly trip should teach you the basics: how scoring works, how to serve, where to stand, how doubles positioning works, how the glass is used and how to play simple rallies.

Some providers make beginner suitability very explicit. Manor & Ashbury’s 2-night padel coaching break is described as an “Introduction to Padel” break that gives beginners the skills they need to get started, and its Padel Mix coaching breaks are described as suitable for experienced, intermediate and beginner players, with sessions hosted by qualified padel coaches.

Club Med also states that group padel lessons for all levels are included in selected all-inclusive packages, and that rackets and balls are provided by Babolat at those resorts.

The key phrase to look for is not just “all levels welcome.” It is proof that beginners are actually supported.

Beginner padel holiday vs beginner padel course: what’s the difference?

A beginner padel holiday is not the same as a local beginner course. Both can help, but they serve different needs.

Option	Best for	Typical format
Beginner padel holiday	First-time travellers who want coaching plus relaxation	Coaching, social games, hotel or resort time, downtime
Beginner padel course	People who want to learn locally before travelling	Short coaching blocks, usually no travel or accommodation
Beginner padel camp	Motivated new players who want faster improvement	More court time, more structure, less holiday feel
Resort with padel courts	Travellers who want optional padel	Courts available, but coaching may not be organised

If you are nervous, a beginner padel holiday is usually safer than an intensive camp. If you want to feel more confident before travelling, a local course or a few lessons at home can help you arrive knowing the basics.

A resort with padel courts can be a nice bonus, but it is not necessarily a beginner holiday. Beginners usually need coaching, level matching and someone to organise suitable games.

What level should you be before booking?

You do not need to be at a high level before booking a beginner padel holiday. You just need to be honest about your current ability so the provider can match you with the right group.

Active Away, for example, says its padel holidays are aimed at recreational players who take the game seriously but want to have fun, and it provides a self-rating guide so travellers can understand where they fit before booking. It also says its groups are usually a mix of singles, couples and small groups, with typical group sizes from 8 to 20 and a maximum 1:6 coach-to-player ratio.

Total beginner

You are a total beginner if:

You have never played padel
You do not know the rules yet
You need the scoring explained
You may need racket hire
You want slow-paced coaching
You are nervous about joining games

If this is you, choose a trip that clearly says complete beginners are welcome.

New player

You are a new player if:

You have played a few times
You can rally a little
You know some basic rules
You still feel unsure about positioning
You want to improve quickly but gently
You are not yet confident in match play

This is a good level for a beginner-friendly holiday or an improver-friendly coaching break.

Improver

You are an improver if:

You play occasionally
You understand basic scoring
You can keep a rally going
You want help with positioning, glass play and tactics
You are comfortable joining social matches
You want more feedback than a complete beginner

Improvers can still enjoy beginner-friendly trips, but they may prefer a coaching holiday with separate level groups.

When to avoid beginner trips

Avoid beginner trips if:

You already compete regularly
You want high-intensity coaching
You want advanced match play
You would be frustrated by slower sessions
You want tactical work rather than basic technique
You mainly want to train, not holiday

If you already play often, a padel training camp or improver holiday may be a better fit.

What should beginner padel coaching include?

Beginner padel coaching should be simple, practical and confidence-building. It should not throw you straight into fast games without explaining how the sport works.

The rules and scoring

Beginner coaching should cover:

Basic scoring
Serving rules
The double-bounce rule
How the glass works
What counts as in or out
When the ball can be played after hitting the wall

You do not need to memorise everything immediately, but you should understand enough to enjoy a game.

Basic technique

Beginner coaching should help you with:

Forehand
Backhand
Serve
Return
Volley
Simple lob
Safe overhead basics

The aim is not perfect technique. The aim is to keep the ball in play and understand how to build a point.

Court positioning

Positioning is one of the biggest early lessons in padel. Beginners often stand too far back, move as individuals rather than as a pair, or chase balls that belong to their partner.

Good coaching should explain:

Where to stand as a pair
When to move forward
When to defend
How to cover space together
How to avoid both players chasing the same ball

Using the glass

The glass is one of the things that makes padel feel strange at first. Beginner coaching should help you stop panicking when the ball hits the wall.

You should learn:

When to let the ball rebound
How to prepare early
How to defend from the back of the court
How to judge simple wall rebounds
When not to overhit the ball

Match play basics

Beginner match play should be supportive and simple. It should cover:

Communication
Playing percentage shots
When to lob
When to attack
How to keep rallies going
How to choose safer targets
How to play with different partners

Confidence-building games

The best beginner coaching includes games that let you practise without too much pressure.

That might mean:

Short games
Rotations
Friendly scoring
Coach-supervised match play
Simple doubles drills
Partner-switching exercises

The point is to give beginners a route into real games, not just drills.

We tend to play in the morning and again in the late evening when it’s cooler

How much padel should beginners play each day?

Most beginners are better with one main coaching session per day plus optional social match play, rather than several intense hours on court. The aim is to learn, practise and recover, not to leave the trip exhausted.

Beginner schedule type	Best for	Notes
One session per day	Nervous first-timers	Gentle and manageable
Coaching + light match play	Most beginners	Best balance of learning and fun
Two sessions per day	Active beginners or new improvers	Works if there is rest between sessions
High-intensity camp schedule	Rarely ideal for complete beginners	Better once you already play regularly

Padel can feel easy at first because rallies are fun and the court is smaller than a tennis court. But repeated sessions in warm weather can tire beginners quickly. Your legs, feet, shoulders and grip may all feel it by day two.

For a first trip, prioritise quality over quantity. One useful coaching session and one relaxed game can teach you more than several tired hours on court.

A few beginner tips:

Avoid too much midday play in hot destinations
Take rest seriously
Hydrate before and after sessions
Bring more sportswear than you think you need
Do not judge your progress after one session
Expect mistakes; they are part of learning

Best destinations for beginner padel holidays

The best beginner destination is not just the place with the most courts. It is the place where you can find beginner-friendly coaching, relaxed match play and enough holiday around the sport.

Spain

Spain is usually the best all-round choice for beginners who want coaching and padel culture. It has the strongest padel identity, many clubs and resorts, and a wide range of trip styles.

Spain works well if you want:

A proper padel atmosphere
Coaching-led holidays
Short breaks
Organised match play
A trip where beginners can become improvers quickly

The Costa del Sol, Marbella, Mallorca and the Canary Islands are useful starting points, depending on season and trip style.

Portugal

Portugal is best for relaxed resort-led beginner holidays. It works especially well for couples, groups and travellers who want padel, beaches, golf, good food and downtime.

The Algarve is the natural anchor for many active holidays. Portugal can be a good choice when not everyone in the group wants the same amount of padel.

Greece

Greece is a good option for beginners who want padel as part of a beach holiday. It is especially suitable for families, couples and travellers who prefer a resort environment.

Mark Warner lists an “Intro to Padel” session for people who have never picked up a padel racket or have just started, with a maximum of 12 players and inclusion in the holiday price at selected Greece beach resorts. It also lists small-group padel clinics, again capped at 12 players and included in the holiday price.

Greece is less likely to be the most padel-intensive option, but that can be good for beginners who want a gentle first experience.

Italy

Italy is best for lifestyle-led beginners. It suits travellers who want food, culture, scenery and a softer active holiday where padel is one part of the trip.

It may not be the cheapest or most padel-focused destination, but it can work well for couples and mixed-interest groups.

UK beginner padel breaks

UK beginner padel breaks can be a good low-commitment first step. You do not need flights, transfer logistics are simpler, and you can try a coaching break before booking abroad.

Manor & Ashbury’s UK-based padel coaching breaks are a useful example, with 2-night beginner-friendly “Introduction to Padel” breaks and 4-night Tennis & Padel breaks described as suitable for beginners or those looking to improve. The 4-night page also says sessions have a maximum of eight people per break.

Best type of padel holiday for beginners

The best beginner padel holiday is usually hosted, coaching-led and relaxed. You want structure, but not pressure.

Best overall: hosted beginner-friendly padel holiday

A hosted beginner-friendly trip is the safest choice for most first-timers.

It gives you:

Organised games
Social structure
Coaching support
Ability grouping
A clear schedule
Someone to ask if you are unsure

This is especially helpful if you are new to padel and new to active holidays.

Best for nervous beginners: resort padel holiday

A resort padel holiday works well if you want padel, but not all day.

It gives you:

More downtime
Less intense scheduling
Pool, beach or spa options
Flexibility if you feel tired
A holiday that still works for a partner or friend

This is a good format if you are excited but slightly nervous.

Best for solo beginners: hosted group trip

A hosted group trip is usually better than an unhosted hotel stay if you are travelling alone.

It gives you:

People to play with
Organised games
Social events
Partner rotation
A host or coach to manage the group

Solo beginners should avoid court-only trips unless they are confident arranging their own games.

Best for active beginners: coaching holiday

A coaching holiday is a good middle ground for active beginners who want to improve but still want downtime.

It gives you:

More coaching than a casual resort stay
Less intensity than a training camp
Good structure for learning
Enough match play to practise
A clear sense of progress

Best for families: resort with beginner clinics

A family-friendly resort with beginner padel clinics can work well when sport is only one part of the holiday.

It gives you:

Activities for different ages
Pool or beach time
Flexible schedules
Beginner sessions
Other options for non-players

This is often better than a pure padel trip for families.

What should be included in a beginner padel holiday?

Beginner travellers should look carefully at inclusions. The right package should reduce uncertainty, not create more of it.

Beginner-friendly coaching

The coaching should start with clear basics, not advanced drills. Look for phrases like “beginner,” “introductory,” “all levels,” “learn to play” or “suitable for new players.”

Ability-matched groups

Beginner sessions should not be casually mixed with experienced players unless the format is social and supportive. Balanced groups make the experience more enjoyable.

Organised match play

Beginners need help finding suitable games. The best trips organise match play, rotations or friendly games so you are not left looking for partners.

Racket hire

Many beginners do not own a racket. Most hotels hire out necessary equipment such as rackets and balls, but you should still check the individual provider and package before travelling.

Clear schedule

You should know how much padel you will play each day, when coaching happens and how much free time you will have.

Hosted support

Hosted support is useful if you have questions, are travelling solo, or feel nervous about joining games. A host can make the group flow more naturally.

Enough downtime

Beginners need recovery time, especially in warm destinations. A good beginner trip should not feel like a fitness test.

What is usually not included?

Beginner travellers should not assume that “padel included” means everything is included. Always check the details.

Possible extra	Why beginners should check
Flights	Many padel packages exclude flights
Racket hire	Not always included, even when available
Padel shoes	Usually not provided
Private lessons	May cost extra beyond group coaching
Extra court time	Free play outside the programme may cost more
Transfers	Airport or club transfers may be optional
Meals and drinks	Board basis varies
Travel insurance	Important for active holidays
Single supplement	Relevant for solo beginners

Before comparing prices, check coaching, court time, equipment, transfers and meals. A cheaper trip may not be better value if it excludes the things beginners need most.

How much does a beginner padel holiday cost?

A beginner padel holiday can be budget, mid-range or luxury. The price depends on destination, accommodation, trip length, coaching, meals, transfers, season and whether equipment is included.

Beginners should prioritise coaching and organisation over luxury. A 5-star resort can be lovely, but it is not essential. A clear, friendly coaching programme matters more than a fancier room if your main goal is to learn the sport.

Budget priority	Beginner advice
Spend on coaching	This matters most for new players
Spend on hosting if solo	Makes games and social time easier
Save on luxury if needed	A 5-star resort is not essential
Check equipment costs	Racket hire can add up
Check transfers	Hidden logistics can raise the real price

A cheaper hotel with courts may be poor value if you do not get coaching, organised games or suitable people to play with. A slightly more expensive hosted trip may be better if it gives you confidence, structure and level-matched play.

Beginner padel holiday packing list

You do not need to buy a lot of specialist kit before your first padel holiday. Pack for comfort, heat, movement and recovery.

Bring:

Court shoes or suitable trainers
Sportswear
Spare tops
Cap or visor
Sun cream
Water bottle
Electrolytes
Swimwear
Light evening clothes
Blister plasters
Travel insurance details
Racket, if owned
Grip tape
Small towel
Any medication

If you are buying one thing before your first trip, prioritise suitable court shoes over an expensive racket. Shoes help with grip, movement and injury prevention. A racket can often be hired, borrowed or bought later once you know you enjoy the sport.

Common beginner mistakes to avoid

The biggest beginner mistake is booking a trip that sounds exciting but is not really designed for beginners.

Avoid these common mistakes:

Booking a trip above your level
Choosing a resort with courts but no coaching
Assuming “all levels” means beginner coaching
Playing too much too soon
Ignoring heat and recovery
Not checking racket hire
Wearing unsuitable shoes
Travelling solo on an unhosted trip
Comparing price without checking inclusions
Expecting to master the sport in one week
Being embarrassed by mistakes

The point of a beginner padel holiday is not to arrive good. It is to leave more confident.

Questions to ask before booking a beginner padel holiday

Before booking, ask:

Are complete beginners welcome?
Is coaching included?
How many coaching hours are included?
Are players grouped by level?
Is match play organised?
Is racket hire available?
Do I need padel shoes?
Is the trip hosted?
Are there other beginners booked?
Is there enough downtime?
Are flights included?
Are transfers included?
What happens if the group level is too high?
What happens in bad weather?
Are private lessons available if I want extra help?

The provider’s answers should make you feel clearer. If they make the trip sound vague, mismatched or too advanced, keep looking.

Frequently asked questions

Are padel holidays suitable for beginners?

Yes. Many padel holidays are suitable for beginners, especially when they include beginner coaching, level matching and organised match play.

Do I need to know how to play padel before a padel holiday?

No. You can book a beginner-friendly padel holiday without knowing how to play, but you should choose a trip that clearly welcomes complete beginners.

Do beginner padel holidays include coaching?

Many beginner-friendly padel holidays include coaching, but not all do. Always check how many coaching hours are included before booking.

Do I need my own padel racket?

Not always. Many hotels and resorts offer racket hire or equipment support, but availability varies by provider and destination. TMost hotels hire out rackets and balls, though travellers should still check individual package details.

Are beginner padel holidays good for solo travellers?

Yes, if the trip is hosted and includes organised games. Solo beginners should avoid unhosted court-only trips where they may have to find partners themselves.

What is the best destination for a beginner padel holiday?

Spain is usually the strongest all-round choice for beginners who want coaching and padel culture. Portugal and Greece are strong options for more relaxed resort-led beginner trips.

How much padel should beginners play each day?

Most beginners are better with one main coaching session per day plus optional social match play, rather than several intense hours on court.

Is a padel camp too intense for beginners?

It can be. Beginners should only choose a padel camp if it clearly offers beginner-level coaching, ability grouping and a manageable schedule.

Final thoughts

Your first padel holiday should make the sport feel easier to enjoy, not harder to enter. Choose a trip with beginner coaching, level matching, organised play, equipment support and enough downtime.

You do not need to arrive as a strong player. You need the right setting: patient coaches, suitable groups, friendly games and a holiday rhythm that gives you time to learn and recover.

The right beginner padel holiday will help you understand the basics, meet people and come home more confident on court.