Europe

18Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf

From Bulgaria’s cliffs to Norway’s midnight sun: seven underrated golf destinations

A golf break on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast or a round beneath Norway’s midnight sun? Golfbreaks has selected seven European destinations for players looking to take their next trip beyond the familiar golfing hotspots. The tour operator’s picks range from coastal resorts with several courses on the doorstep to destinations where golf can be combined with surfing, hiking and exploring historic towns. The selection is supported by Golfbreaks’ internal booking data, comparing 2026 with the equivalent period in 2025. It comes as the company reports rising UK Google search interest in golf package holidays and quieter courses, using Google Trends figures current to September 2026. “Golf is steeped in tradition, and course quality is often judged by history and reputation,” said Cameron...

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11Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, Venues & Stadiums

Porto to become global headquarters of The Ocean Race from 2028

Porto in Portugal is set to become the new global headquarters of The Ocean Race from 2028, with the Atlantic coastal city also hosting the start of three editions of the round-the-world sailing competition. The long-term partnership between The Ocean Race, the City of Porto, Turismo de Portugal and Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal will see Porto host the start of the 2030, 2034 and 2038 editions, as well as a special sailing event in 2028. The agreement, which runs through 2040, will also bring at least six editions of The Ocean Race Europe to Portugal, alongside a wider programme of international sailing events, ocean science, education and sustainability initiatives. The partnership aims to strengthen Portugal's position as a destination for major international sporting eve...

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11Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts

Forte Village Sardinia guide: Sports academies, activities and luxury holidays

Located on the southern coast of Sardinia, Forte Village is one of Europe's leading luxury sports resorts, combining world-class sporting facilities, specialist academies and outdoor adventures with five-star accommodation and Mediterranean beaches. Set in Santa Margherita di Pula, around 45km from Cagliari, the resort is surrounded by lush gardens and offers eight hotels, 13 luxury villas, restaurants, bars and the Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa. From football and tennis to cycling, swimming and watersports, Forte Village offers a wide range of activities for guests of all ages and abilities. It also hosts international sporting events, making it a destination for both active holidays and sports tourism. Sports and activities Whether you're looking to try something new, improve...

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11Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Europe, Winter Sports

Les Gets celebrates milestone 90th year: what’s new for winter 2026-2027?

The French Alpine resort of Les Gets is preparing for a milestone winter as it celebrates 90 years since the installation of its first ski lift in 1936. Located in Haute-Savoie, Les Gets has grown from a traditional farming village into a popular ski destination while retaining its Alpine heritage and character. The resort forms part of the vast Portes du Soleil ski area, connecting 12 resorts across France and Switzerland. Together with neighbouring Morzine, Les Gets offers 120 kilometres of ski runs, 74 pistes and 50 lifts. Here's what's new in Les Gets for winter 2026-2027. Main image credit: Quentin Chopard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Tj87Q0-Q0 90 years of skiing in Les Gets The story of Les Gets as a ski resort began in 1936 with the installation of its fi...

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10Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Watersports & Surfing

From surfing to coastal hikes: England’s seaside adventures take centre stage

England's coastline offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, whether that's hiking along dramatic clifftop trails, taking to the water for surfing and paddleboarding, or exploring nature reserves and wildlife-rich landscapes. Now, the VisitEngland tourism organisation is encouraging more people to discover these experiences with the launch of its new “All on England's Coast” campaign, showcasing the variety of activities and attractions available across the country's coastal destinations. The £1.2 million advertising campaign, which launched at the end of September, aims to boost domestic coastal breaks and visitor spending through autumn and into 2027. A particular focus is on active holidays and outdoor exploration, with the campaign highlighting everything from wa...

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10Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Winter Sports

The Ski Lodge: new boutique hotel opening in Verbier for 2026-2027 ski season

The Swiss Alps will welcome a new hotel for the 2026-2027 winter sports season, with The Ski Lodge set to open its doors in Verbier this December. Located in the centre of the popular mountain resort, the privately owned boutique hotel will feature 36 rooms and suites, a spa with an indoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar. As well as providing accommodation for skiing and snowboarding holidays, The Ski Lodge is designed around relaxation and recovery after a day on the slopes. The hotel is the creation of Frédéric Mydske, a property developer who grew up skiing in Verbier and previously founded Swiss aparthotel brand BASE. “I grew up skiing these mountains, and every good day in Verbier ends the same way – tired, but happy, and looking for somewhere good to land,” said Myd...

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7Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Events, Winter Sports

Snow polo in the Austrian Alps: The winter sporting spectacle worth travelling for

The regal sport of polo is traditionally associated with manicured grass pitches and warm-weather destinations, but in the Austrian Alps it takes on a very different form. For a winter sports trip with a difference, the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup in Kitzbühel offers the chance to watch some of the world’s leading polo players compete on snow, surrounded by the spectacular mountain scenery of the Austrian Tirol. The 24th edition of the tournament will take place from 15-17 January 2027, bringing three days of equestrian action and entertainment to one of Europe’s best-known winter destinations. Snow polo in the Austrian Alps Set against the backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser mountains, the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup combines high-speed sporting action with the stylish atm...

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4Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, Other sports

Fury vs Joshua: Cardiff to host long-awaited heavyweight showdown in December

After years of speculation, negotiations and calls from boxing fans to make it happen, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are finally set to meet in the ring. The two British heavyweight stars will go head-to-head on Friday 11 December 2026 at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, in what is expected to be one of the biggest boxing events staged in the UK in recent years. Fury and Joshua have dominated the British heavyweight scene for more than a decade, winning multiple world titles and headlining major stadium fights around the world. However, despite numerous attempts to arrange a bout, the pair have never previously fought professionally. That will finally change in Cardiff, with the former world champions meeting in front of a potentially huge crowd at Principality Stadium. ...

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4Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, F1 & Motorsport, Outdoor & Adventure

Forget ordinary winter holidays: Go ice driving on Sweden’s frozen lakes

This may well be one of the coolest trips a motorsport enthusiast can experience. For those looking for something a little different from a traditional race weekend, how about swapping the grandstand for a frozen lake and getting behind the wheel yourself? Ice driving in Sweden offers the chance to experience performance cars in one of Europe’s most spectacular winter settings, combining high-speed driving, professional tuition and a Scandinavian adventure. UK-based motorsport travel specialist Grandstand Motor Sports has launched its 2027 Sweden ice driving packages, with two group departures scheduled for January and February. The experience features two full days of driving on specially prepared circuits across frozen lakes, with professional instructors helping participants de...

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4Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Football, Trends

Football holidays with a difference: G Adventures launches Away Games trips

G Adventures has expanded into the sports tourism sector with the launch of “Away Games”, a new collection of small-group football trips combining match tickets, accommodation and destination experiences in some of Europe’s leading football cities. The programme will initially feature trips built around Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, with the first departures running from October 2026 through to May 2027. Away Games is designed to address some of the key challenges facing international football tourists, particularly access to legitimate match tickets and navigating an unfamiliar destination on matchday. New research commissioned by G Adventures found that 41% of football fans surveyed were concerned about being scammed by fake ...

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4Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Running & Athletics

Why the Cardiff Half Marathon is the perfect excuse for a Welsh weekend away

With a route through the Welsh capital, more than 29,000 runners and a place on the prestigious SuperHalfs circuit, the Cardiff Half Marathon is becoming a major draw for travelling runners. And from 2027, it should become easier for participants to turn the race into a full sporting city break after Marathon Tours & Travel was announced as the event’s new Official Travel Partner. The event in 2027 will be held on Sunday 3 October. The partnership will provide dedicated accommodation and travel options for runners heading to Cardiff, including packages offering race entries for those unable to secure a place through the standard entry process. It provides another reason for runners to put Cardiff on their sports travel bucket list and combine one of the UK’s biggest road races...

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27Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Europe, Trends

Why the North York Moors is becoming a destination for gravel cycling adventures

Four new cycling routes have opened in the North York Moors National Park, offering riders a new way to explore one of Yorkshire’s best-known outdoor destinations by gravel, mountain or e-bike. Located on the northern edge of the national park around Guisborough, Great Ayton and Danby, the circular routes combine off-road tracks, forest trails and quiet country lanes, taking cyclists through moorland, former mining landscapes and towards the Yorkshire coast. The North York Moors National Park covers 554 square miles (1,436 sq km) of North Yorkshire and includes 26 miles of coastline, ancient woodland and extensive areas of open moorland. The park attracts an estimated 9.03 million visitors a year. The new routes have been developed by the North York Moors National Park together wi...

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25Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure

Santorini sports travel guide: Hiking, swimming and wellness on the Greek island

Santorini may be best known for whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and caldera sunsets, but its dramatic volcanic landscape is also helping the popular Greek island develop another side to its tourism offering: active and sports travel. Running trails climb and descend across volcanic terrain, hiking routes trace the rim of the caldera, while the Aegean provides a spectacular setting for open-water swimming, sailing and water sports. The Municipality of Thira’s official tourism site promotes everything from hiking and scuba diving to kayaking, SUP, yoga and horse riding. That combination comes together each autumn at Santorini Experience, the island’s flagship sports tourism event, which in 2026 takes place from 16-18 October. Take on the Santorini Experience Now in its ...

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6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, F1 & Motorsport

Formula 1 comes to Milan: Inside the 2027 F1 fan festival and live show

Formula 1 fans looking for an early addition to the 2027 sports travel bucket list should mark 18-20 February in the calendar, when F1 Live Milan brings a three-day celebration of motorsport to one of Italy’s most famous cities. Taking place just ahead of the start of the 2027 Formula 1 season, the event promises to turn Milan into a destination for F1 fans from around the world, combining appearances from the sport’s biggest names with live entertainment and a three-day fan festival. F1 Live Milan follows the success of F1 75 Live, which was held at The O2 in London in February 2025. That event was broadcast across 37 territories and attracted 7.5 million viewers to its live broadcast. Formula 1 now plans to take the concept further with a bigger and more immersive experience in Ita...

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6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Editor's Pick, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Active ‘coolcations’ in Europe – top destinations for hiking and cycling

The best destinations in Europe for an active “coolcation” have been revealed, with France's Mont Blanc region taking first place. In new research from SportsCover Direct, the sports travel insurance provider analysed 30 of Europe's most popular adventure destinations, ranking each on average summer temperature and humidity, hiking and cycling trail density, and travel time from the UK. Following another summer of record-breaking temperatures across Europe, online searches for coolcations have risen 74% year-on-year, with 65% of holidaymakers now saying they'd rather avoid travelling during the hottest time of year.  But, rather than giving up on travel altogether, many are simply choosing to visit somewhere cooler instead, and for a growing number, it’s not just about swappi...

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6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Events, Other sports, Sports Business

London Aquatics Centre to host International Swimming League 2026 All-Star Match

The 2026 International Swimming League (ISL) All-Star Match will be held at the London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday 19 December 2026. A one-night team competition featuring some of the world’s best swimmers, the All-Star Match marks the start of the ISL’s next chapter as it plans for its full return. The match will bring the sport’s biggest names back to the pool for a single unmissable evening, staged in front of a live London crowd and a global broadcast audience. Also, the total prize pool for the All-Star Match will be the largest ever offered for a single night of competitive swimming. London was chosen as the host city for its world-class venue and its standing as one of the great international swimming cities. The London Aquatics Centre, built fo...

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22Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, Other sports, Sports Business

Glasgow’s OVO Hydro to host EIHL Ice Hockey for first time with Scottish festive double header

The OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, will host professional ice hockey for the first time in December 2026, as Glasgow Clan, Dundee Stars and Fife Flyers bring the Motorpoint Elite League to the arena for a special double header of matches. The event will see all three of Scotland’s professional ice hockey teams feature at the OVO Hydro, giving fans the opportunity to watch the fast-growing sport at the country’s largest purpose-built events arena. The games will form part of a two-day festival of EIHL action at the OVO Hydro. First on Wednesday 30 December, Dundee Stars will take on Fife Flyers at 3pm, before Glasgow Clan face reigning Motorpoint Elite League champions Belfast Giants at 7.30pm on 30 December. Then, the following day – on Hogmanay, Thursday 31 December – at 3pm,...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf, Trends, Venues & Stadiums

Trump’s Twelve: New 12-hole par-three golf course opens at Trump Turnberry

Trump’s Twelve, a new 12-hole par-three course at Trump Turnberry, has officially opened at the iconic golf resort on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast.Featuring holes ranging from 70 to 206 yards, the course combines undulating greens, imaginative green surrounds, natural wasteland areas and carefully positioned water features to create a dramatic short-course layout for golfers of all ages and abilities. The opening marks another exciting chapter at Trump Turnberry, where Trump’s Twelve joins the legendary Ailsa, consistently ranked among the world’s greatest golf courses, and the highly acclaimed King Robert the Bruce course. The opening of Trump’s Twelve continues an exceptional period of investment across the golf facilities at Trump Turnberry, following the recent enhancements to the A...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Running & Athletics, Trends

Inaugural Greek Odyssey Running Festival to be held in Costa Navarino

Marathon Tours & Travel has announced the launch of a brand-new event, the Greek Odyssey Running Festival, taking place in Costa Navarino, Greece on Saturday 14 November 2026, which includes a half-marathon and 10K distance. Hosted the weekend after the Athens Marathon, the Greek Odyssey offers runners the chance to extend their time in Greece, combining two race distances with the country's rich mythology, dramatic coastline and warm late-autumn climate. Costa Navarino, on the south-west coast of the Peloponnese, sits amid landscapes steeped in ancient legend – the same rugged coastline and storied ruins, including nearby Methoni Castle and Voidokilia Beach, that have captured global imaginations again this year following the release of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, filmed ex...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Other sports, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: a ‘SwimHike’ holiday on Marettimo island in Italy

Open-water swimming tour operator SwimTrek has expanded its selection of multi-activity trips with the launch of a “SwimHike” holiday on the Italian island of Marettimo.  Continuing the trend of combining swimming with other activities and experiences – such as YogaSwims, which pair open-water swimming with yoga – SwimTrek created its dedicated SwimHike portfolio with new trips in the mythical island of Ithaca, Greece, and the remote Solund archipelago, Norway's westernmost islands. Following the popularity of these trips, Marettimo is the latest addition, combining daily guided open-water swims and hikes with authentic Sicilian experiences.  “Swimming will always be at the heart of SwimTrek, but we’re excited to give people new ways to experience the places we visit,” s...

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