Europe

14Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Hiking in Mallorca and Ibiza: new routes to open 

The long-awaited East Mallorca GR-226 hiking route, which stands for Gran Recorrido (Great Tour), is set to open in 2025 on the island of Mallorca in Spain’s Balearic archipelago.  The route, also known as the Gran Recorrido del Llevant, will cover a distance of over 104 kilometres, with a main route spanning 93.81 kilometres, plus two additional access points from Son Macià and the Costa dels Pins.  The GR-226's main itinerary will be divided into four different stages:  Cales de Mallorca-Manacor (24,99km) Manacor – Son Carrio (22.99km) Son Carrio – Arta (23.19km) Arta – Cala Mesquida (22.63km).  Hikers will be able to enjoy the East of the island like never before through various points of interest and areas of natural beauty along the way. See mo...

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13Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, F1 & Motorsport

FIA World Rally Championship: Croatia returns in 2026 and 2027

Croatia will return to the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026 and 2027, following the signing of a three-year agreement that will also see the country host an FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) round in 2025.  The agreement reaffirms the commitment that started when Croatia first joined the WRC in 2021 and underscores the country's ongoing role as a key destination for world-class motorsport events.  The contract was announced by Simon Larkin, senior director of events for WRC Promoter GmbH, and Daniel Šaškin, president of the Croatia Rally Organising Committee, in the presence of Croatia’s Ministry of Sports and Tourism State Secretary, Josip Pavić, and Croatian Automobile and Karting Federation president, Robert Markt.  Since debuting in the WRC in 2021, Croa...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Europe, Winter Sports

Courmayeur Mont Blanc set for 2024-2025 ski season 

Courmayeur Mont Blanc, nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, will launch its eagerly awaited 2024-2025 ski season on 5 December 2024.  A charming ski resort boasting a rich calendar of events set against a backdrop of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, Courmayeur is an ideal destination for sports travellers in search of adventure and outdoor experiences. Activities in Courmayeur include heliskiing, off-piste and cross-country skiing, ice skating, fat biking in the scenic Val Ferret, hiking, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and climbing. The Italian ski resort is conveniently accessible from major international airports in Geneva, Turin, and Milan. With more than 43km of pistes and elevations approaching 2,800 metres, it features enticing ski packages from top tour operators like Mome...

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6Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Editor's Pick, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Self-guided cycling holidays through Italy’s Prosecco hills

Famous as the destination that produces one of the world’s most popular drinks, Italy’s Prosecco hills are also a Unesco World Heritage Site (awarded in 2019).  Saddle Skedaddle’s gentle, seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday through the vineyards of Prosecco begins with a ride favoured by the locals in the foothills of the Montello, before climbing to the town of Asolo; designated one of Italy’s most beautiful.  Crossing the Piave River into the heart of the Prosecco region, the route passes vineyard after vineyard, including Conegliano Valdobbiadene which produces Prosecco Superiore DOCG, and the exclusive DOCG Cartizze sparkling wine. After exploring the lakes around Revine, Lago di St Maria, and Lago di Lago, the final few days in the saddle takes riders past some of t...

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13Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Destination Guides, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Epic Road Rides: five of the best UK cycling destinations

Dig your bike out of the shed and head for the open road on a British cycling adventure. From demanding climbs to sedate converted railway line routes, the team from Epic Road Rides pick out five of the best destinations for cycling in the United Kingdom. Outer Hebrides, Scotland  The magical Western Isles of Scotland are home to the 185-mile Hebridean Cycle Route, an iconic cycling journey taking in 10 islands, including Barra, North Uist, Harris and Lewis. The manageable gradients and fact you can break the route up into whatever chunks you like, makes it ideally suited for a range of cyclists. Abundant wildlife, fun ferry crossings, ancient stone circles, countless white beaches and turquoise waters await those willing to brave the (sometimes ferocious) Scottish wind. This is UK c...

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11Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Cycling in Argyll, Scotland, with Markus Stitz and The Pierhouse Hotel

The Pierhouse Hotel at Port Appin in Argyll, Scotland, has teamed up with leading adventure cyclist Markus Stitz to host a new cycling retreat from 18-20 October 2024. Cycling enthusiasts will be offered the opportunity to join Stitz as he explores some of his favourite Argyll cycle trails on gravel tracks, quiet roads and cycle paths. He will also host a dinner and an entertaining talk for guests. The retreat is part of a wider campaign to attract more cyclists to the hotel and the wider Argyll region over the quieter autumn and winter months. In partnership with Stitz and Bikepacking Scotland, The Pierhouse has created a variety of cycling routes to suit guests with different abilities. Special packed lunches to help fuel hungry cyclists, as well as bike storage and cleaning facilitie...

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11Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Cycling adventures in Sweden: the Lelångenleden trail

The Lelångenleden is a new regional cycling route in Sweden stretching 180km from Uddevalla by the sea, through the lakes of Dalsland, and up to the forests of Årjäng in Värmland. This trail offers a diverse cycling experience suitable for all levels, featuring gravel roads, dense forests, and charming rural towns with cultural and natural attractions. Recognised by the Swedish Transport Administration, the Lelångenleden trail follows the historic Lelångenbanan railway line for much of its length, providing cyclists with a unique blend of history and nature. The route offers a diverse cycling experience, with roughly half its path consisting of hard-packed gravel roads with minimal traffic, making it both accessible and enjoyable. A collaborative effort for tourism and recreation ...

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10Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Venues & Stadiums

Video: BikePark Wales and NRW to transform 400 acres of mountainside

UK mountain bike venue BikePark Wales, located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have announced plans to transform 400 acres of Welsh mountainside. NRW, which manages the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, has worked closely with BikePark Wales since its first breaking trail in 2013, but a new lease has now been signed to rewild the mountain, add trails and accommodation.  As part of the new 33-year lease, revenue from visiting mountain bikers will be invested in a “Future Forest Vision” that will see the vast majority of BikePark Wales’s mountain return to its natural state. The rewilding plan will see the site change in the coming decades from classic commercial forestry management to a regime that promotes biodiversity gains, improves the resilience...

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10Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Editor's Pick, Europe, Winter Sports

Les 3 Vallées: a winter sports travel guide 

Les 3 Vallées, nestled in the French Alps, is the largest interconnected ski area in the world, encompassing seven resorts: Courchevel, Méribel, Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Les Menuires, Val Thorens, Orelle, and Brides-les-Bains. Renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ski terrains, and luxurious accommodations, Les 3 Vallées is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Main image: Courchevel (credit: Les 3 Vallées/Alexis Brot)  Top resorts in Les 3 Vallées Courchevel Overview: Courchevel is the most prestigious resort in Les 3 Vallées, known for its upscale hotels, MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and high-end shopping. It’s composed of four villages, each at different altitudes, with Courchevel 1850 being the most glamorous. Sports appeal: The resort offers access to 1...

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3Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel, Venues & Stadiums

The Hook Club: £400,000 padel venue opens at Mottram Hall in England 

A new era of padel has arrived in north west England with the opening of The Hook Club at Mottram Hall in Cheshire. Set in the landscaped grounds of Mottram Hall Hotel, The Hook Club opened its courts on 25 July offering an unrivalled location to play padel and socialise. Developed and installed by UK Padel Courts, the £400,000 padel venue is set to be a landmark destination for padel players of all abilities. The Hook Club, which is named after the padel shot ‘El Gancho’, instantly adds quality and a new dimension to the UK’s padel scene. The venue is open to anyone with a passion and interest in padel, with bookings via the padel booking app Playtomic. The venue boasts three world-class Superpanoramic padel courts designed and manufactured by Spanish-based Padelgest, provid...

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7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Editor's Pick, Europe, Trips & Experiences

Cycling holidays: e-bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats

The rise in popularity of electric bikes has opened up the world of cycling – helping people ride further distances and explore more of the places they’re visiting. For anyone that’s ever dreamed of completing the iconic Land's End to O'Groats (LEJOG) cycle ride, but have been put off at the thought of tackling the 1,000-plus mile journey on a traditional bike, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has the answer. The Newcastle-based independent company has launched a new hybrid e-bike version of its 22-day Land's End to John O'Groats cycling holiday. The new e-bike trips in 2025 provide some added power behind each pedal, meaning more people can enjoy the epic ride from the Cornish coast to the Scottish Highlands. Despite the extra boost provided by the e-bikes, this is still a chal...

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6Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Europe

Barcelona: a sports travel city guide

Catalonia’s capital city Barcelona is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, Mediterranean charm, and is also a must-visit destination for sports fans. From its world-famous football club to its major stadiums, Barcelona offers a rich tapestry of sporting history and excitement.  In this feature, we dive into the heart of Barcelona's sporting scene, looking at its teams, venues, historic moments, and travel tips for visitors looking to immerse themselves in this sports-loving city. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter FC Barcelona: more than a club No discussion about sports in Barcelona can begin without mentioning FC Barcelona, or Barça, as it is affectionately known. Established in 1899, the club is more than just a football team – it's a symbol of Catalan i...

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27May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Walking holidays along Turkey’s Lycian Way with Inntravel

Walking holiday specialises Inntravel has released two new hotel-to-hotel walking trips along the Lycian Way on Turkey’s southwestern coast. Intended for those who have a real sense of adventure and relish challenging hiking, each trip explores a different stretch of the 520km-long Lycian Way, Turkey's first long-distance walking route which marks its 25th anniversary year in 2025.  Inspired by bygone civilisations and the beautiful ancient pathways, the route was pioneered by British expatriate Kate Clow, with a view to preserving and protecting the small communities from the advancement of mass tourism.  To reveal the best of the country’s Mediterranean coastline, Inntravel has opted for the eastern section on The Pirate Coast of Lycia and the western section on Seven Cap...

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23May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Traws Eryri: tackle Snowdonia’s ultimate mountain biking route with Adventure Tours UK

Adventure Tours UK, a B-Corp-certified adventure travel company that creates world-class UK holidays for outdoor enthusiasts, has launched the ultimate mountain biking tour in Snowdonia, north Wales.  The Traws Eryri (Trans Snowdonia) mountain biking tour invites bikers to embark on a 225km adventure along Britain’s newest long-distance off-road cycling route this summer, pedalling up the equivalent of Wales’s highest mountain, Snowdon, more than four times. The Traws Eryri route itself was announced by Cycling UK just last year.  Claire Copeman, co-founder of Adventure Tours UK, said: “The Traws Eryri route is set to elevate the UK’s offering for multi-day mountain biking and our tour guides riders every step of the way. Climbing Wales’ steep hills and tackling its varied ...

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20Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Europe

Lausanne celebrates 30 years as the Olympic Capital

The scenic city of Lausanne in Switzerland, nestled between the serene waters of Lake Geneva and the majestic Swiss Alps, is ready to offer unparalleled sport tourism experiences to mark its 30th anniversary as the Olympic Capital. Home to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and host to numerous international sport federations, Lausanne's designation as the Olympic Capital is far from ceremonial. The city celebrates Olympic heritage and captivates visitors with its vibrant sports culture. An action-packed calendar To mark its milestone 30th anniversary, Lausanne has curated a series of free, festive, and sportive events. Key highlights include the unveiling of the Olympic cauldron – a legacy of the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games – and the innovative M2 Challenge in collab...

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25Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Event Guides, Events

Sport in France in 2024: major events and sporting highlights

France is getting ready for a bumper year of tourism and sport in 2024 with a number of new and exciting openings, exhibitions, sustainable tourism initiatives, and major anniversaries on the calendar. The country is also in the final preparation stages of hosting its biggest ever event, the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. Here we take a look at the sporting highlights in France in 2024.  SPOT24: new urban sport and culture hub with Olympic exhibition  Paris, Île-de-France: until 31 December 2024 Paris je t'aime (the Paris Tourist Office) has set up a new hybrid venue showcasing urban sport, culture and Olympism. Serving as a tourist information point, Olympics ticket office and official shop, alongside a café dedicated to Parisian products, SPOT24 also comp...

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6Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Trips & Experiences, Watersports & Surfing, Wellness & Fitness

Sail Croatia launches new yoga cruises for 2024

Small ship cruising specialist Sail Croatia has launched four new yoga-themed cruises for 2024, combining the best of the Dalmatian coastline with mindful activities designed to invigorate and inspire the body and soul.  Highlights of this relaxing cruise will include the opportunity to participate in sunset yoga overlooking Mljet National park and yoga in a vineyard on the Unesco Stari Grad Plain, followed by a traditional dinner and wine tasting. With a certified yoga instructor onboard and plenty of optional activities available, the cruise is designed to leave participants feeling reconnected and relaxed. Starting and ending in the waterfront city of Split, the cruise operates on Almissa, which can accommodate up to 38 guests in air conditioned ensuite cabins and offers a swim...

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30Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Destination Guides, Enjoy Tatras, Europe, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Your invitation to winter in Slovakia’s Tatras region

Ryanair now flies to the Tatras Mountains Great news for ski-loving families looking for amazing winter sports holidays at amazing prices. Ryanair, one of Europe's premier airlines, has launched a brand new route between Poprad and London starting from 1 November 2023, further connecting Slovakia and the UK. The carrier will operate four weekly flights between Poprad-Tatry Airport and London Stansted, making it easier and cheaper than ever to take your family on a dream ski holiday. Ryanair will now join Wizz Air as the two major airlines flying to Poprad from the UK.  World-class skiing in the Tatras and Liptov region Slovakia's Tatras and Liptov region offers world-class ski infrastructure, terrain and après-ski to rival the western Alps, while also being exceptional value ...

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20Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Destination Guides, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure

Best walks and hikes in Portugal’s Algarve region 

The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is framed by a 200km coastline and boasts more than 300 days of sun per year. Home to award-winning beaches and authentic gastronomy, the Algarve’s 16 municipalities also offer a range of outdoor activities including surfing, cycling, walking and hiking.  Blessed with a stunning coasts, as well as hilly and softly contoured mainland, this part of Portugal offers fantastic trails to suit all ages. From family-friendly strolls to more challenging routes, here’s some of the best hikes and walks you can enjoy when on a trip to the Algarve.  Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente) This is the most southwestern point of continental Europe and is a significant landmark with striking cliffs and an iconic lighthouse, which has existed o...

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14Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, F1 & Motorsport, Hotels & Resorts

Sport hotel in focus: Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone

Located at the iconic Silverstone Circuit in England, home of the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, the Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone hotel opened its doors in summer 2023.  Offering unbeatable views of Silverstone’s International Pits start/finish straight, the 197-room Hilton Garden Inn is Silverstone’s first and only trackside hotel – and it’s open all year round, not just for major motor sport events held at the circuit. The Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone is Hilton’s latest property connected to a sporting venue. In the UK, the brand also has the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl cricket ground in Southampton, the Hilton Garden Inn Manchester at Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, and the Hilton Garden Inn at Doncaster Racecourse. The Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone hotel has 197 rooms (Ima...

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