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Ready to add a splash of adventure to your summer holiday? From windswept sails to sun-soaked tennis courts, our award-winning activity holidays feature 12 brilliant ways to keep your family, friends and loved ones happy and active during your break.
Active sports holidays with Mark Warner
At Mark Warner, we believe in making every moment count. Staying active on your getaway isn't just about fitness and wellbeing—it's about crafting memories that'll have you smiling for years to come.
Picture this: you're mastering the art of waterskiing, the sea breeze in your hair, your family cheering from the shore. Or maybe you're whizzing around the local roads, using bikes you'd never have access to back home. These are the moments that turn a good holiday into an unforgettable one.
But it's not all about trying new things. If you're already a pro at windsurfing, why not level up with some foiling at Aeolian Village Beach Resort? Each of our resorts in Lemnos, Lesvos, along the Ionian Coast and in Foca, Turkey, have fantastic on-site facilities and a wide range of 20+ activities with equipment included like watersports, tennis, cycling and fitness (and much more), so you can push your skills to new heights. And let's not forget the food—our locally sourced dishes and fresh salads will keep you fuelled for all your adventures.
Best of all? You're kick-starting healthy habits in the most enjoyable way possible. No more struggling to fit exercise around your busy life. Here, it's part of the fun. Plus, if you've always dreamed of learning to sail or scuba dive, then there's no better time to tick it off your bucket list.
So whether you're a solo traveller looking to meet like-minded folks, or a family seeking to bond over new experiences, our summer activity holidays in Greece and activity holidays in Turkey have got you covered. Just imagine scuba diving and exploring underwater worlds you never knew existed.
We haven’t forgotten about the younger guests either. At Mark Warner, our kids clubs are included in the price of your holiday, and offer a full programme of fun, age-specific activities designed to keep children engaged and active during your holiday. From toddlers to teens, there's something for every age group, giving kids the freedom to explore new interests or learn a new sport while parents enjoy some well-earned downtime.
Now that's what we call a holiday.
12 of the best sports for the summer holidays
Ready to make a splash on your next getaway? Here are our top dozen summer sports that'll have you leaping out of bed each morning, eager to dive into the day's adventures.
1. Kayaking
Fancy gliding across crystal-clear waters, soaking up stunning coastal views? Kayaking is a low-impact sport that is perfect for all ages and fitness levels, offering a full-body workout while you soak up the scenery. Get out on the water and try something new! Kayaking is offered at all our resorts, so you’ll have the opportunity to try this out on any of our watersports holidays in Greece or Turkey.
2. Sailing
There's nothing quite like the feeling of harnessing the wind's power to propel you across the water. Whether you're a complete novice at sailing who’s keen to learn the ropes on a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) course or an experienced sailor, our expert instructors will help you find your sea legs. The Greek islands and the Aegean coast in Turkey offer some of the best sailing conditions in the world, with warm winds and stunning archipelagos to explore.
3. Windsurfing
Windsurfing combines the thrill of surfing with the power of sailing for an exhilarating ride. It's a fantastic full-body workout that'll improve your balance, core strength, and cardiovascular fitness. You can windsurf at any of our resorts, but for the ultimate windsurfing experience, head to our Aeolian Village resort in Greece where you can take in the stunning coastline as you partake in one of our RYA courses.
Want to try something a little different? Wing Foiling and Wing Surfing are new sports to the scene; this latest watersport is fast becoming the best and most convenient way to get out on the water. If you want to be part of the fast-growing number of WingSurfers and WingFoilers, then the Mark Warner Aeolian Village Beach Resort is going to be your resort of choice.
4. Tennis
Serve up some holiday fun with a game of tennis. Tennis is a brilliant way to stay active, improve your agility, and enjoy some friendly competition. It’s also a great social sport, perfect for meeting new people or enjoying quality time with family and friends, or joining our social mix-ins with other guests.
All of our beach resorts have several tennis courts and LTA-approved coaching programmes for all levels, including our Classic and Xpress courses. We also offer LTA-approaching coaching courses for children from ages three and up at each of our resorts so you can get the whole family involved! Alternatively, you can book one-on-one tuitions to get the most out of your session and practise your skills with a trained instructor.
5. Padel
Padel is a fast-growing sport that is like tennis's fun, laid-back cousin. Played on a smaller court with solid rackets, it's easier to pick up than tennis but just as addictive.
A tennis-squash hybrid that’s been around since the 60s. With newly built padel courts and equipment, we’re now offering padel as part of our holiday packages at our Paleros Beach Resort on the Ionian Coast and Aeolian Village Beach Resort in Lesvos, Greece
6. Cycling
Want to explore your holiday destination while getting fit? Hop on a mountain bike or road bike! Our resorts offer free use bikes and guided cycling tours, making it easy for you to soak up the local sights and sounds.
A classic holiday activity: enjoy the local area and stay active in the sun with the whole family. Our guided tours are available for beginners and up, so there’s no need to worry if you haven’t ridden a bike in years! Or head out and experience the sights for yourself with your companions.
7. Scuba diving
Dive into a whole new world beneath the waves with scuba diving. Come face-to-face with colourful marine life and discover hidden treasures in the clear waters around our resorts.
8. Rowing
Rowing is a fantastic full-body workout that builds strength, endurance, and teamwork. Early morning sessions are particularly magical, with calm waters and stunning sunrise views (exclusively available at our Paleros resort).
9. Pickleball
Pickleball is a fun, fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Beginning to take the world by storm, pickleball is a paddle sport that requires you to hit a hollow plastic ball over a net. It's easy to learn, but challenging to master. We also have three pickleball courts at Phokaia Resort in Turkey and will also be offering pickleball at our Paleros Beach Resort as well as Aeolian Village Beach Resort.
10. Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Looking for a zen way to explore the water? Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) offers a unique blend of core workout and peaceful exploration. As you glide across the water, you'll improve your balance, strengthen your core and upper body, and enjoy stunning views of the coastline.
All of our resorts have SUP boards for guests to get out on the water under their own steam. SUP boarding is easy to pick up so most people won’t need to take lessons. If it’s your first time though, our instructors will take you through the basics and provide a quick intro to SUP for free.
11. Waterskiing
Waterskiing, which we offer at our Lemnos, Paleros, and Phokaia resorts, is an exhilarating way to skim across the water's surface as you whizz behind a speedboat. It's also a fantastic workout for your legs, core, and arms. Just remember to hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
Note that this activity is a paid-for extra that’s not included in the price of the holiday.
12. Wakeboarding
Similar to waterskiing, just not as fast, wakeboarding sees you glide across the water's surface on a single board, pulled by a motorboat, for an incredible full-body workout that improves balance, strength, and flexibility. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to polish your skills, you're in for an unforgettable ride. Wakeboarding is available at our Lemnos, Paleros, and Phokaia resorts.
Note that this activity is a paid-for extra that’s not included in the price of the holiday.
Benefits of learning a new sport on holiday
Need some more convincing? Check out the benefits below before you book your next activity holiday with Mark Warner.
Pick up a new hobby to take home with you
Want to learn a new sport so you can turn it into your next hobby? Look no further than Mark Warner activity holidays to introduce you to your next passion.
We have a variety of exciting watersports and activities for families with older children such as waterskiing and wakeboarding, rowing, scuba diving and more. Our kids’ clubs and teen clubs (Junior, Kidz, & Indy Clubs) also offer a range of sports and activities including free watersports tuition.
If you’re looking for a new activity to do in cooler climates, we also offer skiing and snowboarding lessons through our ski school partner Evolution 2, at Chalet Hotel L'Ecrin, located in a high-altitude resort in Tignes, France.
Enjoy any of these sports together with your loved ones and you’re more likely to keep up the sport when you get home!
Improve your mental health
We all know the physical benefits of exercising, but let’s not forget the mental health benefits too! Getting outdoors and trying a new sport or exercise is great for boosting mood, confidence and self-esteem, especially if you step outside your comfort zone and try something you have never done before.
Reach your fitness goals
Just because you are on holiday, it doesn’t mean you need to hit pause on achieving your fitness goals. With sports holidays, there are plenty of activities for you to get stuck into to help you reach your fitness goals for the year.
One way you can reach your fitness goals is join one of our fitness classes. All of our resorts offer a number of classes from Beach HIIT to Abs Attack and Aqua Fitness, which are included in the price of your holiday. You can also book Personal Training sessions to maintain or kick start your fitness regime, at extra cost.
Have fun on holiday
Learning a new sport with a group can be as much about meeting like-minded people as developing a new skill. You could head out onto the water for windsurfing and sailing, join a cycling tour or hit the tennis court. Whatever you choose, you’ll have fun and the chance to make new friends.
At Mark Warner, we have qualified instructors and coaches across all of our resorts so you can be rest assured that you are in safe hands to try something new on your trip.
Learning watersports on holiday with RYA-qualified instructors using the latest equipment is a perfect way to get used to the water while out in the sun. Or use one of the Head rackets for free and join a beginner tennis coaching group, run by LTA-accredited coaches.
And the best part? Activities along with free watersports tuition are included in the price of your sports holiday with Mark Warner. You can also further develop your skills in a sport with one of our accredited courses or book one-to-one private tuition at an additional cost.
FAQs about active holidays
Got questions about active holidays? Not to worry—we’re here to help.
How do I pick the right summer sport for my holiday?
Choosing the right summer sport is all about knowing yourself and what you enjoy. Are you a thrill-seeker or do you prefer a more relaxed pace? Do you love being in the water or would you rather stay on dry land? Consider your fitness level and any physical limitations. Don't be afraid to try something new - our instructors are here to help you discover new passions. Remember, the best sport is one that puts a smile on you and your family’s faces.
Are there any safety aspects to consider?
Safety is our top priority at Mark Warner. All our activities are supervised by qualified instructors who will provide thorough safety briefings, and we maintain our equipment to the highest standards. However, it's crucial to listen to your body and not push beyond your limits. Always wear appropriate safety gear and follow instructor guidelines. Importantly, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers the activities you plan to participate in, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Will all equipment be provided?
Absolutely. We believe in making your active holiday as hassle-free as possible. That's why we provide all the gear you'll need for our sports and activity holidays. Whether you're hitting the tennis court or riding the waves, we've got the right equipment waiting for you. Just pack your swimsuit, trainers, and a can-do attitude, and we'll sort out the rest. Less luggage for you, more fun for everyone.
Are there summer sports options for all fitness levels?
Of course! We've designed our activity programme to be as inclusive as possible. Whether you're looking for a gentle introduction to a new sport or seeking to push your limits, we've got options for you. Our range includes low-impact activities like yoga or stretch classes and leisurely cycling, as well as more intense options like tennis and waterskiing. Plus, many of our activities can be adjusted to different fitness levels. Our goal is to help you have fun and feel good, whatever your starting point.
How far in advance can I book a holiday with Mark Warner?
Mark Warner trips can be booked up to several months in advance of departure. We run various promotions throughout the year including early booking discounts and resort credit to spend on your holiday. Check out our May holiday deals, June holiday deals, July holiday deals and August holiday deals to see how much you can save!
When should I book to get the best value?
If you’re trying to save money, booking your summer holiday as far in advance as possible is recommended. Yes, you could wait until the last minute to see if there are any big last minute discounts, but you'll most likely be limited by room type and resort. You’re more likely to get the best deals on flights and family rooms and accommodation with sea views, and you may even get extra perks like resort credit or a discount as an extra ‘thank you’ for booking your stay early!
With younger children ie. pre school. And you're not tied to the school holidays yet. An early summer holiday can really help up that value factor. For holidays to Greece and Turkey, the early summer climate in the Mediterranean makes May and Junegreat months to get away. Not only are you getting a cheaper rate than peak summer, but you're also avoiding the scorching temperatures withyoung children. You're still hitting 24-25C in the day and the evening cool to around 15C perfect to get a good nights rest.
How can I find out about the latest offers?
You can sign up to our email to receive the latest offers. We'll send you emails based on your holiday preferences: summer holidays, ski holidays or both. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of all our emails.
How to Pay For your holiday with Mark Warner?
If you book your holiday early with Mark Warner, you can pay a small deposit of £200 per person. This enables you to spread the cost of your holiday across several months, paying down the balance when it suits you with whatever amount you wish.
There’s no financing or interest involved on our part – just feel free to pay for your trip in a way that works for you. The full balance is required twelve weeks before departure. It’s easy to do using Manage My Booking, or via bank transfer. For more information visit our How to Pay section
Ready to make a splash this summer?
If you're itching to turn your holiday into an unforgettable adventure, look no further than Mark Warner. We’ve been running award-winning beach and ski holidays since 1974, so we know a thing or two about active holidays.
Whether you're dreaming of sun-soaked tennis courts or snow-capped ski slopes, we've got you covered. If you have any questions then please don’t hesitate to get in touch or book your next family holiday today and start making those summer memories.
You can also search all our Ionian holidays, Lemnos holidays, Lesvos holidays and Turkey holidays to find the perfect destination for your next escape.
