As Pickleball Grows in Europe, So Do Unique Travel Opportunities

How the growth of pickleball in Europe is providing pickleball players with a unique travel experience.

Imagine stepping onto a pickleball court in Spain or Italy or Croatia, where your opponents become your new friends, and your afternoons are filled with local flavors, stories, and sights, all the time surrounded by locals. That’s the kind of immersive pickleball experience Mike Hess has been offering for over 10 years throughout Europe at Mickle Pickleball Trips. Past travelers rave about their experience on and off the court, and many are returning for more as Mike and his local team expand to new European destinations.

We caught up recently with Mike to learn more.

Why did you start organizing pickleball tours in Europe?

When I founded the Spanish Pickleball Association in 2012 and traveled N. America to learn how to grow the sport in Spain, players and clubs I met throughout the U.S. and Canada kept asking when they could come to Spain to experience pickleball along with some sightseeing. So I designed a pickleball trip from scratch, and focused on developing an immersive experience on and off the court, involving locals all along the way. The result was amazing for travelers and locals alike, and I can tell you that the presence of our “Global Ambassadors” definitely contributed to the growth of pickleball in Spain. It’s exciting to see how much pickleball has expanded throughout Europe since then. Ten years ago we were taping lines and now we have lots of dedicated pickleball courts, which is a testament to how far the sport has evolved in Spain and beyond.

How has your background shaped the way you design these tours?

I’ve been living in Europe for over 30 years. I first came over as a professional basketball player, later worked at Adidas headquarters in Germany, and eventually moved to Spain where I earned a PhD in business and started teaching at a University in Madrid. After founding the Spanish Pickleball Association in 2012 I helped other European countries do the same, and as a result I developed a huge network of European pickleball pioneers. Two of my greatest passions are living in Europe and organizing pickleball-related events, so combining the best of both and sharing the experience with travelers and locals is part of our DNA.

Pickleball Central's John Cowley with Mickle Pickleball Trips' Mike Hess in Spain.

How did Pickleball Central get involved?

When I started the Spanish Open Pickleball Championships in 2015, I knew we needed help, and Pickleball Central stepped up immediately and has been contributing to the growth of pickleball throughout Europe ever since. As the pickleball trips expanded into new countries, Pickleball Central continued their support to expand the sport and help the local pickleball communities get established. They’ve been a great partner and their involvement has had a tremendous impact - I can tell you that our matches with the locals get more challenging each year!

What makes Mickle Pickleball Trips different from other pickleball vacations?

We’re not offering a pickleball clinic or a bootcamp, and although we provide premium accommodations, we’re not a resort. What we offer is a travel experience that includes plenty of pickleball but also unforgettable cultural experiences, incredible food and an authentic connection to the local community through our local team that is involved in each trip, from beginning to end. We’ve built a network of great European coaches who love the sport and enjoy interacting with international players. And the local players can’t wait for our travelers to show up and always welcome us with open arms when we arrive. For our travelers, it’s much more than a vacation - it’s a chance to engage with the local culture in a unique and meaningful way.

How is the tour structured to create that kind of experience?

Everything is handpicked - where we stay, where we eat, what we visit. Group sizes are capped at 20 people so we can offer a very personal and friendly dynamic. What really makes it unique, though, is that our local team of Europeans is with us the whole time. They’re not just tour guides - they’re playing pickleball with us, coaching, joining us for meals, and sharing stories. And our travelers aren’t tourists - they’re guests that get a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the places we visit. Pickleball is the perfect medium to make this happen - it’s a universal language. Whether you're playing in Italy or Croatia, and regardless of how many languages you speak, pickleball is the common denominator that creates the magic on our trips. Travelers get plenty of instruction, open play, and competition, but the bond with fellow travelers and local players are what make the experience so unique.

European travel experience that mixes culture with pickleball.

With the growth of pickleball in Europe, what new destinations are you offering?

This year we’re offering trips to Spain, Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, and in 2026 we’ll continue adding destinations. All of the trips are developed with the same local-first approach, and are possible due to how quickly pickleball is expanding across Europe. Saying this, we never rush into a destination. Everything has to feel right - lodging, meals, excursions, and of course, the pickleball. The local hosts are key. They’re not just there to greet travelers, they’re part of the journey - sharing meals, joining in games, and making people feel truly welcome.

What’s the best way for picklers to find out more about your trips?

Everything’s on the website at micklepickleballtrips.com. Also, we encourage people to watch what our past travelers have to say about their experience with us in the testimonial videos at micklepickleballtrips.com/testimonials. And of course, we’re available to talk with interested travelers if they’d like to call us at 949-732-0882 or email at info@micklepickleballtrips.com.