If you're looking to try something fun, social, and active on your next Mark Warner holiday, why not give padel a go? Now part of our activity programme at several of our resorts in Greece, padel is fast-paced and can be played by all ages. Our Paleros, Kamari, and Aeolian Village Beach Resorts, all offer purpose-built padel courts so you can try it out on your Mark Warner Holiday. Whether you are completely new to racket sports or a seasoned tennis player, padel is easy to learn and great fun to play.
What Is Padel?
Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It’s played in doubles on a smaller, enclosed court with glass walls — roughly one-third the size of a tennis court.
Unlike tennis, players serve underhand and use solid, stringless rackets. The ball can bounce off the walls (just like squash), adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to each point. It’s easy to learn, very social, and suitable for all ages and skill levels – which is why it’s become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
Who invented padel?
Padel was invented in 1969 in Las Brisas, Mexico by Enrique Corcuera, who was a passionate tennis player and had spent time at boarding school in the UK. He didn’t have enough space to build a tennis court so he created a smaller, enclosed version of the game that could be played in his garden together with his wife, Viviana. They built a court measuring 20 metres long by 10 metres wide and called the sport Paddle Corcuera.
During the early 1970s, Prince Alfonso of Hohenhole visited Enrqiue Corcuera’s home and became captivated by the game. He brought the game to Spain and built the first padel courts at his Marbella Club in Spain, which helped spark its popularity across Spain and Argentina in the decades that followed. Today, padel has over 30 million players – and it's still growing rapidly, especially across Europe. Padel courts are popping up in resorts, clubs, and cities all around the world – including our very own Mark Warner beach resorts.
Where to play padel on a Mark Warner holiday?
Mark Warner is proud to offer padel at a number of our resorts in Greece, giving you the chance to experience this exciting sport, while enjoying top class facilities, childcare, stylish accommodation and beautiful surroundings.
Paleros Beach Resort, on the Ionian Coast
Padel Courts: 2 purpose-built padel courts and padel equipment
Located on the idyllic Portamaki Beach, Paleros Beach Resort offers a wide range of inclusive activities: three pools (including an adults-only pool), three tennis courts, one pickleball court, cycling, fitness classes, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Our Paleros Beach Resort on the Ionian Coast is ideal for tennis, padel, pickleball and beginners in sailing and windsurfing.
Kamari Beach Resort, Rhodes
Padel courts: 2 purpose-built padel courts and padel equipment
Rhodes is known for its picturesque beaches, calm shallow waters, whitewashed cobbled towns, and ancient history, our Kamari Beach Resort features three tennis courts, road cycling, mountain biking, fitness and a wide range of watersports. There are also 3 pools (one adult-only pool), a modern well-equipped gym, and a sea-facing cocktail bar.
Our Rhodes Resort is particularly well-suited for padel, tennis, road cycling, and both beginner and intermediate sailing and windsurfing.
Aeolian Village Beach Resort, Lesvos
Padel court: One padel court and equipment
Situated in a quiet corner of the beautiful Eressos beach in Lesvos, Aeolian Village boasts 2 pools, 3 tennis courts, cycling, fitness, a small gym and a well-equipped watersports front, along with excellent dining and accommodation choices.
Our Aeolian Village Beach Resort is also great for advanced sailing, windsurfing and foiling. Lesvos is the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic island escape with breathtaking scenery and local charm.
The beauty of playing padel at a Mark Warner resort is that it fits perfectly into your active holiday lifestyle. Start the morning with a game, take a break for a swim or a watersport, then join a group social mix-in during the afternoon – all just moments from your sun lounger and the beach bar.
Padel rules
Here’s a quick overview of the padel rules, so you’re ready to hit the court:
1. Format
- Padel is played in doubles – 2 vs 2 players.
2. Padel scoring
- The padel scoring system follows the same format as tennis: 15, 30, 40 and game.
- A match is usually best of 3 sets.
3. Padel serving rules
- The padel game starts with the player serving underarm from the right service court into the opponent's service box, diagonally across the court as in tennis.
- The server must allow the ball to bounce once before hitting it below waist level.
- The ball must land in the correct service box if it hits the net and lands in, it’s a let and the serve is replayed; if it misses the box or hits the wall first, it's a fault.
- Each player gets two chances to serve.
4. Ball In Play
- The ball must bounce once on the ground before hitting any wall.
- If the ball hits the wall first before bouncing, it's out.
- After bouncing, the ball can hit the glass walls and be played off the walls by either team.
5. General Play
- The ball can only bounce once on each side.
- Volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are allowed except on the return of serve.
- The ball must not bounce twice or go outside the enclosed court (unless it bounces legally and exits through permitted zones, depending on competition rules).
Padel is fast-paced but easy to pick up, making it ideal for beginners, families, and anyone looking to enjoy active holiday fun without needing hours of practice.
Padel FAQs
Where can I play padel on holiday?
Padel is now part of our activity programme at three of our beach resorts in Greece: Paleros, on the Ionian Coast, Kamari in Rhodes and Aeolian Village in Lesvos.
What is the difference between padel and pickleball?
Padel and pickleball are both fast-growing racquet sports played on smaller courts than tennis, but they differ in several ways. Padel is played on an enclosed court with glass walls, similar to squash, while pickleball is played on an open court similar in size to a badminton court. The padel racquet is solid with no strings, whereas pickleball uses a solid paddle, similar to a ping-pong paddle, made from composite or plastic materials. Padel uses a similar ball to tennis, while pickleball uses a plastic ball with holes. Padel is played in doubles and involves wall play, while pickleball can be played in singles or doubles with no wall play.
Is padel easier than tennis?
Padel is easier to learn than tennis. Players serve underarm, court is smaller, and the pace is slower. The walls help keep the ball in play, making rallies easier to sustain and the game more enjoyable for beginners.
What to wear for padel?
Choose lightweight, breathable T-shirts or sports tops and shorts with pockets to hold the balls. Women can also opt for tennis skirts or shorts with built-in pockets. Wear padel or tennis shoes (trainers) for proper grip and support on court. Don't forget essential sun protection—wear a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen regularly.
