The 7 Best Holidays for Sports Fans

Sporting events are set to become one of the biggest reasons to travel in 2025.

Naomi Chadderton

An experienced editor and journalist specialising in news and lifestyle.

If you haven’t heard of sports tourism, then you will soon – a trend that is set to soar in 2025, an increasing number of fans are looking to combine their love for sport with a unique travel experience.

From iconic football finals to prestigious tennis tournaments, these sporting spectacles offer much more than just competition, so be sure to add these dates to your diary.

1FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Seychelles

May 1-11, 2025

Football in paradise? Don’t mind if we do! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Seychelles’ pristine beaches, the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup combines ball skills with tropical relaxation, as teams from around the world, including Portugal, Belarus, Italy, Mauritania, Senegal, Spain and Tahiti compete under the sun in the tournament’s first edition hosted in Africa. Beyond the matches, fans can enjoy island-hopping, snorkelling and plenty of Creole cuisine.

Where to Stay: Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Regularly topping the charts as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is tucked away in a private bay on Mahé Island, amid a verdant hillside that slopes gently toward a white-sand beach. Designed in a Creole-inspired style, its interiors are equally as delightful, complete with natural wood and stone throughout its pavilions and artwork by talented local Seychellois artists.

2French Open, Paris

May 25-Jun 8, 2025

All about clay-court classics in the heart of Paris, the French Open serves up world-class tennis at Roland-Garros, where the sport’s biggest names battle it out on the famous red surface. Spend your days watching dramatic rallies and soaking up that French sunshine while, off the court, our favourite activities involve taking a stroll along the Seine, sipping coffee at a sidewalk café and, of course, taking in the views from the Eiffel Tower.

Where to Stay: Hotel Lancaster

Stepping into the Hotel Lancaster feels like entering a different era, with its 1930s charm still very much alive. The grand entrance hall, once a backdrop for horse-drawn carriages, welcomes guests with its stunning chandeliers and refined atmosphere – it’s no surprise the hotel has hosted some of the silver screen’s brightest stars including Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable and Elizabeth Taylor over the years. A visit to the CopperBay bar is an experience in itself, with cocktails so intricately crafted, they’re bound to be the highlight of your trip.

Roland Garos clay court with Eiffel Tower behind

3Champions League Final, Munich

May 31, 2025

Europe’s biggest club football showdown lands in Munich this year, with the Allianz Arena set to be buzzing as two top teams fight for the ultimate prize. Whether your team is playing or not, attend for the electric fan zones, Bavarian beer gardens and football-mad atmosphere. Post-match, spend time exploring historic sites like Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace and St Peter’s Church.

Where to Stay: Beyond by Geisel

BEYOND by Geisel has become a standout boutique hotel in Munich since its debut in 2017, home to just 19 rooms complete with inviting, warm-toned interiors that revolve around a communal kitchen, where guests can either prepare their own meals or enjoy the luxury of a private chef. There’s also a spacious living room and wine room, while its location directly across from the iconic New Town Hall at Marienplatz is just the cherry on top.

4Wimbledon, London

June 30-July 13, 2025

The highlight of the great British summer, tennis fans descend on the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in southwest London each July for two weeks of strawberries, Pimm’s and world-class play. The oldest and most prestigious tournament in the world (it has been held since 1877), you’ll need to be extremely organised to bag tickets, but don’t worry if you miss out - you can also queue early to try to snag a ticket for the day to see the action in person, or grab a drink at one of the several venues screening the event for free.

Where to Stay: The Other House, South Kensington

The Other House is a home away from home in one of the most luxurious neighbourhoods in the British capital, this stylish hotel is primely located for explorations of the capital's best offerings, and just 25 minutes direct on the District Line from Wimbledon. All rooms feel very much like your own private studio, laid out so that you enter the living room rather than the bedroom, and with a full kitchenette.

Aerial view of the Wimbledon tennis courts

5.Women’s Euros, across Switzerland

July 2-27

All eyes will be on the Women’s Euros this summer, as top teams from across the continent compete for glory (come on England!). With matches held in some of Switzerland’s most iconic stadiums, tickets may be in high demand, but even if you don’t secure one, there’s no shortage of venues where you can join fellow fans to watch the games and feel the excitement firsthand.

Where to stay: The Woodward

The tournament may be held across eight Swiss cities, but Geneva is our favourite. If you’ve got some extra splash to cash, a stay at The Woodward is a bucket list experience, complete with 26 Pierre-Yves Rochon- designed suite, two restaurants, a Guerlain Spa and magnificent views over Lake Geneva.

Euro launch event, players in red kit holding trophy

6World Athletics Championships, Tokyo

September 13-21, 2025

Been looking for a sign to book that long-awaited trip to Japan? This is it. A biennial event comprising nine days of intense competition with around 1,800 of the world's best athletes from over 180 nations, champions will be crowned and medals awarded in 49 disciplines against the backdrop of Tokyo's packed-out National Stadium. While more than 250,000 presale tickets have already been sold, general ticket sales are still available, starting from just 2500 yen (£13) for morning session seats and up to 50,000 yen (£260) for weekend evening session premium seats.

Where to Stay: The Tokyo EDITION

A luxurious, intimate escape in the heart of Tokyo, the stylish EDITION hotel was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma with founder Ian Schrager’s vision, featuring 86 rooms in a low-rise, tranquil location in Ginza. Enjoy Japan’s first Punch Room, a rooftop terrace with natural wines and a swish spa.

Tokyo Skyscape featuring the National Stadium

7Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi

December 4-7, 2025

The Middle East is seeing one of the highest influxes of sports tourists over the world, and it’s not hard to see why. The most important event, however, has to be the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which welcomes thousands of motor fans each year. Renowned for its unique twilight setting, where drivers transition from daylight to darkness, the event also happens to be a cultural celebration complete with A-list performances.

Where to stay: W Abu Dhabi

So close to the circuit that it is actually incorporated in the track - the cars pass directly underneath this luxe hotel itself – checking into the W Abu Dhabi during F1 weekend is a no-brainer. Getting to the circuit entrances is a taxi ride of just eight minutes, while The Paddock is literally a stone’s throw from the hotel.