Courts next to the sea and eco-reserve in the Greek village of Sani

Last Updated on 23 February 2025 by Racket One

We continue exploring the most beautiful tennis spots in Europe. This time, our focus is on the courts of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Sani Resort, Greece.

Sani is a vibrant seaside village renowned for its summer arts festival and the folklore surrounding the nearby hill, crowned by the 16th-century Stavronikita watchtower.

Stavronikita tower, Sani, Greece. Photo by visit-halkidiki.gr

The town boasts a marina, and the nearby coastline is dotted with beautiful resort beaches. For those seeking a quieter escape, a path through the pine trees leads to a secluded sandy cove with shallow waters at Bousoulas.

The tennis center, founded by the legendary Rafael Nadal, opened a few years ago after Sani Resort underwent a major renovation. The center offers eight clay courts and world-class resort amenities, all surrounded by a 1,000-acre eco-reserve.

The resort’s charm captivated the tennis star, inspiring him to establish a branch of his tennis academy here, complementing the main academy in Mallorca. The center benefits from a collaborative approach between Spanish and Greek coaching teams, with occasional visits from Nadal’s own coaches for specialized training.

The nearest major airport is Thessaloniki, located 82.6 kilometers (51.3 miles) away, a one-hour and seven-minute drive from Sani. Thessaloniki offers regular flights to major European cities such as Paris, Rome, Munich, Frankfurt, and others.

Photo credits by facebook.com/saniresort

Editorial staff of Racket One, a magazine covering the global tennis industry. About us