Hotel courts, free municipal courts, what to pack and the right time to play in the heat.
Playing tennis on holiday in Antalya is easy, and with a little preparation it's both fun and worthwhile. This guide covers what to know before you travel.
Hotel and resort courts
Many hotels and resorts in Antalya have tennis courts. Before you book, ask:
- Is court use included in your stay, or charged by the hour?
- What is the surface (clay, hard, artificial grass)? Choose your shoes accordingly.
- Can you rent rackets and balls, and is there a coach who gives lessons?
- If you want to play in the evening, does the court have lights?
Free courts in the city
According to Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, the courts at Beach Park, Lara Düden Park and Manavgat Türkbeleni are free with a booking. Bookings are made through the municipality's genclikspor.antalya.bel.tr system; the system is in Turkish, so check the registration requirements in advance. Details are in free tennis courts in Antalya.
What to pack
- Tennis shoes: Running shoes don't give enough support for lateral movement.
- Your own racket: Playing with a racket you know makes a difference on holiday too. Add a spare overgrip.
- Cap, sunscreen, water bottle: The sun in Antalya is strong for most of the year.
When to play
In summer, playing on an outdoor court during the hottest hours is exhausting. Choose early mornings or the hours after sunset. See playing tennis in the heat for more tips.
Finding a partner
If you're travelling alone or nobody in your family plays, ask the hotel's sports team. With kortyo. you can also see matches and players in the area and set up a match at your level.