The way people travel is changing—and fast. Gone are the days when holidays meant only sun loungers, cocktails, and complete inactivity. In 2026, a powerful new trend is reshaping tourism: “travelling to train.” Across Europe, sports resorts are transforming traditional getaways into immersive fitness experiences that combine exercise, recovery, and exploration.
According to a recent report by Euronews Travel (published April 11, 2026), travellers are increasingly choosing destinations designed for movement, performance, and wellness, rather than passive relaxation . This shift is part of a broader boom in wellness tourism, a sector already worth billions globally and rapidly expanding across Europe .
At the same time, global travel trends such as “sweat jetting”—holidays built around fitness and sport—are gaining momentum, with travellers prioritising health, endurance events, and active lifestyles during their trips .
What Is “Travelling to Train”?
“Travelling to train” refers to a new category of travel where fitness becomes the core purpose of the holiday. Instead of squeezing in a gym session between sightseeing, travellers now:
- Book resorts with elite training facilities
- Follow structured workout programmes
- Combine sport with recovery (spa, physiotherapy, nutrition)
- Explore destinations through physical activity
These trips range from high-performance training camps to more relaxed wellness retreats that include yoga, hiking, swimming, or cycling.
As highlighted in the Euronews article, travellers are no longer pausing exercise while on holiday—instead, they are building their trips entirely around it .
Why Fitness Holidays Are Trending in 2026
1. Post-Pandemic Health Awareness
The pandemic triggered a global shift toward health-conscious living. Travellers now prioritise:
- Physical fitness
- Mental wellbeing
- Outdoor activities
This has directly fueled demand for active holidays.
2. Social Media & Fitness Culture
Platforms like Instagram and Strava have made fitness more social and aspirational. Running clubs alone grew by 59% globally in 2024, highlighting how community-driven fitness is influencing travel decisions .
3. Desire for Purposeful Travel
Modern travellers want more than relaxation—they want transformation. Fitness holidays offer:
- Personal growth
- Skill development
- Achievement (e.g., completing a training camp or race)
4. Hybrid Work & Flexible Lifestyles
With remote work becoming more common, people are combining work, travel, and training, staying longer in destinations that support healthy routines.
Top European Sports Resorts Leading the Trend
1. Club La Santa, Lanzarote (Spain)
One of Europe’s most iconic fitness resorts, Club La Santa is a paradise for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- 80+ sports available
- 500+ weekly classes
- High-performance training campus
- Ideal for cycling, triathlon, and endurance sports
The resort is deeply embedded in Lanzarote’s reputation as a serious training destination, with open roads, warm weather, and a culture built around discipline and performance .
2. Forte Village Resort, Sardinia (Italy)
Blending luxury with elite training, Forte Village is a prime example of how resorts are combining fitness and leisure.
Highlights:
- Professional sports academies
- Advanced training labs used by athletes
- World-class spa recovery facilities
It offers a “jet and sweat” experience, where guests can train intensively while enjoying high-end hospitality .
3. Alpine Training Resorts (Switzerland, Austria, France)
The European Alps are becoming a hotspot for altitude training and outdoor fitness holidays.
Popular Activities:
- Trail running
- Hiking and trekking
- Cycling
- Snowshoeing (winter)
Destinations like Chamonix and St. Moritz combine natural beauty with performance training, making them ideal for both amateur and elite athletes.
4. Multi-Sport Resorts in Spain, Portugal & Greece
Across Southern Europe, resorts are embracing multi-sport experiences tailored to all fitness levels.
Common Offerings:
- Padel and pickleball (rapidly growing trends)
- Swimming and water sports
- Yoga and Pilates retreats
- Boot camps and HIIT training
These destinations appeal to travellers seeking a balance between fitness and relaxation, rather than intense training.
Types of Fitness Holidays Available
1. High-Performance Training Camps
- Designed for athletes
- Structured schedules
- Coaching and performance tracking
2. Wellness & Recovery Retreats
- Focus on relaxation + light activity
- Spa treatments, yoga, meditation
3. Adventure Fitness Holidays
- Hiking, cycling, skiing
- Explore nature through movement
4. Event-Based Travel (“Runcations”)
- Travel built around races or competitions
- Includes marathons, triathlons, Hyrox events
These “runcations” are booming globally, with travellers planning entire trips around running experiences and endurance events .
Benefits of Fitness Travel
Physical Health
- Improves endurance and strength
- Encourages consistent routines
Mental Wellbeing
- Reduces stress
- Boosts mood and clarity
Social Connection
- Meet like-minded travellers
- Build community through sport
Skill Development
- Learn new sports
- Improve performance with coaching
How Resorts Are Adapting to the Trend
European resorts are rapidly evolving to meet demand:
1. Advanced Facilities
- Olympic-size pools
- High-tech gyms
- Recovery labs
2. Expert Coaching
- Personal trainers
- Sports scientists
- Nutritionists
3. Recovery & Wellness Integration
- Cryotherapy
- Hydrotherapy
- Spa treatments
4. Customised Programmes
- Beginner to elite levels
- Personalised schedules
Hotels are even introducing “running concierges” and curated workout experiences to attract fitness travellers .
SEO Keywords Driving This Trend
To rank on Google and Google Discover, this topic aligns with high-volume keywords such as:
- Fitness holidays Europe
- Active holidays 2026
- Sports resorts Europe
- Wellness travel trends
- Training camps Europe
- Luxury fitness retreats
These keywords reflect strong user intent around health, travel, and lifestyle transformation.
Future of Fitness Tourism in Europe
The future looks incredibly strong for this sector. Industry insights suggest:
- Continued growth in wellness tourism
- Increased investment in sports infrastructure
- More hybrid travel (work + fitness)
As fitness becomes a lifestyle rather than a hobby, travel will increasingly revolve around performance, recovery, and wellbeing.
Tips for Planning Your Fitness Holiday
Choose the Right Destination
- Athletes → Lanzarote, Alps
- Beginners → Portugal, Greece
Set Clear Goals
- Training
- Relaxation
- Adventure
Balance Activity & Recovery
Avoid burnout—rest is essential.
Check Facilities & Coaching
Ensure the resort matches your fitness level.
Conclusion: A New Era of Travel
“Travelling to train” is more than just a trend—it’s a transformation in how we experience the world. European sports resorts are leading this movement by offering holidays that energise rather than exhaust, challenge rather than pause, and transform rather than simply entertain.
As 2026 travel trends continue to evolve, one thing is clear:
The future of holidays is active, intentional, and deeply connected to wellbeing.
About the Author
