The activities were spot on with great tuition: Fred was very knowledgeable in the red sailing clinic; Gabby and all the cycling team were great; the fitness staff were really enthusiastic and fun;...
Read more
Dive right in, the water's lovely! There's nothing quite like the feeling of cool water on sun-kissed skin, is there? Alongside our huge range of water-based activities, all of our Beach Clubs are perfect for swimming holidays with refreshing pools to enjoy. From taking a refreshing quick dip, give aqua fit a go or have fun splashing about with the kids.
You're in the Med, so why not try open water swimming, it's a revitalising change from laps at your local pool. For 2025 we are offering a bigger programme, ocean-based intro sessions, social swims, and timed 1k and 2k challenges. In the pool, as well as clinics, we'll have you nailing your first tumble turns and diving with style. Pool lover or sea savvy, our new programme has enough to keep you wanting more.
Get in touch with our team and book your swimming holiday with Neilson today.
The lowdown
- Swimming pools at all Beach Clubs
- 50m pools at selected Beach Clubs
- Pools for children
- Sea swimming & aqua-fit
- Swim coaching & lessons
- 6 pools including lane swimming pool at Levante Beach Club
Why choose a swimming holiday in the Med?
A swimming holiday in this part of Europe can offer ideal weather conditions for dipping your toes in the water.
For those looking to rack up some serious swim time, check out our Beach Clubs with the biggest pools. Alana Beach Club in Croatia, and Buca, Messini, and Levante in Greece, all feature spacious 50m pools—plenty of room for those swim sessions.
And no swim holiday is complete without a sea dip. Take in the coastal views from a fresh angle in the Adriatic or Aegean’s clear, inviting waters.
Swimming holidays in Greece
Our Messini Beach Club boasts a near 50-metre pool and a kids' pool, plus a pool bar to enjoy a well-deserved drink after your laps. A great choice for families, this venue offers watersports – and land-based activities – plus a wellness area.
Meanwhile, Buca Beach Club has a glass-sided pool that stretches nearly 50 metres. It's a smaller hotel with a boutique vibe, making it the ideal place for a couples' swimming holiday. Sink into the day beds to dry off in the sun or to indulge in post-swimming relaxation, head to the wellness area.
The real wow factor at Levante has to be the 6 swimming pools, including a huge free-form family pool, sports pool with swimming lanes and adult-only pool.
Swimming holidays in Croatia
Our Alana Beach Club in Croatia sits beside the Adriatic Sea, famous for its turquoise waters. Even the less enthusiastic swimmers are likely to be lured by a spot of sea swimming during your holiday. Don't forget to pay a visit to the pool bar after your dip! On land, there's a 50-metre swimming pool and a freeform pool – one for more extensive laps and the other for a more leisurely swim.
Then, for the little ones, there's a splash pool, making a swimming holiday at our Alana Beach Club perfect for young families. If you need respite, head to the spa area, which has fantastic facilities and is one of our most popular destinations for a spa holiday. We're talking a hydromassage Jacuzzi, resistance swimming pool, hot tubs, steam baths, and for the daring amongst you, a cold-water pool and ice bath. Swims of all activity levels can be enjoyed during your holiday here.
swimming holidays in Turkey
Experience our guided open-water swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the sheltered bay at Neilson x Cook's Club Adakoy. Swimmers of all abilities can join in with the group swims and take advantage of the confidence-building, fitness and adventure that they offer. It really is a great way to soak up the beauty of the surrounding coastline.
If open-water swimming is simply not your vibe, the seclusion of the beachside pool is the perfect place to watch the world go by and enjoy a glass of something chilled, listening to the Mediterranean gently lap the shore.
Swim coaching
You might want to improve your confidence in the water during your swimming holiday or perfect your technique. Either way, our swim coaches are here to offer one-to-one swim coaching sessions for all ages and abilities. Everyone can take something away from their swim holiday, regardless of experience.
Private one-to-one lessons start from €24 for 30 minutes. Lessons are bookable locally and subject to availability.
Swimming holidays for kids
Our swim coaches are a great option for a family swimming holiday if you think your little ones could benefit from extra tuition. You'd be surprised at how much progress someone can make in just half an hour, but its all about the fun too!
All our Beach Clubs have kids' clubs where little ones can boost their water confidence, from pool games to fun watersports. Younger kids can dive into pool play, while the Surf Squad gets a taste of rookie lifeguarding. For the older Waveriders and TAG crew, there’s the ultimate event – a Teen Gala that they won’t want to miss!
Do you need to be fit for a swimming holiday?
Thanks to the vast range of swimming options on offer, whether that's in the sea or the pool, you can take your swimming holiday at your own pace. To us, a few laps in the pool followed by a drink at the poolside bar is just as much of a swimming holiday as an extensive day of mastering your technique.
Swimming can be physically demanding when you put your full effort in, and many use it as a way to stay fit during their holiday. You may find it can be even more fun when you exercise with your family. You could always take on one of the aqua aerobics sessions, which are designed to be accessible to people at varying fitness levels. And to push yourself further, you can always book in with a swim coach. Everything is optional so you can take things at a rate you feel comfortable with on your swimming holiday with us.
How can I get the most out of my swimming holiday?
There are lots of ways to enjoy your swimming holidays to the full with Neilson. Make sure you check out our swim coach sessions so you can nail your technique. Otherwise, you can check out our handy guides over on the Neilson hub and learn pool exercises or teach the little ones how to swim.
If you have your sights set on a triathlon, with a goal of improving your swimming technique during your holiday, check out our triathlon guide.
What should I pack for a swimming holiday?
A swimming holiday packing list will be personal to you, but here are a few suggestions to get the ball rolling:
- Swimsuits or trunks
- Water-proof SPF
- Armbands
- Goggles
- Nose clip
- Towels
- Flip flops
- Suitable poolside bag
Why choose a swimming holiday with Neilson?
A swimming holiday in Europe with Neilson is unforgettable. If you have little ones, you can boost their confidence and make use of our fabulous kids' clubs at the same time.
We have over 2,000 reviews on Feefo so you can see what our customers say about their experience. Remember, if you want tips, check out the Neilson hub to improve your technique or teach the kids how to swim. Ready to book your trip? Simply get in touch with our team of experts to get started.