Sometimes it’s nice to feel like an intrepid traveller; staying in small hotels and eating in local restaurants you just happen to stumble upon.
But it’s also nice to kick back and relax knowing that you have everything you need right in front of you – whether it’s a refreshing cocktail, a beautiful beach, or a delicious dinner. If that sounds tempting, an all-inclusive holiday might be for you.
All-inclusive breaks aren’t just hassle-free, they can often work out cheaper too. There are no hidden food, drink, or travel costs, and you have the added guarantee of having helpful staff around whenever you need something.
1. Costa del Sol, Spain
Spain’s Costa del Sol is probably one of the first destinations that comes to mind when thinking of all-inclusive holidays…and for good reason! This sun-soaked stretch of southern Spain has long been beloved by Brits, who are drawn by the glorious weather, beautiful beaches, and lively towns.
While much of the Costa del Sol’s accommodation is budget-friendly, it’s also home to dozens of five-star resorts and hotels, and most come with sparkling swimming pools and glorious golden beaches.
Two of the most popular destinations are Benalmadena and Torremolinos – neighbouring beach towns where you can hit the beach during the day and enjoy long evenings dining in tapas restaurants, browsing local shops, and sipping sangria in lively bars.
2. Tunisia, North Africa
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly beach break with a difference, Tunisia might be your ideal holiday destination. This unique North African country boasts compelling culture, pristine beaches, ancient cities, and endless rolling deserts – so there’s something for everyone.
Because Tunisia backs onto the Sahara, many visitors like to go on a desert safari during their holiday and experience the thrill of racing across the dunes, learning about the Bedouin people, and navigating a landscape that’s remained unchanged for millennia.
In popular Sousse, you can find plenty of excellent all-inclusive accommodation, and if you’re planning on spending most of your time on the beach or doing watersports, this is the destination for you. Sousse town is also home to buzzing bazaars, ornate mosques, and ancient fortresses.
For those looking for an action-packed adventure, Skanes might be better, while history-buffs will love exploring Monastir’s characterful old town. But, whichever destination you choose, you can look forward to delicious and fragrant local cuisine
3. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) might be synonymous with luxury and big spending, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be a great budget-friendly destination. While Dubai can be expensive, neighbouring Abu Dhabi is far more affordable, and there are many all-inclusive deals that won’t break the bank.
Abu Dhabi has all the soaring shiny skyscrapers you’d expect from a modern UAE city, and if you’re looking to stroll through swanky malls and fancy beachfront promenades, it won’t let you down. But there’s also lots of history and authentic Emirati culture.
If you’re interested in Formula 1, be sure to check out the rubber-scorched track at Yas Island Circuit, while thrillseekers can’t miss the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – an innovative theme park that’s inspired by speed.
If you’re looking to just relax and unwind, you can do that too. Most of Abu Dhabi’s all-inclusive hotels are perched upon the classy waterfront, so you can spend lazy days relaxing by the pool, chilling on sandy beaches, and admiring traditional dhow boats cruising along the water.
4. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Many of Europe’s best all-inclusive hotels can be found in the Canary Isles, and as the largest island, it’ll be no surprise to learn that Tenerife has the most diversity. This big volcanic island offers up long sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, wild national parks, and sprawling resorts.
The beaches are one of the main reasons that Tenerife is so popular. On the south coast, beach resorts include Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje, where there are all the amenities and watersports you can dream of in the day, and all the buzzing restaurants and bars you could want at night.
But there’s plenty of nature to explore too. The centre of the island is home to the looming Mount Teide, the third largest volcano in the world, as well as banana plantations, national parks, and quaint villages – so if you’re looking to do some hiking, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Most of the all-inclusive resorts are found backing onto the beaches of the south coast, but the north and west coast have pretty nice options too. If you’re looking to stay close to the action, head to Playa de las Americas, whereas Costa Adeje offers a quieter, more sophisticated stay.
5. The Algarve, Portugal
Portugal is another popular place for an all-inclusive holiday, but one destination stands out from the crowd: the Algarve. Home to one of the most stunning coastlines in Europe, this part of Portugal is known for its exceptional hotels and resorts, many of which are budget-friendly and all-inclusive.
If you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand, there’s a dizzying array of sweeping beaches, secret coves, hidden bays, and rocky inlets to visit – and pretty much all are picture-perfect! There are also award-winning golf courses to tee off on, as well as charming spa towns to explore.
Many of the best all-inclusive hotels are located in Albufeira, which is the Algarve’s largest holiday spot. There’s a gorgeous beach, a charismatic old town with cobbled streets, and a bustling strip where you can wine and dine to your heart’s content.
For something a little more peaceful, there’s Olhos D’Agua, which is a working fishing village with a decent range of budget-friendly all-inclusive hotels – as well as many excellent restaurants where you can feast upon fresh seafood and enjoy lazy alfresco meals.
6. Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes is one of the most visited Greek islands, and it’s not difficult to understand its appeal. The East Coast is home to an almost unending stretch of golden sand, from quiet coves to bustling beaches, and this is where you’ll find most of the all-inclusive hotels and resorts.
Rhodes is steeped in myth, legend, and history, boasting fascinating Trojan ruins and Byzantine buildings. Meanwhile, the interior of the island is a patchwork of rugged mountains, old monasteries, and traditional whitewashed villages that are a joy to explore.
In terms of hotels, there’s everything from family-focused resorts to adults-only spa hotels, while the budget-friendly Rodos Star is just a short walk from the longest beach in Rhodes. There are also plenty of big-name beach resorts.
Rhodes’ size means there’s plenty of diversity in terms of location too. If you’re into history, you can find an all-inclusive hotel in old Rhodes Town; if you’re looking for a quiet spa retreat you can try Kolymbia; and if you’re hoping to experience traditional Greek life, there’s Pastida and Afandou.
7. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh, located near the bottom of the Sinai Peninsula, offers year-round sun and 35 kilometres of coastline that back onto the balmy waters of the Red Sea.
The sea here is the big draw, and if you’re into snorkelling or diving you’ll be in heaven. There are over 250 coral reefs to explore, and turtles, stingrays, and exotic fish to spot. And, as all-inclusive holidays are typically cheaper, you’ll have more money to spend on boat tours and excursions.
Most hotels and resorts in Sharm el Sheikh offer all-inclusive board options, and there’s something for every budget – from cheap and cheerful hotels to luxurious resorts with sleek infinity pools. There are also adults-only hotels if you fancy a more sophisticated stay.
8. Majorca, Balearic Islands
Spain’s Balearic Islands are beloved for their picturesque inlets, turquoise waters, sweet-smelling pine forests, and sandy coves. And while all four main islands are stunning, the biggest – Majorca – has the most choice when it comes to all-inclusive holidays.
The tapas-loving capital, Palma, is interesting, stylish, and cosmopolitan, and you can spend hours strolling the streets, browsing boutiques, and sipping cocktails in the many trendy bars. In the interior of the island, jagged mountain peaks hide historic hamlets and pretty almond groves.
Most of the bigger resorts can be found in Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa, and Cala Bona, which are packed with cosy restaurants, interesting shops, and charming cafes. Ca’n Picafort, a former fishing village that boasts a 13-kilometre beach, is another popular choice.
If you’re looking for romance, head to Sa Coma, where you can stroll along the tree-lined promenade before enjoying intimate dinners in your hotel. The standard of all-inclusive resorts is really high in Majorca, with many boasting multiple pools, large sea-view rooms, alfresco bars, and sun terraces.
9. Larnaca, Cyprus
If you’re looking for sea, sand, guaranteed sun, and fascinating culture and history, why not visit Cyprus? It’s known for its miles of sensational coastline, and the Larnaca region is home to many of the island’s best beaches, as well as some truly spectacular countryside.
It’s also famous for the bright lights and pulsing music of Ayia Napa, but there’s much more to this gorgeous destination than partying…and if you’re looking for a lazy holiday where you can swim, sunbathe, and feast upon delicious Cypriot cuisine, you can do that here too.
If you like the idea of staying at big resorts where you have everything you could possibly need, Nissi Beach might be the destination for you. Its long and leafy promenade has a seemingly endless array of restaurants, a sweeping golden beach, and a waterpark.
Or, if you want to stay somewhere quieter and more intimate, why not book an all-inclusive resort in Protaras? Here, you can enjoy walking in the wild countryside, swimming at some of the prettiest beaches in the region, and spending romantic evenings in vine-wrapped tavernas.
10. Heraklion, Crete
As Greece’s largest island, Crete has a wealth of natural, cultural, and historical attractions, so if you’re looking to do lots of exploring on your holiday, you’re in the right place. With 650 miles of coastline, there’s a beach for every preference – from tiny bays to vast stretches of sand.
The Heraklion region on the north coast is especially diverse, and the beaches here range from bustling hangouts to deserted coves. The huge caramel-coloured beach at Amoudara is a popular destination – especially if you’re interested in watersports.
The pretty port town of Agios Nikolaos is a more laidback base, and there are plenty of little beaches and coves to explore when you’re not chilling by the pool. There’s Kitroplatia, a lovely pebble beach, Amos, another watersport hotspot, and the eucalyptus-fringed white sands of Almyros.
Another reason Heraklion is so popular is because of its history. Crete’s past goes back more than 4,000 years, and it’s considered to be the birthplace of modern civilization. The Palace of Knossos is just a few miles outside Heraklion city centre, and this Bronze Age city is truly fascinating to explore.
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