There’s something very satisfying about getting to your holiday hotel, placing your suitcase next to your bed, and then making a beeline for the swimming pool. Which will be the perfect temperature, of course.
Lunch is already sorted, the cocktails are being made for you and your hardest decision is whether to sit on a
sun lounger or at a table in the shade.
This is the joy of an all-inclusive holiday. It means that you can spend less time arranging all of the details and more time enjoying yourself.
I’ve done my fair share of backpacking, intrepid adventures and other multi-stop jaunts across the world. But as I get older and my priorities shift, sometimes all I really want when I have time to travel is to have everything done for me!
That’s the true break from adulting many of us crave, right?
Europe is full of all-inclusive holiday destinations that lend themselves well to this style of escape. From the
Grecian islands with their sparkling blue seas to the lively beach resorts of Spain, there is a holiday out there for
almost everyone.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular all-inclusive holiday destinations in Europe…
Greece: Island Life with a Side of Sunshine
Greece is difficult to beat for beach days, good food and a little bit of sightseeing in between swims.
I took my husband to a gorgeous hotel in Corfu for his 30th, and it was a very memorable trip. We loved exploring Corfu Old Town then coming back to our cliffside hotel to chill!
The island of Crete is a real favourite thanks to its sandy shores, wonderful old towns, and sleepy mountain villages where lunch can turn into an afternoon spent sipping wine.
There are some fantastic Greek hotels that have plenty of pools, restaurants, and evening entertainment on offer so it’s easy to get into holiday mode.
When you want a little bit of a change of scenery, the Venetian harbour of Chania is worth a visit or you
can enjoy an afternoon exploring the island’s archaeological sites.
Rhodes is also a great option, particularly for those who like a combination of beach days and history.
Take the time to explore the Old Town of Rhodes, taking advantage of the little shops and the chance to enjoy a Greek coffee before heading back to the coast.
You’ll want to wear good shoes though, as old cobbled streets can be less forgiving than the seats of sun loungers. I learned that the hard way during a destination wedding in Lindos!
Spain: Easy Beach Days and Lively Evenings
Spain is always a favourite holiday destination for us Bris and there are plenty of opportunities for a relaxing break there.
The Costa del Sol has long stretches of beach, lively promenades, traditional tapas bars, and plenty of scope for days out.
The region makes a great all inclusive break for families and groups who like to have plenty of opportunity
for different activities on your doorstep.
I can personally recommend exploring romantic Ronda, and of course you have to spend 24 hours in Malaga if you’re staying anywhere on the Costa del Sol.
We recently had a family wedding near Marbella, and found Fuengirola to be an ideal base because we had our toddler with us.
For those who like island scenery, Tenerife in the Canary Islands is a great choice. The volcanic landscapes,
warm climate and striking coastline provide opportunities for plenty of exploration.
You can enjoy an hour or two of pool time before you head off into the mountains or to a seaside town for a plate of seafood.
I think Tenerife’s gastronomy offering is overlooked too often. There are some fantastic restaurants around the island!
Check out my guide to where to eat in Tenerife for my top recommendations.
Mallorca is also a great addition to the list and has plenty to offer away from its lively beach resorts. Set against
lovely coves, pleasant villages and scenic routes for cyclists, the island has a lot to enjoy.
Our little one’s first ever holiday was in Palma de Mallorca, and we loved exploring this beautiful city with him.
You can easily hire a car for the day and find a quieter side to Mallorca, with winding roads and photo opportunities calling out to you at every turn.
Portugal: Coastal Charm and Fresh Seafood
Portugal makes a great all inclusive holiday destination for those who like their sunshine with a relaxed
approach. The Algarve in particular has plenty of golden beaches, stunning cliff faces and fishing towns built
around seafood.
You could stay in the Albufeira area for a fun filled all inclusive holiday with plenty of restaurants and activities
available, or seek quieter seafront destinations for a more relaxed vacation.
I went to Albufeira with my uni girlfriends when I was 19 and am thinking about planning a family holiday there soon. It’s not too far to travel on a plane with kids!
Boat trips along the shore take you to sea caves and hidden beaches, whilst inland villages provide a host of traditional experiences.
The food is well worth the visit too. Grilled sardines, prawns, and pastel de nata tarts are all welcome additions to
a holiday menu. The local dishes are worth trying even if you are staying in an all inclusive holiday hotel, as they
are a great way to sample more of the local flavours.
Make Your All-Inclusive Holiday Work for You
When booking an all inclusive escape, take a look at the fine print and find out what is included in your holiday
package. Find out what restaurants, drinks, and activities are included as well as whether any airport transfers
are part of the deal.
There’s nothing worse than realising too late than ordering your favourite cocktail means paying extra!
For families, a great inclusive holiday package will offer a highly-rated kids clubs, good sized
rooms and entertainment. If you’re travelling as a couple, you might want to consider adults-only hotels with proximity to local sights.
For those who enjoy an evening stroll along the coast, a beachfront location is ideal.
The most important thing is to find a holiday that is right for you. Whether you prefer a Grecian island sunset, a
Spanish beach bar, or a luscious lunch in Portugal, the best all inclusive holidays give you the opportunity to
relax, explore, and enjoy your time away to the fullest.
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