Live the island lifestyle in Greece, the Canary Islands or the Balearics, or be a culture vulture in Portugal or Italy. We’ve gathered the best all-inclusive resorts in Europe for all kinds of travellers – families, couples and those seeking a kid-free escape.
The emerald isle of Corfu is the perfect destination for a grown-up holiday, attracting sunseekers and keen walkers to its stunning coastline. It’s a very romantic and food-focused place too, and you can expect the sun here from around May to early October. Cook's Club is a trendy adults-only establishment in the popular resort town of Gouvia. The aesthetic hotel has signature cocktails, photo-worthy outdoor spaces and a poolside DJ. The decor in the rooms is boho-chic in neutral hues. For a luxurious experience book a swim-up or private-pool suite. There are several trendy restaurants and bars, and the all-inclusive option includes cocktails. You’re also just 500 metres from the beach if you can tear yourself away. Tenerife is another winter sun destination with something for everyone. Whether it’s mountain walking or water sports, snorkelling and scuba-diving, or sunshine and relaxation by the pool, this Canary Island has you covered. Not to mention, it has some incredible dark-skies spots for stargazing. Princess Inspire Tenerife is a four-star all-inclusive in popular Costa Adeje. Except classy, modern decor, spacious rooms and a gorgeous outdoor poolscape as well as an on-site spa.
Best for active breaks: Corfu
Best for winter sun: Tenerife
The sunny isle of Cyprus has a family-friendly culture, with children welcomed in restaurants and out in the evenings. A perfect family break here probably includes a hotel with a pool, as well as great access to the bath-like sea. Leonardo Laura Beach & Splash Resort in Paphos is a great choice, with its outdoor pools, multiple exciting water slides and a kid-friendly buffet restaurant. There’s a cinema, escape room and arcade, as well as outdoor play areas and kids’ clubs – all to allow the adults to slip off to the spa. With its glorious sunshine and beautiful swimming conditions, Malta is another top choice for families, just around three hours’ direct flight from the UK. db Seabank Resort + Spa is a great choice for families looking to combine fun for the kids and relaxation for the grown-ups, and it’s conveniently close to family-favourite beach Għadira Bay. The hotel has a spacious outdoor area with a huge pool, as well as multiple restaurants. The themed The Jungle restaurant offers a fun menu with child-friendly favourites, a soft play zone, and hosts children’s parties. There’s an indoor games room and arcade, bowling and a kids’ club too.
Best for water sports: Malta
Best for sea swimming: Cyprus
Formerly known as the party isle, Ibiza has swiftly become one of the classiest and most romantic islands in the Balearics, with exceptional white-sand beaches, warm sea and fantastic snorkelling conditions. The former fishing village of Portinatx has a serene atmosphere and is home to one of the most elegant beaches on the island. Stay at the pretty, adults-only Barceló Portinatx resort with its sun-drenched pool and decking, gorgeous sea views, and the beach just steps away. The style is modern beach-chic and the airy rooms have private-feeling balconies, some of which have a luxurious hot tub. With its gorgeous volcanic landscape, dramatic coastline and blissfully mild winters, Lanzarote is a great place for all-inclusive resorts for couples searching for winter sun. Adventurous couples can head to the Timanfaya National Park, snorkel, surf or dive, or for a more leisurely getaway, day-trip to the far-flung isle of Graciosa, sample delicious seafood and wander the promenades of the pretty towns. Sandos Atlantic Gardens is the all-inclusive hotel that doesn’t feel like a typical ‘all-inclusive’ experience. It’s small and personal, perched on the coast close to Flamingo beach and not far from Playa Blanca. You’ll stay in pretty bungalows with secluded outdoor spaces, some of which have hydro-massage baths. There’s a buffet restaurant, bar and snack bar, plus you can book wellbeing activities and guided hiking experiences.
Best for winter sun: Lanzarote, visit from December to March
Best for luxury resorts: Ibiza, look out for premium packages with extras
Looking for a sensationally sunny holiday on a budget? Majorca is the more budget-friendly of the Balearic islands and packed with all-inclusive options. Try Hotel Samos in Magaluf, located just metres from the beach and boasting a great outdoor poolscape, or head to romantic Cala d’Or and visit Gavimar La Mirada Hotel and Apartments. This chic-yet-budget-friendly option has several outdoor pools and a beach on its doorstep. There’s a playground, mini-club, children's pool and entertainment too. If you avoid the most popular areas of the Algarve, or just head slightly out of peak season, Portugal is the perfect location for a budget-friendly break. Hotel Atismar in Quarteira is just behind the sandy shore of Praia de Quarteira. There’s an outdoor pool, if you don’t fancy a dip in the Atlantic, and you can book excursions via the hotel – to a waterpark, market, or on an adventurous Jeep tour or boat trip. Just outside of Alvor, The Navigator - Palm Oasis is a budget-friendly all-inclusive with a focus on enjoying the outdoors. The outdoor pools are surrounded by verdant gardens and you’ll enjoy plenty of spaces to eat al fresco as well as to sunbathe.
Best time to go: Portugal is often sunny and warm in late winter
Best for kids’ activities: Mallorca
When it comes to luxury all-inclusive resorts in Europe, Italy has a wealth of choice. From the postcard-perfect Cinque Terre, to the romantic Almalfi awash with honeymooners, to its idyllic islands like Sardinia. You’ll struggle to find anywhere more luxurious than the Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel on the famous Almalfi coast. The converted 13th-century monastery is stunning inside and out, with breath-taking coastal views and glorious architecture. Capitalise on the panorama from its cliffside restaurant and bar, or the infinity pool. Of course, there are several high-class restaurants, a private beach and an extremely luxurious spa. Greece is a vast country, with holidays for every taste and budget, but the Greek islands are a fantastic place to visit for true luxury. Mitsis Norida Beach Hotel is a five-star all-inclusive in Kos, with an expansive poolscape and gardens and access to a beautiful, Blue Flag beach. It’s classy yet family-friendly, with a wide choice of elegant restaurants and fun concepts like the pizza oven on the beach, as well as kid-centric facilities like the open-air cinema and disco. Adults, meanwhile, can indulge in a trip to the sister-hotel spa, and enjoy the multiple bars.
Best for couples: Almalfi
Best for foodies: Both are fantastic foodie destinations
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