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When the weather is cold and dark, many of us dream of going on holiday. However, if you’re feeling the pinch, it can be tricky to justify spending money on things that aren’t strictly necessary. But we all deserve a break, and the good news is that relaxing, memorable holidays can be far more affordable than you think.
All-inclusive breaks aren’t just hassle-free; they can end up costing far less. Paying for everything upfront – flights, accommodation, food, and drink – means no hidden costs. Plus, in the UK, we’re lucky to have some of the world’s best-value all-inclusive hotspots on our doorstep.
From sun-drenched southern Spain to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, here are eight Mediterranean all-inclusive hotspots that won’t break the bank.
And if you’d like to get planning your trip, why not try our holiday itinerary helper or find thousands of travel deals using the button below?
Note: It’s always worth checking the latest FCDO travel advice on GOV.UK before planning your trip.
1. Algarve, Portugal
While Portugal is technically on the Atlantic, its culture, climate, and cuisine are overwhelmingly Mediterranean. Boasting one of Europe’s most sensational shorelines, Portugal’s Algarve region is known for its all-inclusive coastal resorts. There are budget-friendly options, too, so getting a taste of luxury doesn’t have to break the bank. Plus, the Algarve is a golfer’s paradise, and many hotels include access to the greens in the booking price.
Aside from golf, there’s still plenty to keep you busy. Sunseekers have a gorgeous array of golden beaches, secret bays, and rocky coves to visit, while culture enthusiasts can explore Faro, the Algarve’s historic capital. There are excellent all-inclusive hotels in Faro, but the largest resort town, Albufeira, usually has the most choice – as well as lively nightlife, if that’s your thing. If you prefer somewhere quieter, low-key Alvor and Olhos d’Agua have plenty to offer.
2. Rhodes, Greece
If you’re looking for affordable luxury, why not visit Rhodes? This gorgeous Greek island is packed with affordable four- and five-star all-inclusive resorts. And despite being one of the most affordable Greek islands, Rhodes is also one of the most diverse. From Byzantine buildings and Trojan ruins to picture-perfect whitewashed villages and sweeping golden beaches, there’s something for everyone.
Most all-inclusive resorts are on the island’s east coast, where a seemingly endless stretch of soft sand backs onto sparkling turquoise seas. Coastal Rhodes Town, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, is a great base for history lovers. If you prefer being away from the crowds, head further south to chic, laid-back Kolymbia. Countless all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, as well as sophisticated adult-only ones, too.
3. Paphos, Cyprus
Cyprus is also known for its sun-kissed coastline, and if you’re looking for a beach break with a generous side of culture, few destinations compete. The south of the island is home to the best all-inclusive options – and while the Larnaca region is popular, you tend to get more for your money around Paphos. Known as the birthplace of Aphrodite, ancient Paphos is bursting with romance and history and, sitting on the country’s southwest corner, it enjoys truly sensational sunsets.
There’s a great variety when it comes to all-inclusive hotels. Some of the cheaper options are apartments with kitchens, so if you don’t fancy eating in the hotel, you can enjoy cooking your own delicious dish. But there are also many glitzier hotels and resorts where you can hop from bar to restaurant. You’ll find lots to do in Paphos itself, too; stay in Ktima, the old town, or Kato Paphos, a modern resort centred around one of the Med’s most impressive harbours.
4. Benidorm, Spain
It may not have shaken off its reputation for ‘Brits abroad’, but there’s more to Costa Blanca’s Benidorm than meets the eye. And, if you’re looking for a budget break in Spain, you probably won’t find anything cheaper. Compared to hotspots like Majorca and Ibiza, Benidorm is considerably less expensive, yet the sand is just as white, and the waters just as clear. Despite the ubiquitous high-rise buildings, Benidorm’s history dates back to 1325, and its cobbled old town and Baroque church are as authentic as it gets.
There are many all-inclusive options, from unpretentious hotels to four-star resorts with beach access, so there’s something for every budget. The town’s best beaches, Levante and Poniente, are incredibly picturesque, with restaurants, bars, and watersports. For something quieter, head to locals’ favourite Malpas Beach, a peaceful cove behind the old town port. At night, the town comes alive, and the aroma of tapas and the sounds of tribute bands drift on the warm breeze.
5. Antalya, Turkey
Home to warm turquoise seas, sweeping golden beaches, ancient Greek ruins, and fabulous cuisine, Turkey’s appeal is obvious – and that’s without factoring in the plentiful sunshine and welcoming people. This big, beautiful country is also home to some of the best-value hotspots in the Med. The standard of all-inclusive resorts here is arguably higher than anywhere in Europe, and it’s in the gorgeous Antalya province, on Turkey’s southwest coast, where you’ll find the most choice.
The bougainvillaea-lined streets of Antalya’s old town, Kaleici, are a joy to explore, and there are plenty of all-inclusive hotels. But, if you’d rather be on the beach, you might like to look at resorts in Kemer, about 40 miles southeast. If you’re looking for a beach break with a side of history, Alanya houses a medieval castle, Side boasts Roman ruins, while Beldibi has fascinating prehistoric cave paintings. Lara Beach and Belek are a bit fancier, but both have many affordable all-inclusive resorts and hotels.
6. Hammamet, Tunisia
Not every all-inclusive Mediterranean hotspot is in Europe. Tunisia may be on another continent, but it boasts some of the best-value resorts on the Med. So, if you’re looking for a beach break that feels a little different, this might be for you. Dubbed the Saint-Tropez of North Africa, the whitewashed town of Hammamet boasts a 10km beach that unwinds along the Cap-Bon peninsula. Many resorts lead right out to the soft, honey-coloured sand, giving you easy access to the warm sea.
There’s accommodation for every budget, but if you’re looking for added luxury, your money will go further here. Most swankier hotels and resorts have Moorish-inspired architecture, with intricate tiles and ornate domes – but Hammamet Medina gives an even more authentic glimpse into Tunisian culture and history. This ancient walled city is home to the country’s oldest mosque, as well as labyrinthine alleys, colourful bazaars, and a 13th-century Kabah (fort) with sweeping sea views.
7. Tenerife, Spain
Spain’s Canary Islands have long been a popular choice with Brits, and many of Europe’s best all-inclusive resorts are found on this volcanic archipelago. But Tenerife, the largest island, is the most diverse, with hotels as varied as the landscape. Some of the best resorts are in the island’s otherworldly interior and offer a refreshingly different experience from accommodation on the coast.
But it all depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re more interested in swimming and sunbathing than hiking and stargazing, your best options are on Tenerife’s south coast. Beach towns like Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos have a dizzyingly wide array of resorts, while Costa Adeje has high-end hotels that are surprisingly affordable.
8. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
For years, the beautiful beaches of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast were a relatively well-kept secret. While this isn’t the case now, it’s still one of the best-value destinations for an all-inclusive break – and for the very best deals, head to Sunny Beach. This purpose-built, modern town has everything you could want from a beach holiday: shimmering blue seas, hours of sunshine, fabulous restaurants, bustling nightlife, and a spotless Blue Flag beach spanning eight kilometres.
If getting plenty of sun, sea, and sand is your main priority, you won’t be disappointed – and many of the all-inclusive resorts back right onto the beach. There’s never a shortage of sun loungers, but to save more pennies and lay your towel down for free, just walk a little further down the coast. History enthusiasts might like to visit the ancient UNESCO-listed city of Nessebar, just four kilometres away, while if you enjoy hiking, the dramatic mountains behind Sunny Beach are crisscrossed with trails.
Final thoughts…
All-inclusive holidays are far more diverse than many think. While many luxurious resorts offer a five-star experience, there are also plenty of budget-friendly hotels where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday without breaking the bank.
From fascinating North African countries to sun-drenched Spanish and Greek islands, there’s a destination to suit everyone. And, because everything is paid for upfront, there are rarely any hidden costs to worry about – so you can sit back, soak up the sun, and savour every moment.
For more holiday ideas, why not head over to our travel section?
Are you dreaming of an all-inclusive holiday? Or do you have any of your own favourite all-inclusive destinations to recommend? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.
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