Thinking of Tenerife? Why an All-Inclusive Might Be Your Best Bet This Year

Tenerife has earned its reputation as the “Island of Eternal Spring” for good reason. Whether it’s mid-July or the depths of January, you’re almost guaranteed a bit of vitamin D. But with so many resorts to choose from, going all-inclusive is often the smartest move for a stress-free break.

If you’re wondering if it’s the right choice for you, here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know before you book.

Who actually goes on all-inclusive holidays in Tenerife?

The beauty of Tenerife is that it isn’t a “one size fits all” island. You’ll see a real mix of people at the buffet:

Knackered Parents: Families love the south of the island (places like Costa Adeje). When you’ve got kids who want an ice cream every twenty minutes, having it already paid for is a lifesaver.

Couples after some peace: There’s a massive trend for “Adults Only” resorts now. These are perfect if you want to read your book by the pool without a stray inflatable hitting you in the face.

The “Fixed Budget” Crowd: With the cost of living being what it is, a lot of us like knowing exactly what the holiday costs before we even leave the UK. No “bill shock” on the final morning.

Why bother with all-inclusive?

You might think, “Why stay in the hotel when there are local tapas bars?” and it’s a fair point. But here’s why the all-inclusive route is so popular:

Zero Mental Load: You don’t have to spend your evening scrolling through TripAdvisor trying to find a restaurant that isn’t a tourist trap. You just walk downstairs and eat.

The “Free” Drinks: Whether it’s a morning coffee by the pool or a G&T while watching the sunset, not having to reach for your wallet every time is a genuine luxury.

Built-in Entertainment: Most of the decent resorts put on great shows. It might be a bit “cheesy” for some, but having a professional tribute act or a flamenco show right there in the hotel is great fun after a few sangrias.

How to sniff out the best deals

Don’t just click the first thing you see. To get the most bang for your buck:

Comparison is King: Stick your dates into our search box to final all of the best deals from a wide range of travel agents, but  then also check the price directly with Jet2Holidays or TUI. Sometimes booking the “package” directly gives you better protection if flights are delayed.

Check the “Plus” options: Some hotels offer a “Premium” tier. If you’re fussy about your gin or want branded soft drinks (rather than the local “cola”), it’s often worth the extra £50.

Read the recent reviews: Don’t look at reviews from three years ago. Look at what people said last month. Is the food still hot? Is the pool clean? That’s what matters.

What to do when you finally leave the sun lounger

Tenerife is too beautiful to spend 24/7 in the resort. If you fancy a change of scenery:

Siam Park: It’s famous for a reason. Even if you aren’t a “water park person,” the lazy river is brilliant. Pro tip: Buy your tickets in advance to skip the massive queues.

Mount Teide: It’s like being on Mars. Driving up through the clouds to the volcanic crater is an experience you won’t forget. Just remember a jumper—it’s freezing at the top!

Whale Watching: Head down to Puerto Colón and hop on a catamaran. Seeing pilot whales in the wild is much better than any zoo.

When is the best time to head out there?

The “best” time depends on what you’re looking for:

For the heat: July and August. It’s “proper” summer weather, but be prepared for crowds.

For the value: May or late September. The weather is gorgeous, the sea is warm, and the prices drop significantly once the schools go back.

For the winter escape: Late November to February. It’s surreal to be sitting in 20°C heat while everyone back in the UK is de-icing their cars.

Getting there from the UK

It’s a doddle to get to. Most flights from the UK take about 4.5 hours.

The Flight: You can fly from almost anywhere—Manchester, Gatwick, Birmingham, Glasgow. Most holiday flights land at Tenerife South (TFS), which is just a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the main resorts like Playa de las Américas.

The Paperwork: Since we’re post-Brexit, just make sure your passport has at least three months left on it. Also, keep an eye on the new ETIAS rules starting in 2026—you’ll need to do a quick online form before you fly.