Hotels
All inclusive Spain: Gran Canaria, Tenerife and the Costa del Sol
The Canary Islands do all inclusive all year round, and the Costa del Sol takes over in summer. Here are five resorts for couples and families, and which island suits when.
Picolo Editorial
In January it is dark by four in northern Europe and still sunny by the pool in Maspalomas. That is why the Canary Islands have been a winter escape for generations. With all inclusive, the only decision left is which sunlounger to pick.
In short: all inclusive in Spain
Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the most popular all inclusive destinations in Spain, with sun all year and around four and a half hours' flight from the UK. On Gran Canaria the south coast at Maspalomas and Meloneras is best, and on Tenerife it is Costa Adeje. The Costa del Sol on the mainland is best from May to October.
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Our first choice: Lopesan Baobab Resort in Meloneras on Gran Canaria, with nine outdoor pools and all inclusive all year. See rooms at Lopesan Baobab Resort
To compare with Greece, Turkey and long-haul options, see the best all inclusive resorts in Europe and further afield.
Gran Canaria: Maspalomas and Meloneras
The south of Gran Canaria has the most sun and the long beaches. Maspalomas is known for the dunes by the lighthouse, and Meloneras just to the west has the calm promenade and the newest hotels.
Lopesan Baobab Resort: Meloneras
Lopesan Baobab is inspired by Africa, with tropical gardens and nine outdoor pools, including a long lazy river. The hotel has four restaurants and is a short walk from Meloneras beach and the Maspalomas lighthouse. All inclusive is a package you choose when booking. It suits families who want plenty of pools and sun all winter.
Book your stay: See rooms at Lopesan Baobab Resort
Riu Palace Oasis: Maspalomas
Riu Palace Oasis is right by the lighthouse in Maspalomas, with a gate straight out to the beach and the dunes. The hotel has three restaurants, three pools and a kids' club, and all inclusive can be booked. The building is showing its age, but few hotels on the island have a better location. It suits couples and families who want to walk from the garden onto the sand.
Book your stay: See rooms at Riu Palace Oasis
Mount Teide
Spain's highest mountain is visible from many hotels on the south of Tenerife. The cable car goes almost to the top.
Tenerife: Costa Adeje
Costa Adeje in the south of Tenerife has the island's best hotels, with Teide as a backdrop and the beaches of Fañabé and Playa del Duque within walking distance of many of them.
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife: Adeje
Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife has six restaurants, four outdoor pools, a kids' club and a music theme throughout. All inclusive can be booked, and guests rate the pool area highly. The hotel is a little north of the best-known beaches. It suits families and groups of friends who want some buzz around the pool.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hard Rock Hotel Tenerife
Riu Palace Tenerife: Adeje
Riu Palace Tenerife is close to Fañabé beach in Costa Adeje, with three restaurants, three outdoor pools and an adults-only spa. It is a classic, quieter hotel, and all inclusive can be booked. It suits couples and families with older children who want to walk to the beach and the promenade.
Book your stay: See rooms at Riu Palace Tenerife
Costa del Sol
In summer much of life on the Costa del Sol moves out to the beach bars. Estepona old town is a short drive from the hotel.
Costa del Sol: summer on the mainland
The Costa del Sol is about two and a half hours from the UK and at its best from May to October. In winter it is too cool for swimming, so the Canary Islands are a better choice then.
Ikos Andalusia: Estepona
Ikos Andalusia is on the New Golden Mile near Estepona, with the beach right outside, seven restaurants and six outdoor pools. Branded cocktails and a list of around 300 wines are included. It suits anyone who wants the highest level of all inclusive in Spain.
Book your stay: See rooms at Ikos Andalusia
When to go
The Canary Islands have sun all year, and winter is high season. The sea is warmest from August to October. The Costa del Sol is best from May to October.
How to choose all inclusive in Spain
Check what is included. At many Spanish hotels all inclusive is an add-on, not the standard. Compare it with half board.
Choose your area for the sun. The south of both Gran Canaria and Tenerife gets the most sun. The north is greener but cloudier.
Consider Cape Verde. For all inclusive with an even warmer winter, see Cape Verde holidays.
Frequently asked questions about all inclusive in Spain
Where is the best all inclusive in the Canary Islands?
The south of Gran Canaria, in Maspalomas and Meloneras, and Costa Adeje on Tenerife have the best all inclusive hotels. Both areas get the most sun, have long beaches and direct flights from the UK all year.
Gran Canaria or Tenerife?
Gran Canaria has the Maspalomas dunes and the long beaches. Tenerife has Mount Teide and more varied scenery. Both work well for all inclusive, and the flight time from the UK is about the same.
Is all inclusive standard in the Canary Islands?
No. At many hotels all inclusive is an option when booking, alongside bed and breakfast and half board. Check what the package includes, especially drinks and à la carte restaurants.
When is the best time to visit the Canary Islands?
The Canary Islands have sun all year, and winter is the most popular season. The sea is warmest in late summer and autumn. Christmas, New Year and half term book up early.
Enjoy your holiday
Picolo Editorial