Is all inclusive in Tenerife actually worth it?

All inclusive in Tenerife is worth it if you plan to spend most of your time at the resort, eat and drink there, and want fixed costs. It is not worth it if you love exploring the island, trying local restaurants, and taking day trips. The main options are all-inclusive resorts (common in Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas), self-catering apartments (like MV32 in Santa Cruz), or a mix of both. Your choice depends on your travel style and how much you value flexibility.

How all inclusive works in Tenerife

All inclusive in Tenerife usually means your room, meals, snacks, and local drinks are included in one upfront price. Many resorts also throw in activities or entertainment. The south of the island, especially Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, has the highest concentration of all-inclusive hotels. These areas are purpose-built for tourism, with large resorts lining the coast.

The north, around Puerto de la Cruz, tends to have fewer all-inclusive properties. The vibe there is more local and traditional, with attractions like Loro Parque and Complejo Turístico Municipal Costa Martiánez drawing visitors. If you want an all-inclusive experience, the south is your best bet. But if you prefer to explore authentic towns and eat where locals eat, the north might suit you better.

It's also worth noting that all-inclusive packages vary widely. Some include premium drinks and multiple à la carte restaurants, while others stick to buffet meals and house wine. Always check the details before you book. The term 'all inclusive' is not standardized, so read the fine print.

The case for all inclusive: when it pays off

All inclusive pays off when you want convenience and predictability. If you're traveling with kids, having meals and snacks on tap can be a lifesaver. You avoid the constant 'what do you want to eat?' debate and the stress of finding a restaurant that suits everyone. Families often find that all inclusive saves both money and sanity.

Another scenario: if you're planning a lazy beach holiday. Tenerife's south coast has plenty of sunshine, and if your idea of a perfect day is lounging by the pool with a drink in hand, all inclusive makes sense. You won't need to leave the resort except for the occasional outing. And when you do venture out, attractions like Siam Park in Costa Adeje are close by.

All inclusive also works well for short breaks. If you're only on the island for a few days, you might not have time to shop for groceries or hunt for restaurants. Having everything at your hotel simplifies your trip. Plus, you can lock in your budget before you arrive, which is great for peace of mind.

The case against all inclusive: when it doesn't add up

All inclusive often doesn't add up if you're an explorer. Tenerife is a diverse island with much more than resort buffets. If you want to try local Canarian cuisine, you'll miss out by eating every meal at your hotel. Restaurants like Limonella in Arona offer a taste of the island's food scene, and there are many more like it.

Also, consider the cost. All-inclusive rates can be significantly higher than room-only or bed-and-breakfast rates. If you're not going to eat three meals a day at the hotel and drink enough to justify the premium, you might lose money. Many travelers find that paying as they go gives them more freedom and often costs less.

Finally, all inclusive can feel restrictive. You might feel obligated to stay at the resort to get your money's worth, which can lead to a less adventurous holiday. Tenerife has stunning natural areas like Parque Rural de Anaga, a protected laurel forest with hiking trails. If you're all-inclusive, you might hesitate to pack a picnic and spend the day there.

How to run the numbers for your trip

To decide if all inclusive is worth it for you, do a simple cost comparison. First, find the all-inclusive price for your dates. Then, look at the price for the same hotel on a bed-and-breakfast or room-only basis. The difference is what you're paying for all-inclusive perks. Next, estimate what you'd spend on food and drinks if you paid separately.

Be realistic about your eating and drinking habits. If you typically have a light breakfast, skip lunch, and have one dinner out with a couple of drinks, your separate costs might be lower than the all-inclusive premium. On the other hand, if you enjoy a big breakfast, snacks by the pool, a leisurely lunch, and evening drinks, all inclusive could be a bargain.

Don't forget to factor in convenience. Some people are happy to pay extra for the ease of not worrying about bills. That's a valid consideration. Also, check what's included: some all-inclusive packages include access to local attractions or discounts. For example, if you're interested in Loro Parque, see if your hotel offers tickets as part of the package.

A step-by-step way to build your own estimate

Start with a spreadsheet or a notes app and three columns: all-inclusive total, room-only total, and your pay-as-you-go estimate. For the pay-as-you-go column, break spending into breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and snacks, then multiply each by the number of days of your stay. Add a line for airport transfers and a line for attraction tickets, since these are separate costs in both scenarios.

Then apply a realism check. If you know you'll skip lunch on beach days, put zero there rather than a guess. If you drink two coffees and a beer by the pool each afternoon, count them. The point isn't precision to the euro; it's spotting whether the all-inclusive premium is clearly larger than what you'd actually consume. If the two figures land close together, lean on the convenience factor to break the tie.

Finally, remember that resort prices for drinks and snacks are usually higher than supermarket prices, while local restaurants outside the resort can be cheaper than hotel à la carte. Your estimate should reflect where you'd realistically eat, not the most expensive option available.

What you miss by staying all inclusive

Staying all inclusive can cut you off from the local culture. Tenerife has a rich culinary scene, from fresh seafood to Canarian wrinkly potatoes with mojo sauce. By eating at your hotel, you miss the chance to discover family-run restaurants and local markets. Even a simple meal at a beachside chiringuito can be a highlight.

You also miss spontaneous adventures. If you're not tied to meal times, you can explore at your own pace. You might stumble upon a local festival or decide to take a scenic drive through the mountains. All inclusive can make you hesitant to stray too far, especially if you've already paid for lunch.

And let's not forget the island's attractions. Tenerife is home to Siam Park, one of the world's top water parks, and Loro Parque, a renowned zoo and conservation center. These are not to be missed, and they're not typically included in all-inclusive packages. You'll need to budget for tickets separately, which adds to your overall cost.

All inclusive vs self-catering: a practical comparison

Self-catering gives you flexibility and often saves money, especially for longer stays. You can shop at local supermarkets and markets, cook simple meals, and eat out when you want. This approach suits travelers who enjoy cooking or who have dietary restrictions. It also lets you experience everyday life in Tenerife.

For example, an apartment like MV32 in Santa Cruz offers a base in the island's capital, where you're close to shops and restaurants. You can explore the city's food scene and still have the option to eat in. Self-catering can be particularly cost-effective for families, as you can prepare kid-friendly meals without paying restaurant prices.

However, self-catering requires more effort. You'll need to plan meals, shop for groceries, and cook. If you're on holiday to relax, that might not appeal. All inclusive removes those chores. It's a trade-off between convenience and cost, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Location matters: south vs north Tenerife

The south of Tenerife, including Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas, is the heart of all-inclusive territory. The weather is reliably sunny, and the resorts are designed for tourists. If you choose all inclusive here, you'll have plenty of options. You're also close to attractions like Aqualand Costa Adeje and Jungle Park.

The north, around Puerto de la Cruz, has a different character. It's greener, more traditional, and less focused on all-inclusive resorts. If you stay here, you might opt for a boutique hotel or apartment instead. The north is ideal for exploring places like Parque Rural de Anaga and the historic center of La Laguna.

Consider your priorities. If you want a beach holiday with everything on site, the south is better. If you want to immerse yourself in local culture and nature, the north is more rewarding. You can still find all-inclusive hotels in the north, but the selection is smaller.

Tips for getting value from all inclusive

If you decide to go all inclusive, make the most of it. Choose a hotel that matches your interests, whether that's a big resort with multiple pools or a smaller, quieter property. Check what's included and plan your days to take advantage of the amenities. For instance, if the hotel offers a free shuttle to a nearby beach, use it.

Don't feel trapped by the buffet. Many all-inclusive hotels have à la carte restaurants or themed nights. Try them all. Also, explore the local area. You can still eat out occasionally without breaking the bank. Balance is key. You might have breakfast and dinner at the hotel but lunch at a local beach bar.

Finally, book wisely. All-inclusive prices vary by season and how far in advance you book. Look for deals and compare packages. Sometimes, upgrading to all inclusive at check-in is cheaper than booking it in advance, so ask. And read reviews to ensure the food and drinks are up to your standards.

Top attractions to budget for if you skip all inclusive

Loro Parque

4.6 (100106)

Siam Park

4.4 (72764)

Complejo Turístico Municipal Costa Martiánez

4.4 (29243)

Parque Rural de Anaga

4.8 (15074)

Jungle Park

4.3 (10678)

Aqualand Costa Adeje

4.0 (9515)

Frequently asked questions

These are the questions travelers ask most about all inclusive in Tenerife.