All Inclusive Holidays: The Honest Mediterranean Comparison
By our Product Manager Thomas — 24 years of first-hand destination experience across Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Malta and Morocco
The all inclusive holiday is one of the most popular choices for UK travellers — and for good reason. The appeal of knowing exactly what you have paid for before you arrive, of not reaching for your wallet every time you want a drink or a snack, and of returning home without a credit card bill that tells a story you would rather forget, is genuinely compelling.
But here is what most travel websites will not tell you: not all all inclusive holidays are equal. Not even close. The all inclusive concept varies enormously between destinations — in quality, in scope, in cultural context and in what you actually get for your money. A week all inclusive in Belek, Turkey, is a fundamentally different experience from a week all inclusive in Agadir, Morocco. Knowing the difference before you book is the single most important thing you can do to ensure your holiday delivers what you actually want.
I have been visiting all five of these destinations professionally for 24 years, inspecting hotels, assessing all inclusive programmes and advising UK travellers on which destination is right for them. This is my honest, first-hand comparison — no marketing, no commission-led recommendations, just the truth.
What is Actually Included in an All Inclusive Holiday?
Before comparing destinations, it is worth establishing what all inclusive actually means — because even this basic definition varies considerably between countries and between individual hotels.
A standard all inclusive package covers all meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner — unlimited local drinks including beer, wine and spirits throughout the day, soft drinks, water and snacks, access to the hotel's pools and beach facilities, and daytime and evening entertainment.
What is almost never included, regardless of destination, is the following: spa treatments and wellness services, premium or branded spirits, motorised water sports, à la carte restaurant reservations at certain properties, excursions outside the hotel, and airport transfers. These are almost universally charged as extras — and guests who assume otherwise are invariably disappointed.
The distinction between standard all inclusive, ultra all inclusive and 24-hour all inclusive is most meaningful in Turkey, where it reflects a genuine difference in the scope and quality of the programme. We will cover this in the Turkey section below.
The Real Advantages and Disadvantages of an All Inclusive Holiday
Before choosing a destination, it is worth being honest about whether all inclusive is the right board type for you at all. In my experience, all inclusive suits some travellers exceptionally well and genuinely does not suit others — and too many people book it simply because it is familiar or because the headline price looks appealing, without considering whether it matches how they actually like to holiday.
The Genuine Advantages of All Inclusive
Budget predictability. The single most compelling argument for all inclusive is financial certainty. You know precisely what you have spent before you arrive. There are no daily decisions about where to eat, no running total of drinks bills, and no unpleasant surprises when you check out. For families in particular — where children's snacks, ice creams and soft drinks throughout the day add up considerably — the all inclusive format almost always represents better value than paying as you go.
Convenience and relaxation. There is a genuine psychological freedom in not having to plan every meal. On a good all inclusive holiday, the decision about what to eat and drink is already made — you simply enjoy it. This is not laziness; it is a legitimate and highly pleasurable way to holiday.
Value at the premium end. At Turkey's finest Belek properties — Regnum Carya, Maxx Royal, Cullinan Belek — the ultra all inclusive programme delivers a level of hospitality that would cost considerably more if purchased individually. Multiple à la carte restaurants, 24-hour bar service, unlimited water sports, professional entertainment and children's clubs — the value proposition at this level is genuinely extraordinary.
Ideal for families. All inclusive is arguably the holiday format best designed for families. Children can eat when they want, snack without parental guilt about cost, and access pools, activities and entertainment within the resort throughout the day. The all-in pricing removes the constant negotiation about spending that can define a family holiday booked on any other board basis.
The Genuine Disadvantages of All Inclusive
It can discourage exploration. This is, in my view, the most significant limitation of the all inclusive format. When everything you need is available within the resort gates — food, drink, entertainment, sun loungers — the incentive to venture outside is reduced. Guests who stay in an all inclusive hotel in Hersonissos without visiting Chania's old town, or in Hurghada without making the effort to see the Pyramids, have missed something genuinely important. Turkey in particular suffers from this — a country of extraordinary cultural depth that is frequently reduced by the all inclusive format to a week by the pool in Belek.
Not everything is included. The all inclusive label can create false expectations. Spa treatments, premium spirits, certain à la carte restaurants, motorised water sports, excursions and transfers are almost never included — and guests who discover this on arrival can feel misled. Always read the specific inclusions of any all inclusive package before booking.
Quality varies enormously. An all inclusive holiday at Regnum Carya in Belek and an all inclusive holiday at a three-star hotel in Alanya are both technically all inclusive — but they bear no resemblance to each other in quality, scope or experience. The all inclusive label tells you very little without understanding the property, the resort area and the specific programme behind it.
It is not always the best value for couples and solo travellers. For two adults without children who enjoy exploring local restaurants, trying different bars and engaging with the destination beyond the resort, bed and breakfast often offers better value and a richer experience. The all inclusive premium is not always justified for guests who will not fully utilise what the programme includes.
Alcohol consumption can become excessive. When drinks are unlimited and free at the point of consumption, some guests — and some resort environments — encourage a pattern of drinking that would not occur in a different holiday context. This is worth considering, particularly when travelling with children or when the resort atmosphere is more oriented towards volume drinking than quality.
Turkey: The World Standard for All Inclusive
Turkey is, without question, the finest all inclusive destination in the Mediterranean — and for many of our customers, in the world. No country has taken the all inclusive concept and elevated it to the level that Turkey's leading resort hotels have achieved. The competition between properties — fierce, constant and driven by a hotel industry that takes hospitality extraordinarily seriously — has produced a standard of all inclusive that simply does not exist anywhere else at the same price point.
More than 80 per cent of resort hotels on Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coast operate on an all inclusive basis. The concept arrived in Turkey via the Magic Life hotel group and was transformed by Turkish hoteliers into something that has since been studied and imitated — with limited success — by destinations across the Mediterranean.
Understanding the All Inclusive Levels in Turkey
Standard all inclusive covers meals, local drinks and basic facilities — the format found across most mid-range Turkish hotels.
Ultra all inclusive extends this to include premium spirits, unlimited à la carte dining, beach cabana service, unlimited water sports and a broader range of entertainment and activities.
24-hour all inclusive — available at Turkey's finest properties — means exactly what it says. Bars and restaurants remain open and fully operational around the clock, including the famous midnight soup that has become something of a Turkish all inclusive institution.
The Belek and Bodrum resort areas represent the premium end of the Turkish all inclusive market. The properties here are genuinely world-class — the finest all inclusive hotels I have visited anywhere in 24 years of product management. The all inclusive programmes are the most comprehensive available in the Mediterranean, and the facilities — multiple pools, championship golf courses, waterparks, professional spas, children's clubs and a dozen restaurants — are extraordinary by any standard.
It is essential to understand that the all inclusive concept in Belek and Bodrum differs considerably from that in Alanya, Side and Kemer. The Belek and Bodrum properties represent the premium end of the market — 24-hour programmes, premium drinks, multiple restaurants and extensive facilities. The Side and Alanya properties are excellent value but operate on a standard all inclusive model that is more comparable to Greece or Egypt than to the ultra all inclusive of Belek. When choosing a Turkey all inclusive holiday, the region matters as much as the star rating.
Best All Inclusive Hotels in Turkey — Our Picks
These are the properties I recommend at the very top of the Turkish all inclusive market. I have visited every one of them personally during contract and inspection visits:
1. Regnum Carya The Crown — The finest all inclusive property in Turkey. Ultra all inclusive at its absolute best.
2. Regnum Carya — Outstanding all inclusive adjacent to its Crown sister property. Exceptional facilities throughout.
3. Maxx Royal Belek — One of the most celebrated ultra all inclusive properties in the Mediterranean.
4. Cullinan Belek — Named after the world's largest diamond and every bit as impressive. 42 acres, 800 metres of beach, eleven restaurants.
5. Lujo Hotel — Boutique luxury all inclusive in Bodrum. Intimate, design-led and exceptional.
6. Gloria Serenity Resort — A Belek institution. Outstanding golf, exceptional all inclusive programme.
7. Ethno Resort — Unique among Turkish all inclusive hotels. A genuinely distinctive concept with strong cultural character.
8. Rixos Premium Belek — One of the pioneers of the ultra all inclusive concept in Turkey. Still one of the best.
9. Calista Luxury Resort — Consistently excellent. One of the most reliable ultra all inclusive properties in Belek.
10. Susesi Luxury Resort — Bodrum's finest all inclusive hotel. A different calibre of experience from the Belek mega-resorts.
Turkey All Inclusive: Honest Assessment
Advantages: The finest all inclusive product in the Mediterranean at the premium end. Outstanding value across all price points. The widest choice of all inclusive hotels of any destination. Exceptional children's facilities and family programming. Broadly year-round availability.
Disadvantages: The sheer number of hotels means quality varies enormously — careful research is essential. Turkey's all inclusive and luxury resort marketing has become so dominant that the country's extraordinary cultural offer is frequently overlooked. Regional differences between Belek and Alanya are significant and not always well communicated at the point of booking.
Best for: Families seeking maximum value and facilities. Couples wanting a premium all inclusive experience at a competitive price. First-time all inclusive travellers who want the concept done properly.
Greece: Character, Beauty and a Growing All Inclusive Market
Greece approaches all inclusive differently from Turkey — and it is better understood as a destination where all inclusive is one of several equally valid holiday formats rather than the dominant concept that defines the entire market. The Greek islands offer something that Turkey's resort strips often cannot: genuine character, extraordinary landscapes and a sense of being somewhere distinctly and irreducibly Greek.
The all inclusive market in Greece has grown significantly in the last decade, particularly on Crete, Rhodes and Kos — the three islands where GotoBeach concentrates its Greek portfolio. All three offer a strong all inclusive proposition, but the concept here is generally more modest in scope than Turkey's premium offering. The pools are smaller, the programmes less extensive, and the 24-hour ultra all inclusive is not a concept that has taken hold in the Greek market. What Greece offers in exchange is a more intimate resort atmosphere, better food in the surrounding area, and a natural and cultural setting that Turkey's coastal resort strips rarely match.
Best All Inclusive Hotels in Crete — Our Picks
Crete is where the Greek all inclusive offer is strongest and most mature. I have visited and assessed all of the following personally:
1. Lyttos Mare — GotoBeach's benchmark all inclusive property in Crete. Beachfront, comprehensive programme, outstanding food quality.
2. Creta Maris — A Cretan institution. Thalassotherapy centre, Blue Flag beach, exceptional all inclusive programme and a loyal following of returning guests.
3. Ikaros Beach Resort & Spa — The finest wellness-focused all inclusive in Crete. The spa is outstanding.
4. Lyttos Beach — A strong all inclusive property with good facilities and reliable quality.
5. Knossos Beach — Well-located and well-managed. Reliable all inclusive at a competitive price point.
6. Bella Beach Hotel — A solid mid-market all inclusive option on the northern coast.
7. Arina Beach Resort — Good facilities, strong all inclusive programme, well-suited to families.
8. Out of the Blue Resort & Spa — One of Crete's most elegant all inclusive properties. Exceptional setting.
9. Senseana Seaside Hotel — A newer property with a good all inclusive programme and strong facilities.
10. Mitsis Selection Blue Domes — Our finest adults-only all inclusive recommendation in Crete. Stunning infinity pools, exceptional dining.
For guests who prefer a non-all inclusive experience in Crete, the following boutique and premium properties offer an exceptional holiday:
1. Istron Bay Hotel — One of the finest boutique properties in Crete. Exceptional setting and outstanding service.
2. Alexandre Beach Hotel & Village — Charming, well-run and beautifully located.
3. Castello Boutique Suite by the Sea — For those who want something genuinely intimate and special.
4. Abaton Island Resort & Spa — One of Crete's finest luxury properties.
Greece All Inclusive: Honest Assessment
Advantages: All inclusive available at every price point. Extraordinary natural beauty and cultural depth — Knossos, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi, the Venetian harbours of Chania. The combination of beach, all inclusive and day-trip culture works exceptionally well. Rhodes and Kos add further variety.
Disadvantages: All inclusive concept rarely reaches the scope or quality of Turkey's premium properties. Quality varies considerably between islands and between individual hotels. Greece closes almost entirely between November and April — a seasonal rather than year-round destination.
Best for: Families who want all inclusive with the option to explore. Couples who want a beautiful, characterful setting. Repeat all inclusive travellers looking for something more distinctive than a Turkish mega-resort.
Egypt: The Year-Round Value Champion
Egypt is, in my assessment, the destination that most closely matches Turkey's all inclusive model — and in one significant respect, it exceeds it. Egypt's Red Sea resorts operate on an all inclusive basis year-round, without exception. While some Turkish hotels switch to bed and breakfast or half board in the winter months, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam deliver the same comprehensive all inclusive programme in January as they do in August.
The arrival of Rixos Hotels and Titanic Hotels — both pioneers of the ultra all inclusive concept in Turkey — in the Egyptian market has been transformative. These operators have brought their Turkish all inclusive expertise directly to Egypt, and the result is a level of quality that significantly exceeds what was available there a decade ago.
Egypt is also the only destination in this comparison that simultaneously delivers a genuinely world-class all inclusive resort experience and one of the world's most extraordinary cultural offerings. The Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Valley of the Kings and the opportunity to combine a Red Sea beach holiday with a Nile Cruise — these are experiences with no equivalent in Turkey, Greece, Malta or Morocco.
The Red Sea itself is another unique advantage. The snorkelling and scuba diving available from Egypt's resort beaches — in water of extraordinary clarity, above coral reefs of remarkable diversity — is simply unavailable at the same quality in any other destination in this comparison.
Egypt All Inclusive: Honest Assessment
Advantages: Year-round all inclusive at consistent quality. The best all inclusive value in the Mediterranean at the mid-market level. Extraordinary cultural attractions — the Pyramids, Luxor, Cairo Museum, Nile Cruise. World-class Red Sea diving and snorkelling. Rixos and Titanic Hotels bring genuine Turkish all inclusive expertise to the Egyptian market.
Disadvantages: The resort areas of Hurghada lack the natural beauty and scenic character of Greece or Turkey's coastline. Some travellers find the commercial pressure outside resort gates tiring. The political context requires more active monitoring than European destinations — though the resorts themselves are consistently well-managed and safe.
Best for: Value-conscious families wanting maximum all inclusive for their budget. Travellers who want to combine a beach holiday with cultural exploration. Divers and snorkellers. Year-round travellers for whom seasonal closures in Greece and Turkey are a limitation.
Malta: The Boutique All Inclusive Exception
Malta sits in a category of its own within this comparison. It is not, and has never been, a mass-market all inclusive destination. The island is small, the hotels are modest in scale by Turkish or Egyptian standards, and the all inclusive concept here is less extensive in scope and less widely available than in any other destination in this guide.
This is not a criticism. Malta is a boutique Mediterranean island destination whose proposition is cultural richness, extraordinary history, excellent dining, a vibrant nightlife scene and a warmth of character that the larger resort destinations simply cannot replicate. The all inclusive concept in Malta serves a specific need — the convenience of predictable budgeting — but it does not define the destination in the way it defines Turkey or Egypt.
It is important to note that the all inclusive programme in Malta typically ends at 23:00 and recommences at breakfast — a meaningful difference from Turkey's 24-hour programmes. The scope of the package is generally more modest — fewer à la carte options, a less extensive drinks selection — but the hotels that offer it do so reliably and with genuine warmth.
Best All Inclusive Hotels in Malta — Our Picks
These are the all inclusive properties in Malta that I have visited personally and can recommend with confidence:
1. Ramla Bay Resort — Our most recommended all inclusive in Malta. Direct beach access, good facilities, exceptional northern coastline setting.
2. Riviera Resort Adults Only — Malta's finest adults-only all inclusive property. Marfa Bay location, outstanding sea views, walking distance to the Gozo ferry.
3. db San Antonio Hotel & Spa — The most comprehensive all inclusive programme in Malta. Rooftop infinity pool, six restaurants, Pearl Spa.
4. db Seabank Resort & Spa — Strong all inclusive in Mellieħa. Good family facilities and direct sea access.
5. AX Odycy Resort — A solid all inclusive in the St Paul's Bay area.
6. Qawra Palace Resort & Spa — A well-established all inclusive property with reliable quality.
7. DoubleTree by Hilton — Offers an all inclusive option and is home to the excellent Carvv Grill & Enoteca steakhouse.
8. Paradise Bay Hotel — A peaceful, well-located all inclusive in the north of the island.
9. The Preluna Hotel — A Sliema institution offering a good all inclusive option with promenade access.
10. Solana Hotel — A competitively priced all inclusive in the Mellieħa area. Good value for the quality delivered.
Beyond all inclusive, Malta also has exceptional hotels worth highlighting for guests who prefer a premium or boutique experience:
1. InterContinental Malta — St Julian's finest five-star property. Casino, rooftop pool, Paranga restaurant.
2. Westin Dragonara — An iconic St Julian's property in a spectacular clifftop position.
3. Hilton Malta — Consistently excellent. Well-located in St Julian's with strong facilities.
4. Marriott St Julian's — Rosamì restaurant is one of Malta's finest dining experiences.
5. Corinthia St George's Bay — A landmark property with exceptional facilities and a loyal following.
It is also worth noting that a new Hard Rock Hotel is currently under construction in St Julian's, scheduled to open in September 2026 — which will add a significant new property to Malta's premium hotel landscape.
Malta All Inclusive: Honest Assessment
Advantages: Exceptional flight connectivity from UK airports at very competitive prices. Single airport simplifies logistics entirely. Extraordinary cultural offer — Valletta, Gozo, the Three Cities, the Megalithic Temples. Excellent dining and nightlife scene. Adults-only all inclusive at Riviera Resort is one of the finest in the Mediterranean.
Disadvantages: Very few all inclusive properties — choice is genuinely restricted. All inclusive programme is more limited in scope and hours than Turkey or Egypt. Malta is not a sandy beach destination — swimming is predominantly from rocky platforms and lido areas. Hotels are smaller in scale — no mega-resorts.
Best for: Couples and adults wanting all inclusive convenience in a boutique, culturally rich setting. Short break travellers combining culture and comfort. Travellers seeking easy, affordable flight connections. Adults-only seekers.
Morocco: Culture First, All Inclusive Second
Morocco is the most distinctive and most frequently misunderstood destination in this comparison. Ask most UK travellers to name an all inclusive destination and Morocco will not appear on their list. This is both accurate — all inclusive is far less prevalent in Morocco than anywhere else in this guide — and misleading, because Morocco is a genuinely extraordinary holiday destination whose strongest qualities have very little to do with the all inclusive concept.
I have been visiting Morocco professionally for 24 years and I discover something new every time. It is a country of extraordinary depth — culturally, culinarily, geographically and historically. The Imperial City Round Trip — taking in Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat and the Saharan fringes — is one of the finest cultural itineraries available to any traveller anywhere in the world. The emerging destination of Agafay — a desert plateau just 40 minutes from Marrakech — and Dakhla, a unique coastal destination in the far south, add further dimensions to a country that rewards curiosity.
All inclusive hotels in Morocco are concentrated in two areas only — Agadir and Marrakech. The typical Moroccan all inclusive programme ends at 23:00 and begins at around 10:00 — a meaningful gap compared to Turkey's 24-hour programmes — and the content of the package is generally more modest. In my assessment, the strongest all inclusive operators in Morocco are Pickalbatros Hotels and Iberostar Hotels. Pickalbatros is the closest Morocco comes to the Turkish all inclusive standard — and I say that having inspected their properties in both countries.
Best All Inclusive Hotels in Morocco — Our Picks
1. Pickalbatros Hotels — The benchmark for all inclusive in Morocco. Available in both Agadir and Marrakech. The strongest and most comprehensive all inclusive programme in the country.
2. Iberostar Waves Founty Beach — Agadir's finest Iberostar all inclusive property. Directly on the beach, strong programme.
3. Iberostar Waves Palmeraie — Marrakech's leading Iberostar all inclusive, set in the lush Palmeraie district.
4. Amadil Ocean Club — A well-established Agadir all inclusive with good facilities and a loyal following.
5. Les Dunes d'Or — Solid all inclusive in Agadir. Reliable quality at a competitive price.
6. Kenzi Club Agdal — A dependable Marrakech all inclusive option in a good location.
7. El Olivar Palace — Good all inclusive with strong food quality in Marrakech.
8. Valeria Hotels — Available in both Agadir and Marrakech. Consistent and good value.
9. Ryad Parcs — An interesting Marrakech all inclusive option that incorporates traditional Moroccan design.
10. Be Live Hotels — Solid all inclusive in Agadir with good beach access and reliable quality.
Morocco also has a remarkable collection of international chains and world-renowned luxury properties that, while not all inclusive, represent some of the finest hotel experiences available anywhere in the Mediterranean:
International chains: Hilton Taghazout, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Sofitel Agadir, Sofitel Palais Marrakech, Fairmont Marrakech, Fairmont Agadir, Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, Oberoi Marrakech and Mövenpick Eddahbi Marrakech.
World-class luxury independents: La Mamounia, Royal Mansour and Selman Marrakech — all three feature consistently in the world's top 100 hotel lists and all three represent an experience that goes far beyond anything available in Turkey, Greece, Egypt or Malta at the luxury end of the market.
Morocco All Inclusive: Honest Assessment
Advantages: The most culturally rich destination in this comparison by a considerable margin. The Imperial City Round Trip is a world-class cultural itinerary. Emerging destinations like Agafay and Dakhla add genuine discovery. Riads and traditional boutique hotels found nowhere else in this comparison. Some of the world's finest luxury hotels at prices that compare favourably with equivalents elsewhere.
Disadvantages: All inclusive is limited in availability and scope compared to every other destination in this guide. Geographically restricted to Agadir and Marrakech only. All inclusive programme ends at 23:00. Alcohol is not freely available outside licensed hotel environments — a significant consideration for guests who expect it throughout their holiday.
Best for: Culturally curious travellers who want their holiday to feel like a genuine discovery. Luxury seekers who want world-class hotels in an extraordinary setting. Travellers interested in combining a beach holiday in Agadir with a cultural city break in Marrakech. Those who treat all inclusive as a convenience rather than the defining feature of their holiday.
Which Traveller Should Choose Which Destination?
After 24 years of matching UK travellers to destinations, I have learned that the question is never simply "which destination has the best all inclusive?" The question is always "which destination has the best all inclusive for you?" Here is my honest assessment by traveller profile.
The Budget-Conscious Family
You have two or three children, a clear budget ceiling, and the priority is keeping everyone happy — kids and adults alike — without constant anxiety about what things cost. Turkey is your destination without question. The all inclusive programmes at the mid-market Belek and Alanya properties deliver more facilities, more food quality and more children's entertainment than any equivalent price point in the Mediterranean. Egypt is the strongest runner-up — outstanding value, year-round sun and the extraordinary bonus of being able to show your children the Pyramids.
The Premium Couple Seeking Excellence
You are two adults, you travel without children, and you are prepared to pay for genuine quality. You want outstanding food, a beautiful setting, a comprehensive programme and a hotel that feels like a genuine destination in its own right rather than a functional resort. Turkey's ultra all inclusive properties — Regnum Carya The Crown, Maxx Royal, Lujo Hotel in Bodrum — are the answer. For couples who also want cultural depth and beauty of setting, Greece — particularly Chania in Crete — offers a compelling alternative at a slightly more modest all inclusive level.
The Adults-Only Seeker
You want an all inclusive holiday in a genuinely child-free environment — not simply a hotel that admits adults only in name but is overrun with noise in practice, but a property that has been designed from the ground up for adults who want peace, quality and a sophisticated atmosphere. Malta's Riviera Resort Adults Only in Marfa Bay is, in my view, the finest adults-only all inclusive property in the Mediterranean within GotoBeach's portfolio. For the finest adults-only all inclusive in Turkey, the Lujo Hotel in Bodrum is outstanding.
The Culture-Curious Traveller
You want an all inclusive holiday, but you also want to feel that you have been somewhere — that the destination has left a mark on you beyond a suntan. Egypt is the strongest choice in this category — the combination of Red Sea all inclusive resort and access to one of the world's most extraordinary cultural landscapes is unmatched. Morocco is the right choice for those who want cultural immersion as the primary purpose of the trip, with all inclusive as a practical convenience rather than the main event. Greece — particularly Crete — also offers strong cultural depth alongside its all inclusive offer.
The Year-Round Sunshine Seeker
You travel outside the school holidays, you are flexible on dates, and you want guaranteed sunshine and a fully operational hotel regardless of when you travel. Egypt is your destination — the only one in this comparison that offers year-round all inclusive without restriction or seasonal limitation. Morocco also offers year-round holidays, though the all inclusive offer is more limited. Turkey and Greece close or reduce their all inclusive programmes between November and April.
The First-Time All Inclusive Traveller
You have never taken an all inclusive holiday before and you want to understand what the concept can deliver at its best before committing to a specific destination or property. Turkey — specifically a well-chosen four or five-star property in Belek or the Lara area — is the most reliable introduction to the all inclusive format. The consistency of the Turkish all inclusive offer, the quality of the food, the breadth of the facilities and the overall standard of hospitality mean that a first-time all inclusive guest in Turkey is unlikely to be disappointed. An equivalent budget in Greece or Malta may deliver a less comprehensive first impression of what the format can offer.
The Short Break Traveller
You are taking a long weekend or a week-long break rather than a fortnight's holiday, and easy, affordable flight connections are as important as the destination itself. Malta is the strongest choice — the flight connections from UK airports are exceptional, the all inclusive hotels deliver well within a short stay format, and the cultural offer of Valletta and Gozo is ideally suited to guests who want to make the most of every day rather than simply lying by the pool. Crete in Greece is also an excellent short break destination, particularly in shoulder season.
Quick Comparison: All Inclusive Across Five Destinations
| Turkey | Greece | Egypt | Malta | Morocco | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI availability | Excellent — 80%+ of hotels | Good — Crete, Rhodes, Kos | Very good | Limited | Very limited — Agadir and Marrakech only |
| AI concept quality | Outstanding | Good | Very good | Moderate | Moderate |
| 24-hour AI | Yes — at premium properties | No | At Rixos and Titanic | No — ends 23:00 | No — ends 23:00 |
| Price / value | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Year-round | Mostly yes | No — seasonal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Alcohol included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Licensed hotels only |
| Cultural offer | Good | Very good | Outstanding | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Beach quality | Sandy — very good | Sandy — excellent | Sandy — very good | Rocky platforms | Sandy — Agadir excellent |
| Best for | Families, value seekers | Couples, explorers | Value, culture, diving | Short breaks, couples | Cultural travellers |
Book Your All Inclusive Holiday with GotoBeach
At GotoBeach, we offer carefully selected all inclusive packages across all five destinations in this guide — Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Malta and Morocco. Every property in our portfolio has been inspected first-hand by our product team — and every recommendation reflects genuine expertise rather than commission rates. Whether you are drawn to the ultra all inclusive excellence of Belek, the cultural richness of Morocco, the year-round sunshine of Egypt or the boutique charm of Malta, we have the right holiday for you — with flights included, low deposits from just £30 per person, and our best price guarantee.
UK Airport Flight Connections: Where Can You Fly Direct?
One of the most practical considerations when choosing your all inclusive destination is how well it is connected to your nearest UK airport. The table below shows which UK airports offer direct flights to each destination in this guide, based on the current 2026 summer schedule.
| UK Airport |
Turkey (Antalya) |
Greece (Heraklion) |
Greece (Chania) |
Egypt (Hurghada) |
Malta |
Morocco (Agadir) |
Morocco (Marrakech) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London Gatwick | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| London Stansted | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| London Luton | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| London Heathrow | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Manchester | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Birmingham | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Edinburgh | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Glasgow | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Leeds Bradford | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Newcastle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| East Midlands | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Bristol | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Belfast International | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Liverpool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Limited | Limited |
| Bournemouth | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited |
Yes = Direct scheduled flights operating in Summer 2026. Limited = Seasonal or less frequent direct services. Always confirm current schedules with your GotoBeach specialist before booking.
The table above highlights one of Malta's most significant practical advantages — it is one of the most comprehensively connected destinations in this guide, with direct flights available from virtually every major UK airport. Turkey and Greece are equally well-connected for most UK travellers. Egypt's connectivity has improved significantly in 2026 with Jet2's launch of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh routes from six UK airports. Morocco's connections are growing but remain more limited from regional airports — Agadir and Marrakech are best served from London, Manchester and Edinburgh.
All Inclusive Holidays FAQ
Which Mediterranean country has the best all inclusive holidays?
Turkey — particularly Belek — offers the finest all inclusive product in the Mediterranean. The 24-hour ultra all inclusive programmes at properties like Regnum Carya, Maxx Royal and Cullinan Belek set the global standard. Egypt is the closest competitor and offers superior year-round availability and cultural depth. For guests seeking a boutique adults-only all inclusive experience, Malta's Riviera Resort Adults Only is one of the finest properties in the Mediterranean.
Is Turkey or Egypt better for all inclusive?
Both are excellent destinations but suit different travellers. Turkey offers the finest all inclusive product in terms of hotel scale, facilities and programme scope — particularly at the Belek end of the market. Egypt offers comparable quality at a competitive price point, is open year-round without exception, and adds the extraordinary cultural dimension of the Pyramids, Luxor and a Nile Cruise. For families seeking maximum facilities, Turkey is the stronger choice. For year-round availability and cultural depth, Egypt has the advantage.
Is all inclusive available in Morocco?
Yes, but in limited scope. All inclusive hotels in Morocco are concentrated in Agadir and Marrakech only. The programme typically ends at 23:00 and is generally less comprehensive than Turkey or Egypt. Pickalbatros Hotels and Iberostar Hotels offer the strongest all inclusive programmes in Morocco.
Is Malta good for all inclusive holidays?
Malta offers a solid all inclusive experience at a select number of properties but should be understood as a boutique all inclusive destination rather than a mass-market one. The programme ends at 23:00 and the choice of hotels is limited compared to Turkey, Greece or Egypt. The compensating advantages are excellent flight connectivity, an extraordinary cultural offer and a genuine sense of place.
What is the difference between all inclusive and ultra all inclusive?
Standard all inclusive covers meals, local drinks and basic facilities. Ultra all inclusive — most commonly found in Turkey — extends this to include premium branded spirits, unlimited à la carte dining across multiple restaurants, 24-hour bar service, beach cabana service, motorised water sports and in some cases spa access. The distinction is most meaningful at Turkey's leading Belek properties, where the ultra all inclusive programme represents a genuinely different and significantly more comprehensive holiday experience.
Which all inclusive destination is best for families?
Turkey — specifically Belek — is the strongest all inclusive family destination in the Mediterranean. Exceptional children's clubs, family pools, animation programmes and the breadth of the all inclusive programme make Turkey's best family resorts genuinely outstanding. Egypt is the strongest runner-up. Crete in Greece is also excellent for families who want all inclusive alongside beautiful natural surroundings.
Which all inclusive destination is best for couples?
For couples wanting the finest all inclusive product, Turkey's premium Belek resorts offer the strongest experience. For couples who value atmosphere and cultural richness, Greece — particularly Chania in Crete — or Malta's Riviera Resort Adults Only in Marfa Bay are compelling choices. Morocco suits couples who are more interested in cultural discovery than the all inclusive concept itself.
Is all inclusive available year-round in all five destinations?
No. Egypt and Morocco offer year-round all inclusive without restriction. Malta and Turkey are broadly year-round, though some Turkish hotels switch to bed and breakfast in winter. Greece is a seasonal destination — most hotels close between November and April.
Which destination has the best all inclusive value for money?
Turkey and Egypt consistently offer the strongest all inclusive value for money at the mid-market level. Turkey's package holiday prices are highly competitive and the quality of the all inclusive product at the four and five-star level is outstanding relative to cost. Egypt offers comparable value with the added advantage of year-round availability. Malta and Morocco are generally more expensive relative to their all inclusive offering — though Malta compensates with competitive flight prices and genuine cultural richness.
Is all inclusive worth it compared to bed and breakfast?
For families, all inclusive almost always represents better value — the cost of three meals, drinks and snacks throughout the day adds up quickly, and the predictability of a single upfront cost removes holiday budget anxiety entirely. For couples and solo travellers who enjoy exploring local restaurants and bars, bed and breakfast can offer a more flexible and sometimes more characterful experience. The right answer depends entirely on how you prefer to holiday.
What is never included in an all inclusive holiday?
Regardless of destination or hotel, the following are almost never included in an all inclusive package: spa treatments and wellness therapies, premium or branded spirits beyond the standard local drinks selection, motorised water sports, à la carte restaurant visits at certain properties where these require a reservation and supplement, excursions and day trips outside the hotel, and airport transfers. Always confirm the specific inclusions of your all inclusive package with a GotoBeach specialist before booking.
Editorial Disclaimer
This guide reflects the professional experience and personal assessment of our Product Manager, based on 24 years of first-hand destination visits across Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Malta and Morocco. Hotel availability, all inclusive programme content and pricing are subject to change. We strongly recommend confirming all inclusions with a GotoBeach specialist before booking.
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Published by GotoBeach.co.uk on 9 May 2026 — Your Mediterranean Holiday Specialist
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