Tenerife All-inclusive versus Self-catering - Refined Travel

As someone who has visited Tenerife multiple times, I’ve had the opportunity to try both types of accommodations: all-inclusive and self-catering. While each has its own advantages, I have to say that I prefer self-catering. Here’s why.

Let’s start with all-inclusive accommodations. When you book an all-inclusive package, you pay for everything upfront, including your room, meals, drinks, and sometimes even activities. This can be really convenient, especially if you don’t want to worry about budgeting for meals or finding a place to eat.

But in my experience, all-inclusive can be quite limiting. Most of the time, the food at all-inclusive resorts is pretty average. While there may be a variety of options available, the quality is often not as good as what you’d find at local restaurants. Plus, if you’re someone who likes to explore and try new things, you may find that you’re stuck eating the same type of food every day.

Another downside to all-inclusive accommodations is that you’re somewhat limited in terms of location. All-inclusive resorts tend to be a bit further away from the main attractions and cities in Tenerife, so if you’re looking to explore the island, you’ll likely need to take a taxi or rent a car. This can add up quickly, and it’s worth factoring in the cost of transportation when considering whether or not to book all-inclusive.

On the other hand, self-catering accommodations can be a great option if you’re looking for more flexibility and freedom during your trip. When you book a self-catering apartment or villa, you have your own kitchen, which means you can cook your own meals and eat whatever you want, whenever you want. This is especially helpful if you have dietary restrictions or picky eaters in your group.

One of the biggest advantages of self-catering accommodations, in my opinion, is the ability to explore the local area. Tenerife has so much to offer, from stunning beaches to picturesque towns and villages. When you’re not tied to an all-inclusive resort, you have the opportunity to explore all of these places at your own pace. You can rent a car and take day trips to different parts of the island, or simply walk around your local area and discover hidden gems.

Another perk of self-catering accommodations is that they tend to be more affordable than all-inclusive resorts. While you’ll obviously need to budget for food and activities, you can often find great deals on apartments and villas, especially if you’re traveling with a group.

Of course, there are a few downsides to self-catering accommodations as well. For example, you’ll need to do your own cooking and cleaning, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. And if you’re traveling with young children, you may find it more challenging to prepare meals and keep everyone fed and happy.

Overall, however, I’ve found that self-catering accommodations offer the most flexibility and value for money when visiting Tenerife. While all-inclusive resorts can be convenient, they can also be limiting in terms of food options and location. By staying in a self-catering apartment or villa, you have the opportunity to explore the local area, cook your own meals, and truly make the most of your time on the island.

As with any type of accommodation, it’s important to do your research and figure out what works best for you and your group. But if you’re looking for an affordable, flexible, and enjoyable way to experience Tenerife, I would definitely recommend considering self-catering accommodations.