Few things can be as powerful in your journey towards a healthier mind than a well-earned holiday. Unfortunately, this is not a luxury all of us are able to access, whether it’s due to monetary constraints or other commitments you may have. However, a holiday may not be as far from your reach as you might think. All-inclusive holidays in Europe offer exceptional value, particularly if you’re able to grab a last-minute deal at a reduced price.
Why go all-inclusive?
If mind health is a priority for you, an all-inclusive holiday ticks a lot of the boxes necessary for a relaxing, hassle-free getaway. As well as excellent value, everything from the flight tickets to the accommodation, food, drinks and entertainment are covered before you fly. That allows you to empty your mind and enjoy a city break or beach holiday without having to concern yourself with the day-to-day arrangements. There are also more luxurious all-inclusive holidays where everything from water sports, day trips and the use of sumptuous spas and private beaches are included in the price.
So, what are some of the best all-inclusive holiday destinations in Europe to promote a healthy mind? Here’s our guide…
Ibiza
Ibiza is so much more than a party island. The often-overlooked quiet side of Ibiza provides a calm and relaxing retreat away from everyday life, perfect for re-energising body and mind. Here you’ll find sandy coves, secluded beaches and sunsets you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Cala Llonga, Puerto San Miguel, Santa Eulalia and Portinax are all excellent bases for a relaxing, all-inclusive holiday. They provide a mixture of bohemian vibes, classy bistros and stylish marinas, perfectly suited to those who want to take life at their own pace.
Ibiza’s Old Town is a world away from the super clubs of San Antonio. With its narrow alleyways, quaint cobblestone courtyards and old stone walls, you’ll get an authentic glimpse of what island life used to be like. Alternatively, you can remove yourself from Ibiza altogether with a 30-minute ferry ride to the tiny island of Formentera, which is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and a relaxed, laidback vibe.
Portugal
The sunny Algarve is a favourite among UK holidaymakers, offering a diverse range of destinations that can help to relax body and mind. Perhaps the most well-known destinations in the Algarve are the busy resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura, with their beautiful beaches and attractions for the kids. They also represent excellent value, with online travel agents like Teletext Holidays offering all-inclusive deals that start at just £169 per week.
But there’s much more to the Algarve than that. In the west of the region, you’ll find sheltered coves well away from the crowds, as well as expansive beaches exposed to the wind and waves that barrel in from the Atlantic. That makes it one of Europe’s best spots for water sports like surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing, as well as dolphin spotting and even a gentle spot of bird watching. In the east of the Algarve, the pace of life drops to less than a crawl. Here you’ll find picturesque whitewashed villages and authentic restaurants where you can let the worries of the world drift away with some traditional food and drink.
Majorca
Majorca, the biggest island in the Balearics, has long been a popular choice for holidaymakers and families. Majorca promises year-round sun so you can maximise your relaxation time by the pool or on the beach without having to act as a private waiter for the kids. They can get a drink, snack or ice-cream whenever they like or join a kids’ club so you can snatch a few rare hours to yourself.
A lot of holidaymakers head straight to the coast, and with beautiful beaches such as Cala Millor, Es Trenc and Cala Mondrago, who can blame them. However, there’s also plenty to explore inland. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana boasts snow-capped mountains and an unspoilt landscape, while the authentic Majorcan villages offer a welcome break from some of the busier family resorts.
Crete
If you like to keep your getaways simple, an all-inclusive holiday to one of Greece’s most fascinating islands is an excellent way to escape. While some holidaymakers might associate the island of Crete with the party resort of Malia, there’s so much more to this beautiful island than that.
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, boasting a dramatic coastline, beautiful resorts and a great number of historic sites that date back to the Minoan culture of 2,700 BC, particularly in Rethymnon and Haniá. You’ll also find lots of pristine, Blue Flag beaches which are backed by Crete’s famous mountain scenery. Basically, everything you need for a mind health boosting holiday to remember.
Written by Oliver Wheaton who is a content writer for Teletext Holidays.