ARE TOURISTS MISSING OUT BY STAYING IN ALL-INCLUSIVES?
Could your all-inclusive holiday be stopping you from discovering the real Lanzarote?
For many holidaymakers, an all-inclusive holiday is the perfect escape. You arrive at your hotel, unpack your suitcase, head to the pool and know that most of your food, drinks and entertainment have already been paid for. There is comfort in knowing exactly what your holiday is going to cost, particularly for families trying to keep spending under control.
But when you choose an all-inclusive holiday in Lanzarote, are you missing out on some of the experiences that make this Canary Island so special?
From family-run restaurants and traditional fishing villages to independent bars, local markets, spectacular volcanic landscapes and hidden corners that many visitors never discover, Lanzarote has so much more to offer than a hotel swimming pool and a buffet.
The answer is not necessarily that all-inclusive holidays are a bad idea. Far from it. However, if you spend your entire holiday within the boundaries of your resort, you could be missing out on some of the most memorable parts of your trip.
THE COMFORT OF AN ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY
There is a reason all-inclusive holidays remain popular with visitors to Lanzarote.
For families, couples and groups of friends, having meals, drinks and entertainment included in the price can make budgeting considerably easier. Parents can relax without worrying about the cost of every ice cream, soft drink or evening meal, while couples may enjoy the convenience of having everything they need in one place.
All-inclusive accommodation can also be particularly appealing to visitors who simply want to escape the stresses of everyday life. Sometimes, the idea of spending a week beside a swimming pool with a good book is exactly what is needed.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
However, the question worth asking is whether you are choosing an all-inclusive holiday because it genuinely suits the way you want to travel, or whether you are missing opportunities to experience the destination beyond the hotel.
After all, you have travelled to an island with a distinctive landscape, fascinating history, excellent local food and a character that extends far beyond its main tourist resorts.
YOU'RE MISSING OUT ON LANZAROTE'S INDEPENDENT RESTAURANTS
One of the biggest advantages of stepping outside your hotel is the opportunity to discover the island's food.
Lanzarote has a varied food scene, ranging from traditional Canarian cooking and freshly prepared fish to Spanish tapas, international cuisine and independent restaurants serving familiar British favourites.
The island's culinary traditions include dishes such as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, fresh fish, local cheeses, hearty stews and wines produced from grapes grown in volcanic soil. These are flavours that tell a story about the island, its landscape and its people.
Although hotel restaurants can provide plenty of choice, eating out gives you the opportunity to discover different menus, settings and cooking styles.
Imagine sitting beside a marina watching fishing boats come and go, enjoying freshly cooked fish overlooking the Atlantic, or finding a small restaurant tucked away in a traditional village.
These experiences can become holiday memories in their own right.
And it isn't necessarily about spending more money. Depending on your hotel package, choosing a few meals outside the resort might cost very little extra, particularly if you make a point of comparing prices and choosing where to eat carefully.
Our tip: Even if you are staying all-inclusive, try to enjoy at least one or two meals outside your hotel during your stay. You might discover a favourite restaurant that becomes part of every future visit.
INDEPENDENT BARS HAVE THEIR OWN PERSONALITY
For some visitors, a holiday is about much more than sunbathing. It's about enjoying a drink, listening to music, meeting people and experiencing the atmosphere of a destination after dark.
Lanzarote's resort areas offer plenty of opportunities for this, with independent bars and venues providing everything from live music and tribute acts to quizzes, karaoke, themed evenings and relaxed drinks overlooking the sea.
These venues each have their own character. Some are small and traditional, others are lively entertainment spots, while some offer spectacular rooftop views or a friendly atmosphere where visitors quickly get chatting to people they have never met before.
A hotel entertainment programme might provide everything you need for an enjoyable evening, but venturing outside introduces a different kind of experience.
You could discover a singer you love, stumble across a particularly entertaining evening, meet fellow holidaymakers or find a bar that becomes your regular evening stop.
In places such as Puerto del Carmen, the atmosphere extends well beyond the hotel complexes, with restaurants, bars, shops and a marina offering plenty of opportunities to explore.
For visitors who enjoy live entertainment, exploring the local nightlife can add an entirely different dimension to their holiday.
And you never know what you might find just around the corner.
YOU'RE MISSING THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER THE REAL ISLAND
Lanzarote is much more than its main holiday resorts.
Beyond Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca lies an island of traditional villages, whitewashed houses, volcanic scenery, vineyards, quiet roads and communities with their own distinct character.
Visitors who never venture outside their hotel area may never see this side of Lanzarote.
Take the village of Teguise, for example. Its historic streets offer a very different atmosphere from the busy seafront resorts. On Sunday mornings, the well-known market brings together craft stalls, local products, souvenirs and visitors exploring the historic centre.
Then there is Haría, surrounded by greenery in the island's northern interior, and the wine-growing region of La Geria, where vines grow in distinctive hollows in the volcanic landscape.
The scenery is unlike anything many visitors will have experienced at home.
You can also explore Arrecife, Lanzarote's capital, with its shopping streets, historic buildings, waterfront and Charco de San Ginés, a picturesque lagoon surrounded by restaurants and cafés.
These places help reveal a different side of the island, one that cannot be fully appreciated from a sun lounger.
You don't need to hire a car for an entire week to experience it, either. A planned excursion, a bus journey where practical, or an organised tour can be enough to introduce you to places you might otherwise never visit.
YOUR HOLIDAY MONEY COULD BE SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
There is another reason to venture outside your hotel: the opportunity to support the businesses that help make Lanzarote such an enjoyable place to visit.
Independent restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, excursion operators and small family-run businesses all contribute to the island's tourism experience.
When visitors choose to spend some of their holiday money locally, they help create opportunities for businesses operating beyond the hotel environment.
Of course, an all-inclusive holiday already contributes to the local economy through accommodation, employment, supplies and other services. It would be unfair to suggest that people staying in all-inclusive hotels are not supporting Lanzarote.
However, spending some money in independent establishments gives visitors another way to connect with the local economy.
That could mean stopping for a coffee in a village, buying a handmade souvenir at a market, enjoying dinner at an independent restaurant or spending an evening at a local entertainment venue.
You do not need to abandon your all-inclusive package to make a difference. Even a few outings can introduce you to businesses and people you might otherwise never encounter.
IS ALL-INCLUSIVE REALLY CHEAPER?
This is where things become more complicated.
For some visitors, an all-inclusive holiday offers excellent value. If you have children, enjoy several drinks throughout the day and prefer to eat most meals at your hotel, paying for everything upfront may be the most economical option.
For others, particularly couples who enjoy exploring, the calculations might be different.
The real cost depends on what is included in the package, the standard of the accommodation, the number of meals and drinks you consume, and how much you would otherwise spend outside the hotel.
There is also the temptation to feel that you must remain at the resort because you have already paid for your food and drinks.
You might find yourself thinking, “We've paid for it, so we might as well stay here.”
That is understandable. Nobody wants to feel that they are paying twice for their holiday.
But it is worth remembering that the money you spent on your hotel is already committed. The question is how you want to make the most of the time you have on the island.
If you spend every day at the hotel simply to get the maximum possible value from the package, you may miss experiences that would have made the holiday more enjoyable.
A sensible compromise could be to enjoy breakfast and some evening drinks at the hotel, while spending a few afternoons exploring and choosing selected meals outside.
Alternatively, you might discover that a bed-and-breakfast or self-catering holiday suits your travelling style better next time.
There is no single right answer. The best option is the one that matches your budget and the kind of holiday you actually want.
THE EXPERIENCES YOU MIGHT NEVER DISCOVER
Some of the best holiday experiences are not necessarily the ones listed in a brochure.
They are the unexpected moments that happen when you leave your usual surroundings.
It might be finding a quiet beach you hadn't planned to visit, discovering a little café with a beautiful view, chatting to a local shopkeeper, enjoying a meal that introduces you to a new dish or finding live music in a bar you had never heard of before.
Perhaps you will visit a traditional market and find a handmade gift. Maybe you will spend an afternoon wandering around Arrecife, watching the boats in the harbour, or discover a vineyard where you can learn more about Lanzarote's unusual wine-growing traditions.
These experiences may not cost a fortune, but they can add a great deal to your holiday.
And often, they are the moments people remember long after they have forgotten what was served at the hotel buffet.
The beauty of Lanzarote is that you can make your holiday as active or as relaxed as you wish. You can spend several days doing very little, then dedicate another day to exploring the island's culture, food and scenery.
You do not have to choose between relaxation and adventure.
ARE ALL-INCLUSIVE TOURISTS MISSING OUT ON LOCAL CULTURE?
Potentially, yes — but it depends on how they spend their time.
Lanzarote has a rich cultural identity shaped by its volcanic environment, agricultural history, fishing traditions, architecture and food.
Its markets, historic villages, museums, cultural centres and local celebrations offer opportunities to learn about the island beyond its modern tourism industry.
The island's Art, Culture and Tourism Centres also provide ways to explore its landscape, art and gastronomy, including places associated with the work and influence of César Manrique.
You do not have to become an expert in Canarian history to appreciate these things. Sometimes, simply taking the time to look around, try something different or visit somewhere unfamiliar is enough.
Even a short trip away from the resort can help you understand why Lanzarote looks and feels different from other holiday destinations.
That said, nobody should feel pressured to spend their entire holiday sightseeing. Rest and relaxation are valid reasons to travel, too.
The important thing is having the choice — and making sure you know what is available beyond the hotel gates.
FIVE EASY WAYS TO EXPERIENCE MORE OF LANZAROTE WITHOUT GIVING UP ALL-INCLUSIVE
1. Spend one evening in an independent bar.
Choose somewhere with live music, a sea view or an atmosphere that appeals to you. It is an easy way to experience the resort beyond your hotel entertainment.
2. Try a traditional Canarian dish.
Look for papas arrugadas with mojo, fresh local fish or a regional cheese. It is a simple introduction to the island's culinary traditions.
3. Visit a village or local market.
Explore somewhere different from your usual resort. Check the market's operating day before setting off, as opening days and arrangements can change.
4. Take one island excursion.
Consider a trip to Timanfaya National Park, the wine-growing area of La Geria, historic Teguise or Arrecife. Choose an excursion that interests you rather than trying to fit everything into one day.
5. Leave some room for spontaneity.
You do not have to plan every minute. Sometimes the most enjoyable part of exploring is having the freedom to stop somewhere because it looks interesting.
These small changes can help you experience more of Lanzarote without sacrificing the convenience of an all-inclusive package.
SO, SHOULD YOU BOOK ALL-INCLUSIVE IN LANZAROTE?
Ultimately, that depends on what you want from your holiday.
If your priority is relaxation, predictable spending, family-friendly facilities and having everything close at hand, an all-inclusive holiday could be exactly right for you.
If you enjoy discovering local food, meeting new people, exploring different places and experiencing a destination beyond its main resorts, you might prefer a more flexible approach.
Neither option is automatically better.
The important thing is not to assume that an all-inclusive hotel represents the whole of Lanzarote. It is only one part of a much bigger picture.
You can enjoy the swimming pool, the buffet, the cocktails and the entertainment while still making time for the places, people and experiences that give the island its character.
In fact, the best holiday might be one that combines the two.
Spend a lazy morning beside the pool, head out for a traditional lunch, explore a village in the afternoon and finish the evening listening to live music somewhere new.
That way, you get the relaxation you paid for while also discovering what makes Lanzarote special.
THE FINAL VERDICT: DON'T LET YOUR HOTEL BECOME YOUR ENTIRE HOLIDAY
Are tourists missing out by staying in all-inclusives?
For those who never venture beyond their hotel, there is certainly a chance they are missing some wonderful experiences.
Lanzarote has spectacular scenery, fascinating volcanic landscapes, distinctive food, historic villages, independent businesses and a lively social scene. These are all part of what makes the island worth visiting.
But there is no need to feel guilty about choosing an all-inclusive holiday. Everyone travels differently, and there is nothing wrong with wanting a week of sunshine, relaxation and convenience.
Our advice is simple: enjoy your hotel, but don't forget to explore what is outside it.
You might find a favourite restaurant, discover a new part of the island or meet people who make your holiday particularly memorable.
And when you return home, you will have more to talk about than the weather and the swimming pool.
Because Lanzarote is not just somewhere to stay. It is somewhere to experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is all-inclusive worth it in Lanzarote?
Yes, it can offer excellent value for families, couples and travellers who prefer predictable costs and hotel facilities. Whether it is the best option depends on your spending habits and how much you want to explore outside the resort.
Can you enjoy Lanzarote without hiring a car?
Yes. Buses, taxis and organised excursions can help you explore many areas of the island. However, some attractions and rural locations are less convenient to reach by public transport, so check your route before travelling.
What are the best places to visit outside Lanzarote's resorts?
Popular options include Timanfaya National Park, Teguise, Arrecife, La Geria and the villages of the island's northern interior. Your best choice will depend on your interests, available transport and how much time you have.
Is eating out in Lanzarote expensive?
Prices vary considerably according to the location, type of restaurant and menu. Comparing menus and choosing a mixture of casual cafés, local restaurants and special meals can help you manage your budget.
How can I support local businesses while staying all-inclusive?
Try an independent restaurant, visit local shops and markets, enjoy an evening at a local bar or book an excursion with a reputable local operator. You can do all of these while still enjoying your hotel package.
