All-inclusive January

January is a month when a holiday feels particularly good. The festive season is over, life is getting back to normal, and outside it’s often cold, wet and dark. It’s precisely at times like these that the desire to get away for a few days or a week grows. Some people want the sun on their face, others want snow under their feet. An all-inclusive holiday in January can offer both. You can opt for a warmer seaside destination, or for a well-organised winter sports hotel where meals, drinks, spa facilities and sometimes even extra services are already taken care of.

Anyone looking for an all-inclusive holiday in January is usually looking for convenience. You don’t want to compare prices every day, search for restaurants or worry about what extra costs might arise. You want to know exactly where you stand before you go. That’s what makes an all-inclusive holiday in January so appealing. In winter, the hotel plays a bigger role than in summer in determining how enjoyable your holiday feels. A good restaurant, warm communal areas, a spa, an indoor swimming pool, a heated outdoor pool or a cosy bar make a big difference in January.

Within Europe and Turkey, there are broadly two options. Winter sun can mainly be found in the Canary Islands, Madeira, Cyprus, Malta, southern Spain, the Algarve and the Turkish Riviera. Winter sports are available in Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. The choice depends not only on temperature or snow depth, but above all on the sort of January holiday you’re looking for. If you want light, tranquillity and the sea, then go for winter sun. If you want fresh mountain air, skiing, spa treatments and cosy dinners, then winter sports are a better fit.

Why all-inclusive works so well in January

In January, you often want to keep your holiday simple. Many sun destinations are quieter than in summer. That means more space and lower prices, but it also means that not everything is open. Some beach bars, restaurants and shops are operating at half capacity. That’s when an all-inclusive hotel comes in handy. You enjoy a good breakfast, have a coffee in the sun, have lunch without having to search for a place, and sit down for dinner in the evening.

When it comes to winter sports, all-inclusive works well for a different reason. Skiing takes energy. After a day on the slopes, you don’t want to have to hunt for a restaurant or go shopping. A hotel that includes breakfast, a packed lunch, dinner, drinks and spa facilities gives you peace of mind. This makes a big difference, especially when travelling with children. Drying ski kit, organising lessons, eating on time, going to bed early. The less you have to organise, the smoother the week goes.

So an all-inclusive holiday in January isn’t just any sort of holiday. It’s a way to make winter easier. You choose between warmth and snow, but in both cases, you’re choosing comfort.

The Canary Islands: the safest winter sun destination in Europe

If you want to head for the sun in January without leaving Europe, the Canary Islands are the best choice. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are part of Spain, but lie off the coast of Africa. As a result, the winter feels milder than on the Spanish mainland.

Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most obvious choices for an all-inclusive January holiday. In the south of Tenerife, around Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas, you’ll find plenty of hotels that are open all year round. Gran Canaria, with Maspalomas, Meloneras, Puerto Rico and Playa del Inglés, offers a wide choice of resorts, promenades and beaches.

Lanzarote is quieter and more spacious. Playa Blanca is ideal for couples and families looking for comfort without the crowds. Puerto del Carmen is livelier. Fuerteventura is ideal for long walks on the beach, wide open spaces and bright days, although the wind can be strong.

Don’t expect tropical heat. January here feels more like spring. During the day, you can often sit outside, go for a walk and soak up the sun. In the evening, you’ll need a jumper. You should therefore always choose a hotel with a heated swimming pool. In January, that’s more important than a wide choice of restaurants or a room with a sea view.

Madeira: lush nature rather than a beach holiday

Madeira is a great choice for travellers looking for light, views and nature in January. The island belongs to Portugal and is situated in the Atlantic Ocean. It is green, mountainous and mild. You don’t come here for long sandy beaches, but for walks, cliffs, flowers, viewpoints and hotels with terraces overlooking the sea.

Funchal is the best place if you like to have a bit of liveliness nearby. You can visit the market, stroll along the seafront, take the cable car up the mountain or go on a day trip to the mountains. Caniço and Calheta are quieter and are well suited to people who mainly want to relax.

An all-inclusive holiday in Madeira works well as a comfortable base. You can head out during the day, safe in the knowledge that food and drink are waiting for you at the hotel. In January, the weather can be changeable. A hotel with indoor facilities, a spa or a heated swimming pool therefore makes for a much better holiday.

Madeira is less suitable for beach lovers. For couples, walkers and those seeking peace and quiet, however, it’s an excellent choice for January.

Cyprus: a mild climate and more than just beaches

Cyprus isn’t strictly a beach destination in January, but it is one of the milder spots in Europe. The island offers plenty of sunshine, the sea, culture and hotels that are quieter and more affordable outside the peak season.

Paphos is the best choice for January. There you’ll find seaside hotels, a harbour, archaeological sites and coastal walking routes. Limassol is more urban and therefore lively even outside the summer months. Ayia Napa and Protaras are lovely during the beach season, but can feel quieter in January.

An all-inclusive holiday to Cyprus in January is ideal for travellers who don’t want to spend the whole day on a sun lounger. You can go for a walk, visit an old monastery, drive through villages or spend an afternoon sitting on a terrace when the sun is shining. The evenings are cool, so a good hotel makes all the difference.

Cyprus is also ideal for couples looking for a peaceful week away. If you hire a car, you’ll see much more of the island. From coastal towns to mountain villages, everything is within easy reach.

Malta: culture and comfort in winter

Malta is small, easy to navigate and full of sights. In January, you don’t choose Malta for a traditional beach holiday, but for culture, sea views, towns and mild days. Valletta, Mdina, Sliema, St Julian’s and the Three Cities offer plenty of variety for a week.

An all-inclusive holiday in Malta is handy if you want comfort but still plan to get out and about a lot. You have breakfast at the hotel, visit a town or coastal village during the day and return for dinner. As the distances are short, you don’t need to make any complicated plans.

For couples, Malta is a lovely winter destination. There are restaurants, harbours, historic streets and seaside walking routes. For families, it works best if the children enjoy towns, boats and swimming pools. January is less suitable for proper beach days.

When choosing a place in Malta, bear its location in mind. A hotel in Sliema, St Julian’s or Valletta offers a livelier atmosphere than a remote resort. In January, that’s a real bonus.

The Turkish Riviera: great hotel comfort for your money

Turkey isn’t a destination for summer beach days in January, but it is a strong choice for hotel comfort. Antalya, Lara, Belek, Side and Alanya have large resorts that often offer great value for money. Think of extensive buffets, wellness facilities, hammams, indoor swimming pools, lobby bars and spacious rooms.

The Turkish Riviera is mild in January, but not hot. It can rain and the evenings are chilly. Nevertheless, it can be a lovely experience if you choose the right hotel. In Lara and Belek in particular, you’ll find resorts that operate well even in winter. You’re not booking a beach holiday here, but a well-organised winter break.

For couples, Turkey in January is appealing for its tranquillity, service and value for money. For families, it works well if the hotel has indoor facilities. Think of an indoor pool, play area, children’s buffet and wellness centre. Check whether outdoor swimming pools are heated, as this isn’t always the case.

Turkey is also a good choice if you’re mainly looking to relax. A hammam, a long lunch, a walk by the sea and quiet evenings at the hotel might be just the ticket.

Southern Spain and the Algarve: a quiet winter break on a smaller scale

Southern Spain and the Algarve aren’t tropical destinations in January, but they’re lovely for travellers seeking sunshine, the sea and charming towns. On the Costa del Sol, Málaga, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Marbella and Estepona are good options. In Portugal, Albufeira, Lagos, Carvoeiro, Portimão and Vilamoura are suitable.

The main advantage is the atmosphere. You can stroll along the seafront, enjoy a coffee in the sun and take day trips to towns or villages. Málaga is lively in January, with museums, shops and restaurants. The Algarve has a more peaceful feel, with cliffs, beaches and coastal paths.

All-inclusive packages are particularly handy here if you don’t want to be dependent on restaurants that have shorter opening hours in January. Choose a hotel with good food, on-site facilities and a great location. A heated swimming pool or spa is also important here.

These destinations are well suited to couples and those seeking peace and quiet. They can work for families too, but in that case, choose a hotel with plenty of indoor space and activities.

All-inclusive winter sports: a holiday without the hassle

As well as winter sun, January is one of the best months for winter sports. Snow conditions are often good, the atmosphere in mountain villages is cosy and many resorts are in full swing. All-inclusive winter sports are particularly appealing because a day’s skiing is intense. After breakfast, skiing, the cold and the fresh air, you’ll want some comfort.

In winter sports, ‘all-inclusive’ often means something different to what it does at a beach resort. It may include breakfast, a packed lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner, drinks, spa facilities, childcare or a hotel shuttle to the ski lift. Sometimes ski passes or ski equipment are included, but usually not. Check this carefully, as the difference in price can be significant.

For families, all-inclusive winter sports holidays are very practical. Children eat on time, there’s often a play area, and parents don’t have to hunt for a restaurant every evening. For couples, a hotel with spa facilities, good dining and a location right by the slopes is ideal.

Austria, the most popular choice for all-inclusive winter sports

For many Dutch and Belgian holidaymakers, Austria is the easiest choice for a winter sports holiday. The atmosphere is warm, the villages are cosy and the hotels are well-suited to families. In January, many ski resorts are guaranteed to have snow, especially those at higher altitudes.

Popular regions include Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg and Carinthia. Think of places such as Saalbach, Zell am See, Gerlos, Sölden, Ischgl, Flachau, Obertauern and Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. For families, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Flachau and Zell am See are excellent choices. For keen skiers, Sölden, Ischgl and Saalbach are ideal.

All-inclusive holidays in Austria often consist of half-board plus, full board or hotel packages including drinks and snacks. A good breakfast, afternoon snack and dinner are often more important than unlimited drinks. Hotels with spa facilities make the week even more enjoyable.

Pay attention to the location. A hotel near the lift or with a shuttle service saves a lot of hassle. Especially with children and skis, you don’t want to have to walk a long way every morning.

France: large ski resorts and the convenience of ski-in, ski-out

France is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts looking for plenty of kilometres of slopes. The ski resorts are large, high-altitude and often guarantee snow. Think of Les Trois Vallées, Tignes Val d’Isère, Les Arcs, La Plagne, Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes.

All-inclusive winter sports holidays in France are often available at clubs, hotels and resorts where meals, drinks, entertainment and sometimes lessons or kids’ clubs are included. The advantage is clear. You’re often close to the slopes, sometimes even with ski-in, ski-out access. That makes for an easy day.

France is well suited to families and groups who want to do plenty of skiing. The villages are sometimes less cosy than those in Austria, but the ski areas are impressive. For beginners, it’s a good idea to choose an area with good practice slopes and clear instruction. For advanced skiers, the large ski areas are ideal.

In January, France can be a good choice because of its altitude. Do make sure to choose accommodation that offers plenty of atmosphere and comfort, as some ski villages are built primarily for practical skiing.

Italy: winter sports with good food and sunshine

Italy brings a different atmosphere to winter sports. The mountains are stunning, the food is good and the slopes often have a relaxed feel. South Tyrol, the Dolomites, Livigno, Val Gardena, Kronplatz and Cervinia are popular areas.

All-inclusive holidays in Italy are less common in the traditional sense, but many hotels offer half-board, full-board or catered packages. This suits Italy well. You have a hearty breakfast, ski during the day and enjoy pasta, soup, meat, fish or local dishes in the evening.

Livigno is popular due to its high altitude, good value for money and lively atmosphere. Val Gardena and Alta Badia are stylish and stunning. Kronplatz is compact and family-friendly. Cervinia is high up and guarantees snow, with a link to Zermatt.

Italy is a good choice for couples and families who want to combine winter sports with comfort and good food. The atmosphere is less boisterous than in some Austrian villages, but very pleasant for those who enjoy peace and quiet.

Switzerland: luxury winter sports and well-maintained hotels

Switzerland is more expensive, but offers high quality. Ski resorts such as Zermatt, Davos, St. Moritz, Engelberg, Saas-Fee and Grindelwald boast stunning scenery, good lifts and hotels offering a high level of comfort.

All-inclusive holidays in Switzerland are less common than half-board or luxury packages. Nevertheless, you can find hotels where breakfast, dinner, spa facilities and extra services are included. For travellers who value tranquillity, quality and views, Switzerland is an excellent choice.

Zermatt and Saas-Fee are good choices for guaranteed snow. Davos and St. Moritz offer a wide range of facilities. Grindelwald is wonderful for those who want to combine skiing with hiking and stunning views.

Switzerland can be pricey for families. For couples looking for a special January holiday, it’s a lovely choice.

Germany: close by and ideal for a short winter sports break

Germany is ideal for a short winter sports break or a first taste of the snow. The Sauerland region is close by and perfect for a weekend or midweek break. Winterberg and Willingen are popular destinations. For larger mountains, look to Bavaria, with Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberstdorf.

All-inclusive holidays in Germany are mainly found in hotels and family resorts, including meals, drinks, spa facilities and activities. It isn’t always a traditional skiing holiday, but it is practical. A short break close to home can be ideal, especially with young children.

The downside is the reliability of snow cover. In the Sauerland, a lot depends on the temperature and artificial snow. Conditions can be good in January, but always check the conditions. For greater certainty, choose Bavaria or Austria.

The Czech Republic and Slovenia: affordable winter sports with character

The Czech Republic and Slovenia are good options for those who want to keep winter sports affordable. In the Czech Republic, Špindlerův Mlýn and Lipno are well-known. The resorts are smaller than those in Austria or France, but ideal for beginners and families.

Slovenia offers lovely spots for a peaceful winter sports holiday, such as Kranjska Gora, Vogel and Maribor Pohorje. The atmosphere is friendly, prices are often more reasonable and the natural surroundings are stunning. For keen skiers, the resorts are somewhat more limited, but for families, beginners and couples, they can be a lovely choice.

All-inclusive packages here often consist of hotels with half-board, spa facilities and sometimes extras. Don’t expect huge resort complexes, but do expect well-maintained accommodation offering good value for money.

Winter sun or winter sports: how to choose wisely

The choice between winter sun and winter sports depends on your energy levels. If you’re tired and mainly want to sit back, read, go for walks and enjoy good food, then choose winter sun. Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Madeira, Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, southern Spain and the Algarve are good options.

If, on the other hand, you want to be active, breathe in the fresh air and get some exercise outdoors every day, then choose winter sports. Austria is the most familiar, France the largest, Italy the best in terms of atmosphere and food, Switzerland the best organised, Germany the most conveniently close by, and Slovenia or the Czech Republic often more budget-friendly.

Don’t just look at the price. In January, the details make all the difference:

• a heated swimming pool in the winter sun
• an indoor pool or spa
• a hotel that’s really lively in January
• location near the town centre, the sea, the slopes or the ski lift
• quality of the food
• exactly what’s included in the drinks package
• whether or not a ski pass is included
• children’s facilities
• transfer or parking distance
• recent reviews from the winter months

The best January choice for every type of traveller

For sun-seekers, Gran Canaria is the safest bet. It offers plenty of hotels, mild temperatures and lively towns. Tenerife is better if you’re also looking for nature and day trips. Madeira is ideal for walkers. Malta and Cyprus are great for culture. Turkey excels in terms of hotel comfort and value for money.

For families who want to go skiing, Austria is often the best choice. The villages are cosy, the hotels are child-friendly and the ski schools are well organised. France is a better fit for families who want plenty of kilometres of slopes. Germany is a good option for a first taste of snow. The Czech Republic and Slovenia are great if budget is a priority.

For couples, there’s a wider choice. Winter sun in Madeira or Malta offers a peaceful and atmospheric experience. Winter sports in Italy or Switzerland feel well-organised and special. Turkey is ideal if you’re mainly looking to relax together in a good hotel.

My favourite combinations for January

If you want sun and comfort, choose Tenerife or Gran Canaria. If you want nature and tranquillity, choose Madeira. If you want luxury accommodation on a budget, choose Turkey. If you want to go skiing with children, choose Austria. If you want plenty of slopes, choose France. If you want skiing and good food, choose Italy. If you want to stay close to home, choose Germany.

An all-inclusive holiday in January doesn’t have to follow a set formula. It could be a week by the sea, with coffee in the sun and quiet evenings. It could also be a week in the mountains, with skis right on your doorstep, hot soup and a spa after a day on the slopes. The most important thing is that your destination matches the experience you’re looking for.

January calls for smart choices. Don’t just choose the warmest place or the biggest ski resort. Choose the place where your day just flows naturally. Then an all-inclusive holiday will give you exactly what you expect: peace, convenience and a winter that feels a little brighter.

FAQs about all-inclusive holidays in January

Where is it warm in January for an all-inclusive holiday?

Within Europe, the Canary Islands are the best choice for winter sun. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have a milder climate than mainland Europe. Madeira, Cyprus and Malta are mild, but less guaranteed to have good beach weather.

Can you go on an all-inclusive holiday to Turkey in January?

Yes, Antalya, Lara, Side and Belek are particularly suitable. Don’t expect a summer beach holiday, but do expect good resorts, spa facilities, indoor swimming pools and often competitive prices.

Is January a good time for winter sports?

Yes, January is a great month for winter sports. Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland often have good snow conditions, particularly in higher-altitude areas.

Are there all-inclusive winter sports holidays?

Yes, but what’s included varies by hotel. It often includes breakfast, a packed lunch, an afternoon snack, dinner, drinks and spa facilities. Ski passes and ski equipment aren’t always included.

Which destination is best for all-inclusive winter sports with children?

Austria is often the best choice thanks to its child-friendly villages, good ski schools and hotels with family facilities. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Flachau, Zell am See and Gerlos are popular options.

Which is better in January: winter sun or winter sports?

That depends on the purpose of your trip. For peace and quiet, choose winter sun. For active outdoor pursuits, choose winter sports. All-inclusive works well for both, as meals and accommodation are arranged in advance.

Is all-inclusive cheaper in January?

It often is, especially after the first week of January. The Christmas holidays are more expensive. After that, prices often fall, both for sun holidays and some winter sports packages.

What should you look out for with all-inclusive holidays in January?

Look out for heated swimming pools, spa facilities, location, recent winter reviews, open facilities and what’s actually included. For winter sports, also check the distance to the ski lift, ski bus, ski pass and equipment hire.