All-inclusive Easter holiday

The Easter holidays are one of the most appealing times for an all-inclusive holiday. Winter is over, the days are getting longer and, in southern Europe, spring is really starting to take hold. At the same time, it’s not yet summer. That makes this period different from July, August or even the May holidays. You can already find sunshine, but not everywhere. You can still go skiing, but not in every ski resort. And you can find great deals, but prices can actually rise quickly around public holidays and school holidays.

The tricky thing about the Easter holidays is that this period works differently in every country. Easter falls on a different date each year. As a result, school holidays, public holidays, hotel prices and crowds shift accordingly. Moreover, the period isn’t called ‘Easter holidays’ everywhere. In France, it is usually referred to as ‘vacances de printemps’; in Germany as ‘Osterferien’ or ‘Frühjahrferien’; in Austria as ‘Osterferien’; in the United Kingdom as the ‘Easter holiday’; and in Spain, ‘Semana Santa’ plays a major role. In Belgium, the term ‘Easter holiday’ is still often used in Flanders, whilst Wallonia and Brussels may have a different holiday schedule at certain times. Flanders itself states that school holidays in Wallonia and Brussels sometimes fall at different times to those in Flanders.

For travellers, this means one thing: the Easter holidays are not a fixed, straightforward period. Those who book wisely look not only at their own days off, but also at the public holidays in their destination country. A hotel in Mallorca may be quiet if your holiday is early, but much busier when Spain’s Semana Santa is taking place at the same time. A ski hotel in Austria may be attractively priced outside the German and Austrian Easter weeks, but be fully booked when several regions are on holiday at the same time. A resort in Cyprus may still be quiet in early April, but suddenly become livelier around Easter.

Why Easter can be such a good time to travel

The Easter holidays often mark a nice turning point. In northern and central Europe, the days are getting lighter and milder, but the weather remains changeable. In southern Europe, the holiday season is starting tentatively. Hotels are reopening more facilities, terraces are coming to life and seaside resorts are becoming livelier. Yet it’s usually still quieter than during the summer holidays.

This is ideal for all-inclusive holidays. You benefit from a hotel that’s already operating at a higher capacity than in winter, but you don’t yet have to contend with the full summer crowds. Buffets are less crowded, swimming pools are less full and excursions are more enjoyable thanks to milder temperatures. This is a particularly lovely time of year for families, couples and travellers who don’t cope well with the heat.

You do need to remain realistic, though. The Easter holidays are no guarantee of beach weather across the whole of Europe. For proper sunshine, you’re better off choosing the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Madeira, Malta, southern Spain, the Algarve, Greece or the Turkish Riviera. For wellness and tranquillity, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany and the Baltic states are worth considering. For winter sports, look to higher-altitude ski resorts in Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland and Andorra.

How all-inclusive holidays work in practice during the Easter holidays

During the Easter holidays, all-inclusive holidays are mainly about convenience and peace of mind. The weather can be changeable, it can be a busy time of year and many families are travelling with children. So it’s nice when breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, snacks and facilities are largely taken care of. You have less to look for, fewer bookings to make and fewer individual costs to keep track of.

Nevertheless, it’s important to choose your hotel carefully. In April, not every outdoor swimming pool is warm enough. Not every water park is open. Not every kids’ club is running at full capacity yet. And not every resort has the same entertainment programme as in July or August. A hotel that’s brilliant in the summer for outdoor activities might prove disappointing during the Easter holidays if it lacks a heated pool, indoor facilities or a spa.

A good Easter holiday hotel therefore needs more than just a lovely location. Look out for heated swimming pools, indoor pools, spas, family rooms, children’s facilities, restaurants that are actually open, recent spring reviews and clear information about water slides or entertainment. This makes a big difference, especially when travelling with children.

For couples, the Easter break is particularly appealing because of the balance between liveliness and tranquillity. Adults-only hotels, wellness resorts and small-scale all-inclusive hotels are often more pleasant than during the peak season. You’re more likely to have good weather, but with even fewer crowds.

The best sun destinations for the Easter holidays

The Canary Islands are the safest choice for those seeking sunshine within Europe over the Easter holidays. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are further south than most European destinations and enjoy a mild climate. According to AEMET, Tenerife South has an average temperature of 19.5 degrees in April, an average maximum temperature of 23.1 degrees and around 7 mm of rainfall. This makes the south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria particularly ideal for families and couples looking to head for the sun during the Easter holidays.

Cyprus is also a good choice, especially when Easter falls late. Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa become increasingly pleasant in April. The sea may still be a bit chilly, but during the day you can often enjoy the outdoors. Do make sure to choose a hotel with a heated swimming pool or spa facilities, especially if you’re travelling with children.

Malta is less of a beach destination, but excellent for culture and exploring towns. Valletta, Mdina, Gozo and the harbours are much more pleasant in spring than in the hot summer. An all-inclusive or half-board hotel in Malta works well if you want to explore during the day and seek convenience in the evenings. Malta is particularly suitable for couples, groups of friends and families with older children.

Madeira is ideal for travellers looking for more than just beaches. The island is green, mild and perfect for walking, viewpoints, wellness and peaceful hotels. During the Easter holidays, Madeira often feels like a gentle spring destination. Don’t expect a classic beach resort holiday, but do expect plenty of nature and comfort.

Southern Spain, the Costa del Sol, Andalusia and the Algarve are good options if you’re looking for mild weather, culture, golf, walking and outdoor cafés. They are less reliable than the Canary Islands when it comes to guaranteed swimming weather. A hotel with a heated swimming pool is particularly important here.

Turkey can be an attractive option during the Easter holidays thanks to its large resorts. Antalya, Lara, Belek, Side and Alanya have plenty of hotels with spas, indoor swimming pools, hammams, restaurants and family facilities. If Easter falls late, the weather can already be quite pleasant. If Easter falls early, it’s better to book a trip to Turkey for the comfort of the hotel rather than for guaranteed beach weather.

Spain and Semana Santa

Spain is a special place during the Easter period. Semana Santa, Holy Week leading up to Easter, is a major cultural and religious occasion in many towns and regions. This means processions, crowds, adjusted opening hours and higher demand for hotels in popular towns. Public holidays also vary by autonomous community. Spain has national, regional and local public holidays, with autonomous communities able to have their own public holidays.

This is important to bear in mind for all-inclusive holidays to Spain. In Andalusia – particularly in Seville, Málaga, Granada and Córdoba – Semana Santa can have a significant impact on crowds and prices. On the coast, it can be a lively time, but also busier than a typical week in April. In the Balearic and Canary Islands, you’ll often notice that hotels become livelier and that more families are travelling.

For sunshine, the Canary Islands are the best bet. For culture, Andalusia is special, but you need to enjoy the hustle and bustle and the atmosphere. For peace and quiet, it’s better to choose a resort outside the most famous cities or a week just before or after Semana Santa.

Portugal, the Algarve and Madeira

Portugal operates differently to Spain during the Easter period. Good Friday and Easter Sunday are public holidays in Portugal, whilst Easter Monday tends to be observed mainly on a regional or traditional basis. This means that opening hours, local crowds and family visits around Easter can have an impact, but it often feels less grand than Semana Santa in Spain.

The Algarve is ideal for travellers seeking peace and quiet, golf, walking and mild weather. For families, a resort with a heated swimming pool is important, as the sea is often still a bit chilly. Madeira is better suited to nature and wellness. Funchal and the south coast are good choices if you want to combine an all-inclusive holiday with walking and city breaks.

Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany as countries of departure and destination

For many European travellers, Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany play a role in the Easter rush. Not because these countries are always the warmest Easter destinations, but because school holidays and public holidays have a significant impact on demand and prices.

The Netherlands does not have a fixed national Easter holiday like some other countries. Schools are, however, closed on public holidays such as Easter, and school holidays are divided into the North, Central and South regions. The Dutch government states that school holidays are staggered by region. In practice, the longer holiday period often falls closer to the May half-term than to Easter. As a result, the peak period in the Netherlands can sometimes occur later than the Easter peak in Belgium, Germany or France.

Belgium operates differently. In Flanders, the Easter holidays are officially listed in the school holidays calendar, whilst Wallonia and Brussels sometimes follow a different schedule. This can mean that Flemish families and French-speaking Belgian families do not always travel at the same time. For hotels in popular destinations, this can help spread out the crowds.

Germany is even more complex. School holidays are organised on a federal state basis, and the Kultusministerkonferenz publishes the holiday periods for each federal state, including Ostern/Frühjahr. For destinations such as Austria, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the Canary Islands, the spread of German holidays can have a significant impact. When several large federal states are on holiday at the same time, prices rise more rapidly.

France, zones and ‘vacances de printemps’

France does not usually refer to this period as the Easter holidays, but as ‘vacances de printemps’. The country operates with zones A, B and C, which means school holidays are staggered. For 2026–2027, Service-Public shows that the spring holidays fall on different dates for each zone.

This is important for travellers. Not all French families travel in the same week. As a result, crowds in the South of France, Corsica, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy and ski resorts can persist for several weeks. Anyone booking an all-inclusive holiday in April may therefore encounter crowds of French holidaymakers even outside their own Easter week.

France itself offers two types of holiday during the Easter break. On the Mediterranean coast, such as the Côte d’Azur, Provence and Languedoc, spring is just beginning. It’s still a bit early for the beach, but it’s lovely for walking, city breaks, wellness and hotel packages. In the Alps, depending on altitude and snow conditions, winter sports may still be possible.

The United Kingdom and the Easter holidays

In the United Kingdom, school holidays vary by local council. GOV.UK states that terms, half-terms and school holidays may differ from one local council to another. As a result, the Easter rush in the UK is not exactly the same everywhere, although many Easter holidays do fall around Easter.

For popular all-inclusive destinations, British holidaymakers are particularly noticeable in the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and Greece. Hotels with family rooms, kids’ clubs and heated swimming pools can fill up quickly. If you’re looking for a quieter hotel, it’s better to choose an ‘adults only’ option or accommodation that’s less geared towards families.

Austria, Switzerland and Italy for snow and mountains

The Easter holidays are also a key period for winter sports, but only if you choose wisely. In March and April, altitude is more important than in January. Lower-lying villages can be lovely, but guaranteed snow is less certain. You should therefore choose higher-altitude ski resorts, glaciers or destinations with good snow conditions.

Austria has ‘Osterferien’, and the official Austrian information service publishes school holidays by academic year. For 2026–2027, the ‘Osterferien’ are listed separately. During the Easter holidays, Tyrol, SalzburgerLand, Vorarlberg and some glacier areas are particularly worth visiting. All-inclusive deals here often include a hotel with breakfast, dinner, snacks, drinks, spa facilities and, in some cases, childcare.

Switzerland is organised differently. School holidays vary by canton, and the Swiss Education Conference publishes holiday dates for each canton. Public holidays also vary by canton in Switzerland. The Swiss government states that 1 August is the only national public holiday for the whole country and that cantons have their own public holidays. For travellers, this means: check the specific region. A hotel in Valais, Graubünden, Bern or Vaud may have a different schedule for holidays and public holidays.

Italy is an attractive destination for both winter sports and spring holidays. In the Dolomites and South Tyrol, you can sometimes still ski during a late Easter, particularly at higher altitudes. At the same time, cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice and Verona get busier around Easter. Italy recognises Easter and Easter Monday (La Pasquetta) as important public holidays; the official Italian tourism website states that the date of Easter changes each year and that the day after Easter, Easter Monday, is also a public holiday.

Greece, Cyprus and Orthodox Easter

Greece and Cyprus have another point to bear in mind: Orthodox Easter. This does not always coincide with Western Easter. Sometimes it falls on the same date, sometimes later. As a result, the Easter crowds in Greece and Cyprus may differ from those in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany or France.

For Greece, the Easter holidays are a lovely time if you’re looking for culture, that island vibe and mild weather. Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu are gradually coming to life. It’s still a bit early for swimming, but walking, exploring towns and going on excursions are lovely. Choose a hotel with good on-site facilities and a heated swimming pool if you’re travelling with children.

Cyprus is often a bit warmer than Greece and therefore better for sunbathing. Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca are good choices for culture and the coast. Ayia Napa and Protaras become livelier later in the season. During the Easter holidays, you should check with each hotel to see which facilities are already open.

Turkey around Easter

Turkey does not celebrate Easter as a general national holiday, as many European countries do. Turkish school holidays and national public holidays follow their own calendar, which includes religious festivals such as Eid al-Fitr. The Turkish Ministry of Education publishes school year calendars for each academic year; such a calendar has been officially announced for 2026–2027.

For all-inclusive holidaymakers, this is both advantageous and important. Around Western Easter, Turkey can offer attractive prices if there is no major local holiday period coinciding with it. At the same time, European school holidays can lead to busy periods in resorts along the Turkish Riviera. Antalya, Lara, Belek, Side and Alanya are particularly strong in terms of hotel comfort. Large resorts often have indoor swimming pools, wellness facilities, hammams, kids’ clubs and restaurants that are already in full swing before the summer begins.

If Easter falls late, Turkey can already feel quite summery. If Easter falls early, it’s more of a spa and resort holiday than a beach holiday. A heated swimming pool remains important.

Central and Eastern Europe during the Easter holidays

Central and Eastern Europe are attractive destinations for travellers not necessarily seeking a beach holiday. The Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia can be excellent choices during the Easter holidays for city breaks, spa holidays, nature and quiet hotels.

Hungary is a strong choice thanks to Budapest and its thermal baths. Slovenia combines lakes, mountains, wellness and the coast. The Czech Republic is lovely for Prague, spa resorts and affordable hotels. Poland boasts cities such as Kraków, Gdańsk and Warsaw, as well as wellness facilities and nature reserves. Croatia is lovely in April for coastal towns and national parks, but not yet ideal for a traditional beach holiday. Bulgaria and Romania are interesting for budget-conscious travellers, wellness or city breaks, but less suitable for guaranteed sunshine on an all-inclusive beach holiday.

Here too, public holidays and school holidays vary from country to country. Furthermore, in some countries, Orthodox Easter plays a greater role than Western Easter. This can affect opening hours, local crowds and events.

Easter holidays with children

For families, the Easter holidays are a good, but tricky, time. You often only have one or two weeks and want the holiday to be just right. A hotel with a heated swimming pool, a child-friendly buffet, family rooms and plenty of indoor space is more important than in the summer.

The best sun destinations with children are Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Cyprus and larger resorts in Turkey. Madeira and Malta are great with older children, but less suitable if a swimming pool and water park are your main priorities. For winter sports, Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland and Andorra make the most sense, as long as you choose a destination at a high enough altitude.

Take particular care with water slides and water parks. Photos of water parks don’t tell you much about what to expect in April. Some slides are still closed, operate on a limited schedule or are only open in good weather. Ask yourself what’s more important: a large water park that might not be fully operational, or a smaller hotel with a heated swimming pool that’s always available.

Easter holidays for couples

For couples, the Easter holidays are a great time to travel outside the summer rush. Adults-only hotels, wellness resorts and smaller all-inclusive hotels really come into their own. You can opt for sunshine in the Canary Islands, nature in Madeira, culture in Malta or Cyprus, wellness in Turkey or a romantic hotel in Austria, Slovenia or Italy.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, it’s best to avoid travelling during the busiest school holiday weeks. As the Easter holidays vary from country to country, it can sometimes be wise to book just before or just after the peak period. This saves you money and avoids the crowds, whilst the weather is often similar.

Wellness during the Easter holidays

Wellness is a perfect fit for the Easter holidays. The weather isn’t yet stable everywhere, so a spa, sauna, hammam or indoor swimming pool enhances the holiday experience. Turkey is ideal for hammams and resort spas. Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Germany excel in wellness hotels and thermal spas. Madeira and the Canary Islands combine mild temperatures with hotels where wellness is an added bonus.

For families, wellness is particularly useful if there are also child-friendly swimming facilities. For couples, an ‘adults only’ wellness hotel can really make the whole trip worthwhile. Always check whether spa access is included. Sometimes the swimming pool is free, but you pay separately for the sauna or treatments.

What should you bear in mind when booking?

The Easter holidays require a little more preparation than a normal week in June. First, check when Easter falls. Then check when your own school holidays or days off are. Next, look at the holiday schedule in your destination country. That determines much of how busy it will be.

Also bear in mind public holidays. Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are not treated as public holidays in the same way everywhere. In the Netherlands, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are official public holidays. Portugal recognises Good Friday and Easter Sunday as national public holidays, whilst Easter Monday does not have the same status everywhere. Spain and Switzerland have greater regional variations. This affects shops, restaurants, traffic and hotel prices.

Next, look at the hotel. During the Easter holidays, a heated swimming pool is often more important than a beachfront location. Indoor facilities are more important than a large terrace. Recent April reviews are more important than summer photos. And clear information about entertainment, kids’ clubs, water slides and restaurants helps avoid disappointment.

Easter holidays in practice

An all-inclusive holiday during the Easter holidays can be fantastic, provided you understand the period well. It’s not summer, but it is one of the best times to easily combine sun, relaxation, wellness, culture or snow. The Canary Islands are the best choice for sun. Turkey excels in resort comfort. Cyprus, Malta and Madeira are ideal for mild weather and variety. Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland and Andorra are suitable for late-season winter sports. Central and Eastern Europe are attractive for wellness, city breaks and affordable, well-organised holidays.

The most important thing is not to focus solely on the term ‘Easter holidays’. Each country interprets this period differently. Sometimes it’s about school holidays, sometimes religious festivals, sometimes regional holidays, and sometimes local traditions. If you bear this in mind when booking, you’ll make a smarter choice. Then you’ll get exactly what an all-inclusive holiday is meant to offer during this period: less organising, more enjoyment and a holiday that suits the season.

FAQs about all-inclusive holidays during the Easter holidays

Is the Easter holiday a good time for an all-inclusive holiday?

Yes, the Easter holidays are very suitable for all-inclusive holidays, particularly as the weather can be changeable and many families are travelling. A hotel offering meals, drinks, a heated swimming pool and good facilities provides a great deal of convenience.

Where is it warm during the Easter holidays?

The Canary Islands are the best choice for sunshine within Europe. Cyprus, Madeira, Malta, southern Spain, the Algarve, Greece and the Turkish Riviera can also be pleasant, especially if Easter is late.

Is the Easter holiday called the same thing everywhere?

No. In Germany it’s called ‘Osterferien’, in France ‘vacances de printemps’, in the United Kingdom ‘Easter holiday’, in Spain ‘Semana Santa’ and in Austria ‘Osterferien’. In Belgium, ‘Paasvakantie’ is used, but the schedule can vary by community.

Are all countries on holiday on Good Friday and Easter Monday?

No. This varies by country and sometimes by region. Some countries have Good Friday as a public holiday, others do not. Easter Monday is a public holiday in many countries, but not everywhere in the same way.

Is the Easter holiday busy?

That depends on the year and how the holidays align across countries. If the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and the United Kingdom all have their holidays in roughly the same weeks, popular hotels can fill up quickly. If holidays are spread out, the crowds may also be spread over several weeks.

Can you go on a winter sports holiday during the Easter holidays?

Yes, especially in higher-altitude ski resorts in Austria, France, Italy, Switzerland and Andorra. In late winter or early spring, it’s best to choose high-altitude areas or glacier destinations.

Are water parks open during the Easter holidays?

Not always. Some hotels only open their water slides and water parks later in the season or operate on limited opening hours. Always check this before you book.

What should you look out for with all-inclusive holidays during the Easter holidays?

Look out for heated swimming pools, indoor facilities, kids’ clubs, open restaurants, spa facilities, recent spring reviews, public holidays in your destination country and exactly what’s included.