Spanish hols 2026 recommendations

[PorridgeOatsSuck]

I'm planning next year's holiday now, hoping to get a good deal. I'm not a confident flyer or traveller. I'm under pressure from teenage daughter to have at least one foreign holiday in her childhood. I can get flights to Ibiza, Alicante and Malaga from the local airport. It'll be me and her so no boozy, busy places. Lots of beach or pool time. Things to do locally would be a bonus. I'm looking for low cost, low stress. Who where what would you more experienced people go for?

Ibiza without a doubt. It's not just a party place, and that's all early avoided just don't go to San Antonio. Ibiza town is really lovely, the whole island is beautiful.

Oh great I thought the town might be a boozy nightmare. Thank you!

Alicante for a mixture of golden sandy beaches and things to do nearby without needing to hire a car. The shopping is excellent too!

Santa Eulalia is a nice resort in Ibiza too.
Moraira is doable from Alicante airport, as is Calpe and they’re both nice resorts.
Malaga is a lovely city itself, plenty of history, lovely shops. Nerja is a bus ride away from there if you fancied a bit of a mixture of city break/beach.

Ibiza is more expensive than the mainland for eating out and accommodation.

Both Alicante and Malaga are great cities to visit for history and culture as well as food, beach, etc.

I've never been to Alicante but have been to Malaga many times. As well as everything else your DD might like Plaza Mayor, a huge outdoor shopping mall a short train ride from the city and the airport.

My favourite places in Spain are Cadiz, Nerja, Malaga and Valencia.

I think a simple beach holiday would suit us. However, Málaga is calling me - options to do something other than swim. I like the history and culture. DD less so 😬😅. I'd Málaga relatively safe? Any concerns about areas to avoid, or suggestions of places to stay? DD thinks some sort of theme park would be amazing...

A simple beach holiday could be had in any of your three choices OP. I found Ibiza expensive when we went a few years ago, I've never been to Alicante, but I loved Malaga. I would start looking for hotels that meet your needs and see what you come up with. TBH I don't think you can go wrong with any of these destinations, particularly if all you really want is a hotel and a pool.