If you’re dreaming of golden sands, warm Mediterranean waters, and hassle-free family fun under the Spanish sun, Jet2holidays to Malaga and the Costa del Sol should be right at the top of your list for summer 2026. As someone who’s booked more than a few family trips to Spain over the years, I can honestly say this stretch of Andalusian coastline delivers that perfect mix of beach days, kid-friendly vibes, and just enough culture and tapas to keep the grown-ups happy too.
Whether you’re searching for Jet2 Malaga holidays 2026, all inclusive Malaga holidays, or simply the best family beach holidays with reliable flights and that generous 22kg baggage allowance, Jet2 makes it straightforward. Summer 2026 is shaping up to be another big year for UK families heading to Malaga Airport (AGP), with plenty of direct flights from regional airports and excellent package deals that include flights, hotel, transfers, and baggage.
Why Malaga & Costa del Sol Are Perfect for Families in Summer 2026
The Costa del Sol has always been a favourite for British families, but it’s getting even better. With improved family resorts, more all-inclusive options, and that reliable southern Spanish sunshine, it’s no wonder Malaga summer holidays and Costa del Sol family holidays keep climbing the wish lists.
Malaga itself offers a vibrant city-meets-beach feel. You’ve got the historic old town with the Alcazaba and Picasso Museum for rainy days (though you won’t need many), while just a short drive or train ride away are the classic resort towns that families love. The area feels properly Spanish yet welcoming to kids – think long promenades perfect for evening strolls, shallow waters for little ones, and ice cream shops every few metres.
For 2026, expect strong demand during the UK school summer holidays (late July and August), but if you can be a bit flexible with dates in June or early September, you’ll often find better availability and slightly gentler prices. The sea temperature is beautifully warm from June right through to October, making it ideal for Malaga beach holidays.
Best Time to Visit Malaga with Family
The best time to visit Malaga with family really depends on what you’re after:
- June: Warm but not scorching (around 25-28°C). Beaches are quieter at the start of the month, and kids are still excited about the summer break.
- July & August: Peak summer heat (often 30°C+). Perfect for pure beach and pool days, but expect busier resorts and higher prices. Evenings stay light late, great for family promenades.
- Early September: Still hot enough for swimming, but crowds thin out as schools go back. Many locals say this is their favourite time.
Pro tip: If your kids are young, avoid the absolute peak of August if possible – the shoulder months give everyone a bit more breathing space while keeping the weather perfect for Malaga holidays with kids 2026.
Top Jet2holidays Destinations on the Costa del Sol for Families
Jet2 flies directly to Malaga Airport and offers great packages to several nearby resorts. Here are the standout spots for families booking Jet2 Malaga family holidays 2026:
Torremolinos – Lively, Accessible & Family-Friendly
Torremolinos has come a long way from its 1960s package holiday heyday. It still has that cheerful, energetic atmosphere but with cleaner, wider beaches and better facilities. The 7km stretch of golden sand, including Playa del Bajondillo and La Carihuela, is brilliant for families – shallow entry into the sea and plenty of beach bars serving fresh seafood and cold drinks.
Families love the long promenade for bike rides or evening walks. There are water sports, playgrounds, and easy access to attractions like the Crocodile Park or Selwo Marina in nearby Benalmadena. Many Jet2 Torremolinos family holiday packages include hotels right on or very close to the beach.
Benalmadena – The Sweet Spot for Most Families
If I had to pick one resort for a classic family holiday, Benalmadena often wins. It has a lovely marina (Puerto Marina) packed with restaurants and boat trips, plus the famous cable car up to Monte Calamorro for stunning views and short walks. The beaches are excellent, and the resort feels safe and walkable.
It’s particularly good for families with a mix of ages – younger kids enjoy the parks and mini-golf, while older ones like the seafront buzz. Plenty of Jet2 Benalmadena Malaga Jet2 holidays options here, including all-inclusive hotels with kids’ clubs and splash pools.
Fuengirola – Relaxed Vibes with Great Beaches
Fuengirola feels a touch more laid-back than its neighbours. Its long, sandy beach (one of the best on the coast) has shallow waters ideal for little swimmers, and the town has a lovely mix of Spanish and international restaurants. The Bioparc (a modern zoo) is a big hit with kids, and the Sohail Castle offers fun historical exploration without being overwhelming.
Many families returning year after year say Fuengirola family holidays strike the right balance – not too quiet, not too hectic. Jet2 has solid options here for Costa del Sol family holidays.
Nerja – For a More Scenic, Slightly Quieter Escape
A bit further east, Nerja is famous for its dramatic cliffs, caves, and the iconic Balcon de Europa viewpoint. The beaches (Burriana is a standout) often feel more natural, and the old town has charm in spades. It’s a great choice if you want some beautiful scenery mixed with beach time, though it involves a slightly longer transfer from the airport.
Nerja family holidays Malaga suit families who like to mix relaxing days with the occasional boat trip or cave visit.
Malaga City Itself
Don’t overlook staying in Malaga city for part or all of your trip. It’s perfect if you want culture (Picasso Museum, cathedral, Alcazaba) alongside beach access. Playa de la Malagueta is right there, and you can easily day-trip to the resorts by train or bus. Great for families who don’t want to be stuck in one resort the whole time.
Best Family Resorts & All Inclusive Options with Jet2
Jet2’s range on the Costa del Sol includes everything from good-value 3-star hotels to smarter 4-star properties with kids’ clubs and water features. Look out for hotels with “All Inclusive Plus” or family rooms that sleep four comfortably.
Popular choices often include places with splash parks, multiple pools, and evening entertainment that doesn’t keep little ones up too late. All inclusive Malaga holidays are particularly smart for families – you know the food and drink costs upfront, and kids can graze happily between meals.
Many Jet2 properties also offer low deposit options (around £60pp) and flexible monthly payments, which makes planning cheap Jet2 holidays to Malaga much easier on the wallet.
Comparison Table: Top Costa del Sol Resorts for Families with Jet2
| Resort | Best For | Beach Quality | Vibe | Transfer Time from Malaga Airport | Family Highlights | All-Inclusive Availability |
| Torremolinos | Lively family fun | Excellent (7km) | Energetic yet relaxed | ~15-20 mins | Promenade, water sports, nearby attractions | High |
| Benalmadena | All-round family favourite | Very good | Friendly & vibrant | ~20-25 mins | Marina, cable car, parks | High |
| Fuengirola | Relaxed beach days | Excellent | Laid-back | ~30-35 mins | Long sandy beach, Bioparc zoo | Good |
| Nerja | Scenic & scenic escapes | Good (coves & bays) | Charming & quieter | ~50-60 mins | Caves, Balcon de Europa, boat trips | Moderate |
| Malaga City | Culture + beach mix | Good (urban beach) | City buzz | ~15 mins | Museums, old town, easy day trips | Moderate |
This table helps when comparing best family resorts Malaga or deciding between Torremolinos family holiday Jet2 versus Fuengirola or Benalmadena.
Things to Do on Your Malaga & Costa del Sol Holiday
Beyond the beach, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained:
- Beach days: Build sandcastles, try paddleboarding, or just relax under a parasol.
- Boat trips: From Benalmadena or Nerja – dolphin spotting is always a winner with kids.
- Day trips: Seville (bit of a trek but doable), Gibraltar, or the white villages of Andalusia.
- Water parks & attractions: Several options near the main resorts.
- Evening promenades: Grab churros or ice cream and watch the world go by.
Malaga vs Majorca for Family Holidays – Quick Comparison
Many families debate Malaga vs Majorca family holiday. Here’s the honest take:
- Malaga/Costa del Sol wins for easier access (shorter flights from some UK airports), more “proper Spanish” feel, and often better value on all-inclusive packages. The mainland offers more day-trip variety (cities, mountains, other beaches).
- Majorca often has prettier, more turquoise water in places and that island escape feeling. Beaches can feel more dramatic, but some resorts get very busy, and transfers can be longer.
If you want reliable sun, good food, and flexibility to explore a bit, the Costa del Sol is hard to beat for 2026. Both are excellent – it often comes down to flight schedules and specific hotel availability.
Booking Tips for Jet2 Malaga Holidays 2026
- Book early for school holiday dates – summer 2026 deals are already live, and popular family hotels go quickly.
- Use the low deposit (£60pp in many cases) and spread payments.
- Check the 22kg baggage – it’s included on most Jet2holidays packages, which is a lifesaver with kids’ stuff.
- Look for “SAVEONSUMMER” style codes or early booking discounts that Jet2 often runs for 2026.
- Consider all-inclusive if you have fussy eaters or want to keep costs predictable.
- Think about your departure airport – Jet2 flies from many regional UK airports to Malaga, so you can often avoid London.
For cheap family holidays to Malaga with Jet2, compare a few dates either side of your ideal week. Sometimes shifting by a few days saves a surprising amount without losing the summer vibe.
Ready to Book Your Jet2holidays Malaga 2026?
The Costa del Sol in summer 2026 promises exactly what most families crave – reliable sunshine, safe beaches, tasty food, and that lovely relaxed Spanish holiday rhythm. Whether you go for the buzz of Torremolinos, the family-friendly balance of Benalmadena, the calmer sands of Fuengirola, or a mix with Malaga city, you’re likely to come home with happy memories and sandy toes.
Jet2 Malaga packages make the whole thing stress-free, with everything wrapped up in one ABTA/ATOL-protected booking. So why not start planning today? Check availability for your preferred dates, compare a couple of resorts, and get that summer 2026 family holiday locked in before the best slots disappear.
Have you been to the Costa del Sol before? Which resort is calling your name for 2026? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts or answer any specific questions about Malaga summer 2026 deals Jet2 or family travel tips for the area.
Safe travels and enjoy the sunshine!