spanish coast resorts in August - recommendations

[holleyshiftwell]

I have spent most of the bank holiday weekend trying to find somewhere to go for 2 weeks in August with DH, DD (5), and DS (3), without spending a million pounds....which is proving pretty difficult. I don't think I am being that fussy - just want somewhere sunny, with access to a pool, and not too far from beach/shop/restaurant. Would prefer to avoid the really big brash resorts and go for somewhere quieter and more family friendly.
So far, the Spanish mainland seems to be cheaper than anywhere else on the Med, but I don't know Spain at all. Can anyone recommend a decent resort? We found one or two places in Mojacar, anyone been there?

Also my husband found an apartment about 45 mins from the coast in Almeria, looks lovely - but I am worried about the heat inland in August (no air con) and being quite so far away from everything. What do you think?
Any advice gratefully received, we are desperate for a relaxing sunny holiday (hard year) - but simply can't pay the package prices (can anyone tell me who can afford to pay £3500 for family of 4 for 2 weeks self catering in a teeny 1-bed apartment with hideous nightflights? who is buying this?!)

I was just about to come on and recommend Mojacar, so pleased to see your latest post!
I've been there a number of times as friend's parents have an apartment in Vera (where there is a great waterpark).
It's not as touristy or built-up as many of the Costas, and while it has a handful of 'Irish' bars etc, it also has good restaurants and nice cocktail bars. We took my DD as a baby then as a toddler and they were all very welcoming to her, providing high chairs, and generally making a fuss.
Mojacar Pueblo (the old town) up in the hills is gorgeous too, great view and nice windy streets.

If you're hiring a car, be vigilant. There's lot sof police about who seem to target hire cars, we've frequently been stopped. You can't drive in flip-flops in Spain - they get a lot of tourists on that one.
Hope you have a lovely holiday, I still love Spain.

Nerja is lovely for families. Lots of reasonably priced rentals on websites like ownersdirect and lots of budget airlines fly to Malaga. I think Mojacar would be too hot (Almeria is almost desert like it's so hot I think).
Northern Spain is lovely too although I think some of the nicer resorts are pricier. I love San Sebastian and in theory you could get the ferry there although I'm not sure that would work out cheaper than a budget flight. Or you could drive all the way if you factored in a night's stopover in France.

Sorry, just seen your last post. Ignore me about Mojacar being too hot. If you've got air con you'll be fine. Enjoy!

Hope you have a lovely time.

Hi! I found your post really interesting as I have been considering the same as you!
I have started booking holidays separately as packages are seeming ridiculously expensive, especially now they're 5 of us.
Where abouts in Mojacar are you staying and which website did you find it through and if you dont mind me asking were the flights reasonable?
I'm looking for next year, we're going to Nerja this August. But flight prices seem to have gone up a lot for 2013. Argh!!!
Thanks for posting such a useful thread !!!!