Spain: Almeria/Cabo de Gata area - any recommendations for places to stay?

[lapislazuli]

We've booked our flights & car hire to Spain next month and a Spanish colleague has recommended Cabo de Gata as a great non-touristy and unspoilt area to go and visit as I am really not that into going somewhere flooded with other Brits (sorry ). If anyone knows this area and can give me some pointers of nice nearby villages/towns/even hotels/apartments to stay (with 23 month old) that would be super helpful.
Obviously having a car means we're not limited, but what I really fancy is somewhere quaint and traditional but not too sleepy where we'd get bored in the evenings.
So hard to tick all the boxes...this is our first non-relative-visting family holiday together (and I am a fusspot).
But any suggestions will be gratefully received!

We've just got back from Cabo de Gata. Interesting area and strange landscapes. It certainly was a get away from it holiday . Lots of walkers and cyclists around.
We stayed in a village called Las Negras which would probably meet your requirements. It was nice but it was a fairly small place and the beach wasn't very good.

We spent a day in San Jose - the main town (v. small) in the area. Nice beach, places to walk to in the evening, town square with park. I would think about there or Agua Amarga - small moorish style village - nice beach with swings on it. It was v quiet as lost of Spanish people have holidays homes and its still winter for them.

We shared a 4 bed villa with friends so that would be too big. My friend got them off owners direct or holiday lettings website.

I would also visit Nijar - small town with leather shops. Fantastic shop with amazing jewelry and ironwork.

Take a fleece.

We stayed in a small village called Bedar a few years ago, about a 20 minute drive to Mojacar. Bedar probably a bit too small and quiet for what you are looking for (we were cat sitting!), but mojacar was on the coast and nice. Have a look at this site for ideas on the almeria area