Nice towns to consider living near the coast between Almeria and Valencia

 I owned a house in Malaga from 2002-2007. I drove constantly around the area and happened to spot a 'se vende' sign.Right where I wanted it.

My big regret is selling the house! Looking again and the houses I could never afford in 2002 seem affordable now. I drove the backroads too. Through the mountains from Antequera to Marbella. Alora is lovely. Colemenar and Archidona are lovely too. But you have to watch inland. Lot of towns/villages built on ridiculous gradients. Cant get vans, builders stuff. Though the Spanish say Manana etc....they are a lot more helpful than in Glasgow. Where they cant get over 2 floors!

I believe the experience of owning a holiday home in Spain between 2002 and 2007, would be very different to 2007 to 2012, as you probably made a bit of money when you sold and that makes the whole thing seem sweeter. Those who bought at or near the peak can now be trapped and have the added annoyance of people trying to exploit their difficulties to the utmost. Having said that, anyone buying in the last couple of years or now, should do quite well out of it, if they get one of these bargain houses or apartments, so in  a sense it's back to square one.

In terms of the original question, personally I don't see the attraction of some of the Almerian coast, with all that plastic, apart from maybe the prices I assume.

 Right on Nigela!!!   Villaricos - inolvidable!!