To be honest Don until I met my wife 5 years ago I'd no intention of wanting to go to mainland Spain as I much preferred the Canary and Greek islands.
However her sister and hubby moved out to Spain around 3 years ago. They live around an hour inland from the coast in a small village near a town called Loja. There's virtually no tourism, 2 little bars, a bakery and an olive factory. There's probably around 6 - 7 other English couples and that's it apart from the locals of course. They have a lovely 3 bed villa with a nice garden and a pool so it's great to go out there from Leeds on a cheapo Jet 2, have a week with them and then have a week on the coast. The locals are amazing.
The first night I ever went out in the village I wore a Barcelona shirt. The main bar in the village is actually a Real Madrid supporters club branch!!! In I walked and they all started hissing!! One bloke tried to set fire to my shirt and another started flicking water at the wife!!
We had a great holiday last year. We spent a week with our best friends in a small village called Frigiliana (about 4 miles up in the hills behind Nerja), 3 days with the sis & bruv in law and then 4 nights in Benalmadena!!
Benalmadena probably wont appeal to most in high season. There's quite a lively 'music square' and a McDonalds etc. However it has a great beach, some lovely places to eat and if you want bars to watch the football etc then you're sorted. You can also find quiet spots away from it all. Paloma Park is a nice place to walk round and have a look at the wildlife.
I had one of those 'I cant believe this moments' when I was there the first time. I got talking to a bloke in his 60's in a bar (I'm 36). It was obvious from his accent he was from up near Leeds. Turns out he was the ex Lord Mayor of Leeds. We talked further and it transpired that he went to the same primary school as me. His mother was still alive and he then told me where she lived.......in the flat under my Mum!!!!! The bar maid had been listening to this conversation and said she was spooked!!