Approximately 20 km from Motril is the town of Almuñecar. It has a long sandy beach, hotels and restaurants and is relatively well built up. In the summer it gets packed with families with children as the beach is sandy. There are lots of places to eat in Almunecar, but one in particular we recommend is calledSabine and is very near the front just by the entrance to the underground carpark.
However, if you continue from the beach in Almuñecar walking along the front you will get to the beach of Cotobro. This is a pleasant walk from Almuñecar beach and has fewer hotels and no shops. You can also get to this beach from the main road after the turning to Almuñecar driving from Motril. Just keep your eyes open for the sign to Playa Cotobro.