Looking for relatively reasonable (under $200 if possible) beachfront (or very close) accommodations in Mallorca and the Costa del Sol - leaving in 2 weeks. I'm traveling with my best friend, we fly out of Malaga at the end of the trip - had been looking into Torremolinos, but am open to any and all suggestions! Thanks in advance!

Relatively small Nerja (pop 18 000) on the coast some 35 miles east of Málaga has - unlike much of the rest of the Costa del Sol - retained much of its Andalusian charm. Nerja has got everything that makes it popular with tourists, but also lots of local atmosphere in the beautiful old town. Great tapas bars and restaurants and nine beaches in all sizes among the cliffs. Close to fabulous big cities such as Granada and Málaga, direct buses several times a day.

Depending on your budget, these are all great beachfront - or very close - options:
The luxcurious Parador: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/nerj...-nerja.en.html
Boutique Hotel Carabeo: http://www.hotelcarabeo.com/
Nerja landmark Hotel Balcón de Europa: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/balc...europa.en.html
Basic and fabulous value Hostal Mena (stayed here several times): http://www.hostalmena.es/hostal/eng/

All hotels will be in or very close to the center of town and one of the nine beaches: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/...de6a8146_o.jpg

Old town street in Nerja:
http://www.minube.com/fotos/rincon/131879/629455

The spectacular prehistoric caves just outside Nerja: http://www.nerjatoday.com/nerja/nerja-caves/

All the info you could ask for about Nerja: http://www.nerjatoday.com/

So helpful! Thank you so much - checking out all of the sites now - thanks again!

Where are you looking to stay in Mallorca? It's not an enormous island but there are so many resorts that it's a bit difficult to recommend without a location.

Puerta de Soller on Mallorca is a delightful spot on the NE coast. Picturesque train and tram ride from Palma via Soller town.