Go to near Estepona every year, the old town is nice and still feels authentic. Lots of little bars, restaurants. Can head inland slightly to Casares for a day or evening out too.
The marina area down the other end of town is more upmarket, nearer the posh hotels but still some nice bars and restaurants, the bit in the middle is msotly residential, concrete tower blocks etc. Theres a nice bike shop and a good barber i visit when im out there.
Estepona is somewhere we stop for lunch at the Fisherman’s snack bar at the east end of the port and look with disdain and horror at the rest of the place.
If you managed to see past the end of your nose and walk 5-10 minutes towards the old town you might find its actually quite nice :shrug: