I love the west and the north sides of the Málaga province...the east, not so much, but that´s just me.
If I had to choose I would stay west and north, but it´s not my trip.:)

Another vote for the north and west of Malaga. Loja is nice and Castillo de Iznajar is definitely worth a visit.

What is the difference between the regions that you like don't like the east side?

Maybe the third place can be Iznájar or someplace close, is there something else in the area that is better?

The particular towns that I'm not a big fan of on the east coast of Málaga (and also some on the west side) are the ones that have become over the years Northern European "colonies", with a very heavy expat population, where I don't even have the need to speak Spanish and can find a plethora of British pubs----if I visit I just don't feel like I'm in Spain, but that's just my personal feeling. I'm just happier in a community that has maintained its Spanish culture, that has a strong Spanish identity.

Iznájar in the Córdoba province and all the white hill towns of the beautiful Subbética: Cabra, delightful Priego de Córdoba (the largest, population of 22,000), Carcabuey, would be very interesting for you, I think. This area is on the Route of the Caliphate.
It's very attractive area.
If it were my trip I would base in Priego de Córdoba. It's a town I really love. I didn't mention it above because I thought you wanted to stay closer to Málaga and the coast.
https://turismodepriego.com/en/index.php

Given the fact you're travelling with two small children I would base in Estepona and Antequera and day trip from there. This way you don't have to waste a day packing up, changing accommodation, settling in with the kids, finding best places to buy food, or eat when you get back late. Priego is about an hour from Antequera and Iznajar 45 minutes.....

Now you have two posters suggesting, since you're traveling with small children, that you make only two bases rather than 3, so as to "settle in". Antequera to the north and Estepona to the west are both in the Málaga province. Priego de Cordoba sits in the Córdoba province (obviously :) ).

The point about fining food when you get back late is very important. With larger cities you'll find far more food options, and supermarkets in your base open on Sunday (at least mine are open until 3 pm on Sundays), plus at least a 12-hour pharmacy just in case you need it.
Both Estepona and Antequera will have the above.
Antequera population: 41,000+
Estepona population: 77,000+

hello! I am planning to do the same trip in December so I was wondering how did yours go and what did you do at the end? We are also travelling by car with small children. Thanks

Hi, sorry for my late response.

We had a fantastic trip! :) We landed in Barcelona, spent two full days there, then flew to Malaga, rented a car, and drove straight to Nerja for a four-day stay. Afterward, we went to Ronda for four days and then to Estepona for five days. From Malaga, we flew back to Barcelona, spent two more days there, and then returned home.

All the destinations were wonderful. The beach in Nerja was fun, and the town itself was lovely (though we didn’t go in the water). Ronda was beautiful, and Estepona was very nice. I think staying in Marbella might be better than Estepona since it’s closer to more attractions. In Ronda, we took a day trip to Zahara, and the viewpoints along the way were stunning.

In summary, the trip was amazing, and we really enjoyed it! Spain is a beautiful country, and I highly recommend visiting.

I’d like to thank everyone here who helped me plan; your recommendations were fantastic! Thank you very much.

Hi nogamoscovich7572 , I'm curious to know your experience with option No.2 because I have exactly the same doubt. Planning on going in August 2025. Thx in advance.

Well, it can't be "exactly" the same -- the OP's trip was to be in April, yours in in August. ;-0
I encourage you to post your own thread.

Not sure if you realize, OP's report on how the trip turned out is directly above your post.