Stay in Malaga or Nerja?

Absolutely

I guess I should have been more clear - which one to stay the night in?

Malaga as there is more to do

Nobody goes to Malaga; it's too crowded. The cleanliness of Nerja's sea water is under scrutiny; search above on the word Nerja. From Malaga to Antequera takes less than an hour by Alsa bus or driving. I don't think you need a coastal stop, unless the next one is just available/reserved for the later date. Could any earlier destination use a night added to it?

I guess I am a nobody... I loved Malaga. We flew in there and had a wonderful 2 days. There is a lot of shopping and restaurants and plenty of walking in a 'real' Spanish town. We were there with a group of photographers and a woman who is a professor in the US, but still has her home in Malaga. There were about 15 of us and we all enjoyed it. We also stayed there on our way out as there was a good flight from Detroit to Malaga.

I do take strong exception to your comment Laura as we use Malaga as an annual base for our journeys in southern spain. While the increase in cruise ship traffic has brought a proportionate rate of six hour crowds, we do not find malaga congested in any manner in comparison to other tourist destinations.
Just curious when were you last in malaga and what is the motivation behind your comment?

'Is Malaga even worth a stop?' - For me, yes of course, but I am not you. A guide book or a web search should resolve this.

I like Malaga. I have been to Malaga twice and enjoyed it both times and have recommended it to friends and family. We spent two or three nights in Malaga each time and there was plenty to see and do and it was a great place for walking. I have passed though Nerja but never stayed or visted there. One interesting overnight we did in that area was a stay in the tiny pueblo blanco Canillas de Albaida in the hills not too far from Nerja.

I am just back from southern Spain - including 3 nights in Malaga and 1 night in Nerja. If you are using public transportation, Malaga would be much easier, as Nerja is about an hour by bus from there. We loved Malaga - but be sure to stay in the old town, not the outskirts. Nerja was great, we enjoyed it, but for only 1 night enroute to somewhere else, I would choose Malaga.

Malaga has a Picasso Museum if you are 'ticking' them off - Paris / Barcelona / Malaga / Antibes.

That's actually the best reply and just what I was looking for! Thanks!

Malaga is a lovely city. Depending on where you are headed, that may be your best choice. Nerja is absolutely lovely! beautiful beach/cliff town but it is over 1 hour from Malaga. I got a ride on blablacar.com, public transportation to there is not easy. For only one night, I would be tempted to say Malaga. If Nerja is on your way however, I would stay in Nerja. Either way, you can't go wrong. They have totally different feels! I will be in Malaga in two days, and Nerja in 3. I am staying 4 nights there though.

Now that I have looked at a map, it makes no sense for you to go to Nerja. Isn't easy to get there and it will be at least 1 1/2 hours driving one way. Save it for another trip when you have more time. Enjoy Malaga!