We are planning to go Spain soon and I am debating between visiting Nerja, Cardiz and Malaga. It's my first visit to Spain and I am looking for a character and charm. Any recommendations?

I would look at Cadiz & Malaga to begin with.

As I queried on your exact same post on the Rick Steve forum - what do you intend with 'visiting'? They are all worth a short visit based on your criteria, if you intend with 'visiting' staying for 'n' days or weeks the answer would be different.

The charm of Nerja for me was the expat bars and cafes. Could not wait to leave.

First visit to Spain and looking for "character and charm", both 3000 year old Cádiz and Malaga city would be spot on. This could be an intro:

Malaga: http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...rs-restaurants

Cádiz: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...ee-and-do.html

Nerja, Cadiz and Malaga are totally different, it depends what you are looking for.

Nerja and Malaga on the mediterranean
Cadiz on the atlantic ocean

Malaga is the 6th largest city in Spain, not very touristy but many things to do, see and visit. Also really good for day trips.

Cadiz is a small city, sandy beaches and nice historic centre.

Nerja is tourisy, but not only expat bars and cafes like ribeirasacra said. Most of the people who lives there are spanish and if you only want to go to spanish restaurants, it is totally possible.

I´m from Malaga, and really love Nerja, as I´m not racist or xenofobic I don´t mind people from another countries living in Spain.

I specially like Maro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTP2sLveiTY

<I especially like Maro>

Yes, Maro close to Nerja is a very special little village, total relaxation and great views in the small cafe/restaurant/bar next to the small church in Plaza de la Maravillas. And of course a fabulous beach. http://www.nerjatoday.com/maro/

Cadiz would be my choice but I'd be happy with Malaga. Nerja not so much.