Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands

Formed off the coast of Morocco, the volcanic Canary Islands offer rugged and captivating landscapes with black and white sand beaches. The port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a rich combination of historical architecture and modern design, leads the way to exploration of the islands, sometimes referred to as the Canaries.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, lies off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. A walk along the Santa Cruz promenade comes with views of lush green flora and rocky mountain peaks against blue sky. Playa Jardin offers spectacular views of black sand dotted with verdant palm trees and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic lapping against the shore, creating a vibrant picture of paradise.

Mount Teide, the highest point of elevation in Spain, offers breathtaking views with a short cable car ride up near its summit. The active volcano offers fertile grounds that are home to over 150 plant species, making it a colorful landscape you will not want to miss. Its walking paths give you the chance to challenge your muscles to the ultimate hike.

The cuisine of the Canary Islands is a rich and savory mix of Spanish, African, and Latin-American foods. Even one of its staple foods, bananas, originated in Asia. This cultural combination of foods makes eating in the Canaries an adventure of its own. With flavors of fish, rice, meat, and locally grown fruits and vegetables, your taste buds will never be bored.

Santa Cruz De La Palma. Canary Islands

With a historic quarter declared a Historic-Artistic Site, Santa Cruz de la Palma offers colonial homes and paths that invite you to wander through the Canary Islands’ past. Take an invigorating uphill hike to the 17th-century Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves, La Palma’s prime landmark. Over at Maroparque, animal lovers can revel in the rescue center. Displaying an array of wildlife, this small zoo invites you to let out your inner child. Along Playa de Santa Cruz de la Palma, you find a contrasting scene of black-sand beach against a backdrop of verdant hills, a vibrant image you’ll want to get lost in.

San Sebastian, La Gomera, Canary Islands

Of the eight phenomenal Canary Islands, La Gomera is the Isla Mágica (the magical island). It has a rugged coastline with small, black-sand beaches and is a paradise for nature lovers. Its wild, mountainous landscape is packed with contrasts, from arid coastal areas to fascinating forests, crammed with vegetation, which is why it was named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. San Sebastián, the island’s capital, also has a nickname – La Isla Colombina, an homage to Christopher Columbus who spent time there. You can visit Casa de Colón, the house where the Italian explorer spent the night before setting off on his history-changing voyage.

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Located off the coast of West Africa, Lanzarote – among the smaller of the Canary Islands – is known for its lush, volcanic landscape amid tropical weather all year long. With a well-preserved folk culture entangled with natural wonders and rich history, Arrecife, the capital of the island, holds much for the inquisitive explorer to discover. Sweeping dunes among the rust red sands of the craters of Timanfaya National Park create the perfect backdrop to get lost in the environment and take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty. Arrecife is aptly named, as beaches like Playa del Reducto, surrounded by reef, keep the ocean here clear and pristine.

At Sea

Spend the day on the high seas pampering yourself at the spa or enjoying some time on deck. Mingle with your fellow explorers and swap stories of your exploits, making plans for new ones together once you get to shore

Casablanca (Marrakesh), Morocco

Iconic in its own right, the Moroccan city of Casablanca is a pillar of the local culture before French colonization. Marrakesh, meanwhile, offers an abundance of classical, Moorish architecture and the breathtaking gardens of the Bahia Palace dating back to the 12th century. The energy hums amid the Central Market of Casablanca and your senses are enthralled at Marrakesh’s Jemaa el-Fnaa. The monumental Hassan II mosque is a triumph of traditional, Moorish architecture combined with innovations of the 20th century. Known for having the largest minaret in the world and towering above the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a magnificent sight from afar, but a closer look inside provides an even grander sight, as its glass floor gives way to views of the Atlantic beneath its foundations

Casablanca (Rabat), Morocco

With a rich, religious amalgamation of Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian, the Moroccan culture spans various influences throughout the centuries. A blend of Arab, African, Mediterranean, and Berber ethnicities further deepens the powerful history that makes up this fascinating destination.
The city of Rabat contains an array of shopping districts and residential neighborhoods, making it one of the best places in Morocco to get a taste of the local life. Amid a tropical scene of verdant grass and palm trees lies the Chellah (or Shalla), a medieval, Muslim necropolis and fortification within the metro area. Its construction of minaret, mosque, and royal tombs makes it an ancient marvel for the intellectual explorer seeking a deeper meaning in their travels.

Tangier, Morocco

A Moroccan port in the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has acted as the connection between Europe and North Africa since Phoenician times. It’s also a less-traveled port, so it offers a more authentic feel to city life in Morocco. Wander the medina to lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets leading to the Grand Socco marketplace. The Kasbah Museum, the old sultan’s palace restored to its former glory, contains a dazzling array of detailed maps, mesmerizing courtyards and signature Moorish architecture. Explore the Caves of Hercules, near Cap Spartel just outside of Tangier city limits.

Cadiz (Seville), Spain

Cádiz, the province and city, is located on Spain’s southwestern edge and achieved its greatest fame during the era of the Catholic kings, as it became the headquarters for Spain’s exploration fleet and treasure ships. With the only inland port in Spain and lying farther from the coastline than other port cities, Seville offers over 2,000 years of history for the curious mind. Set out toward Donana National Park, Spain’s largest protected oasis and UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars franchise, Seville’s Plaza de España has played a role in film history..

Portimao, Portugal

Along the southwestern coast of the Algarve region of Portugal lies the vibrant port city of Portimão, equal parts history come to life and modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The Megalithic Monuments of Alcalar contain prehistoric remnants of the country’s beginnings while Praia da Rocha (Rock Beach) presents the quintessential beach scene that makes this an ideal, tropical getaway. Not far from here you’ll find Praia dos Três Castelos, a beach well-known for its strange and dramatic rock formations of limestone. Located in the urban setting of Portimão, the Fort of Santa Catarina creates a stark contrast with its medieval construct, where walking the ancient paths call to your inner child and make you feel a sense of wonder and imagination.

Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal’s capital Lisbon comes alive with a rich history seen in every nook and cranny of the city. From the resting place of famous explorer Vasco de Gama at Jeronimos Monastery to the impressive turrets of São Jorge Castle dating all the way back to second century B.C.E., Lisbon offers a deep dive into the past to satiate the most curious travelers.
While Western Europe’s oldest city boasts an array of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture, that does not mean it has remained stuck in the past. On the contrary, the colorful culture and vibrant life that runs throughout the city’s restaurants, shops, and rooftop bars make it buzz with infectious energy. Taking a tuk tuk through its hard-to-reach passages allows you to experience Lisbon as the locals do.