From the Canary Islands to the French Riviera

One of Spain’s Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is best known for its black lava and white sand beaches. Its capital, Las Palmas, offers some of the best beaches on the island with shorelines bordered by coral barriers that shelter swimmers. Make the trek up to the neighborhoods of San Nicolas and San Juan for remarkable views of the homes below. Within the capital’s heart you can find the Pueblo Canario, a replica of a traditional Canarian village where you can learn about the island’s culture and how it has evolved.

Sitting along the golden coasts of the Basque Country, San Sebastián offers a seaside allure that pairs beautifully with its culinary culture. Whether enjoying pintxo bar hopping for delicious tapas or savoring the flavors of oysters with txakoli, a lightly sparkling white wine, the local delicacies are sure to inspire and delight your palate. Explore Mercado de La Bretxa, where the vendors claim Spain’s top chefs source their ingredients. Head over to Playa de la Concha to watch the local surfers in the city’s favorite pastime. Ride the vintage funicular to the top of Mount Igueldo for breathtaking, panoramic views. Wander through the Old Town and Plaza de la Constitución to connect with the locals and San Sebastián’s rich history.

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.

Most famous for its seaside promenade, golf courses and crescent-shaped beach, Agadir invites you to revel in simple pleasures. Find the Vallée des Oiseaux, a lush public space with an aviary where you can delight in the colorful parrots and flamingos. You may even come across some lingering deer and kangaroos. Take a short drive to the Medina d’Agadir. This detailed replica gives you a glimpse of Adir before the earthquake and is also a work of art. Journey further into the city’s past with a hike up to the Agadir Oufella ruins. This hilltop fortress looks over the beach and fishing port, offering stunning vistas.

Located in Western Morocco along the Atlantic, Safi is a city that has been heavily influenced by Portuguese rule, as evidenced by a centuries-old fort that still stands today, Ksar El-Bahr. It’s also one of the oldest cities in the country, so it holds a great deal of rich history. But it is perhaps best known as a city of potters, as it is here you find colorful, delicate and artistic pieces of pottery that are part of a great Moroccan tradition. Le Plus Grand Tajine Du Monde stands as the largest tagine in the world, a feat crafted by 200 artisans. Wind your way through Safi’s medina, a lively atmosphere of vendors selling carpets, leather, pottery and lighting pieces. The Kechla ruins bring the past to life with its preserved architecture of ancient cannons, crenelated walls and spectacular towers..

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

A natural gateway between two continents, the Strait of Gibraltar offers commanding views of both southern Spain and northern Morocco. As you sail this iconic channel, keep an eye out for the unmistakable silhouette of the Rock of Gibraltar rising from the sea, as well as distant mountain ranges and busy maritime traffic. This scenic navigation is both a symbolic crossing and a breathtaking moment—marking your passage between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

Located along the Costa del Sol of southeast Spain, Puerto Banús promises a tropical climate made for both adventurous explorations and laid-back relaxation. Just a few short miles east of the port lies the summer-paradise city of Marbella. It’s here you find the most Ferraris in all of Europe and some of the best golf courses for a luxurious getaway made for the discerning traveler.

Spain cuisine is famous for its tapas, and when in Marbella and Puerto Banús, gambas al pilpil (garlic prawns) are the go-to appetizer. Served in garlic, chili, and sizzling olive oil, this simple but mouthwatering dish makes an impression even on the most judicious tastebuds.

The Spanish city of Málaga along the Mediterranean’s Costa del Sol combines the simple, cosmopolitan feel with the quiet sleepiness of local fishing villages. A dive into the past starts with the ruins of the Roman amphitheater, its ancient stones creating the path that leads to Alcazaba Castle. When the sun goes down, the party starts at Plaza de la Constitucion. Energy thrums through the city streets as the residents come out for the night. Make your way to Granada to visit the famous Alhambra Palace, an outstanding example of Moorish architecture that attracts travelers from all around the world.

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.

Located along the Costa del Sol of southeast Spain, Puerto Banús promises a tropical climate made for both adventurous explorations and laid-back relaxation. Just a few short miles east of the port lies the summer-paradise city of Marbella. It’s here you find the most Ferraris in all of Europe and some of the best golf courses for a luxurious getaway made for the discerning traveler.

Spain cuisine is famous for its tapas, and when in Marbella and Puerto Banús, gambas al pilpil (garlic prawns) are the go-to appetizer. Served in garlic, chili, and sizzling olive oil, this simple but mouthwatering dish makes an impression even on the most judicious tastebuds.

With so much to see in the Andalusia region of Spain, Almería is often overlooked. But it holds an enchantment all its own, with fairytale castles amid colorful modern buildings. On Cabo de Gata Natural Park you find a spectacular beach of unspoiled sands and blue water with a backdrop of sand dunes, cacti and mountains. About 30 kilometers northwest of Almería you also find Desierto Tabernas, Europe’s only desert and setting of the famous Sergio Leone starring Clint Eastwood. Discover a local eatery in the quaint fishing town of Garrucha to sample the port’s famous red prawns, fresh-caught from the harbor.