Las Palmas – Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

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.

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.

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

The lava-formed landscapes of the island of Madeira call out to explorers to discover its lush scenery and rugged coastlines. The island’s capital and biggest town, Funchal, offers invigorating adventures like an elevated cable car ride ascending the green slopes up to Monte for incredible sky-high views. As you rise to the top you see a sprawling, lively city and at the end of the ride, the Madeira Botanical Gardens await with enchanting flora. You can find your way back down with a wooden toboggan ride. For the full Madeira experience, visit the Old Blandy Wine Lodge, a winery that has been in business for over 200 years.

Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal

One of the small islands of the Madeira archipelago, Porto Santo is renowned for warm waters, a long sandy beach and exceptional dive sites and has come to be known as the Golden Island. The island’s capital, Vila Baleira, holds a great deal to explore, from its main square Largo do Pelourinho to the Infante Gardens. Porto Santo’s main beach with the same name is by far its most popular and iconic landmark, rumored to have curative powers. For a more thrilling adventure, take a GeoSafari tour navigating mountain terrain.

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

Seville, Spain

With the only inland port in Spain – accessible only by small ship – and lying farther from the coastline than other port cities, Seville offers warmer temperatures that create a mild, Mediterranean climate perfect for sunny day explorations. And over 2,000 years of history make it an intriguing destination made for the curious mind.

Once the host grounds of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair, Maria Luisa park now stands as a lush paradise of verdant lawns, palm trees, and pristine ponds. From Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars franchise, Plaza de España has played a role in film history throughout the years and through many genres.

Seville, Spain

With the only inland port in Spain – accessible only by small ship – and lying farther from the coastline than other port cities, Seville offers warmer temperatures that create a mild, Mediterranean climate perfect for sunny day explorations. And over 2,000 years of history make it an intriguing destination made for the curious mind.

Once the host grounds of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair, Maria Luisa park now stands as a lush paradise of verdant lawns, palm trees, and pristine ponds. From Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars franchise, Plaza de España has played a role in film history throughout the years and through many genres.

Seville, Spain

With the only inland port in Spain – accessible only by small ship – and lying farther from the coastline than other port cities, Seville offers warmer temperatures that create a mild, Mediterranean climate perfect for sunny day explorations. And over 2,000 years of history make it an intriguing destination made for the curious mind.

Once the host grounds of the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition World’s Fair, Maria Luisa park now stands as a lush paradise of verdant lawns, palm trees, and pristine ponds. From Lawrence of Arabia to the Star Wars franchise, Plaza de España has played a role in film history throughout the years and through many genres.