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.

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.

San Sebastian (La Gomera), Canary Islands, Spain

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.

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.

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.

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

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.