Majestic Morocco & Iberia

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.

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 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.

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. For one of the best views of Cádiz, climb to the top of the Torre Tavira, one of the many watchtowers that dot the city. It’s also host to a camera obscura, where, in a dark room, you can get a live tour of the city through the lens of a giant pinhole camera that’s mounted on top of the tower. Set out toward the Donana National Park, Spain’s largest protected oasis and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

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.

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.