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.

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.

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.

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.

Rabat (Casablanca), 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.

Safi (Marrakesh), Morocco

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. This coastal town is the perfect primer for the red city, Marrakesh. Once there, enjoy the sights and sounds of the local artists performing for the crowds at the Jemaa el-Fnaa market before heading to the old medina where it is customary to haggle for your purchases. There, discover a maze of narrow streets and magical souks that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where very little has changed since its founding in 1070.

Agadir, Morocco

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.

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.

Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura), Canary Islands

Off of the African coast, in the resplendent province of Las Palmas, Fuerteventura was the first of the Canary Islands to start emerging from the Atlantic Ocean millions of years ago. Its topography is unlike anywhere in the world, which is why it has earned the designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Explore the austere landscapes of Puerto del Rosario, the capital, and be amazed by the beauty of its rolling hills, a landscape that is outshined only by heavenly, golden-sand beaches along the coast. With strong wind and glorious waves, it is the destination for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

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.