Malaga - Lisbon Lively bazaars and charming islands of the Atlantic

Tangier is a Moroccan port city on the Strait of Gibraltar. The city, whose origins date back to the fifth century BC, is captivating with its lively medina and busy markets offering traditional handicrafts. The kasbah with its impressive Bab el Kasbah gate rises up over the city and offers fascinating insights into the past. You get a sense of a wide variety of influences in the narrow streets – from the Carthaginians to the Romans and the Moors, all have left the marks of their different cultures.

Modern life and historic charm go hand in hand in Casablanca. The lively metropolis is Morocco’s economic centre and offers an exciting mix of Arab or Muslim heritage and remnants from the French colonial period. The old town, also known as the medina, is inviting with its winding streets and numerous bazaars to wander around, while the art deco district and the Corniche promenade show the city’s modern side. At the end of the Corniche, you will see the majestic Hassan II Mosque and its minaret rising about 210 m (689 ft) into the blue sky: one of the largest mosques in the world, its architectural beauty and the glorious marble of the huge prayer hall are impressive.

Volcanoes and sandy beaches: Lanzarote is an interplay of colours. The island was formed about 20 million years ago and now boasts a variety of golden, black and almost white beaches. Turquoise bays, red-and-black volcanic landscapes and the green vineyards of La Geria reveal a unique and diverse natural landscape. Lanzarote and its sister island Fuerteventura – once joined and now separated by a narrow strait – both exude a magical appeal that cannot be found anywhere else.

Santa Cruz de la Palma, the capital of the “Isla Bonita” stretches between green hillsides and dark beaches. The colourful house facades and colonial palaces along the Calle Real and the Calle de San Sebastian exude traditional Canarian charm. La Palma, one of the smaller Canary Islands but with impressive scenery, is enticing with its romantic tapas bars, winding streets and beautiful dreamy backdrop. Walking along the cobbled streets, you will feel like you have been taken back to the glamorous times of the 17th century.

Tenerife, in the heart of the Canary Islands, is the largest and most populated island in the archipelago. Authors describe it as one of the “Isles of the Blessed” and visitors are enthralled by its picture of paradise. With idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, white dunes and lush vegetation, Tenerife is a place to dream about. Its landmark is the Pico de Teide, a majestic volcano that dominates the surrounding landscape. The island’s flora is surprising with a variety of protected species, most of which are native to the Canaries.

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is located on the slopes of a mountain range up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) high and, like the island on the whole, is known for its magnificent variety of flowers. Blessed with mild temperatures all year round, Madeira offers steep coastlines, green valleys and imposing peaks – a paradise for nature lovers. In the 16th century, Funchal was an important port for ships sailing to Africa and South America. Today, the focus is on the cultivation and trade of the famous Madeira wine. The seafront promenade Avenida do Mar extends from the old town to the fishing harbour and offers romantic views of the sea and the city lights, especially in the evening hours. Funchal combines natural beauty with cultural heritage and invites you to enjoy the island to the full.