Funchal (Madeira) - Palma de Mallorca Madeiran marvels and the Iberian peninsula

Funchal, the picturesque capital of Madeira, boasts fascinating geology and breathtaking nature. Highlights include the Pico do Arieiro, an impressive summit with spectacular views, the Madeira Botanical Garden with its diverse flora, and the impressive Cabo Girao, one of the highest cliffs in Europe. Explore the famous levadas or irrigation channels on hikes and discover the rich flora and fauna. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Mercado dos Lavradores, a traditional market, and enjoy local delicacies.

A long golden sandy beach stretches 9 km (5.6 mi.) along the coast of Porto Santo, around 42 km (26.1 mi.) north-east of Madeira. The small island attracts visitors with its Portuguese lifestyle, great restaurants, hiking trails and water sports options – perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. Alongside the fascinating basalt formations of Pico de Ana Ferreira, visitors can also immerse themselves in history: Casa Colombo – Museu do Porto Santo is dedicated to the famous navigator Columbus, who is said to have once lived on the island.

The copper-red cliffs along the Algarve coast, which rise up almost vertically from the deep-blue sea, make Portimao a real highlight. The charming old town and the marina are perfect for relaxed walks, while the Praia da Rocha – an endless, golden shimmering beach – invites you to enjoy soaking up some rays of sun. Numerous other bays, dune islands and crystal-clear water are perfect for beach days at your own leisure, which will quickly make you forget the everyday.

The white buildings of Cadiz appear on the horizon, while the golden domes of the cathedral reflect the bright blue sky. The screeches of seagulls and the sound of the waves are carried on the wind. Cadiz, with its history dating back over 3,000 years, was once a lively trading centre. Today, the city retains its pride in its majestic palaces, the Miradores, which offer a breathtaking view over the endless sea. And as you approach the long sandy beach, you almost expect Halle Berry to emerge from the waves – as she did in the famous James Bond scene filmed here.

Marbella on the Costa del Sol appeals to visitors thanks to its sophisticated charm and long history: originally founded by the Phoenicians, in the mid-1950s the city started to become a meeting point for the international jet set. Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe made the Marbella Club the place to be, and in the 1970s Arab aristocrats like the Saudi King and the Emirs of Abu Dhabi and Qatar arrived in town. Today, the newly renovated seafront promenade and the charming little streets around the Plaza de los Naranjos are a great place for a stroll. Numerous bars, restaurants and luxury boutiques add to the special atmosphere of Marbella – a city where tradition and modernity come together in harmony.

Valencia impresses with its age-old buildings and modern architecture. The heart of the old town is the Plaza de la Reina with its magnificent cathedral, with a bell tower offering fantastic views over the city. It’s well worth taking a walk around the Mercado Central, where local specialities await culinary enthusiasts. Futuristic charm comes from the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies, an impressive complex of buildings and parkland designed by Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela and incorporating an opera, science museum and aquarium.

First-class restaurants, breathtaking views and a lively nightlife – Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, combines historic sights with modern charm. Stretched out along palm-lined promenades, the cultural centre of the city is Passeig des Born, where exclusive shops and tapas bars will tempt you in. The old town, criss-crossed by narrow streets, is dominated by the impressive Gothic cathedral, La Seu, while the former merchants’ stock exchange, Llotja de Palma, is another architectural highlight of the city. Its blend of Mediterranean charm and vibrant urban life makes Palma a perfect destination.