Curacao - Tenerife Sunshine in pastels and poetry

Aruba’s reputation as a paradise precedes the island by far. In the south-west, endless white beaches shimmer, gently lapped by the turquoise sea. In the north-east, in contrast, rugged rocky coasts and barren cactus landscapes characterise the wild and romantic landscape. Oranjestad, the lively capital, is also located in the midst of this picturesque backdrop, its candy-coloured houses in Dutch colonial style shining in the sun. Stroll through elegant shopping streets and let yourself be enchanted by the Caribbean flair. If you’re looking for an original photo motif, you’ll find it at the Stadhuis: the bright-green-and-white town hall is a real gem. Fancy a break on the beach? Then the palm-fringed beaches of Druif Beach and Manchebo Beach are not far away.

On the south-western coast of Grenada lies St. George’s, one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the Caribbean. The natural harbour of Carenage and the colourful colonial houses give the Grenadian capital its typical appeal. The pretty lanes and historic buildings of the old town invite you to explore, while small restaurants and shops around the harbour and along Melville Street and Lagoon Road form the heart of the tourist centre. A walk up the hill above the city to the former French Fort Frederick offers a magnificent panoramic view of the entire bay.

Surrounded by white sandy beaches and green hills, Marigot Bay is one of the most idyllic bays in the Caribbean: it invites you to swim, snorkel and relax and is a popular place for sailors to drop anchor. Charming restaurants line the shore and offer a selection of local and international cuisine. Its peaceful atmosphere makes Marigot Bay the perfect retreat for enjoying the beauty of nature and the Caribbean way of life.

On Sao Vicente, immerse yourself in life on Cape Verde in its cultural capital, Mindelo. The African influence is unmistakeable here: smell the exotic scents, hear the music in the air and listen to the women loudly selling their wares at the market. The windswept beaches on the island, which are popular with kitesurfers and sun worshippers, contrast with the arid, moon-like scenery. Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere until the evening hours because your ship has an overnight lay time here.

A genuine hiker’s paradise is revealed on Santo Antao, an island dominated by mountains, wind and water. Here you will find a world of dramatic mountains, deep valleys and lush vegetation – and your route will be lined by protected dragon trees. You will see why the island is one of the most diverse in Cape Verde in places such as fertile Paul Valley, an El Dorado for nature lovers.

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 Calle Real and Calle de San Sebastian exude traditional Canarian charm. In the narrow streets, small tapas bars and cafes invite you to while away some time, while the cobblestone pavements and baroque city palaces bring the splendour of centuries past back to life. Santa Cruz is the heart of the island – charming, culturally rich and full of soul.