Mallorca - Tenerife Southern Europe’s sunny mosaics

Forests, vineyards, rolling hills and unspoilt bays for bathing: the natural beauty of Mahon, the capital of Menorca, is captivating. White houses cling to the hillsides above the deep-blue natural harbour – one of the biggest in the world. The scent of tapas wafts through the narrow streets of the old town and people’s laughter rings out from the little bars and marketplaces. The fortress of La Mola stands guard over the harbour like a silent witness to the past. The coastline is inviting with its crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkelling, while the millennia-old caves at Cales Coves will enchant you with their fascinating prehistoric history of the island.

The Catalan capital Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city after Madrid, impresses with its unique blend of history, culture and modern life. At its centre is the Plaza de Cataluna, from where Roman ruins, the medieval old town and famous modern architecture including Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Mila and Casa Batllo can be reached on foot. The Sagrada Familia, Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, has been drawing visitors under its spell since 1882. One of the most famous streets in the city is Las Ramblas, an avenue stretching 1.3 km (0.8 mi.) from the port into the city centre and forming the heart of Barcelona with its flower sellers, newspaper kiosks, street musicians and cafes.

Ibiza, the third-largest of the Balearic Islands, is known for its blend of peaceful bays and lively party beaches. The island’s capital, Ibiza Town, combines modern flair with historical elements: Founded by the Phoenicians in the seventh century BC, the mighty Moorish fortified walls of Dalt Vila still dominate the townscape today and in 1999 the old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as its famous nightlife, Ibiza also offers beautiful scenery like the Ses Salines Natural Park in the south of the island, which is famous for its plants and bird life that thrive in saline conditions and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The long lay time time allows you to relax and unwind at the end of the day.

Andalusia’s second-largest city exudes the scent of orange groves and the heat of the sun, which shines over the Bay of Malaga. The majestic Montes de Malaga mountain range is just a few kilometres north of the city, whereas the 130 m (426 ft) high Gibralfaro rises up in the city centre: from the walls of the Castillo de Gibralfaro, you can see Malaga in all its beauty – with the old town dominated by the elegant towers of the cathedral, one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Beneath the castle are the romantic gardens of the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, a great place to while away some time. Wine lovers will appreciate the fertile soils of the Vega, which produce wines like Pedro Ximenez. Malaga is a feast for all the senses.

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.

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.

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. Thanks to the long lay time, you’ll enjoy fascinating experiences until the evening hours.

Gran Canaria’s lively capital, Las Palmas, combines culture and beaches in a unique way. In the old town of Vegueta, cobbled streets, colonial facades and the Cathedral of Santa Ana reveal the beauty of centuries past, while Las Canteras beach invites you to enjoy the relaxed island life right in the heart of the metropolis. Gran Canaria itself fascinates visitors with its extraordinary natural diversity: the famous Maspalomas dunes stretch out to the south while the mighty Roque Nublo mountain towers over the centre as a landmark. Hiking trails lead through pine and laurel forests, past extinct volcanic craters and up to Pico de la Nieves, the second-highest point on the island, where breathtaking views can be enjoyed.

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. Take advantage of the long lay time and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Laurel forests, shrouded in mystical fog, shape the wild beauty of La Gomera. Garajonay National Park tells a story of ancient times, when nature still played the leading role. The coasts drop dramatically into the sea and El Silbo, the whistled language of the Indigenous people, rings through the valleys. From the summits, there are views over the unending blue of the Atlantic, where the waves gently lap against the rugged cliffs. La Gomera is a place full of secrets and magic, a paradise for explorers and dreamers.