Lisbon - Mallorca Portugal, Spain and France: Mediterranean masterpiece in four acts

The copper-red cliffs along the Algarve coast, which rise 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.

“Welcome” and “bienvenidos” – Gibraltar welcomes you to a melting pot of history. You will be able to sense the history of the British conquest as well as the Spanish influence. Spend a couple of hours ashore and conquer the most exciting parts of Gibraltar for yourself – follow in the footsteps of Lord Nelson and see the illuminated limestone network of St Michael’s Cave and the Victorian and Georgian buildings. A varied history, closely associated with the Moors, surrounds the mighty limestone cliffs in the strait between Europe and Africa. With luck, you might be able to see the only free-roaming monkeys in Europe here. Right opposite is Tangier, the gateway to Africa.

Almeria is nestled in a wide bay, framed by the mountain ranges of the Sierra de Gador, the Sierra Alhamilla and the majestic Sierra Nevada with peaks over 3,000 m (9,842 ft) high. The impressive Moorish Alcazaba towers over lively, narrow streets and whitewashed houses. The city also delights visitors with its historic harbour, the modern Museum of Almeria and the baroque cathedral, which also served as a fortress. Numerous squares, small cafes and bustling markets lend the old town its authentic charm.

A place that was once bathed in Roman glory and now oozes Mediterranean charm – Tarragona brings together the past and the present. The ancient amphitheatre rises up above the sea and tells a story of times long past, while the narrow streets of the old town tell of life in Catalonia. Here the voices of the people mix with the sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs. Tarragona is a piece of earth where the past and present come together in perfect harmony and the warmth of the Mediterranean permeates everything.

Sete is found where the sea meets poetry and it’s the home of the famous chanson singer Georges Brassens. Born here, he continues to give the city its poetic soul to this day. The charming coastal town is often referred to as the “Venice of Languedoc”, nestled between the inland lagoon of Etang de Thau and the open sea. Fishing boats bob alongside elegant yachts and canals run through the town centre. One of Brassens’s songs provides a fitting motto for your visit: “Il suffit de passer le pont, c’est tout de suite l’aventure.” – “All you have to do is cross the bridge and the adventure begins.” Follow his musical advice, whether it’s strolling along the Canal Royal, exploring the historic district or enjoying fresh seafood in the lively restaurants. Sete is not just a port, but also a feeling – authentic, lively and profoundly French.

Sanary-sur-Mer lies between gently rolling lavender fields and the azure-blue sea. The pretty little harbour is considered one of the most authentic on the French Mediterranean coast. A quiet retreat for artists, writers and travellers with an appreciation for beauty. Pastel-coloured houses line the old fishing harbour, where colourful pointus – traditional wooden boats – still bob up and down today. In the 1930s, Sanary became a refuge for German intellectuals such as Thomas Mann, Bertolt Brecht and Stefan Zweig. Soak up this quiet literary aura in the lanes and sunny squares. But Sanary is also a place of culinary indulgence: colourful markets sell fresh fruit, olives and cheese, while small restaurants invite you to enjoy bouillabaisse and rose wine. The Notre Dame de Pitie chapel stands high above the town, offering a scenic panorama of the coast and the vast blue sea.

Away from the glare of the spotlights, you will discover a city that is much more than just a stage for stars and films. Do you not just want to visit the Palais where the renowned film festival takes place every year? Behind the Promenade de la Croisette, a different Cannes beings: alleys protected from the sun in the old town district of Le Suquet, old stone steps, the scent of bougainvillea and freshly baked madeleines. The origins of the city lie high above the harbour – with the Gothic church of Notre-Dame d’Esperance and a tranquil view of the bay. Relax and go with the flow and discover Provencal charm instead of pomp – such as locals enjoying an aperitif under the plane trees. The Rue Meynadier smells of cheese, olives and lavender soap. As you relax on one of the golden beaches, you will realise why the film festival trophy is called the Golden Palm.

The impressive citadel, the proud landmark that towers over the Gulf of Calvi, stands out from afar. Situated on a rocky outcrop, the fortress has withstood numerous attacks over the centuries and provides stunning views of the Cinto massif with Corsica’s highest mountain. Behind the mighty walls, the charming old town unfolds with its winding lanes and historic buildings that invite you to admire and explore. Shaped by the Genoese between the 12th and 15th centuries, Calvi remained loyal to them during the Corsican struggle for freedom, as the motto “Civitas Calvi semper fidelis” (“The city of Calvi is always loyal”) attests. The mix of history, nature and culture makes Calvi a fascinating holiday destination on Corsica.

Wonders begin where France ends: Bonifacio is perched high above the Mediterranean Sea at the southern tip of Corsica. The town is nestled on the white limestone cliffs like a swallow’s nest. Opposite, just a few nautical miles away, lies Sardinia. In the narrow streets of the medieval upper town, small boutiques, studios and shops invite you browse and explore. From here, descend to the sheltered natural harbour – turquoise blue, vibrant and full of Mediterranean ease. Cafes and restaurants line the pier, ideal for your individual shore visit. The city is history carved in stone: battlements, walls and the King of Aragon’s staircase – with more than 180 steps, a 45-degree incline and carved directly into the cliff. Bonifacio is not just a dot on the map, but an exclamation mark in your explorer’s logbook.

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.