Leixoes (Porto) - Sal Madeira, Canary Islands and Cape Verde: idyllic sunny destinations off Africa’s coast

After the cruise on the Tagus, its wide estuary opens up and takes you into the port of Lisbon, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. In view of the monument to Henry the Navigator, the foray with your experts on board into the history of Portugal as a former naval power is particularly apt. The famous seafarer Vasco da Gama also found his final resting place here. Lisbon is as colourful as its history, with its blue tiles, pink walls and yellow trams. On a walk around the city centre, you can explore the pretty Arabic streets in the medieval Alfama district. In the museum of the Presidential Palace in Belem, learn about the role of the head of state and the history of the national symbols. Perhaps you will also follow in the footsteps of Fernando Pessoa, the most famous Portuguese poet of the 20th century, as you wander through the picturesque streets or fall in love with the city over and over again on excursions*.

Discover Porto Santo, Madeira’s sister island. This little gem has some of the best beaches in Europe with miles of fine, golden sand to relax on. But Porto Santo is more than just a beach paradise: in the island’s interior, a hike* in the rolling hills, including Pico do Facho and Pico do Castelo, will reward you with breathtaking views over the sea and the surrounding volcanic landscape. History lovers can follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, who lived on the island for a while – the house he stayed in is now a museum you can visit. The peace of Porto Santo, coupled with a hint of adventure, means every experience becomes a discovery of its own: on a hike through the rugged but fascinating natural scenery or along the coast, where with luck you may be able to observe whales and dolphins.

The island group of Madeira also includes Ilha Deserta Grande, an uninhabited nature reserve with rare Mediterranean monk seals. If the local authorities give the green light, the Zodiacs will take you ashore for a tour with a local ranger. The windswept landscape has its own story to tell: “Deserta“ is the Portuguese word for “deserted“. Here you can see a rugged natural landscape of craggy volcanic slopes in a colourful display of ochre, brown and deep sea blue. Seabirds nest in the cliffs, while the waters are rich in marine life – with barracuda, rays and sometimes dolphins. On this island, you are just a guest in a world belonging to nature.

It’s hard to believe that there are so many surprising sides to Madeira. During your spectacular arrival in the port of Funchal, you will have a view over the high mountains that surround the capital of the archipelago. The historic streets exude the southern way of life and the gastronomy is impressive with fresh fish and the famous Madeira wine. Madeira is a paradise for hikers: winding roads and paths in the island’s interior will take you off the beaten track to see some idyllic views. The craggy peaks and deep valleys invite you to explore the wilderness. On hikes* with your experts, you will time and again come across levadas – ancient stone irrigation channels that wind their way through the scenery for some 3,000 km (1,864 mi.). Are you ready to discover the secrets and beauties of this green oasis in the Atlantic? Enjoy the flair long after sunset, because your ship will stay overnight here.

The colour of La Gomera is green – in all its beautiful shades. The second-smallest island in the Canaries is a world full of unspoilt nature and wild beauty. The densely forested Garonjay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly impressive. In this mysterious cloud forest of ancient laurel trees, time seems to stand still, while waterfalls and moss-covered paths invite you on some magical hikes. The coastline features steep cliffs, black beaches and hidden bays. The colonial centre of the small town of San Sebastian is ideal for an independent stroll to visit the Casa de Colon: the site of a previous house where Colombus once stayed, it is now a museum devoted to the nautical history of La Gomera. Another special feature of the island is its unique language: in the past, the people of La Gomera used the El Silbo language, a system consisting of whistling sounds, to communicate over large distances.

La Palma is often called “La Isla Bonita” and it’s a real beauty of the Canary Islands. The island has the trade winds, which bring clouds and therefore rain and fog, to thank for its lush, green vegetation. The tiny island, formed entirely by a volcano, rises up over 6,000 m (19,685 ft) from the sea bed, around 4,000 m (13,123 ft) of which is below the water. At its centre lies the impressive Caldera de Taburiente, a national park full of gorges, waterfalls and hiking trails that lead through the lush green vegetation. On the coast, wild beaches with black lava sand are interspersed with idyllic fishing villages, where you can really get a sense of the slow pace of island life. La Palma is a paradise for hikers, as well as for stargazers: the clear skies and strict anti-light pollution regulations have made the island an internationally recognised centre of astronomy. After sunset, make the deck of your expedition ship your own observatory.

Cape Verde invites you on a discovery tour full of contrasts. Each of the islands has its own individual character and charm, as well as its own history.

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.

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.

Sao Nicolau, a mountainous and relatively small island in the north of the archipelago, is a real insider tip for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. With Monte Gordo as its highest point, the island offers a fascinating landscape of rugged mountains, dry coastlines and green valleys. The vibrant coastal town of Tarrafal in the south lives from fishing, and here everything revolves around the sea.

Fogo in the south of the archipelago is a mighty volcano surrounding the Pico do Fogo, the highest mountain on Cape Verde. In the fire island’s volcanic landscape, explore bizarre lava formations that come to resemble figures as your imagination takes flight. Along the coast, you will discover black lava beaches scattered with colourful fishing boats. On a walk through Sao Filipe, immerse yourself in the exciting island life.

Boa Vista, the pearl of Cape Verde, boasts endless sandy beaches, barren desert landscapes and extensive date plantations. Once dominated by the salt trade, today you will find fishermen, musicians and artisans here. The island offers space for relaxation, but also for encounters with the authentic, unspoilt life of Cape Verde. Sal Rei, the lively capital, is located on a sheltered bay and forms the centre of culture and trade.