Canaries, Morocco & More

Alicante, a captivating coastal city on Spain’s Costa Blanca, enchants visitors with its blend of rich history, Mediterranean charm, and vibrant nightlife. Dominated by the impressive Santa Bárbara Castle perched on Mount Benacantil, the city offers sweeping views of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea and the bustling streets below. This 9th-century fortress, one of Spain's largest medieval castles, provides a fascinating glimpse into Alicante’s past, from its Moorish origins to its role in various sieges and battles. Today, the castle is a must-visit site, complete with guided tours, museums, and breathtaking vistas of Alicante’s shimmering coastline and urban sprawl.

The city’s historic quarter, El Barrio, is a maze of narrow, winding streets, colorful houses, and charming squares. Here, you can explore Alicante’s cultural treasures, like the Co-Cathedral of St. Nicholas, a stunning example of Spanish Baroque architecture. The area comes alive at night with its vibrant tapas bars, traditional taverns, and lively plazas, offering an authentic taste of Alicante’s nightlife. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies such as "arroz a banda" (a seafood rice dish) and "turrón" (a nougat confection) while soaking in the atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.

Alicante’s beautiful Explanada de España promenade is another highlight, famous for its distinctive wavy mosaic tiles and lined with palm trees. Stretching along the harbor, this vibrant walkway is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, dotted with cafes, artisan stalls, and street performers. Just a stone's throw away is Playa del Postiguet, a sandy beach right in the heart of the city, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching. With its warm climate and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Alicante is a year-round destination that caters to sunseekers and beach lovers alike.

Fun fact: Alicante is renowned for its annual festival, Las Hogueras de San Juan (Bonfires of Saint John), which takes place in June and marks the arrival of summer. The festival is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and the burning of large satirical effigies made of wood and papier-mâché, creating a spectacular and unforgettable experience for visitors.

Perched at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Gibraltar is a captivating destination where British and Mediterranean influences seamlessly blend. Dominated by the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, this British Overseas Territory is a haven for travelers seeking both adventure and history. The Rock itself is a limestone monolith that stands 426 meters high and offers breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. A ride on the cable car to the summit unveils these stunning vistas, alongside a chance to encounter Gibraltar's famous Barbary macaques, Europe's only wild monkey population.

Gibraltar's rich history is etched into its landscape. The Great Siege Tunnels, carved into the Rock during the late 18th century, are a testament to the ingenuity of British soldiers defending the territory against French and Spanish forces. Today, these tunnels are part of the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, which also houses St. Michael's Cave, a mesmerizing natural grotto used for concerts and events due to its remarkable acoustics. Wander down to the historic city center to explore Casemates Square, the heart of Gibraltar’s social life, where lively cafes and restaurants spill out onto cobbled streets and visitors can soak in the lively ambiance.

For those intrigued by Gibraltar's military and cultural significance, the Gibraltar National Museum offers a comprehensive look at the territory’s 2,000-year history, from the Phoenicians to World War II. Just a short stroll away is the Moorish Castle, built in the 8th century and symbolizing Gibraltar's strategic importance throughout the ages. The castle's Tower of Homage, with its commanding views, serves as a reminder of the diverse civilizations that have left their mark on Gibraltar's soil.

Fun fact: The Rock of Gibraltar is one of the two Pillars of Hercules, the ancient mythological gateways to the Mediterranean. According to Greek mythology, Hercules separated Europe from Africa, creating the Strait of Gibraltar. Today, the territory remains a unique blend of history, myth, and natural beauty, offering a distinctive travel experience that caters to both the adventurous spirit and the culturally curious traveler.

Islamic and French influences blend together in charming Casablanca, Morocco’s iconic coastal city. Frequently used as a port for Spanish and Mediterranean cruises, Casablanca lies halfway between Marrakesh and Fes and is the perfect entryway for exploring the rest of Morocco. Casablanca’s most notable sites include the Hassan II Mosque, which towers over the glittering coastline and is one of Africa’s largest mosques, as well as the Ancienne Medina neighborhood, an old French-style quarter with plenty of delightful local markets and cafés. Stroll along the Corniche promenade, which follows Casablanca’s long stretch of beach, for spectacular views of the ocean at sunset, or visit the Mohammed V Square, lined with enormous palm trees, for easy access to the city center and a number of restaurants. Start your next African adventure in eclectic Casablanca!

Agadir, a vibrant coastal city in southwestern Morocco, is renowned for its beautiful beaches and modern amenities. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is famous for its long, sandy coastline which stretches for over 10 kilometers (6 miles). The city's beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and engaging in water sports such as surfing and jet skiing. Agadir's temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers, makes it a year-round destination for beachgoers.

Agadir's rich history is complemented by its modern appeal. Following a devastating earthquake in 1960, the city was rebuilt with a blend of contemporary Moroccan and international architecture. One of the city's key landmarks is the Agadir Kasbah, a fortress built in 1541. Though it was severely damaged in the earthquake, the Kasbah still offers panoramic views of the city and the ocean.

For a taste of Moroccan culture, Agadir's souks and markets are bustling with activity. The Agadir Souk El Had, the city’s largest market, provides a colorful array of local crafts, spices, and textiles. Visitors can explore traditional Moroccan cuisine, from fresh seafood to delectable pastries.

Fun fact: Agadir is home to the annual Agadir International Music Festival, which celebrates a diverse range of music genres and attracts artists from around the globe. This festival, usually held in late summer, adds a vibrant cultural dimension to the city’s lively atmosphere. For the best experience, consider visiting Agadir from March to May or September to November, when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are lower.

Nestled on the sun-drenched southern coast of Madeira, Funchal, the island's capital, offers an enchanting mix of old-world charm, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. This picturesque city, set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and the deep blue Atlantic Ocean, is known for its lush botanical gardens, stunning vistas, and year-round mild climate. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic Old Town, Zona Velha, where colorful murals adorn the doors of traditional Madeiran houses, or visit the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores, a lively market where locals sell fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. The aromas of exotic fruits, spices, and fresh seafood will transport you into the heart of Madeira's unique culinary heritage.

For a breathtaking view of Funchal, take the cable car from the Old Town up to the hilltop village of Monte. Here, you can explore the beautiful Monte Palace Tropical Garden, a verdant paradise filled with exotic plants, Koi ponds, and Asian-inspired sculptures. Don't miss the exhilarating toboggan ride down the winding streets of Monte – a traditional Madeiran experience where you’ll be whisked downhill in a wicker basket sled, guided by skilled carreiros. For those interested in history, the 15th-century Sé Cathedral, with its intricate wooden ceiling and striking Manueline-style architecture, offers a glimpse into Funchal's colonial past.

Funchal is also renowned for its wine and its namesake Madeira wine, a fortified wine that has been produced on the island for centuries. Wine lovers can visit the Blandy’s Wine Lodge, the oldest winery in Madeira, to learn about the island's rich viticultural history and enjoy tastings of different styles of Madeira wine, from dry to sweet. Afterward, wander along the Avenida do Mar, a scenic promenade that runs along Funchal’s waterfront, where you can relax at one of the many cafes while watching yachts and cruise ships glide by.

Fun fact: Funchal is known for its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display, which was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 2006 as the largest fireworks display in the world. Every year, the skies over Funchal Bay light up in a mesmerizing explosion of colors, attracting thousands of visitors to Madeira to celebrate the New Year in unforgettable style.