Between island dreams and desert wind - Tenerife to Lisbon

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the cosmopolitan capital of the Canary Islands, balances volcanic grandeur with refined urban pleasures — from the Santiago Calatrava–designed Auditorio rising beside the Atlantic to the ancient dragon tree at Icod de los Vinos and the World Heritage Teide volcano looming above the island. The city's Carnival, second in scale only to Rio de Janeiro's, erupts each February in spectacular costumes and street revelry. Local wines from the volcanic slopes, wrinkled potatoes with mojo verde, and fresh Atlantic fish define the island's culinary character. November through April offers reliably warm, sun-drenched conditions.

El Hierro, the smallest and least-visited Canary Island, offers divers and snorkellers Europe's clearest waters at the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, alongside dramatic volcanic landscapes from the El Golfo amphitheatre to natural lava swimming pools. Must-dos include diving La Restinga's underwater arches, tasting the unique quesadilla herreña pastry, and hiking the primordial juniper forests. The mild Canarian climate makes this a rewarding year-round destination, with summer best for diving.

San Sebastian de la Gomera is the Canarian port from which Columbus sailed to the New World in 1492, gateway to the UNESCO-listed Garajonay laurel cloud forest and the whistled language of Silbo Gomero. Must-dos include hiking through the primeval Garajonay forest, hearing a Silbo Gomero demonstration, and tasting almogrote cheese spread with palm honey. Visit March through May for ideal hiking conditions and wildflowers.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a historic port city founded in 1478, offers a rich tapestry of culture, architecture, and culinary delights. Must-do experiences include sampling **papas arrugadas** at the Mercado de Vegueta and exploring the charming streets of Vegueta. The best time to visit is during the mild spring months when the weather is ideal for outdoor exploration.

Agadir is southern Morocco's premier coastal resort, rebuilt after a devastating 1960 earthquake into a modern city framed by a magnificent six-kilometer beach and the Atlas Mountains. Feast on just-caught sardines grilled at the harbor, shop for argan oil at the vast Souk El Had, and day-trip to the palm-shaded swimming pools of Paradise Valley. October through April provides ideal temperatures, with Azamara, Costa, and Viking calling at the commercial port.

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city, a striking fusion of Berber heritage, French colonial art deco architecture, and contemporary ambition anchored by the towering Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic shore. Visitors should not miss the Central Market's freshly grilled seafood and a half-day excursion to the imperial capital Rabat or the UNESCO-listed fortress of Aït Ben Haddou. The optimal season for cruising into Casablanca is April through June or September through November, when temperatures hover between twenty and twenty-seven degrees and the Atlantic light renders the white city at its most luminous.

Tangier is Morocco's storied gateway between Africa and Europe, a city of Phoenician origins where a whitewashed medina, vibrant souks, and a cosmopolitan waterfront converge at the Strait of Gibraltar. Visitors should not miss savouring traditional pastilla in a rooftop riad and exploring the Kasbah's amber-lit ramparts at sunset. The ideal season to arrive is April through June or September through October, when mild Mediterranean temperatures and fewer crowds allow the city's layered beauty to reveal itself at an unhurried, luxurious pace.

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory perched at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic beneath an iconic limestone monolith steeped in over a millennium of contested history. No visit is complete without ascending the Rock to encounter the Barbary macaques and the panoramic views stretching to North Africa, followed by a plate of calentita — the territory's beloved Genoese-heritage chickpea bake — at a Main Street bakery. The mild Mediterranean climate makes Gibraltar a rewarding port call year-round, though spring and early autumn offer the clearest skies for spotting whales and dolphins in the Strait.

Lisbon, Portugal's enchanting capital, stands out for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Must-try experiences include savoring local dishes like bacalhau à brás and pastéis de nata at Mercado da Ribeira. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the city is alive with festivals and events.