Tenerife - Sal Expedition Canary Islands and Cape Verde: adventure off the coast of Africa

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.

Santa Cruz de la Palma is the charming capital of La Palma, known for its colonial architecture and rich maritime history. Must-do experiences include savoring local dishes like "papas arrugadas" and exploring the stunning landscapes of Taburiente National Park. The best time to visit is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor adventures.

Cape Verde is a volcanic Atlantic archipelago off West Africa, birthplace of morna music (made famous by Cesária Évora) and a vibrant Creole culture blending African, Portuguese, and maritime traditions. Must-dos include live music in Mindelo, hiking Santo Antão's dramatic valleys, and tasting Fogo's volcanic wine. November through June offers the driest, sunniest conditions.

Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente, is Cape Verde's cultural capital — a harbour city of pastel colonial facades, vibrant street art, and the soulful musical heritage of Cesária Évora. Visitors should savour *cachupa rica* at a waterfront restaurant and take the ferry to Santo Antão for world-class hiking through terraced volcanic valleys. The best time to call is between November and June, when the trade winds temper the tropical heat and transatlantic cruise itineraries converge on Porto Grande's magnificent natural bay.

Tarrafal, São Nicolau Island, Cape Verde, opens a window onto Africa's extraordinary blend of natural grandeur, cultural vitality, and warm hospitality. Visitors should explore the local markets and venture into the surrounding landscapes for wildlife encounters of genuine wonder. The most favorable conditions occur December through April, during the dry season when skies are clearest and seas are calmest. Cruise lines including Ponant feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.

Fogo is the volcanic crown of the Cape Verde archipelago, dominated by the 2,829-meter Pico do Fogo — one of the Atlantic's most active volcanoes — with a caldera community producing remarkable high-altitude wines on volcanic soil. Must-do experiences include hiking to Pico do Fogo's summit crater, tasting volcanic wine in the Chã das Caldeiras, and exploring São Filipe's colonial architecture. November through June offers the driest conditions, with December-February providing the coolest temperatures for summit hiking.

Santiago is a dynamic port city in Chile, celebrated for its rich history and vibrant culture. Must-do experiences include indulging in traditional dishes like "pastel de choclo" and exploring the Mercado Central. The best season to visit is during the spring (September to November) or fall (March to May), when the weather is mild and the city is alive with local festivities.

Sal Rei is the relaxed capital of Boa Vista, Cape Verde's easternmost island, surrounded by some of the longest and emptiest white-sand beaches in the Atlantic and warmed by the gentle Cape Verdean spirit of morabeza. Must-dos include walking the eighteen-kilometer Praia de Santa Mónica, watching loggerhead turtles nest (February–June), and savoring catchupa stew with a cold local beer. November through June offers the most comfortable temperatures and steady trade winds.

Palmeira, Cape Verde, opens a window onto Africa's extraordinary blend of natural grandeur, cultural vitality, and warm hospitality. Visitors should explore the local markets and venture into the surrounding landscapes for wildlife encounters of genuine wonder. The most favorable conditions occur December through April, during the dry season when skies are clearest and seas are calmest. Cruise lines including Hapag-Lloyd Cruises feature this port on their most compelling itineraries. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, the port rewards exploration at every pace and in every direction.