Las Palmas to Lisbon

Visitors seeking shelter from the cold winter have long known about the sun-drenched Canary Islands. About 60 miles from the North African coast, Gran Canaria enjoys a mild, spring-like climate year round. Of the seven islands in the small chain, Gran Canaria is the most popular and boasts Las Palmas as its capital. This bustling Spanish city was founded in 1478 and some of the original buildings still stand. Golden beaches offer a serene contrast to the lush and rugged interior terrain. For a real treat, admire the fine beaches from the top of Bandama, one of Gran Canarias extinct volcanoes.

Funchal is the capital city of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago. It’s backed by hills, and known for its harbor, gardens and Madeira wine cellars. The centuries-old Funchal Cathedral, which mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles, is notable for its carved wooden ceiling. Fronting the harbor is the São Tiago Fortress, built in the 1600s. It now houses the Contemporary Art Museum, with a large collection of Portuguese works.

Funchal is the capital city of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago. It’s backed by hills, and known for its harbor, gardens and Madeira wine cellars. The centuries-old Funchal Cathedral, which mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles, is notable for its carved wooden ceiling. Fronting the harbor is the São Tiago Fortress, built in the 1600s. It now houses the Contemporary Art Museum, with a large collection of Portuguese works.

The largest and most populated island of the seven which make up the Canary Archipelago, Tenerife lies northwest of the African continent. Its shape is triangular and was formed as a result of the massive volcanic eruptions, which once dominated the area. The island’s original economy was based on agriculture, including the harvesting of bananas, potatoes and tomatoes. However, new industrial products and activities, such as oil, tobacco and paper mills, have slowly emerged. Nonetheless, tourism remains the main industry of Tenerife.

Named for the many volcanic rock reefs and islets along the coast that form the city’s magnificent seafront promenade, Arrecife originated in the 15th century as a small fishing and is today an urban metropolis. The primary pedestrian shopping street, Calle León y Castillo, hosts a wide range of shops and cafés, while the city’s hub is concentrated around El Charco de San Gines, a lagoon surrounded by fishermen’s houses.

Apopular destination for sun-worshippers, Agadir is revered for its stunning beach. It is the center of the Barbary Coast’s chic resort area and enjoys a temperate climate year-round. A modern city, Agadir was completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake struck in 1960. In sharp contrast, the nearby antique city of Taroudant makes a pleasant destination for explorers.

With visions of Bergman and Bogart filling the imagination, it’s easy to explore the French-colonial design and narrow alleyways of the old Medina, and bargain-filled souks are reminders of mysterious days past. Yet this gleaming city has a firm grasp on the 21st century and today encompasses broad palm-lined boulevards, attractive public parks and soaring high-rises.

Discover the world’s last colonial empire, turned bustling cosmopolitan city. Lisbon has dozens of Moorish castles, pastel buildings, and white sand beaches to explore. This Atlantic-coast city perfectly encapsulates Mediterranean charm with its wine, food, and architecture.