Funchal is a picturesque city on the island of Madeira, Portugal, known for its stunning natural beauty, botanic gardens, charming old town, and lively markets. The sub-tropical island of Madeira was the favored retreat of Sir Winston Churchill – a blissful island wonderland of rugged mountains, colorful flowers and ornate architecture. Once ashore, enjoy browsing through local shops that boast an array of intricate embroidery, vibrant tapestries and detailed wickerwork. Sample the famed Madeira wine while relaxing in one of the island's numerous cafés.

Funchal is a picturesque city on the island of Madeira, Portugal, known for its stunning natural beauty, botanic gardens, charming old town, and lively markets. The sub-tropical island of Madeira was the favored retreat of Sir Winston Churchill – a blissful island wonderland of rugged mountains, colorful flowers and ornate architecture. Once ashore, enjoy browsing through local shops that boast an array of intricate embroidery, vibrant tapestries and detailed wickerwork. Sample the famed Madeira wine while relaxing in one of the island's numerous cafés.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a city steeped in history. The island's spectrum of vistas goes from sea to sky, from golden beaches to lush mountains, including the stunning UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Anaga Mountain. As the vibrant capital of the island, Santa Cruz offers a plethora of activities; enjoy the historic downtown (where you can admire the colonial architecture and visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception) or relax on the golden sands of Playa de las Teresitas. Culinary enthusiasts won't be left wanting either - savor local Canarian dishes, including the indomitable Papas Arrugadas con Mojo (small, boiled potatoes with a red or green sauce). The destination's origins date back to the 15th century when it served as a crucial stopover for explorers en route to the New World when Alonso Fernández de Lugo arrived on the island of Tenerife and conquered the indigenous Guanche kingdoms. In the region where Santa Cruz now stands, the Guanches had a settlement known as Añazo, which was later destroyed by the Spanish.

Packed with endlessly varied landscapes, traditional villages, busy towns, gastronomic delights, and a thriving local culture, Lanzarote is one of the most diverse islands in the Canaries. The island has escaped mass tourism and the vibe here is decidedly Canarian but firmly Spanish. The capital city showcases its 17th-century heritage with pride which is apparent everywhere in Arrecife: from hearty fish stews to Andalucian-inspired architecture. Head to the old quarter to visit the beautiful San Ginés Church for its Mudéjar-style ceiling or head north to leafy Haria for the Casa-Museo César Manrique, a museum set in the local artist and designer's house. The entire island is a UNESCO Geopark so guests venturing outside of the city should expect a lunar-like landscape, especially if they venture to Timanfaya National Park, just 30 minutes from Arrecife.

Sun, sand and sea is what Agadir is famous for, yet there's much more to discover in this beach city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. A devastating earthquake in 1960 reset the townscape but remnants of Morocco's past can be found amid the ruins of the original Kasbah, the bustling maze of streets that is the souk, and the port where fishermen still bring in their catch each day, which you can try fresh from the grill. Take this all in from the Kasbah built in 1990 by Italian architect Coco Polizzi, which doubles as the place for fabulous views of the city and its coast.

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.