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.

Often referred to as `La Isla Bonita` (The Beautiful Island), La Palmas is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty and ecological diversity. Certainly, its lush forests, rugged volcanic terrain, stunning coastlines, and clear skies, make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, stargazers, and travelers seeking to experience the island's unique charm. Today, the city remains a vibrant testament to its storied past and has a history rooted in Spanish colonization. Founded in 1493 by conquistador Alonso Fernández de Lugo, it quickly became a significant port for transatlantic trade. Prosperity flowed as sugar, tobacco, and other goods from the Americas passed through its port. The city's robust growth led to the construction of defensive fortifications against pirate attacks. Throughout its history, Santa Cruz de La Palma experienced cultural exchange and emigration, contributing to its diverse heritage. Its well-preserved colonial architecture, like the La Palma Cathedral and Casa Salazar, bears witness to its historical significance.

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.

The white contour of a church on a hilltop, the narrow streets of the old fishermen and tradesmen quarter, the presence of the sea and the immense beach known as Praia da Rocha identify the character of Portimao. The old town is dominated by the architecture of the late 19th and 20th centuries: houses boasting wrought-iron balconies, ornate stonework around the windows and doors, balustrades of stone and tile-covered ceramics and walls. This southern Portuguese port is the gateway to many historic towns of the Algarve region. The town offers a rich heritage of historical monuments and the eternal natural beauty of the Ria de Alvor. Portimao is also known for its extraordinary Portuguese cuisine. To savour the spirit of Portimao, there is nothing better than to sit in the shade of the trees in the gardens of Manuel Bivar, to watch the fishing boats sail by and to walk through streets and squares that exude the ambience of an active, hard-working town.