Morocco & Canary Islands

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

Malaga's fortress palace of the Alcazaba and the Castillo de Gibralfaro are splendid examples of Moorish architecture. But it is in Granada that you can see the most romantic and magnificent expression of the Arabesque style in the glorious Alhambra Palace.

The autonomous city of Ceuta is a tiny Spanish city-enclave on the Moroccan side of the Straits of Gibraltar, separated from the Spanish mainland by just 12 miles. The city's strategic location has ensured it has endured a turbulent history, often being used as a trade and military outpost. Originally an old Carthaginian colony, it has since been held by the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Arabs, and has been known as 'Abyla', 'Septem' and 'Cibta'. It was finally taken over by Spain in 1580 and has remained Spanish since then, with the name 'Ceuta'. Covering an area of just ten square miles, the enclave is dominated by the hill of Monte Hacho, sometimes believed to be the legendary Pillars of Hercules. With a fascinating mix of both Spanish and African influences and surrounded by massive 14th-century city walls, Ceuta has a charm and grandeur all of its own. As an autonomous region of Spain, Ceuta is part of the territory of the EU, but is considered a special low-tax zone. Leather goods, ceramics and embroidery are common purchases from the city.

Perched on the northern tip of Africa, yet proudly Spanish, Ceuta is a captivating crossroads of cultures. Passengers arriving here discover a city where Mediterranean and Moroccan influences blend seamlessly - palm-lined promenades, domed churches, and lively souks filled with spice and colour. The ancient city walls and the royal moat recall centuries of history, while cafés along the seafront invite moments of quiet reflection. From the fortress above, sweeping views stretch across the Strait of Gibraltar to the mountains of Spain. Ceuta offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into the meeting point of continents and civilizations.

Tangier can trace its origins back to the Phoenicians and ancient Greeks. It was named after Tinge, the mother of Hercules’ son, and its beginnings are embedded in mythology. It was subsequently a Roman province, and after Vandal and Byzantine influences, was occupied by the Arabs with Spain, Portugal, France and England also playing a part in the city’s history. With such a diverse past it is perhaps not surprising that Tangier is such an individual city. Overlooking the Straits of Gibraltar, the city lies on a bay between two promontories. With its old Kasbah, panoramic views, elegant buildings, squares and places of interest, there is much to discover in both the new and old parts of the city.

Tangier was the real model for the famous American film 'Casablanca' with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. It still retains its faded mongrel charm - not entirely Moroccan, European or African but a heady mix of all three.

The original settlement formed on the site of Casablanca by the Berbers became the kingdom of Anfa, and during the 15th century harboured pirates who raided the Portuguese coast. In retaliation for the attacks, the Portuguese destroyed Anfa and founded the town they called Casa Branca (white house). They remained here until an earthquake in 1755 and the town was subsequently rebuilt by Mohammed ben Abdallah, whose legacy of mosques and houses can still be seen in the old Medina. Casablanca acquired its present-day name when the Spanish obtained special port privileges in 1781. The French landed here in 1907, later establishing a protectorate and modelling the town on the port of Marseilles. Today Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, its most significant port and the centre of commerce and industry. The city is a vibrant fusion of European, African and Arabian influences and its French colonial architecture and art deco buildings seamlessly blend in with the busy, colourful markets. Please note that vendors in the souks can be very persistent and eager to make a sale.

Long before Ingrid Bergman and Bogie made Casablanca a symbol for romance, the city was famous for intrigue and mystery. Veiled by overlapping mantles of French, Arabian and African culture, Casablanca reveals new faces at every turn. The enormous Hassan II Mosque (holding 70,000 worshippers) is the new Morocco, while the fanciful Mauresque buildings in the Medina impart visions of pre-war Casablanca.

The second-largest of the Canaries after Tenerife, Fuerteventura is geologically the oldest of all the islands in the archipelago. It has the longest coastline and is blessed with gentle valleys and sweeping plains. Near the capital, Puerto del Rosario, there are lovely beaches, and other beaches in the north and south of the island can be compared with the best in the world. Among the features of the island are its windmills, dotted around the landscape - evidence of the island's traditional agriculture. Puerto del Rosario, the capital, is on the east coast and was originally a watering-hole used by local farmers for their goats. In the early 19th century, Maria Estrada opened a tavern here, which paved the way for the development of the port. It has been the island’s capital since 1860. Among its attractions are the old harbour area, with its narrow alleyways lined with picturesque Canarian-style houses, and the Church of Nuestra Senora del Rosario.

Puerto del Rosario is the capital of Fuerteventura and is known for its whitewashed houses and open-air artworks, including giant snail sculptures along the harbor promenade. From here you can easily explore the islands attractions such as Islote de Lobos Nature Reserve. For the energetic then windsurfing is a popular choice as Fuerteventura is one of the best places in the world to do sail sports.

The largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a beautiful and scenic island which enjoys year-round sunshine and is dominated by Mount Teide. The mountain range runs through the centre of the island, with fertile valleys on the northern side. In the central part of the range is the gigantic natural crater of the Cañadas del Teide, about 14 miles in diameter. Santa Cruz, the island’s pretty capital, was originally a small fishing village but has now grown into a modern city, and also contains 16th-century civic buildings and ornate private mansions. Near the pier is the Santa Cruz Palmetum, a Botanical Garden covering an area of 29 acres, specialising in palms.

The island of Tenerife is bisected by steep volcanic mountains cut by garden-like valleys lush with flowers and vegetation. In the capital of Santa Cruz' anthropological museum, learn about the original inhabitants of Tenerife, the stone age Guanche people. Not to be missed is a spectacular drive into the mountains, where 3,718-metre Mount Teide, Spain's tallest mountain, is covered in snow much of the year.

Perhaps the prettiest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is an almost circular isle with the peak of Pozo de Las Nieves, its highest point, at the centre. With a wealth of natural beauty and all the exciting attractions of city life in the capital, the island offers the best of both worlds. You will no doubt wish to see the sights of the capital’s old quarter, which dates back to the 15th century and encompassses the Vegueta and Triana districts, and wherever you go you can enjoy the glorious subtropical climate, perfect for growing exotic palms and fruits.

This 15th-century city with a semitropical colonial ambience is a favorite stopping place for yachts crossing the Atlantic. Visit the Casa Colon, named for the great explorer, and do some exploring of your own by adventuring to the volcanic crater of Caldera de Bandama. Its lunar landscape and exotic vegetation take you to a new world.