Atlantic Horizons: From Portugal to the Canary Islands

Embark on a voyage along the rugged Atlantic coast of Northwest Africa and its islands. Starting in Lisbon, immerse yourself in a vibrant blend of African and European cultures. As the trade winds carry you westward, explore Madeira's lush forests in Funchal, the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, and the stark beauty of the Saharan desert in Morocco and Mauritania. Your adventure concludes in the bustling markets of Dakar, Senegal.

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

The Algarve’s second-most populous city of Portimao is best known for its historic quarter and dates back to the time of the Phoenicians. With the aroma of freshly cooked sardines drifting through the streets, Portimao is a wonderful spot for downtime. The city's Museum de Portico is housed in a 19th century cannery. Further into town, Praia da Rocha is one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches

Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, showcases a fusion of French, Moorish, and Art Deco styles in its downtown neo-Mauresque structures. The prominent Hassan II Mosque, finished in 1993, features a towering 210m minaret with laser projections, and the 18th-century medina's lively alleyways provide a glimpse into the city's historical charm. Place Mohammed V, with palm trees and an elaborate fountain, symbolises Casablanca's dynamism

Safi blends Atlantic charm, rich history, and vibrant Moroccan culture. Famous for its centuries-old pottery, the city features colorful markets, a lively medina, and sweeping ocean views. Its impressive sea-front fortress and dramatic cliffs offer a striking welcome, while Safi also serves as a gateway to Essaouira, whose UNESCO-listed medina reflects centuries of cultural exchange along Morocco’s Atlantic coast

Agadir's beach is alive with sea-facing cafes, overlooked by the 16th-century Saadian Kasbah which graces Agadir Ou-fellah hill. The sprawling El Had Souk has 6,000 glittering stores, while the reconstructed medina, reborn after an earthquake, offers a glimpse of the city's historical charm. Other highlights include the grand Mohamed V Mosque, one of Morocco's most impressive, and the Ethnographic Museum delving into local Berber culture

Arrecife, Lanzarote’s capital, is a bustling city with lively attractions. Charco San Gines, a natural seawater lagoon, lies in an area filled with old houses and charming fishing boats, as does the 16th-century stone fortress, Castillo de San Gabriel, now serving as a museum. Timanfaya National Park is a surreal expanse of volcanic landscapes. Deep within the heart of this volcanic wonderland lies the Montañas del Fuego, or "Fire Mountains"

Fuerteventura, the oldest Canary Island, has some of the Canaries' best beaches with miles of white and golden sand beaches, interrupted only by cliffs and sheltered coves. With year-round sunshine and refreshing breezes, it's a paradise for beach enthusiasts, attracting surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers. The Mirador Astronómico de Sicasumbre viewpoint provides a Martian-like landscape with volcanic and otherworldly rock formations