Star Collector: Canaries, Casablanca & the Costa del Sol

Here in this privileged setting you’ll discover two UNESCO World Heritage Site beaches of tantalizing beauty; San Cristóbal de La Laguna; and the island’s symbol, Teide National Park. Wide avenues, exotic landscapes, and striking examples of modernist architecture complete one of the world’s most popular destinations.

Though you won’t find canaries here you will find people who can whistle like them. Whistled speech helped shepherds communicate across the steep ravines and in the lush cloud forest of Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Columbus paused here on all three voyages so you’re in good company as you explore historic San Sebastián, but with all the natural beauty around, you’ll find your gaze drawn inexorably up the terraced hillsides and across to views of Mount Teide.

Magnificent scenery surrounds you in the capital of Gran Canaria. Two lovely bays and their beautiful beaches frame the city. The Vegueta District, the older quarter of the town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its historical and cultural treasures, dating back to the city’s founding in 1478. 

Nature is the star on this small volcanic island. Enjoy the afternoon on the beach or follow the island’s famous wine trail, tasting as you go. This, the most northerly of the Canary Islands, welcomes you with laid-back hospitality and genuine warmth. This region of petrified lava makes up the National Park of Timanfaya and its Mountains of Fire, where visions of a lifeless, prehistoric earth, with enormous craters of an incandescent red color, can be seen on a bus or even a camel tour.  This unique atmosphere has made it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most impressive natural parks in all of Spain. 

Nature is the star on this small volcanic island. Enjoy the afternoon on the beach or follow the island’s famous wine trail, tasting as you go. This, the most northerly of the Canary Islands, welcomes you with laid-back hospitality and genuine warmth. This region of petrified lava makes up the National Park of Timanfaya and its Mountains of Fire, where visions of a lifeless, prehistoric earth, with enormous craters of an incandescent red color, can be seen on a bus or even a camel tour.  This unique atmosphere has made it a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most impressive natural parks in all of Spain. 

Considered one of Portugal’s main tourist attractions and home of world-famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Funchal is known for its style and beauty.  Visit Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe or take a trip to the Pica da Torre for an incredible view of Camara de Lobos, a delightful fishing village. With a long history of Madeira winemaking, there’ll be time here for a little wine tasting, a meal at one of the many 5-star restaurants, sightseeing to 15^th century Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, shopping the bargains to be found here, or experiencing the vibrant night life.

Considered one of Portugal’s main tourist attractions and home of world-famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Funchal is known for its style and beauty.  Visit Cabo Girao, the highest sea cliff in Europe or take a trip to the Pica da Torre for an incredible view of Camara de Lobos, a delightful fishing village. With a long history of Madeira winemaking, there’ll be time here for a little wine tasting, a meal at one of the many 5-star restaurants, sightseeing to 15^th century Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, shopping the bargains to be found here, or experiencing the vibrant night life.

The rhythm of Lisbon invites you to join its captivating dance. This splendid capital city on the banks of the Rio Teja offers a warm welcome and an unparalleled blend of architectural styles. Elegant outdoor cafés line the cobbled sidewalks. Turn-of-the-century funiculars climb the scenic hills. Find the UNESCO sites of the Tower of Belem and the Monastery of the Hieronymites. And, everywhere, the city engages you with its easy style and remarkable charm.

Follow the savory aroma of sardines grilling to the colorful quay, or let your lust for leather lead you to the old town’s shops and 18th century buildings. In ancient Silves, once a Moorish capital, the castle and cathedral are right next to each other in town. How thoughtful of them to make sightseeing so easy.

The siren call of Morocco is irresistible. Amid the whitewashed alleyways and stunning ocean views, make time for an optional excursion to the medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Explore the souks and medinas in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill and Yves St. Laurent, who both called this extraordinary blend of east and west their home.

Cádiz is the most southern province of the Iberian Peninsula. It is extremely rich in natural beauty and some of the most important Natural Parks of Spain and Europe are found here including Sierra de Grazalema and los Alcornocales. Both are rich in flora and fauna, including species under threat of extinction. Many birds find their resting and feeding place here just after or before making the jump from or to Africa.

Cádiz is the most southern province of the Iberian Peninsula. It is extremely rich in natural beauty and some of the most important Natural Parks of Spain and Europe are found here including Sierra de Grazalema and los Alcornocales. Both are rich in flora and fauna, including species under threat of extinction. Many birds find their resting and feeding place here just after or before making the jump from or to Africa.

Fascinating Tangier is a traveler’s delight with beautiful vistas, lovely unspoiled beaches, intriguing history and friendly people. Separated from Spain by only 20 miles across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is considered by many to be the gateway to Africa. With its cosmopolitan mix of African and European influences, there are many interesting sites in Tangier.  The two UNESCO sites of the Medina (the old-walled city) a bustling place, and the Kasbah which offers beautiful views and fine Moroccan art, and the Place de France in the heart of the new city is an entertaining place to sip mint tea and enjoy the view.

Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines. 

Here, on the shores of Costa del Sol, the Andalusian spirit thrives. Be sure to include an optional visit to see the brilliant and comprehensive collection of Picasso’s work at Museo Picasso Málaga, a tribute to this artistic genius in the city of his birth. Or you may choose to opt for a visit to the beautiful village of Mijas, where picturesque Andalusian country life creates some of the world’s best wines. 

The walled town of Cartagena is a popular seaport with a large naval shipyard. The seashore offers a wide range of activities from windsurfing to good snorkeling to sailing. From Cartagena you can easily explore the ancient city of Murcia, the coastal resorts of Mazarrón, Cala Cortina, and Cabo de Palos or a little further north, the world famous resort of Mar Menor.

The old meets the new in this sunny Catalan metropolis, where narrow alleyways contrast with grand boulevards, trendy cuisine meets homemade tapas, and everywhere you’re greeted by the warm, welcoming smiles of the fashionable locals. Don’t miss UNESCO sites like the mind-boggling architecture of Antoni Gaudí or La Sagrada Familia Cathedral, with its eight decorative spires soaring hundreds of feet into the sky.