A Journey of Atlantic
Light & Volcanic Shores

Barcelona

The enchanting city of Barcelona is a visual delight, and has an
atmosphere that combines elegance and sophistication with
provincial charm. In exploring its streets you'll discover medieval
romance in its Gothic quarter and the awe-inspiring delights of the
fantastic and sometimes outrageous Art Nouveau architecture of
Gaudi and his contemporaries.

The funicular up to Tibidabo, or the cable car up Montjuic, both
offer breathtaking views over this attractive city. Its skyline is
perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi's masterwork, the still
incomplete church of the Sagrada Familia, as well as the city's
huge Gothic cathedral. The artistic legacy of Barcelona is one of
the city's most appealing attributes, with museums containing
extensive collections of the works of Miro and Picasso. Barcelona
is also a shopper's paradise, with the city's flair for style
reflected in its numerous boutiques and markets, open late into the
evenings. As the sun sets, and the city's many bars and restaurants
open, the night truly comes alive. Dinner is served at any time
between nine o'clock and midnight, and the festivities around the
bars and nightclubs carry on well into the early hours of the
morning.

Barcelona is the commercial centre of the popular holiday region
known as the Costa Brava, the northernmost Mediterranean seafront
in Spain, as well as the Costa Dorada to the south. The coast is
dotted with popular resort towns, many retaining their age-old
charm, which can be easily reached from the city.

Ceuta

Ceuta is a unique and fascinating destination located in the southwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering Morocco in North Africa. As an autonomous city under Spanish rule, it offers an intriguing blend of Spanish and Moroccan cultures, making it a truly one-of-a-kind place to visit. From its rich history and diverse architecture to its stunning natural beauty, there is so much to explore and experience in this small but vibrant city.

One of the highlights of visiting Ceuta is its rich history, which dates back to ancient times. The city has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Arabs. This historical diversity is reflected in the city's architecture, with landmarks such as the Royal Walls, the Arab Baths, and the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption representing different periods and styles. Exploring these sites is like stepping back in time and offers a fascinating glimpse into Ceuta's past.

Another aspect that sets Ceuta apart is its unique location and geographical features. The city is situated on a small peninsula, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides, while the Jebel Musa Mountain provides a stunning backdrop. This natural setting offers incredible opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, and swimming. The pristine beaches are perfect for sunbathing and water sports, and there are numerous parks and green spaces where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

When it comes to cultural experiences, Ceuta offers a vibrant mix of Spanish and Moroccan traditions. The city's proximity to Morocco makes it an ideal place to sample delicious North African cuisine, with a wide variety of restaurants and cafes serving traditional dishes like tagines, couscous, and mint tea. Additionally, the local markets and souks are a treasure trove for those looking to purchase unique crafts, spices, and textiles.

Ceuta also boasts a lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and discos where visitors can dance the night away. The city's cosmopolitan atmosphere attracts people from all walks of life, creating a vibrant and diverse social scene.

For those interested in religious tourism, Ceuta is home to numerous churches, mosques, and synagogues, reflecting the city's multicultural heritage. The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption is a must-visit for its stunning Gothic architecture, while the Great Mosque of Ceuta is a beautiful example of Islamic design.

Getting to Ceuta is relatively easy, with frequent ferry services connecting the city to mainland Spain. Visitors can also fly into the nearby airports in Malaga or Gibraltar and take a short bus or taxi ride to reach the city. Once in Ceuta, the public transport system is efficient and affordable, making it convenient to explore the city and its surroundings.

In conclusion, Ceuta is a small but captivating destination that offers a unique blend of Spanish and Moroccan cultures. With its rich history, stunning architecture, beautiful natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and lively nightlife, it has something to offer every traveler. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing on the beach, Ceuta is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Casablanca

Just looking at the city, there's no need to guess where the
port-city of Casablanca, meaning 'white house' in Spanish, got its
name. Made famous by the classic film, starring Humphrey Bogart,
this cosmopolitan, white-walled city is Morocco's largest and most
modern. Casablanca is not oriented towards tourists as much as
Morocco's other large cities, but under the hustle and bustle lies
a unique and charismatic history waiting to be discovered.

Founded by Berber fisherman over two thousand years ago,
Casablanca was used by both the Phoenicians and the Romans as a
port. The Portuguese then took over but after destroying the city
and rebuilding it, they abandoned it in the aftermath of an
earthquake. The city went on to be rebuilt as Daru l-Badya (Arabic
for Casablanca) by a Moroccan sultan, and was then given the name
Casablanca by the Spanish traders who used the port, and it retains
this function today as one of Africa's largest and most important
ports.

As a centre for trade and, consequently, the mixing of cultures,
Casablanca is unlike any other Moroccan city. Many women ditch the
conservative clothing and dress themselves in the latest designer
outfits. The infrastructure is modern and the city sophisticated.
Casablanca is where Morocco's youth move to make something of their
lives and is the centre for international trade and big business.
For a glimpse of its history, downtown is the perfect place to
admire the blend of French colonial architecture and traditional
Moroccan design.

Arrecife, Lanzarote

The most northeasterly of the Canary Islands,
Lanzarote has embraced the tourism boom with a more laidback feel
than its popular sister islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Nature is still the biggest attraction on this small volcanic
island, which measures only 38 miles (60km) in length and 13 miles
(21km) across at its widest point.

Lanzarote's beaches are varied and dramatic,
including long stretches of golden sand, some good surf spots, and
some rugged, hidden coves. Camels are often used to transport goods
and sometimes tourists on this desert-like island, across the dry
volcanic ash that covers most of the landscape. UNESCO declared the
whole island a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, and visitors exploring
the dozens of enchanting and unique spots on the island will soon
see why.

Lanzarote's capital, Arrecife, is a small town on
the eastern coast, its harbour packed with fishing boats. Although
the town itself has little to offer in the way of sights or
nightlife, it does have a magnificent beach, El Reducto, which has
been granted Blue Flag status by the European Union. A promenade
runs along the beachfront around the San Gines lagoon with its fine
golden sand and placid waters.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

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.

San Sebastian de la Gomera

Known as the ‘Round Isle’, La Gomera is one of the oldest and smallest of the Canary Islands. Perhaps overshadowed by the obvious charms of its neighbour, Tenerife, from a distance this cone-shaped volcanic isle with its massive grey skyline can appear foreboding. But once ashore, a different world awaits discovery. Steep valleys and ravines hide a host of surprises such as terraced fields and laurel rain forests. The climb to the top of the island reveals breathtaking views and some rare flora and fauna in the mist-covered heights of Garajonay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a relatively modest tourist industry and less explored than its neighbouring islands, La Gomera is a fascinating place to visit. San Sebastian is the capital and main port of the island, set on the east coast and with a distinctly rural feel, with a few small plazas and colourful houses lining the hillside. The port is famous for its visit by Christopher Columbus, who stopped here in 1492 before sailing to the Americas.

Funchal, Madeira

Funchal is the capital and largest city on the island of
Madeira, off the coast of Portugal. Home to just over 100,000
people, the city was founded in 1424 and quickly became an
important port of call for European ships.

Named for the abundant fennel trees in the area, Funchal has
many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Madeira Botanical
Gardens, which offer a stunning view of the city as well as more
than 2,000 species of plant life. This is also a stopping point for
the Funchal Cable Car, which goes up the mountain to Monte. The
Madeira Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in
Funchal, but also worth a visit are the Jardins Do Palheiro and the
Monte Palace Hotel Gardens.

Funchal is home to lovely old buildings and cultural sites,
including the 15th-century Santa Clara Convent, the São Lourenço
Palace, the Colegio Church, and Sé Cathedral. However, even
aimlessly wandering through the 'Old' city centre is a pleasant way
to spend a day, with the port and promenade, and numerous shops,
cafés and restaurants lining the winding streets.

The city is known for its excellent cuisine and local Madeira
wine, and foodies will have no trouble finding treats like fresh
seafood and baked goods to satisfy their appetites. To burn off
those calories, there are plenty of active pursuits to enjoy in
Funchal including golf, swimming, paragliding, boat trips, and the
unforgettable Levada Walks.

Lisbon

Lisbon has somewhat rediscovered itself in recent years,
reclaiming its rightful place as the 'golden city' of southern
Europe. Much of this is due to the officials of Lisbon having
elected to rejuvenate the city during the 1990s. This ongoing focus
on the future has meant making the most of the attractions, both
old and new.

One day can span centuries as visitors move between the
picturesque medieval section of the Alfama district and historic
São Jorge castle to being amazed by the spectacle of the futuristic
Oceanarium of Lisboa.

Infrastructure has also been improved, with additions like the
impressive Vasco da Gama Bridge across the River Tagus, which links
the city's airport to a network of national motorways and has
facilitated access to other parts of Portugal. There is also a new
showcase railway hub, the Gare de Oriente, which is the pride of a
new modern suburb on the east bank of the Tagus, creating an even
better link between Lisbon and the rest of Europe. But if tourists
really want to see the city in style, they must be sure not to miss
a ride on the famous Tram 28, which winds its way through the
oldest parts of the city and gives visitors a feel of the history
and rich culture Lisbon has to offer.