Elegance Of The Atlantic

Miami, Florida

The party and cruise capital of the word, Miami is a bright,
brash, playground city that 15.5 million tourists flock to every
year. The Roaring Twenties saw this town bloom into a seaside
capital, blessed with a legacy of Art Deco architecture, diverse
cultures, and natural wonders enough to satisfy any
holiday-goer.

Being the gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America, Miami has
a large Cuban presence, evident in the vibrant neighbourhood of
. Art lovers can meander around the art districts like
Wynwood and the Coconut Grove, while others can lounge on the miles
of sandy beaches. For families there are kid-friendly attractions
like the
and Metrozoo. The nightlife is sophisticated and
varied. The city also gives easy access to Florida's popular Gold
Coast resorts and attractions, as well as the natural wonder of the

.

It is no wonder Miami is America's favourite holiday destination
and the hub of a vibrant cruise ship industry, its port constantly
jammed with sleek passenger liners. North of the city, the miles of
beautiful beaches on the Gold Coast are hemmed in by southeast
Florida's major tourist towns: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano
Beach, and Palm Beach.

Nassau

Known for its warm breezes, sunny skies, and white beaches,
Nassau's turbulent past is quite different from the serenity its
imagery brings to mind. The capital of the Bahamas and the largest
city, part of Nassau's allure comes from its notorious inhabitants
of old. Once a lair and refuge for pirates, Nassau was home to
famous plunderers such as Blackbeard. However, by 1720 most of the
pirates were ultimately killed or driven out by the British. In the
following years, Nassau would burn to the ground three times at the
hands of the Spanish.

Today, the island's close proximity to the US gives Nassau a
distinctly American flavour. This bustling hub of a city is a
delightful and colourful blend of old world and colonial
architecture juxtaposed with a busy, modern port.

Nassau draws attracts visitors with its beautifully preserved
Victorian buildings, 18th-century fortresses, and the Queen's
Staircase, the 66 steps of which lead to the most breathtaking view
over the whole of Nassau.

Plant enthusiasts should visit the Royal Victorian Garden, which
has more than 300 species of tropical plants and exotic creatures.
Enthusiastic shoppers, on the other hand, would be well advised to
look out for great bargains at the Straw Market on Bay Street.

Alternatively, visitors can relax by spending an idle afternoon
watching a cricket game at one of the many local sports grounds.
After dark, Nassau comes alive with a rowdy bar and club scene, and
the scent of fresh seafood permeates the air in the Fish Fry
district.

This stunning city can also add at least four famous supporting
roles in the movies to its resume, as the setting in three James
Bond pictures, as well as the Beatles film 'Help!'. With the bright
lights of casinos, upmarket resort hotels, and cruise liners,
Nassau is overflowing with variety, colour and entertainment. A
favourite holiday destination for active adventurers and beach bums
alike, Nassau has something to offer everyone.

Sailing the Atlantic Ocean

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Ponta Delgada, located on the island of São Miguel, is the largest city in the Azores archipelago and the capital of the autonomous region of the Azores in Portugal. Known for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich history, Ponta Delgada is a bustling and picturesque destination that has something for everyone.

One of the main attractions in Ponta Delgada is its stunning natural landscapes. The island of São Miguel is a volcanic island, and as such, it is characterized by its breathtaking scenery. Visitors can explore the island's volcanic lakes, lush green mountains, and dramatic cliffs. One of the most famous sights on the island is the Sete Cidades crater, a massive volcanic caldera filled with two colored lakes, one blue and one green, that are a must-see for nature lovers.

Aside from its natural beauty, Ponta Delgada also offers a range of cultural and historical attractions. The city's historic center is filled with charming cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, and grand buildings adorned with intricate azulejo tiles. One of the most iconic landmarks in the city is the Portas da Cidade, an archway that serves as the entrance to the city and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

Ponta Delgada is also known for its festivals and events, which showcase the region's rich cultural heritage. The biggest festival in Ponta Delgada is the Festas do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, which takes place in May and attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. During this festival, the streets of Ponta Delgada are filled with processions, music, and traditional food.

Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Ponta Delgada. The Azorean cuisine is influenced by its maritime location and is known for its fresh seafood and local produce. Visitors can indulge in delicious dishes such as fresh grilled fish, octopus stew, and the famous Azorean pineapple. Many restaurants in Ponta Delgada offer traditional Azorean cuisine, as well as international options to cater to all tastes.

For those seeking adventure, Ponta Delgada has a variety of outdoor activities to offer. From hiking and biking in the beautiful countryside to exploring the underwater world through scuba diving or snorkeling, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the natural surroundings. The Azores are also a popular destination for whale and dolphin watching, with regular sightings of these magnificent creatures throughout the year.

In terms of accommodation, Ponta Delgada offers a range of options to suit every budget and preference. From luxurious hotels and resorts to charming bed and breakfasts and guesthouses, there are plenty of places to stay in the city. Additionally, the city has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to various tastes.

Getting to Ponta Delgada is relatively easy, with regular flights from the mainland Portugal and other European cities. The city also serves as a hub for exploring the rest of the Azores, with inter-island flights and ferries connecting Ponta Delgada to other islands in the archipelago.

Overall, Ponta Delgada is a charming and diverse destination that offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, immerse yourself in local culture, or explore the stunning landscapes, Ponta Delgada is sure to captivate and inspire all who visit.

Sailing the Atlantic Ocean

Santa Cruz de La Palma

Also known as ‘La Isla Bonita’ (the beautiful island), La Palma is typified by lush forests of pine, laurel and fern which contrast with the rugged splendour of the gigantic Taburiente crater. The island is dotted with attractive villages, which are a delight to discover, and the capital Santa Cruz also makes for an interesting day of exploration. Perched on the edge of the volcanic crater of La Caldereta, Santa Cruz comfortably blends modern architecture with old colonial buildings. Perhaps visit the fascinating Natural History Museum, stroll around the historic quarters and the Plaza de Espana or travel a few miles outside the city to the exquisite Church of Our Lady. If you enjoy shopping, you can find reasonably priced silver jewellery, leather goods and beautifully embroidered clothes, tablecloths and napkins, a speciality of the Canary Islands.

Sailing the Atlantic Ocean

Tangier

For decades, between 1920 and the late 1950s, Tangier was a
playground for the rich and famous as well as artists and
adventurers from all walks of life. Tangier attracted those seeking
a tax haven or a mystic destination, from authors and artists, to
spies and aristocrats. Regular visitors included the likes of
Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, and Woolworth heiress, Barbara
Hutton.

When Spain relinquished Tangier back to Morocco in 1960, its
duty-free status went with it, and the city lost a great deal of
its flair. However, tourism is on the up once more, with visitors
succumbing to the city's proximity to Europe and discovering that
its decayed grandeur still has much to offer, from its palm-lined
promenade and sandy beach, to the old town and its outlying
villages and resorts. Despite its fall from glory, a stylish cafe
society has once again begun to build up in modern day Tangier's
boulevards, and the merchants in the medina (old quarter) are doing
good trade with tourists exploring its maze of narrow streets, all
of which are within sight of the Spanish coast across the straits
of Gibraltar.

Málaga

Malaga has long been a popular holiday destination for British tourists. Located on the Costa del Sol, along the southern coast of Spain, Malaga enjoys yearly warm weather and sandy beaches perfect for those looking for some relaxation.

Alicante

Lying on the eastern coast of Spain, the Costa Blanca draws
millions of tourists each year to its turquoise waters and miles of
white, sandy beaches. Alicante is the capital and major city on
this stretch of coast, but it is Benidorm that attracts the most
visitors, and this is the place to go for those looking for a
lively and entertaining holiday with hundreds of bars and all-night
clubs. However there is more to the Costa Blanca than crowded beach
resorts: within the mountainous interior there are a series of
fascinating medieval towns and fortified villages which have been
largely unaffected by modern development.

Alicante is best known as the gateway to the many glittering
resorts in the region, but the city is actually an interesting
urban destination, with history and culture aplenty to offer those
who can be distracted from the beach. Those who have some time in
Alicante should head to the Catedral de san Nicolas from which the
narrow old streets of the historic quarter, El Barrio, radiate
outwards.

The most popular time to visit the Costa Blanca is between May
and October when the weather is guaranteed to be sunny and warm
most of the time. The temperature can get up to 104F (40C) in
August, with the sea at a very comfortable 77F (25C). It is too hot
and crowded for some during this busy summer season and some
visitors holiday in the spring and autumn months, when it is cooler
and there is the chance of light showers. However, many of the bars
and restaurants close outside of the peak tourist season.

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.