The capital of La Gomera, second-smallest of the Canary Islands, San Sebastián is not much more than a small town but it sets the tone for what's to come. La Gomera is barely touched by tourism, frequented more by walkers and nature lovers than the party seekers who throng the livelier islands. And that's the beauty of it. Here, the pace of life is blissfully slow: lunches at rustic restaurants become long, languid affairs the sun works its magic on work-weary shoulders, and plans for energetic hikes through the mountainous landscape get shelved in favor of lazing on black-sand beaches. Even Christopher Columbus, who called here in 1492 en route to the Americas, only planned to stop for a few days to restock but ended up staying a month (there's a museum dedicated to him in San Sebastián). It's well worth rousing yourself, however, to seek out sights such as Los Organos, the striking lava formations that resemble organ pipes, and explore the deep gorges and towering sheer cliffs. Don't miss the UNESCO-listed Garajonay National Park, home to an ancient, cloud- and mist-cloaked laurel rainforest that creates the perfect conditions for a remarkable array of flora and fauna – and makes a walk here feel like something out of Jurassic Park.

Packed with endlessly varied landscapes, traditional villages, busy towns, gastronomic delights, and a thriving local culture, Lanzarote is one of the most diverse islands in the Canaries. The island has escaped mass tourism and the vibe here is decidedly Canarian but firmly Spanish. The capital city showcases its 17th-century heritage with pride which is apparent everywhere in Arrecife: from hearty fish stews to Andalucian-inspired architecture. Head to the old quarter to visit the beautiful San Ginés Church for its Mudéjar-style ceiling or head north to leafy Haria for the Casa-Museo César Manrique, a museum set in the local artist and designer's house. The entire island is a UNESCO Geopark so guests venturing outside of the city should expect a lunar-like landscape, especially if they venture to Timanfaya National Park, just 30 minutes from Arrecife.

Funchal is a picturesque city on the island of Madeira, Portugal, known for its stunning natural beauty, botanic gardens, charming old town, and lively markets. The sub-tropical island of Madeira was the favored retreat of Sir Winston Churchill – a blissful island wonderland of rugged mountains, colorful flowers and ornate architecture. Once ashore, enjoy browsing through local shops that boast an array of intricate embroidery, vibrant tapestries and detailed wickerwork. Sample the famed Madeira wine while relaxing in one of the island's numerous cafés.

Funchal is a picturesque city on the island of Madeira, Portugal, known for its stunning natural beauty, botanic gardens, charming old town, and lively markets. The sub-tropical island of Madeira was the favored retreat of Sir Winston Churchill – a blissful island wonderland of rugged mountains, colorful flowers and ornate architecture. Once ashore, enjoy browsing through local shops that boast an array of intricate embroidery, vibrant tapestries and detailed wickerwork. Sample the famed Madeira wine while relaxing in one of the island's numerous cafés.

Sun, sand and sea is what Agadir is famous for, yet there's much more to discover in this beach city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. A devastating earthquake in 1960 reset the townscape but remnants of Morocco's past can be found amid the ruins of the original Kasbah, the bustling maze of streets that is the souk, and the port where fishermen still bring in their catch each day, which you can try fresh from the grill. Take this all in from the Kasbah built in 1990 by Italian architect Coco Polizzi, which doubles as the place for fabulous views of the city and its coast.

With visions of Bergman and Bogart filling the imagination, it's easy to explore the French-colonial design and narrow alleyways of the old Medina, and bargain-filled souks are reminders of mysterious days past. Yet this gleaming city has a firm grasp on the 21st century and today encompasses broad palm-lined boulevards, attractive public parks and soaring high-rises.

Uncover the magic of Cadiz, one of Europe's oldest cities where the sea and heritage come together in perfect harmony. Tracing its roots back to the Phoenicians, this thriving cosmopolitan city seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary sophistication. Take a leisurely stroll through its cobbled streets and marvel at the stunning Moorish castles, magnificent ancient ruins, and quaint pastel homes. Indulge in the flavors of its renowned Andalusian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and local wines, and take in the impressive sea views of this captivating city.

The white contour of a church on a hilltop, the narrow streets of the old fishermen and tradesmen quarter, the presence of the sea and the immense beach known as Praia da Rocha identify the character of Portimao. The old town is dominated by the architecture of the late 19th and 20th centuries: houses boasting wrought-iron balconies, ornate stonework around the windows and doors, balustrades of stone and tile-covered ceramics and walls. This southern Portuguese port is the gateway to many historic towns of the Algarve region. The town offers a rich heritage of historical monuments and the eternal natural beauty of the Ria de Alvor. Portimao is also known for its extraordinary Portuguese cuisine. To savour the spirit of Portimao, there is nothing better than to sit in the shade of the trees in the gardens of Manuel Bivar, to watch the fishing boats sail by and to walk through streets and squares that exude the ambience of an active, hard-working town.