Atlantic Horizons: From Portugal to the Canary Islands

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, lies in the western Iberian Peninsula aside the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares. Read more about Lisbon, Portugal

Portimao is a city located in the District of Faro in the Region of Algarve in southern coastal area of Portugal. It is a popular holiday resort, undoubtedly due to the fact that it enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year. Portimao is also known for its sporting events. Read more about Portimao, Portugal

Africa’s second largest city and Morocco’s largest city and chief port, Casablanca (Portuguese for ‘white house’), is located on the Atlantic Ocean in the west of the country. The city has passed through Arab, Portuguese, Dutch and French control, and the famous 1942 film Casablanca reflects its colonial status in the 1940s. Today it is the largest city of the Maghreb (Barbary Coast), land of the Berbers and Moors. Read more about Casablanca, Morocco

Safi, considered by many to be the pottery capital of Morocco, is one of the most charming and beautiful cities located on the Atlantic coast in western Morocco. Most tourists focus on experiencing the local colour and tradition of the old town and potters’ quarter sprawling on the hills above, with dozens of whitewashed earthen kilns and chimneys. The old walled city is home to Dar el Babar - the Castle of the Sea - that was once the residence of governors and sultans, and is still furnished with 17th C canons. Read more about Safi, Morocco

Agadir is a city in southern Morocco, surrounded by the Sahara Desert, natural parks and beaches. It is not typical of traditional Morocco as it has large buildings, wide roads, European-style cafés and modern hotels, because it was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1960. The delightful beaches are extremely popular, while many visitors enjoy the local cuisine at restaurants that offer authentic Morrocan and French Moroccan fusion dishes. Read more about Agadir, Morocco

Puerto del Rosario is the capital of the island of Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, Spain. It lies only 105 km from the African coast, and with its daily average of 8 hours of sunshine it makes an ideal stopover for cruise ships. The town is known for its whitewashed houses and open-air artworks, including giant snail sculptures along the harbor promenade. Read more about Puerto del Rosario (Fuerteventura), Spain