Dakar, Senegal's capital and a major West African gateway, offers surf-fringed beaches, island-like urban shores, scuba diving, golf, and sights like pink Lake Retba. Explore lively markets, hear jazz, sambar and mbalax, and visit Gorée Island's House of Slaves or the Théodore Monod Museum. Sandaga Market buzzes with food and textiles; try fresh fish and dibi, Senegal's spiced mutton street food.

Porto Novo, on São Antão's southeastern arid side, is the island's largest town (about 17,400 people) and was recognized as a city in 2005. Once a fishing village, it is Cape Verde's main harbor link to the outside world because the island has no airport; it faces Mindelo on São Vicente. A monument at the port honors emigrants. Roads leave via the northeast coast or across rugged mountains. Nearby Tope de Coroa (1,979 m) is the archipelago's third-highest peak.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain's ninth-largest city, offers urban beaches, lively tapas bars, and a mild climate. Las Canteras, protected by a lava barrier, is one of the Canaries' calmest beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on soft sand. In old Vegueta, cobbled 15th-century streets, colonial houses, and the Columbus museum evoke the past. Nearby, the volcanic Caldera de Bandama, whitewashed fishing villages, gardens, and vineyards showcase the island's diverse landscapes.

Arrecife, on Lanzarote's east coast, is a friendly, authentic capital rooted in its fishing-village past. Explore golden beaches, volcanic landscapes, caves, castles, and the saltwater lagoon of El Charco de San Ginés. The Old Quarter has whitewashed lanes, fresh fish, and papas arrugadas with local sauces. Watch sunset strolls by the lagoon, visit Castillo de San Gabriel's History Museum, and see modern art at San José Castle, including works by César Manrique.

Agadir, Morocco's "Miami," boasts 300 days of sun a year, a 10 km beach, and sheltered swimming. Unlike the rest of Morocco, it is modern: a 1960 earthquake destroyed the city, and a new one was rebuilt under Le Corbusier with wide avenues, open squares, and low-rise hotels. Most landmarks were lost, but the 16th-century Oufla Kasbah was recreated. Perched high above the city, it offers the best views.

Safi (formerly Asafi) is a historic Moroccan port west of Morocco's coast, said to have been founded by Hanno the Navigator in the 5th or 6th century BC. Its name may mean "oh my regret" or, in Berber, "to spill/flood," reflecting its safe, rich harbor. Long a trading hub, its port once handled gold and now sardines. Portuguese rule in the 1500s left the Castelo do Mar. Safi is also famed for pottery and its old kiln-lined potters' quarter.

Lisbon, Portugal's capital, is a beautiful city of seven hills, fado, pastel houses and azulejo tiles. Wander Alfama's steep cobbled streets, visit the Azulejo Museum, then head to São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Graça for sweeping views over red rooftops, the Tagus and the suspension bridge. See Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and take a trip to nearby Sintra and Pena Palace. Finish with ginjinha and a pastel de nata.