Barcelona is a walkable global city known for breathtaking architecture, world-class museums, bustling markets, parks, and fashion. Start at Montjuïc Castle for city views, then visit the Joan Miró and National Art Museum. Spend a day in the Gothic Quarter and Museu Picasso. The city is especially famous for Antoni Gaudí's work, from La Sagrada Família to Park Güell. Along La Rambla, you'll find more architecture, designer shopping, and great tapas.

Palma, capital of the Balearic Islands, is known for La Seu, the Cathedral of Santa Maria over the bay, the nearby Almudaina Palace, and Bellver Castle, which houses the city museum. The Juan March Foundation Museum has 70 works by major 20th-century Spanish avant-garde artists. Mallorca also offers beaches, shopping on Jaime III and Passeig del Born, and sights like the monastery where George Sand and Chopin stayed and Cuevas del Drach.

Alicante, on Spain's Costa Blanca, offers Mediterranean charm: stroll the palm-lined waterfront, explore the narrow streets of Barrio de la Santa Cruz, relax on San Juan or Almadraba beach, or climb Castillo de Santa Bárbara for sweeping sea views. Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo for Dalí and Picasso, or the Museo Volvo Ocean Race. End the day with tapas at spots like El Portal, sipping Champagne in style.

Founded by Carthaginians circa 220 BC, Cartagena has one of the world's oldest naval bases and rich Roman archaeology. Highlights include the 1st-century Roman theater, Barrio del Foro Romano, Casa de la Fortuna, and the Punic Wall Interpretation Center. The ARQUA Museum displays finds from off Murcia's coast, and Castillo de la Concepción offers panoramic views. Beyond history, Cartagena has coves, beaches, fine dining, and activities for divers, hikers, golfers, and windsurfers.

Málaga, on the Costa del Sol, blends golden beaches, mild Mediterranean weather and mountain shelter. One of the world's oldest cities, founded 2,800 years ago, it was shaped by Phoenicians, Romans and Moors. Highlights include the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro, 30+ museums, Picasso's museum, Centre Pompidou, lively street art, chic dining and traditional porra antequerana. Nearby white villages add Andalusian charm.

Tangier, the dreamy "White City" where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, offers a labyrinthine medina, mint tea in Grand Socco, white-sand beaches, and the Caves of Hercules with its Africa-shaped sea window. At night, try Populaire Saveur de Poison for shark and baby squid tagine, or visit the legendary Gran Café de Paris, a literary landmark since 1927 and seen in The Bourne Ultimatum.

Lisbon, Portugal's Atlantic capital, is spread across seven hills. Start in Alfama, with its medieval streets leading to Castelo de São Jorge and sweeping city views. Head to Baixa for shopping, restaurants, and neoclassical architecture. In Belém, see two UNESCO sites: Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. If time allows, visit nearby Sintra and Cascais, or continue to Fátima, where Virgin Mary apparitions were reported in 1917.