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.

Praia, on Santiago, is Cape Verde's capital. Though in Africa, the islands show strong Portuguese influence: uninhabited when the Portuguese arrived in the 15th century, they won independence in 1975 after a 15-year war. Cape Verdeans mix European and African ancestry and speak a Creole. About 300 miles off West Africa, the islands have many endemic species. Praia's warm climate, clear waters, dramatic scenery, market, and slave-trade-era buildings give it shabby grandeur.

Though smaller, quieter, and less attractive than Las Palmas, Santa Cruz has elegant monuments. Since La Laguna was the island's capital until 1837, few city-center buildings are older than that. At busy Plaza de España, pedestrian streets lead north and west of the port to the striking auditorium and maritime park. A highlight is the ramblas, steep tree-lined boulevards running from the north end of the city to the sea.

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.

Set sail to Morocco's most notorious modern city, Casablanca. Reveal with Silversea Cruises the diverse cultures that gathered in this melting pot to create a very vast choice of entertainment all while keeping Morocco's authentic culture.

Cádiz, Western Europe's oldest city, holds 3,000 years of history in cobbled streets and shaded plazas. Founded by Phoenicians c.1100 BC and later used by Columbus, it grew rich from New World trade. See the cathedral, with its twin towers, and Torre Tavira, the city's best watchtower. Relax on Playa Victoria, cross the modern Constitución de 1812 bridge, and sample tapas at the lively central market.

Portimão is a beachy paradise in Portugal's Algarve, with easy access to Praia da Rocha: a long, wide beach of soft golden sand, gentle waves, and dramatic rock formations. Stroll the boardwalk to nearby beaches, feast on sardines and local wine, and enjoy the sun-drenched coast, fishing villages, and tiled old towns. The Ribeirinha promenade leads to the beach, while Ponta da Piedade, Silves, and Lagos are all nearby.

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.