Lisbon, said to have been founded by Ulysses as Olisipo, is one of Europe's most fascinating cities. A devastating 1755 earthquake destroyed much of it, and the Baixa was rebuilt in neo-classical style, now the city's heart. Overlooking the Tagus, the "City of Explorers" offers districts like Alfama, with Moorish lanes, and Bairro Alto, where you can hear Fado. Nearby are the palaces of Queluz and Sintra.

Cádiz, Andalusia's famed capital, has been beautifully restored. Palm trees, elegant squares, flower-filled parks, red-tile rooftops, and lively markets give the port a charming feel. Its old town sits on the peninsula tip, full of lively plazas, while the new town is an elegant modern city with excellent beaches. Cádiz is also a good base for a day trip to Seville, home to the Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda Tower.

Cádiz, Andalusia's famed capital, has been beautifully restored. Palm trees, elegant squares, flower-filled parks, red-tile rooftops, and lively markets give the port a charming feel. Its old town sits on the peninsula tip, full of lively plazas, while the new town is an elegant modern city with excellent beaches. Cádiz is also a good base for a day trip to Seville, home to the Alcazar, Seville Cathedral, and the Giralda Tower.

Explore the Mendoubia Gardens which contain a fascinating banyan tree that is more than 800 years old. The Caves of Hercules are 9 miles west of Tangier in the Cap Spartel area; it is a place of great beauty and archeological significance.

Almería is thought to have inspired John Lennon's "Strawberry Fields Forever" and was also a filming location for "Lawrence of Arabia." Its top attraction is the Alcazaba, a huge fortress with sweeping views. The cathedral and Almería Museum are also worth seeing, and nearby you can explore the quiet Cabo de Gata-Níjar coast or head west to Roquetas de Mar.

Savor this delightful old city spread over seven hills and its many attractions reflecting the influence of its numerous rulers. Climb to the citadel; visit the fabulous Archaeological Museum, Roman ruins and Pisan towers, early Byzantine churches, the Cathedral or the Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the nearby beach or discover the remains of Sardinia's ancient, enigmatic Nuraghe culture, their villages and huge burial caves.

Ajaccio, on Corsica's west coast, is the island's largest town and the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Its Napoleonic legacy is visible in statues and street names. Set among green mountains with palm-lined squares and a bay of pleasure boats, it offers sights like the Musée Fesch, with its fine Renaissance paintings, and Casa Bonaparte, Napoleon's birthplace museum. Enjoy local cafés, wines, artisan cheeses, and Azimuno, a fish soup.

One of Europe's most visually stunning cities, Barcelona balances the medieval intimacy of its Gothic Quarter with the grace and distinction of the wide boulevards in the Moderniste Eixample. It was the home of architect Antoni Gaudí, whose Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Park Güell and Casa Milà are the most profound statements of Modernisme. View the splendid works at the Picasso Museum and the Miro Foundation, or discover Barcelona's passionate ambiance at a flamenco show.