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.

Madeira is described as the "Island of Eternal Spring." Entirely volcanic in origin, the soil combines with the mild climate to produce an abundance of green as well as multicolored vegetation. The rugged landscape, scenic fishing villages, magnificent vistas and ideal climate bring the island fame as a year-round resort. Before leaving this panoramic Atlantic isle, be sure to sample a glass of the famous Madeira wine.

Discover Santa Cruz de La Palma: colorful buildings, 18th-century mansions, wrought-iron balconies with bougainvillea, dramatic volcanic mountains, green valleys, and a turquoise sea. Explore the star-shaped 17th-century Castillo de Santa Catarina, visit Moorish-influenced Iglesia de El Salvador for its stained glass, stroll O'Daly Street's boutiques and artisan shops, and enjoy fine Canary Island wine in a jewel-like setting.

Tenerife's privileged setting allows you to enjoy beautiful beaches such as las Teresitas; admire the enchanting Orchid Gardens, founded in 1774 as a historic English garden, or visit the Teide National Park, the symbol of the island.

Discover Las Palmas: a seaside city with springlike weather, beautiful beaches, gardens, and stylish sunseekers. See Plaza de Santa Ana and its 15th-century twin-towered cathedral, visit Casa de Colón, where Columbus allegedly stayed in 1492, and stroll the old quarters of Vegueta and Triana along cobblestone streets lined with galleries, restaurants, and shops selling Canarian wine, ron miel, and tobacco.

Discover Arrecife, a relaxed modern city of white buildings against volcanic landscapes and a turquoise bay. Visit Timanfaya National Park's twisted lava formations and caves, El Charco de San Gines lagoon with fishing boats and blue-white homes, the International Museum of Modern Art in Castle of San Jose, and the Archaeological Museum in Castle San Gabriel. Shop Calle Leon y Castilla for linens, carvings, pottery, perfume, and liquor, then enjoy tapas and wine by the sea.

Agadir, on North Africa's Atlantic coast beneath the Atlas Mountains, was rebuilt after the 1961 earthquake destroyed most historic Portuguese, Arab, and French colonial buildings. Today it's an upscale resort with beaches, golf, tennis, horseback riding, colorful souks, Moroccan and international dining, and trips to Berber villages, the Souss Valley, and the High Atlas.

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and industrial center. Its renaissance came with the French protectorate under its first resident general, Lyautey. It was largely his ideas on public works and the layout of the new city which gave Casablanca its wide boulevards, public parks and fountains, and imposing Moresque civic buildings.

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.

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.