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.

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.

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.

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.

Join Silversea Cruises on an exciting journey which includes more than one surprise! Explore Santa Cruz de la Palma and unravel the mystery of the Canary Islands.

Cape Verde, 300 miles off West Africa, has ten islands and five islets, mostly volcanic, divided into windward and leeward groups. Colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century, they first settled Santiago and founded Cidade Velha, a center of the slave trade. Praia, on Santiago, is the capital; Mindelo is the prettiest town and has the deep-water port Porto Grande. Official language: Portuguese; national language: Crioulo.

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.

Bridgetown, Barbados' UNESCO-listed capital, blends colonial history, rich culture, and white-sand beauty. At The Careenage, pastel buildings overlook the Constitution River, with a plaque marking the city's role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Nearby Carlisle Bay offers turquoise water, soft sand, and shipwreck dives with turtles and tropical fish. Explore street food, Broad Street shopping, rum bars on Roebuck Street, and Nidhe Israel Synagogue and museum.