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.

Portimão offers a relaxing beach getaway framed by golden sands and impressive cliffs. History and architecture lovers can visit the medieval Castle of Alvor and the 14th-century Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição, restored after a devastating earthquake with a walnut-wood altar and azulejo religious scenes. Nature brings cultivated fields, pine-covered slopes, and wildflowers. Take home traditional lace, ceramics, leather goods, and baskets.

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.

Málaga, on Spain's Costa del Sol, is the region's capital and a popular holiday base. It is Picasso's birthplace, and his works are displayed in the Museo Picasso in the Palacio de Buenavista. Visitors can also sample sweet Málaga dessert wines from nearby hillside vineyards. The city is a pleasant place to explore and a common starting point for trips to Granada and the Alhambra in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

There is something for everyone in Alicante. The historic Mediterranean port city is located in renowned Costa Blanca, within the region of Valencia. From outdoor cafés to white-sand beaches to museums that house rare masterpieces, this town has everything one would expect of a Mediterranean escape. Be sure to visit the picturesque town of Guadalest, one of the most unique destinations in all of Spain.

Ibiza is often called the "White Island" due to its abundance of whitewashed houses. Part of the Balearic Islands, it is covered with limestone hills and topped by lush pine forests. Winding lanes take visitors through cobbled streets to admire the stunning views across the bay or to a blissful calm amidst the action. Designer shops, fine restaurants, neighboring beaches and a thriving nightlife add to the excitement Ibiza has become world famous for.

Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is a wind-swept island with steep jagged cliffs and olive groves more than a thousand years old. Mallorca is an island of contrasts. To the south is a busy tourist area with hotels, bars, restaurants, shopping and dazzling night life. To the north are rocky valleys, sleepy villages shrouded in bougainvillea, and breathtaking views. Palma is dominated by the breathtaking Gothic Cathedral, located high above the waterfront on the site of a former mosque.

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.