Spanish Shores & French Riviera

As you sail into Malaga you will notice what an idyllic setting the city enjoys on the famous Costa del Sol. To the east of this provincial capital, the coast along the region of La Axarqua is scattered with villages, farmland and sleepy fishing hamlets - the epitome of traditional rural Spain. To the west stretches a continuous city where the razzmatazz and bustle creates a colourful contrast that is easily recognisable as the Costa del Sol. Surrounding the region, the Penibéetica Mountains provide an attractive backdrop overlooking the lower terraced slopes which yield olives and almonds. This spectacular mountain chain shelters the province from cold northerly winds, giving it a reputation as a therapeutic and exotic place in which to escape from cold northern climes. Malaga is also the gateway to many of Andalusia's enchanting historic villages, towns and cities.

A pivotal port city linking Africa and Europe, Tangier lies just nineteen miles across the Strait of Gibraltar from the Iberian Peninsula. Long coveted for its strategic location where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, numerous empires called it their own throughout history. The city’s vibrancy and multicultural air attracted all manner of artists in the late 20th century, including Henri Matisse and Paul Bowles. Tangier’s ancient, walled medina brims with the pleasures of Morocco, from intricate carpets and finely made slippers to fresh dates.

Located along the Costa del Sol of southeast Spain, Puerto Banús promises a tropical climate made for both adventurous explorations and laid-back relaxation. Just a few short miles east of the port lies the summer-paradise city of Marbella. It’s here you find the most Ferraris in all of Europe and some of the best golf courses for a luxurious getaway made for the discerning traveler.

Spain cuisine is famous for its tapas, and when in Marbella and Puerto Banús, gambas al pilpil (garlic prawns) are the go-to appetizer. Served in garlic, chili, and sizzling olive oil, this simple but mouthwatering dish makes an impression even on the most judicious tastebuds.

With so much to see in the Andalusia region of Spain, Almería is often overlooked. But it holds an enchantment all its own, with fairytale castles amid colorful modern buildings. On Cabo de Gata Natural Park you find a spectacular beach of unspoiled sands and blue water with a backdrop of sand dunes, cacti and mountains. About 30 kilometers northwest of Almería you also find Desierto Tabernas, Europe’s only desert and setting of the famous Sergio Leone starring Clint Eastwood. Discover a local eatery in the quaint fishing town of Garrucha to sample the port’s famous red prawns, fresh-caught from the harbor.

Hedonistic and historic, Eivissa (Ibiza, in Castilian) is a city jam-packed with cafés, nightspots, and trendy shops; looming over it are the massive stone walls of Dalt Vila —the medieval city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999—and its Gothic cathedral. Squeezed between the north walls of the old city and the harbor is Sa Penya, a long labyrinth of stone-paved streets that offer some of the city's best offbeat shopping, snacking, and exploring. The tourist information office on Vara de Rey has a useful map of walks through the old city.

If you look north of the cathedral (La Seu, or the seat of the bishopric, to Mallorcans) on a map of the city of Palma, you can see around the Plaça Santa Eulàlia a jumble of tiny streets that made up the earliest settlement. Farther out, a ring of wide boulevards traces the fortifications built by the Moors to defend the larger city that emerged by the 12th century. The zigzags mark the bastions that jutted out at regular intervals. By the end of the 19th century, most of the walls had been demolished; the only place where you can still see the massive defenses is at Ses Voltes, along the seafront west of the cathedral.A torrent (streambed) used to run through the middle of the old city, dry for most of the year but often a raging flood in the rainy season. In the 17th century it was diverted to the east, along the moat that ran outside the city walls. Two of Palma's main arteries, La Rambla and the Passeig d'es Born, now follow the stream's natural course. The traditional evening paseo (promenade) takes place on the Born.If you come to Palma by car, park in the garage beneath the Parc de la Mar (the ramp is just off the highway from the airport, as you reach the cathedral) and stroll along the park. Beside it run the huge bastions guarding the Almudaina Palace; the cathedral, golden and massive, rises beyond. Where you exit the garage, there's a ceramic mural by the late Catalan artist and Mallorca resident Joan Miró, facing the cathedral across the pool that runs the length of the park.If you begin early enough, a walk along the ramparts at Ses Voltes from the mirador beside the cathedral is spectacular. The first rays of the sun turn the upper pinnacles of La Seu bright gold and then begin to work their way down the sandstone walls. From the Parc de la Mar, follow Avinguda Antoni Maura past the steps to the palace. Just below the Plaça de la Reina, where the Passeig d'es Born begins, turn left on Carrer de la Boteria into the Plaça de la Llotja (if the Llotja itself is open, don't miss a chance to visit—it's the Mediterranean's finest Gothic-style civic building). From there stroll through the Plaça Drassana to the Museu d'Es Baluard, at the end of Carrer Sant Pere. Retrace your steps to Avinguda Antoni Maura. Walk up the Passeig d'es Born to Plaça Joan Carles I, then right on Avenida de La Unió.

Along the Vermilion Coast lies the charming village of Collioure, a picturesque blend of historic castles, colorful houses, and the deep blue sea. While it offers everything a wanderlust spirit seeks, Collioure remains relatively undiscovered, frequented mostly by French locals enjoying summer holidays along its rocky beaches. Highlights include the iconic Notre-Dame-des-Anges church and the imposing Château Royal de Collioure. In the 20th century, the village inspired renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse—and it’s easy to see why as you wander the narrow streets of Moré, the old fishermen’s quarter.

The jewel in the heart of the spectacular Côte d’Azur, Saint-Tropez was a sleepy seaside village with a rich maritime history that achieved celebrity beginning in the 1960s. Explore the hexagon shaped Citadelle that once served as the defender of the gulf. The castle contains a maritime museum, and the grounds provide breathtaking views of the Côte d’Azur. La Musée de l’Annonciade is a real treat for art lovers and located just beyond the Quai de l’Epi pier. This 16th-century chapel features a small but powerful collection of paintings by Derain, Signac, and other artists.

Nice rises from the pebbled coast to lush hills, yet the heart of the city is located between the old port city and the Aeroport de Côte d’Azur. To take it all in, enjoy a jaunt on the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean Sea. The Old Port, located in Vieux Nice (Old Nice), is a colorful and busy place, with various markets. There discover an ensemble of narrow streets, colorful architecture, and picturesque piazzas. Stretch out on Nice’s recognizable blue lounge chairs on one of its iconic beaches. Some of these private beaches, like the Blue Beach or the Castel Beach, are among the most glamorous beaches on the French Riviera.