Situated along the Atlantic coast, Casablanca is the very image of contemporary Morocco: westernized and cosmopolitan. Exploring the architectural heritage of the “White City” tells you all you need to know about its cultural and historical diversity. Breathtaking highlights include the majestic Hassan II Mosque, considered to be one of the greatest religious buildings in the world. You can explore the narrow alleys of the old Medina, which stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding modern architecture. To get the most from the seafront, the Ain Diab Corniche provides a pleasant place for strolling with easy access to the beach.

Nestled in the Bay of Tangier, this bewitching Moroccan city lies at the northwestern tip of the country, along the famous Strait of Gibraltar. Following in the footsteps of the writers and artists inspired and seduced by the city’s climate and setting, it has rich landscapes and multicultural charm. You can instantly understand as soon as you set foot in the heart of Medina. An architectural masterpiece, the Kasbah is your gateway to the Sultan’s Palace and its gardens. If you prefer beaches to museums, you can relax just a few minutes from the city on the beautiful sweep of sand bathed in the Atlantic Ocean.

Malaga, a historical and festive town, is located in Andalusia on the Costa del Sol. Between the marina and the beaches, the seaside promenade of La Farola offers an ideal setting for strolling and relaxing. Set slightly further back, the Malagueta bullring is one of the emblematic sites of the city. From the hill overlooking the old town, one can see Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba, two fortified ensembles rising out from the cypresses and maritime pines. To visit Pablo Picasso’s birthplace, go first to the courtly Plaza de la Merced. A few streets back from here, you can explore the museum dedicated to the artist in the Buenavista palace.

In the province of Malaga, Marbella is a renowned seaside resort on the Costa del Sol. The remains of early Christian and Roman sites around this former mining town, located at the foot of the Sierra Blanca mountains, bear witness to a rich history. With its white houses on flowery little streets, the old town is perfect for a pleasant stroll. The Plaza de los Naranjos, the former focal point of the city, is near the 10th-century Arabic castle and the Church of Santa María de la Encarnación. Not far from here, discover the magnificent viewpoints offered by Ronda, a picturesque town perched 700 meters (2,296 feet) high. Its Puente Nuevo bridge majestically crosses the gorges of the Guadalevin River, which cuts the town in two.

Andalusia’s Cadiz is located on the Costa de la Luz, in the south-west of Spain. From the beaches of Cortadura to the flamenco bars of Santa Maria and through the colorful streets of La Viña, be amazed by this city, which is both steeped in history and extremely festive. In the medieval El Pópulo district, stroll along covered passages in the narrow gaps between houses. Mosey around the lush Mina Square. The star of the show is the magnificent cathedral and its dome, crowned with yellow porcelain, presiding above the ocean.

At the entrance of the River Arade, Portimao is a former sardine port that has become a famous seaside city. From this pleasant town, you can explore Silves, the former capital of the Algarve. The town is dominated by a Moorish castle, one of the best preserved in Portugal. You can also admire the incredible cathedral with its baroque façade, built on the site of an old mosque. Then, go to Monchique, a small mountain town surrounded by a forest of lush eucalyptus and cork oaks. In the maze of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, discover a wilder and more authentic Algarve.

Portugal’s capital city, located on the banks of the Tagus, only a few kilometers from the Atlantic coast, is a city of exceptionally rich cultural diversity. At the mouth of the river harbor, are two UNESCO World Heritage monuments: Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower. The Alfama hillside is also worth visiting. Known for its fado bars and its Moorish streets, this district is the oldest one in the city and one of the most typical. Not far from there, Chiado’s elegant streets are home to big fashion labels and are an invitation to a bit of luxury shopping.