Costa Smeralda: TCI - GOA - TCI11A04

Lanzarote, one of the Canary Islands, has a rich history that begins with its first inhabitants, the Guanche tribe. Europeans arrived in the 14th century, and during the 16th and 17th centuries, the island was frequently subjected to pirate attacks, which led to the construction of defensive fortresses. Agriculture, especially viticulture, played an important role in the island’s development. The artist César Manrique had a significant influence on the modern development of Lanzarote, being known for preserving its natural and cultural heritage.

Arrecife is the island’s capital and commercial port, famous for its historic fortresses such as Castillo de San Gabriel and Castillo de San José, which today serve as museums and galleries. The port is crucial to the island’s economy, connecting Lanzarote with the rest of Spain and the world. The most famous attractions include Timanfaya National Park with its volcanic landscapes, the Cueva de los Verdes caves, and Jameos del Agua — an artistic complex created by César Manrique. Historic villages like Teguise offer cultural heritage and local markets. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Playa de Papagayo.

The local cuisine is based on fresh fish and seafood, traditional goat cheese, and excellent wines from the La Geria vineyards, where grapes are grown in special volcanic pits.

Lanzarote is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, known for its natural beauty and commitment to sustainable tourism. Viticulture on volcanic soil is unique and gives the wines a distinctive flavor recognized worldwide. With its volcanic landscape, Lanzarote offers visitors a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Funchal, the capital and largest city of the Portuguese island of Madeira, is located on the southeastern coast of this beautiful Atlantic island. Known as the “Flower City,” Funchal stands out for its lush vegetation, picturesque streets, and pleasant Mediterranean climate, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxing getaway.

The city is rich in history and tradition, with its old town exuding charm through narrow cobblestone streets, markets filled with exotic fruits and spices, and colorful houses climbing the hillsides. Funchal is also famous for its gardens, such as the Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Garden, which offer stunning panoramic views and tranquility in the heart of the city. The port of Funchal is lively and colorful, with numerous yachts, fishing boats, and ferries, while the seaside promenade provides an ideal spot for leisurely walks along the coast, relaxing in cafes, and enjoying views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors often enjoy cable car rides up to the surrounding hills and hiking on the scenic trails that encircle the city.

Among the city’s most notable attractions are the Sé Cathedral, Mercado dos Lavradores market, museums, as well as numerous churches and historic buildings that tell the story of Madeira’s rich cultural heritage.

The gastronomic scene offers an excellent mix of traditional Portuguese dishes, fresh seafood, and local delicacies, further enriching the experience of this unique island.

Funchal is a perfect destination for those looking to combine natural beauty, rich history, and a relaxed island lifestyle, and its accessibility and charm make it an essential place to visit on Madeira.

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the largest city in the Canary Islands, is located on the northeastern coast of the island of Gran Canaria. This vibrant city combines a rich history, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, and a relaxed Mediterranean-Atlantic lifestyle. The historic heart of the city, Vegueta, is the perfect place to explore colonial architecture and cultural heritage. Its cobbled streets are home to important museums, churches, and buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the House of Christopher Columbus. In contrast, the modern parts of the city offer a wide range of shops, restaurants, galleries, and the dynamic rhythm of urban life.

One of the city’s main attractions is Las Canteras Beach, over three kilometres long and located right in the city centre. Thanks to a natural reef that softens the waves, it's ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and seaside walks. The city hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year, including the well-known carnival, famous for its costumes, parades, and music. The cultural scene is enriched with theatres, concert halls, and museums.

The local cuisine features traditional Canarian flavours – fresh fish dishes, local vegetables, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce – along with influences from Latin America and Africa, reflecting the city’s historical ties to trade and the sea.

Thanks to its mild year-round climate and excellent transport connections, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is an ideal destination for those looking to combine culture, the sea, nature, and urban life all in one place.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the island of Tenerife and one of the most important urban centres in the Canary Islands. Located on the northeastern coast, the city blends a relaxed island atmosphere with a vibrant cultural life and modern architecture. The city centre is full of squares, promenades and green spaces, with Plaza de España and García Sanabria Park standing out as ideal spots for a walk or a break. The city is also known for the contemporary concert hall Auditorio de Tenerife, whose striking design has become one of the city’s landmarks.

Not far from the centre lies the popular Las Teresitas beach, covered in golden sand. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is also home to one of the largest carnivals in the world, whose festive atmosphere and colourful spectacle attract visitors from all over.

The local cuisine features traditional specialities such as papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, fresh fish, and seafood. The city is well connected by transport, and its mild climate makes it an excellent destination all year round.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the perfect place for those looking to combine urban energy with natural beauty and a laid-back life by the ocean.

Tangier, located at the very northern tip of Morocco, is where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. For centuries, this city has captured the imagination of travelers, artists, and adventurers. Its location—just 14 kilometers from Spain—has made it a crossroads of cultures, continents, and worlds. Tangier exudes a cosmopolitan spirit, where Arab, Berber, European, and African influences blend into a city of truly unique character.

The old town, or medina, enchants with its narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses with blue doors, vibrant markets, and hidden courtyards. Every step through this labyrinth reveals a surprise—a vintage café, a quiet mosque, a local spice shop, or a tucked-away art gallery. Above the medina stands the Kasbah, a centuries-old fortress offering stunning views over the sea and the Strait of Gibraltar, and housing a museum rich in Moroccan art and history.

In the 20th century, Tangier was known as a “city of spies,” artists, and writers. It was home to and inspired figures like Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, Henri Matisse, and many others. That bohemian spirit still lingers—in bookshops, cafés, old hotels, and the stories of the people who live here. Beyond its cultural heritage, Tangier offers natural wonders as well. Nearby are the famous Caves of Hercules, steeped in legend, and a rugged coastline perfect for exploring. Along the seafront promenade, the city reveals its modern face—with hotels, restaurants, galleries, and sweeping views of the water.

Tangier is a place where history and modernity intertwine at every turn. A city that does not hide its complexity, but wears it with pride. This is not just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel, to listen, and to absorb the rhythm of a city that has never had just one face, but has always been a world of its own.

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is a city with a rich and diverse history that dates back to the Roman era. Over the centuries, it was under Roman, Arab, Byzantine, and Christian rule, all of which have left a lasting mark on its architecture and cultural identity. During the Middle Ages, Barcelona became an important commercial and cultural center of Catalonia, and in the 19th century, it experienced significant industrial and urban development.

One of the most notable architects associated with Barcelona was Antoni Gaudí, whose works such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà have become iconic symbols of the city. His unique style, which blends elements of Gothic, Modernism, and natural forms, has made Barcelona a uniquely vibrant urban space. Among the city’s most famous attractions are La Rambla, a lively promenade stretching from Plaça de Catalunya to the sea, and the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic), the old part of the city filled with medieval alleys, buildings, and churches, including the Cathedral of Saint Eulalia. The artistic spirit of the city can also be felt in the Picasso Museum and the Joan Miró Foundation, which house works by two of Catalonia’s greatest artists.

Barcelona is also renowned for its famous football club, FC Barcelona, whose stadium Camp Nou attracts thousands of visitors eager to experience the passion and pride that Catalans have for their team.

The city also offers a rich culinary scene – from its famous tapas to traditional dishes such as paella, fideuà, zarzuela, and the dessert crema catalana. A highlight is the Boqueria Market, where visitors can taste local products and delicacies. Today, Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe, offering a perfect blend of history, art, architecture, sport, gastronomy, and Mediterranean spirit.

Marseille, the second largest city in France and one of the oldest cities in Europe, boasts a rich history and vibrant atmosphere, situated along the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Founded by the Greeks over 2,600 years ago, the city has been influenced by many civilizations throughout the centuries, leaving a lasting mark on its architecture and identity.

Among its main attractions is the Old Port (Vieux Port) – the heart of city life, recognizable by its boats, cafés, and restaurants. The impressive Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, perched on a hill, offers panoramic views of the city, the islands, and Château d’If, the famous fortress from The Count of Monte Cristo. Also notable are the historic Le Panier district and MuCEM, a modern museum dedicated to Mediterranean culture.

Marseille’s cuisine includes specialties such as bouillabaisse – a traditional fish soup, and panisse – chickpea cakes. The city is full of authentic restaurants offering local flavors.

Nearby, the Calanques National Park is famous for its spectacular cliffs and clear waters, while charming towns like Aix-en-Provence and the fishing village of Cassis make perfect day trips. Wine lovers can explore the Provencal vineyards and enjoy tastings.

Colorful streets and historic buildings tell stories of the past, while sunsets over the sea create a special, warm atmosphere worth experiencing. Marseille is a place where tradition meets modern energy, ideal for pleasant moments and discovering authentic Mediterranean culture.

Genoa, located on the coast of the Ligurian Sea, is one of the most historically significant cities in Italy and truly the “Jewel of Liguria.” Over the centuries, it has been an important commercial and maritime center, reaching its peak during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance as one of the most powerful naval forces in the Mediterranean. Genoa is also the birthplace of the famous explorer Christopher Columbus, who set out on his journey to the New World with the support of Genoese merchants. The city also gave the world the renowned violinist Niccolò Paganini, one of the greatest virtuosos in the history of music.

Today, Genoa offers a rich cultural and historical heritage. Among its main attractions are the Porto Antico (Old Port), the impressive Genoa Aquarium, and the Old Town, known for its narrow alleys, churches, and UNESCO-protected palaces. The Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the historic Palazzi dei Rolli are enduring symbols of the city's wealth and influence through the centuries.

Genoese cuisine is a true delight for food lovers — the most famous dish is Pesto alla Genovese, while focaccia is another staple, along with a variety of fresh seafood dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, traditional desserts like pandolce and canestrelle perfectly round off the culinary experience.

Genoa is a city where history, art, the sea, and gastronomy come together — an ideal destination for anyone seeking an authentic Italian experience.