An unforgettable stop on any European cruise, with its Gothic cathedrals, medieval castle, and quaint village neighbourhoods, Lisbon is Portugal’s feature attraction and has been the country’s capital since 1147. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this city at your own leisurely pace, stopping along the way at a remarkable museum or 1930’s era patio caf. Explore more of Lisbon on a European cruise!

The mountainous isle of Madeira has been a popular European destination for years. The idyllic island is perfect for exploring with its beautiful beaches, stunning lava formed landscapes and lush, green forests. But sampling the famed Madeira wines is also an absolute must. Explore more of Maderia on a European cruise!

The third largest of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria offers a continent of contrasts. There’s the elegant capital, Làs Palmas, where Columbus once called en route to the New World; lovely beaches and the Sahara-like sand dunes of Maspalomas; and, inland, a volcanic landscape of valleys, gorges and mountains rising to 6,000 feet.

Santa Cruz de La Palma is the capital city of the island of La Palma, in Spain’s Canary Islands. It’s known for its centuries-old architecture, cobbled streets and busy port. A former convent hosts the Museum of the Island of La Palma, with an art collection and exhibits on natural history and ethnography. The Naval Museum is in a replica of Christopher Columbus’s 15th-century Santa Maria sailing ship.

The capital of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Arrecife (which means “reef” in Spanish) is renowned for its abundance of reefs and islets along its coast. If your cruise takes you to Arrecife, be sure to explore this island’s many natural wonders, from the fabulous El Reducto beach to the craters, lava tunnels, canals and tubes of Los Volcanes Nature Park. Explore more of Arrecife on a European cruise!

Go to Gibraltar to discover just how impressive rock can be. From the top of the Rock (over 400 metres up), you can admire the view across the Mediterranean and up the peninsula into Spain. Explore St. Michael’s Cave, a fascinating cavern once lived in by Neolithic peoples and visited by early Romans. Browse through shops filled with embroidered linens from Madeira or go see to the famed Barbary Apes. Then head to a local pub to grab some traditional fish and chips. If you really want to do as the locals do, order a beer (or two) with your meal.

The strategic position to the Mediterranean Sea has always made Malaga an attractive zone for foreign invasions. From Malaga, a trip to Granada showcases an intriguing blend of Arab and European cultures. Be sure to visit The Alhambra, one of the finest examples of Moorish art in Spain.

Indulge in the culture of Andalusia’s capital of Seville and visit its stunning Cathedral, one of the largest in the world. Stop and taste the tapas and smell the orange blossoms during a stroll down the winding Medieval lanes. But be sure you leave time to visit the breathtaking Plaza de Espana.

An unforgettable stop on any European cruise, with its Gothic cathedrals, medieval castle, and quaint village neighbourhoods, Lisbon is Portugal’s feature attraction and has been the country’s capital since 1147. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of this city at your own leisurely pace, stopping along the way at a remarkable museum or 1930’s era patio caf. Explore more of Lisbon on a European cruise!