In the strait between the continents, Gibraltar offers fascinating impressions around the famous Rock*. You can also explore the British overseas territory underground in the tunnel system that dates back to the Second World War* or enjoy a relaxed wine tasting*.

In the Spanish exclave of Melilla on the coast of North Africa, a walk at your own pace contrasts the old town on the fortress hill with the late 19th-century architecture of the new town.

Mosques, minarets and medinas: greeted by the call of the muezzin, you will set off to discover the delights of the Maghreb. Safi welcomes you as Morocco’s pottery capital. The white port city of Essaouira*, a trading hub between East and West, is characterised by fine craftsmanship and colourful fashion. On an excursion to Marrakech*, your senses will be captivated by the colours, spices and scents of the bustling medina and the hustle and bustle of Djemaa el-Fna, the square of the jugglers.

From the modern seaside resort of Agadir*, you can visit Marrakech’s “little sister”: Taroundant, the city of kings and caravans*. As you wander through the secretive souks, feel the magic of the city that was occupied by the Almoravids, Morocco’s first caliphate dynasty, in 1056. Alternatively, a jeep ride into the Massa Valley* will take you past Berber villages, oases and sand dunes. Or take the only cable car* in Morocco to the ‘Agadir Kasbah’ citadel.

European soil in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean off Africa’s coast, spoiled by the sun and with a mild climate – the Canary Islands welcome you with open arms. On the fiery island of Lanzarote you’ll encounter its volcanic origins at every turn. How about a hike through the lunar landscape* in Timanfaya National Park, a realm of lava flows, volcanoes and craters? Immerse yourself in the typical relaxed and fun-loving charm of the island on a walk at your own pace through the small streets of Arrecife. Tracing the footsteps of César Manrique*, dive into the island’s colours that inspired the painter with its bold contrasts.

Today, you will stroll through Santa Cruz, the capital of Tenerife. The island shows its untamed side around Spain’s highest mountain in Teide National Park*, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Discover lush, evergreen laurel forests, dragon trees and countless species of cactus on an all-terrain vehicle tour through the Anaga mountain range*.

The HANSEATIC nature heads on a course further south, where an almost unspoilt archipelago unfolds before your eyes: the Cape Verde Islands. Hike through the craggy mountain landscape on Santo Antao, with glimpses of deep gorges as you descend into the picturesque and fertile Paul Valley* where dragon trees and figs grow. Head off-road through canyons with impressive rock formations as you explore the “wild west” by jeep*. On Fogo, which is dominated by the Pico do Fogo at a height of over 2,800 m (9,186 ft), you can marvel at the fire island’s volcanic landscape* on a tour to the edge of the caldera. Alternatively, take a walk through Sao Filipe* and marvel at the pretty capital with its numerous colonial houses.