Sometimes dark and volcanic, sometimes light, fine and sandy, and always brimming with lush vegetation and rich cultural facets: Macaronesia. With the small HANSEATIC spirit, the “fortunate islands” in the Atlantic are a wealth of contrasts. Driven by your hunger for experiences and thirst for knowledge, unknown terrain is your destination. Explore Madeira’s most remote nature reserve on Selvagem Grande. If the authorities allow, local rangers will guide you through the desert habitat of geckos, Scopoli’s shearwaters and endemic plants.

Even approaching the pinnacle of the Canary Islands is a thrill. Very few places pack such a wealth of volcanoes, rock varieties and extraordinary vegetation into such a small space. See for yourself on El Hierro. A scenic tour of the smallest Canary Island* provides insights into life in the capital and villages alongside stunning views. Beautiful scenery and outdoor sports combine when you explore the coast by e-bike*.

La Palma will also kindle your passion for the forces of nature. The Caldera de Taburiente National Park* will enchant you with one of the largest calderas in the world. A volcano hike* reveals an unforgettable image of lighthouses, salt pans and small fishing bays.

On relaxing days at sea, fascinating expert presentations will get you in the mood for Cape Verde. Once settled by the Portuguese and now an insider tip if you’re looking for unspoilt nature. Sun-kissed with a mild climate, each island will provide autumn fascination with its own particular character.

The first stop is Santo Antao. As you walk along old trading routes, it will become clear why the island is considered the Cape Verdean hiking paradise*. The fertile Paul Valley and paths along picturesque coastlines will leave you with lasting memories. Alternatively, explore the “wild west” by jeep*: it may be sunny and dry, but the rugged rock formations and fantastic panoramas are what make it truly impressive. Against the backdrop of impressive mountain ranges, Sao Vicente is a cultural melting pot. Take a city walk through Mindelo* and be enthralled by the colonial architecture and African market, as well as the Torre de Belem, a replica of the landmark in Lisbon. The life story of the Cape Verdean singer Cesaria Evora, a visit to a guitar workshop and a music concert emphasise the cultural heart of Cape Verde*. Sao Nicolao’s rhythm is orchestrated by something quite different: hike through the green valleys of Sao Nicolao*. Avocados, sugar cane, mangos, bananas and papayas grow on the fertile Faja plain. Ribeira Brava, the island capital*, is as multicoloured as it is multifaceted, with colourful houses, narrow cobbled streets and little shops. There is an air of “Lawrence of Arabia” about Boa Vista. Low mountain ranges and a beach covering more than 50 km (31 mi.) combine with picturesque villages and the vast ocean to create an enduring memory. The name of the island means “beautiful view”, which you can take at its word with a jeep tour in the unspoilt south* – a “Sahara in the Atlantic” with vast fields of desert and crescent-shaped shifting sand dunes. African roots and European influences come together on Santiago, the largest of the Cape Verde islands. The history of Cape Verde will be revealed on historic paths to Cidade Velha*. The old capital tells of Portugal’s influence and the dark chapter of the slave trade. Alternatively, embark on some active exploration in the Serra Malagueta national park*, a place of mountain ridges, valleys and cloud forests. You’ll spot the mighty conical shape of Fogo from afar. Black beaches and angular grottoes in the steep cliffs shape the coastline. Pico de Fogo rises up almost 3,000 m (9843 ft), the highest mountain in Cape Verde. Cha das Caldeiras, the fire island’s volcanic landscape*, places you in what seems to be a bizarre lunar landscape when your route takes you to a caldera spanning a diameter of almost 10 km (6.2 mi.).

Finally, enjoy the sunny “salt island” of Sal before returning home with many memories and the sensation of warming sunshine.