Tangier is a Moroccan port city on the Strait of Gibraltar. The city, whose origins date back to the 5th century BC, is captivating with its lively medina and busy markets offering traditional handicrafts. The kasbah with its impressive Tor Bab el Kasbah rises up over the city and offers fascinating insights into the past. You get a sense of a wide variety of influences in the narrow streets – from the Carthaginians to the Romans and the Moors, all have left the marks of their different cultures.

Modern life and historic charm go hand in hand in Casablanca. The lively metropolis is Morocco's economic centre and offers an exciting mix of Arab/Muslim heritage and remnants from the French colonial period. The old town, also known as the medina, is inviting with its winding streets and numerous bazaars to wander around, while the Art Deco district and the Corniche promenade show the city’s modern side. At the end of the Corniche you will see the majestic Hassan II Mosque and its minaret rising about 210 m (689 ft) into the blue sky: one of the largest mosques in the world, its architectural beauty and the glorious marble of the huge prayer hall are impressive.

Let the warm sand caress your feet as the Atlantic surf plays a peaceful melody of its own. The Corniche in Agadir is a great place for a stroll, while fishing boats bob around in the sea under the setting sun. The old kasbah rises up over the city, a dormant guardian from times gone by. The scents from the Souk El Had – cinnamon, saffron and mint – are a feast for the senses. This is where modern life meets the history of the Berbers, who still whisper of freedom and tradition in the mountains.

Volcanoes and sandy beaches: Lanzarote is an interplay of colours. The island was formed about 20 million years ago and now boasts a variety of golden, black and almost white beaches. Turquoise bays, red and black volcanic landscapes and the green vineyards of La Geria reveal a unique and diverse natural landscape. Lanzarote and its sister island Fuerteventura – once joined and now separated by a narrow strait – both exude a magical appeal that cannot be found anywhere else.

Laurel forests, shrouded in mystical fog, shape the wild beauty of La Gomera. Garajonay National Park tells a story of ancient times, when nature still played the leading role. The coasts drop dramatically into the sea and El Silbo, the whistling language of the indigenous people, rings through the valleys. From the summits, there are views over the unending blue of the Atlantic, where the waves gently lap against the rugged cliffs. La Gomera is a place full of secrets and magic, a paradise for explorers and dreamers.

Santa Cruz de la Palma, the capital of the “Isla Bonita” stretches between green hillsides and dark beaches. The colourful house facades and colonial palaces along the Calle Real and the Calle de San Sebastian exude traditional Canarian charm. La Palma, one of the smaller Canary Islands but with impressive scenery, is enticing with its romantic tapas bars, winding streets and beautiful dreamy backdrop. Walking along the cobbled streets, you will feel like you have been taken back to the glamorous times of the 17th century.

Tenerife, in the heart of the Canary Islands, is the largest and most populated island in the archipelago. Authors describe it as one of the “Isles of the Blessed” and visitors are enthralled by its picture of paradise. With idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters, white dunes and lush vegetation, Tenerife is a place to dream about. Its landmark is the Pico de Teide, a majestic volcano that dominates the surrounding landscape. The island’s flora is surprising with a variety of protected species, most of which are native to the Canaries.