Pearls of the Western Mediterranean - Small Ship Cruise

Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is located on the slopes of a mountain range up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) high and, like the island on the whole, is known for its magnificent variety of flowers. Blessed with mild temperatures all year round, Madeira offers steep coastlines, green valleys and imposing peaks – a paradise for nature lovers. In the 16th century, Funchal was an important port for ships sailing to Africa and South America. Today, the focus is on the cultivation and trade of the famous Madeira wine. The seafront promenade Avenida do Mar extends from the old town to the fishing harbour and offers romantic views of the sea and the city lights, especially in the evening hours. Funchal combines natural beauty with cultural heritage and invites you to enjoy the island to the full.

A long golden sandy beach stretches 9 km (5.6 mi.) along the coast of Porto Santo, around 42 km (26.1 mi.) north-east of Madeira. The small island attracts visitors with its Portuguese lifestyle, great restaurants, hiking trails and water sports options – perfect for a relaxing beach holiday. Alongside the fascinating basalt formations of Pico de Ana Ferreira, visitors can also immerse themselves in history: Casa Colombo – Museu do Porto Santo is dedicated to the famous navigator Columbus, who is said to have once lived on the island.

The copper-red cliffs along the Algarve coast, which rise up almost vertically from the deep-blue sea, make Portimao a real highlight. The charming old town and the marina are perfect for relaxed walks, while the Praia da Rocha – an endless, golden shimmering beach – invites you to enjoy soaking up some rays of sun. When you gaze out over the beautiful bays, dune islands and crystal-clear water, everyday life will quickly become a distant memory.

The white buildings of Cadiz appear on the horizon, while the golden domes of the cathedral reflect the bright blue sky. The screeches of seagulls and the sound of the waves are carried on the wind. Cadiz, with its history dating back over 3,000 years, was once a lively trading centre. Today, the city retains its pride in its majestic palaces, the Miradores, which offer a breathtaking view over the endless sea. And as you approach the long sandy beach, you almost expect Halle Berry to emerge from the waves – as she did in the famous James Bond scene filmed here.

Andalusia’s second-largest city exudes the scent of orange groves and the heat of the sun, which shines over the Bay of Malaga. The majestic Montes de Malaga mountain range is just a few kilometres north of the city, whereas the 130 m (426 ft) high Gibralfaro rises up in the city centre: from the walls of the Castillo de Gibralfaro, you can see Malaga in all its beauty – with the old town dominated by the elegant towers of the cathedral, one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Beneath the castle are the romantic gardens of the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, a great place to while away some time. Wine lovers will appreciate the fertile soils of the Vega, which produce wines like Pedro Ximenez. Malaga is a feast for all the senses.

Valencia impresses with its age-old buildings and modern architecture. The heart of the old town is the Plaza de la Reina with its impressive cathedral, with a bell tower offering fantastic views over the city. It’s well worth taking a walk through the Mercado Central, where local specialities await culinary enthusiasts. Futuristic charm comes from the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies, an impressive complex of buildings and parkland designed by Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela and incorporating an opera, science museum and aquarium.

Port Vendres, a harbour brimming with authenticity and maritime life, lies between the rolling vineyards of the Cote Vermeille and the deep-blue waters of the Mediterranean. For centuries, seafaring has shaped this place, which is considered one of the few deep natural harbours on the French Mediterranean coast. Fishing boats and sailing yachts line the quays, while freshly caught fish and regional specialities are served in the small restaurants. A walk takes you past historic buildings and the lighthouse at Cap Bear to viewpoints offering wonderful vistas of the bay. Port Vendres combines authenticity, zest for life and Mediterranean flair is a wonderfully harmonious way.

The charming town of Sete is often referred to as the “Venice of Languedoc” because of its numerous canals that wind their way picturesquely through the town. Fishing boats and sailing yachts lie side by side in the idyllic harbour, and in the small restaurants in the harbour you can sample freshly caught fish and the famous squid speciality, Tielle Setoise. Mont Saint-Clair is also worth a climb: from its platform, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the city’s rooftops, the sea and the lagoon landscape.

Monte Carlo, the most famous of the nine districts that make up the Principality of Monaco, offers the appeal of luxury and sophisticated charm. The world’s second-smallest state may have no official capital, but Monte Carlo is its centrepiece. Founded by Prince Charles III, who had the famous casino built in the 1860s, it has become a symbol of elegance renowned for its gambling scene. Monaco-Ville, the oldest district, sits majestically on top of a rocky peninsula and is home to the magnificent Prince’s Palace. The magnificent opera and the park with gorgeous views over the Cote d’Azur ensure Monte Carlo is an experience for all the senses.