Daily Mail

Sample the delights of SPAIN, PORTUGAL AND THE CANARIES

Join Iona as she embarks on an enchanting adventure, basking in winter sunshine…

-

FOR Britons keen to escape the cold winter months at home, setting sail from Southampto­n for the balmy temperatur­es and blue skies of Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands will provide welcome respite, with a wealth of culture-rich destinatio­ns and really authentic shore experience­s to entice you.

Many itinerarie­s offer late departures from destinatio­ns, which means you can really make the most of your time there, enjoying the day-into-night experience. All of this means you can see a different side of the destinatio­ns as night falls.

Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, beckons with its flower markets and artisan wares. More adventurou­s guests might choose to go dolphin and whale spotting on an exhilarati­ng RIB ride, while others might opt to join a Taste of Madeira experience, sampling local wines and produce. In the Canary Islands, witness spectacula­r volcanic landscapes and experience the distinctly different characters of the islands, such as the art, sculpture and architectu­re of

César Manrique, who made Lanzarote his home and shaped the character of the island. In Tenerife, you could join a local family in their home for a traditiona­l, home-cooked Canarian meal, and in Gran Canaria, learn about the coffee-making process at the Finca Los Castaños.

In the historic Andalucian port of Cadiz on mainland Spain, you’ll have opportunit­ies to enjoy tapas and sherry tastings, take in a flamenco show or pay a visit to the beguiling city of Seville.

Cook up a Catalan feast in Barcelona with a paella masterclas­s, and in Malaga, discover some of the earliest works of Pablo Picasso, visiting a museum dedicated to the Andalucian artist.

Cruise along the Tagus River and drop anchor in Lisbon, with options to immerse yourself in local life in a variety of ways – you might follow in the footsteps of sporting heroes at FC Benfica’s home ground, Estádio da Luz, discover the narrow streets of the city on an e-bike or by tuk-tuk, or soak up the sun at Estoril beach.

 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ??
 ??  ?? Sunny south: Discover Seville in Spain, top, explore Aguimes on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, far left, and enjoy alfresco eating in Lisbon, Portugal, left
Sunny south: Discover Seville in Spain, top, explore Aguimes on Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands, far left, and enjoy alfresco eating in Lisbon, Portugal, left

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom