Iberia & The Canaries
ARRECIFE, LANZAROTE
Understand Lanzarote’s volcanic past on a drive or camel ride through Timanfaya National Park, whose dusty red boulder- strewn scenery lends it a Martian quality, or in the Cactus Garden, where tall specimens and bizarre sculptures spear up around a whitewashed windmill. And descend into Los Verdes Caves to discover their still lakes and wax-like rock – one chamber is occasionally used as a concert hall.
BILBAO, SPAIN
Basque culture and tradition cloaks Bilbao’s atmospheric old town, where colonnaded squares and winding alleys reveal lively spots to sample a hearty rioja or delicious regional tapas. Photo opportunities include the beautiful art deco Arenal Bandstand and, of course, the gleaming Guggenheim Museum, whose impressive collections are rivalled by the magnificent Museo de Bellas Artes.
CADIZ, SPAIN
First settled 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians, Cadiz is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western world. Little wonder given its scenic setting – jutting into the sea and almost encircled by water. Inside its sturdy walls, a beguiling honeycomb of plazas, promenades and churches cluster around the gold-domed baroque cathedral and continue to captivate visitors today.
FUNCHAL, MADEIRA
You’ll consider Madeira’s reputation as the ‘Garden Island’ well founded, swathed in lush greenery which bears all manner of tropical fruits. For a thrilling overview, ascend by cable car to Monte, from whose delightful palace and gardens you can survey the orange rooftops below. The best way down again is by wicker toboggan, expertly steered by two gondoliers dressed in whites.
LACORUÑA, SPAIN
Welcome to the ‘Crystal City’, so nicknamed for the old fisherman’s houses adorned with beautiful glazed balconies along the Avenida de la Marina. Photograph the Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse supposedly built on the tomb of a giant slain by the fabled hero. Or visit Santiago de Compostela, whose spired cathedral reputedly houses the sacred relics of St James the Apostle.
LAS PALMAS, GRANCANARIA
Described as a ‘continent in miniature’, Gran Canaria’s landscapes rise from the southern rolling dunes at Maspalomas up to forested – and frequently snow-topped – mountains. Las Palmas’s old Vegueta district is arguably the island’s biggest draw, home to the superb Santa Ana Cathedral, Columbus’s House and countless whispering palms for which this scenic capital is named.
LISBON, PORTUGAL
Exploration seems to hang in the air around Lisbon. In Belem, seek out the often photographed Monument to the Discoveries, turreted watchtower and superb Jeronimos Monastery. Ascend to the Bairro Alto by the century-old Elevador de Carmo, where you may hear mournful fado singers. Or venture into the Moorish Alfama district, winding around the impressive Castelo de São Jorge.
OPORTO, PORTUGAL
Brimming with atmosphere, Oporto is a city your camera will adore. From the medieval Ribiera district, snap cask-laden wooden boats and the iron Dom Luis Bridge that spans the River Douro. And capture the city’s exquisite blue and white tiles, especially those that so beautifully grace the exteriors of the Carmo and Capela das Almas churches.
SANTACRUZ DE LA PALMA, LA PALMA
This peaceful isle is blessed with lush greenery, punctuated with vibrant flora, rugged rock formations and a stunning 16th century capital. Cobbled streets, sugar-cube houses and centuries-old wooden balconies catch the eye; so too Iglesia de Salvador on Plaza de España, one of many picturesque churches here, and the Naval Museum, dramatically housed in a replica galleon.
SANTACRUZ DE TENERIFE, TENERIFE
Beloved for its beaches, Tenerife also offers a feast for the eyes – in its numerous art galleries and museums or an incredibly panoramic cable car ascent of Mount Teide. Your ears will appreciate the sounds of the timple, a distinctive element of Canarian folk music. Perhaps even catch a classical recital at the striking wave-shaped Auditorío, home to the acclaimed Tenerife Symphony Orchestra.
VIGO, SPAIN
Discover the real Spain here on Iberia’s rugged shoulder. In some shaded square of this former fishing village, tuck into a hearty Galician feast of succulent scallops, tasty squid and spicy octopus. Or make the timeless pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The shrine of St James the Apostle has drawn visitors for a thousand years, and its stunning cathedral provides a compelling reason why.
For Queen Elizabeth itineraries see pages 34-73 • For Queen Victoria itineraries see pages 78-121 • For Queen Mary 2 itineraries see pages 126-169
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Cathedral, Cadiz
Oporto, Portugal
www.cunard.com 205
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