Funchal, Madeira’s bustling capital, tumbles down a dramatic hillside towards a beautiful sweeping bay. Highlights include colourful markets, wine lodges and the spectacular cable car ride up to the village of Monte, home of the famous toboggan run.

The lovely little city of San Sebastián, set on the golden sands of Playa de la Concha, is a real foodie favourite, famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants and bars serving pintxos (Basque tapas). Spend some time exploring the buzzing old town, and take the funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo for magnificent views.

Situated on Tenerife’s north eastern shore, the island’s capital is a busy port that serves mostly as a gateway to the popular south west coast and the spectacular volcanic landscapes of the island’s interior.

Said to have the world's most perfect climate, cosmopolitan Las Palmas is the capital of Gran Canaria and the largest city in the Canary Islands. The charming old quarter, La Vegueta, is where you'll find the city's most interesting colonial architecture, while beach fans should head for lovely Playa de las Canteras.

In recent years Lanzarote has begun to shake off its mass market reputation and reinvent itself as a more upmarket destination. The extraordinary volcanic landscapes and the works of local artist César Manrique give the island a unique appearance, and the understated capital, Arrecife, is well worth exploring.

Rebuilt after a terrible earthquake in 1960, Agadir is Morocco’s most popular beach resort, and there is a relaxed European feel that sets it apart from other Moroccan cities. The beachfront promenade is lovely and the waters are clean and clear, making this a popular winter sun destination.

Bustling and modern, fizzing with industry and commerce, Casablanca is often overlooked in favour of Morocco’s better known tourist draws. But then this is part of its appeal: it’s an authentic and unvarnished city, and it’s also home to the spectacular modernist architecture of the Hassan II Mosque.

Sovereignty of ‘The Rock’ has been a thorny issue ever since Gibraltar was ceded to Britain in 1713, though on the ground it’s clear where most locals’ sympathies lie. Gibraltar is often described as ‘more British than Britain’, a curious enclave of red postboxes, double decker buses and chip shops.

Seville is a wonderful destination, a sophisticated and sun-kissed city on the banks of the Guadalquivir river. It’s a treat for all the senses, from the smell of orange blossom to the heart-tugging sounds of flamenco, and the highlight of the calendar is undoubtedly Semana Santa, when a spectacular Easter parade fills the streets.