Iberian Treasures

Looking out across the Mediterranean, Malaga overflows with an assortment of architectural treasures and Spain's prized jewel, the Alhambra Palace, is within easy striking distance. Andalucia's second largest city, Malaga, is a bustling port on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol. Standing on a hillside overlooking the city is the 8th-century ‘Alcazaba', an impressive Moorish fortress. Malaga's cathedral is affectionately known as ‘La Manquita', meaning ‘the onearmed one' owing to its half-built tower, abandoned in the 1700s due to insufficient funds. During the Arab occupation of Spain, Malaga was the principle port of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. A short drive inland takes you to the heart of this wonderful city and its celebrated centrepiece, the breathtaking Alhambra Palace

An extravagant tapestry of ancient mosques, colourful souks and friendly faces, Tangier is a magical slice of Morocco. Once the preferred party playground of the rich and famous, it's still one of North Africa's most vibrant cities.......

It’s hard not to be wooed by Porto. Portugal’s second largest city is a World Heritage Site that won the grand title European Capital of Culture in the early noughties. A great blend of commercial character and traditional charm, its atmospheric old streets are a topsy-turvy maze stumbling steeply down to a Medieval waterfront. Thankfully there’s a tram system though, so getting around is a piece of cake.......

The capital of Portugal on the banks of the broad River Tagus is as eclectic as it is exciting, with countless places to visit and enjoy. Where can you find a freestanding cast-iron elevator designed by Eiffel, a clutch of trams climbing impossible gradients, and a history lesson in tiles covering the exterior walls of a castle? Only in Lisbon where even a walk around the streets, some rebuilt to a grid-plan after an earthquake in 1755, others tiny, steep and stepped, is a fascinating journey. And don't forget to take in the markets which still retain the atmosphere of the Moorish bazaars they once were, or the pocket-sized tavernas offering grilled sardines and wine.

From the splendour of its sheltered inner harbour to streets full of Moorish relics, Cadiz is the perfect introduction to the real beauty of Spain. Whether you want to see medieval walls built on Roman foundations or wander through designer stores filled with the latest European fashions, Cadiz is for you. Wander past churches built with the wealth Spanish conquistadors cnatched from the New World - including the cathedral where the treasury contains a monstrance said to be adorned with a million jewels. And when you finish looking for a Moorish treasure of your own, relax in true Spanish style in a traditional cafe. That's before you even start thinking of travelling further afield to see sights like the cathedral in Seville that houses the Chrispher Columbus Sepulchre or the city's picturesque Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de Espana.

Gibraltar is only two miles long. This, its duty-free shops and sunshine record make it the perfect place to shop, explore and meet the famous Gibraltan monkeys. Inside and outside, Gibraltar offers lots of opportunities to find out what makes it so appealing. On the rock itself are attractions like the Moorish Castle, the Gibraltar Museum and the cable car ride to Europa Point with its stop to visit the families of famous Gibraltan monkeys. Inside the rock, there are more miles of road than on the outside, including the Great Siege Tunnels and St Michael's Cave.

Looking out across the Mediterranean, Malaga overflows with an assortment of architectural treasures and Spain's prized jewel, the Alhambra Palace, is within easy striking distance. Andalucia's second largest city, Malaga, is a bustling port on Spain's sunny Costa del Sol. Standing on a hillside overlooking the city is the 8th-century ‘Alcazaba', an impressive Moorish fortress. Malaga's cathedral is affectionately known as ‘La Manquita', meaning ‘the onearmed one' owing to its half-built tower, abandoned in the 1700s due to insufficient funds. During the Arab occupation of Spain, Malaga was the principle port of the Moorish kingdom of Granada. A short drive inland takes you to the heart of this wonderful city and its celebrated centrepiece, the breathtaking Alhambra Palace