Cruise and Maritime Voyages

One of the most modern towns in the Azores, Praia da Vitoria is a gateway to the island of Terceira. The town, which sits on a large bay on the island’s east coast, has a long, attractive sandy beach, a smart marina and a pleasant pedestrian shopping area. In its historic centre the narrow streets and alleys are lined with colourful old houses featuring the characteristic, often grated, sash windows.

A city with maritime roots, Arrecife first appeared on maps in the 15th century as a small fishing harbour. It has since 1852 been the capital of Lanzarote, the northernmost and fourth largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. Lanzarote, which lies just four degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer and enjoys a sub-tropical climate, is volcanic in origin. Arrecife’s Calle Leon y Castila has a wealth of shops and is an opportunity for duty free shopping.

Lying on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the River Tagus, Lisbon is the westernmost capital in Europe. It was from here that the great caravels set sail on their voyages of exploration and numerous monuments are a reminder Lisbon’s glorious maritime heyday. In 1775 a devastating earthquake all but levelled the city to the ground, and although relatively modern, the Portuguese capital has a quirky charm and much character. The steep, cobbled streets of the ancient Moorish Alfama district lead to wonderful viewpoints looking over the city. Further along the coast the elegant resorts of Cascais and Estoril stud Portugal’s own Riviera.