Canary Islands and Madeira

As you arrive in Funchal on an MSC cruise, your ship will cast anchor in a bay protected by mountains rising straight up behind the port. The name, Funchal, derives from that of the fennel plant, the funcho still used today in the traditional sweets known as rebuçados de funcho, that one can find anywhere on the island of Madeira. An excursion will take you around the town centre, to visit historic churches, from the A Sé Cathedral, with its inlaid ceiling, to the majestic Church of the Incarnation, to the church of Carmo without a vault. Another MSC excursion will take you up to the village of Monte, from where one can admire a spectacular view of the Funchal bay. You can visit its 18th century church and the tomb of the last Austrian emperor, Charles I, and stroll around the magnificent botanic gardens. But if you like heights, there’s nothing more impressive than the Cabo Girão and its 589 metre tall cliffs, amongst the highest in the world, at the foot of which lie the cultivated lands known as Fajãs do Cabo Girão. If you’re looking for an equipped beach during your MSC cruise, another excursion will take you to Machico. Founded in the 15th century, it hosts the oldest religious building on the island, the Capela dos Milagres, and the fortresses of São João Baptista and Nossa Senhora do Amparo built in the beginning of the 16th century. The more lively tourist attraction is instead in Calheta, on the south-west coast. Splendid yachts cruising across the Atlantic are moored in the port and if you want to go for a swim there are two beautiful beaches of golden sand; in spite of the modern structures Calheta dates back to the mid-15th century. This is where they make the “Aguardente”, the best white rhum, and fundamental ingredient of Madeira’s typical drink, the “Poncha” .

Arriving to the Port of Santa Cruz de la Palma in the Canary Islands on an MSC cruise ship is an incredible feeling. The city was founded inside the Calderata, an ancient volcanic crater that rises to a height of 1800 metres, protecting the sailing vessels of the past, and the cruise ships of today, from the wind. The history of Santa Cruz de la Palma, once an important stop on the trading route to the East Indies, has enriched it with fortifications, such as Castillo de Santa Catalina and Castillo de Santa Cruz del Barrio, constructed in the second half of the 16th century to defend Santa Cruz de la Palma from attacks by pirates. However, the historical heritage of the city centre, which is encountered at practically every corner, dates back to the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods. It will be worth your while to loose yourselves among the streets, if for nothing else, than to simply admire their unique balconies, such as the one in Avenida Maritima.

Arrecife is a city in the Canary Islands (Spain) situated in the east of the island of Lanzarote of which it has been the capital since 1852. The city gives its name to the nearby international airport. Lanzarote, the northernmost and easternmost of the Canary Islands, is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, 115 kilometres off the coast of Africa. The climate, dry and mild throughout the year, is highly suitable for all kind of outdoor sports. Lanzarote is different, not only compared to the other islands, but to everything else on this planet. This extraordinary landscape seems to be of another world, and the inhabitants of the islands use to say that God forgot of Lanzarote on the Seventh Day of the Creation. Lanzarote is of volcanic origin, as the other islands of the archipelago as well, but here volcanoes have been active still in 18th and 19th century. Great parts of its surface are covered with ashes and lava, and Lanzarotes inhabitants made a great effort to cultivate this land, where today it is possible to find large plantations of fruits and vegetables. Most surprising is perhaps the region of Geria, with vineyards between volcanic craters. Not to forget about are also the works of a Canarian architect and artist, Cesar Manrique, adding more attractions to this unique island.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the port capital of Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s seven Canary Islands. The city showcases incredible sights such as the Plaza de Espana, the church of St. Francis of Assisi, and the soaring white wave auditorium, the Auditorio de Tenerife. This quintessential Canary Island’s town is a colourful MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination where you can soak up the sun, dine in style, or take a dip in glittering waters.

Casablanca, an impressive port city on Morocco’s magical coast, is an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. Discover Mauresque architecture, attractive beaches, and the colourful Old Medina. Place Mohammed V, a square of symbolic significance, is resplendent with palm trees and a majestic fountain. Beyond the port, two extraordinary cities await your discovery — vibrant Marrakech and beautiful Rabat.

Formerly a Roman settlement, Valencia is a charismatic port city on the coast of Spain, and an MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination. Its marriage of modern and ancient architecture is a sight to behold – from the futuristic stylings of the City of Arts and Sciences to the 13th-centry Valencia Cathedral. Walk around its avenues and squares and soak up the city’s spellbinding energy. For restful pursuits, take in the beauty of its protected natural wonders including Albufera National Park.