Guadeloupe looks like a butterfly: its wings, Grande Terre and Basse Terre, are separated by a channel and has some beautiful, unspoilt beaches. Grande Terre is the liveliest part, with the market of Pointe à Pitre and roads joining together picturesque villages and sugar cane plantations. Centuries of French rule don‘t seem to have influenced the locals‘ philosophy too much: “it‘s better to avoid something than to face something”.

A magnet for yachts from many ports, tiny Tortola in the British Virgin Islands is a haven for those seeking the classic pleasures of beaches and crystal waters.

Saint Martin is part of the Leeward Islands in the Caribbean Sea. It comprises 2 separate countries, divided between its northern French side, called Saint-Martin, and its southern Dutch side, Sint Maarten. The island is home to busy resort beaches and secluded coves. It‘s also known for fusion cuisine, vibrant nightlife and duty-free shops selling jewelry and liquor.

Antigua, as sweet as the sugar cane form the plantations, welcomes us in a warm embrace and giving us the opportunity to swim in its beautiful sea. We stop in the port of Antigua, an old colony where we can see the vestiges of the agricultural past of the island. Sugar is no longer the livelihood of this small nation, but you can still visit the old windmills of Fuerteventura. Take a dance class at the Shiva school of dance or catch a show of traditional dances from the Caribbean. Before the cruise resumes its course, enjoy a spectacular sunset on the beach, swim with the stingrays and admire the underwater fauna.

On the beach of Salines, you can go snorkeling with colorful fish. You will fall so in love with Martinique that you will not want to leave. The port of Martinique is located in Fort de France. It’s easily accessible as it is located only 4.97 miles from the airport. It is a busy tourist port as well as an annual destination for many cruise passengers. Once here, enjoy the beauty of the place: discover the southern beaches, particularly that of Salines, where you‘ll see colorful fish. Then be enchanted by the tropical forest on Martinique, home to lush vegetation and numerous small waterfalls.

Guadeloupe looks like a butterfly: its wings, Grande Terre and Basse Terre, are separated by a channel and has some beautiful, unspoilt beaches. Grande Terre is the liveliest part, with the market of Pointe à Pitre and roads joining together picturesque villages and sugar cane plantations. Centuries of French rule don‘t seem to have influenced the locals‘ philosophy too much: “it‘s better to avoid something than to face something”.

Kingstown is the capital of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The port city is known for its Botanical Gardens, founded in 1765 and home to tropical plants and aviaries. On a ridge above the bay, the 1806 Fort Charlotte offers panoramic views of the archipelago. The city center has 19th-century churches such as St. Mary’s Cathedral. The lively Kingstown Market sells local produce. Popular Villa Beach is nearby

Voted on of the best ports in the entire Caribbean basin, Barbados offers natural beauty, attractions, and endless stretches of pink and white sand beaches.

The port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the city’s access to the sea and characterized by a mix of cultures that have managed to coexist in harmony with each other. Santa Cruz is a cosmopolitan city of different influences and varied trends, as you can see from the mix of historic buildings and modern architecture. After leaving the port, start your tour with a visit of the Auditorio de Tenerife and the “Circulo de Amistad.” Then take a visit to the Nuestra Señora de África market, where you will find crafts and artisanal products made from natural ingredients, as well as the famous wine of the region. Finally, check out the local cuisine made with potatoes, chilies and exotic spices.

Funchal is the capital of the Madeira archipelago in Portugal. On a cruise with Costa you will dock at its unique port, formed from a natural bay that protects ships. It owes its name to the fennel plants found in the surrounding areas. The port of Funchal is the International Maritime Station of Madeira. The city is nestled in the mountains and has an atmosphere of tranquillity. Take advantage of the park for a brief visit to the Monte Palace tropical garden, a real paradise on Earth where vegetation and stone decorations create a wonderful harmony. If you want to get to know the locals and buy souvenirs, take a hike to the city market, the Mercado dos Lavradores, and finally, take the cable car to enjoy the amazing view of the city.

Travel through the streets of the port, where Christopher Columbus left for America, and visit this beautiful town and its surroundings. Make a stop in Cadiz, an Andalusian town that gives its name to the region it is capital of and the gulf on whose heights it stands proud. Its buildings are characterised by influences, in chronological order, of the Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and the Christians. The port of Cadiz was the departure point of the expedition that led to the discovery of America. Here you can admire the charming seafront promenade and the 3 km bridge that crosses the bay. Don‘t miss the chance to taste “tapas de chorizo” or see a flamenco show.

A pleasant thing to do is simply sit down at one of the cafes overlooking the port of Marseilles and, sipping a Pastis, observe the landscape and the people who inhabit it. Also called the “Porpoise City “, Marseille is France’s sunniest town, charming with its gullies where you can swim, its history and culture and restaurants with cosmopolitan cuisine. You cannot leave without having first toured on the “Cours Julien”, the street for shopping. The port of Marseille is perhaps a typical tourist destination, but it deserves to be visited for the ferry that leaves from the Town Hall and the old church, which replaced a Templar building.

Above the port of Savona, the Priamar Fortress greets every departure and arrival of the Costa ships sailing in the Mediterranean. Genoa and its aquarium are nearby. The port of Savona, which you can explore during your cruise in Italy, is one of the prettiest of the Italian Riviera. The lovely climate, summers that are never to hot, mild winters and the exceptional beauty of the sea near the town makes Savona an excellent base to set out to explore Liguria. Savona is notable for the Priamar Fortress, which has dominated the town since the 16th century, and also for its historic centre where you can visit Savona Cathedral. A stop in Savona can also be an opportunity to visit the nearby city of Genoa and its narrow, picturesque streets, known as “caruggi”.