Portugal Cruise from Lisbon to Dakar — 15 Days

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a city best approached with time and comfortable shoes. Its seven hills rise above the Tagus, linking tiled lanes, grand squares and viewpoints with wide river views. In Alfama, narrow streets preserve the feel of old Lisbon. In Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery and Tower recall Portugal’s age of discovery. Pause for coffee and a warm pastel de nata between sights.

Portimao, Portugal

Portimão sits where the Arade River meets the Atlantic, in Portugal’s sunlit Algarve. From the quay, Praia da Rocha’s ochre cliffs and broad sands are close at hand. In the old town, tiled façades and cafés frame the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Choose fresh sardines at the waterfront, or cross the river to Ferragudo for a quieter village view. Portimão makes an easy base for exploring the Algarve’s coast without sacrificing a genuine working-town feel.

Casablanca, Morocco

Casablanca is Morocco’s commercial capital, where Atlantic breezes meet broad boulevards and a lively medina. Begin at the Hassan II Mosque, whose vast prayer hall and soaring minaret stand beside the ocean. Then explore the French-era Art Deco centre, or browse the lanes of the Habous quarter for pastries, crafts and bookshops. Casablanca rewards curiosity with a modern Morocco shaped by trade, architecture and daily life.

Agadir, Morocco

Agadir faces the Atlantic beneath the foothills of the Anti-Atlas, with a broad crescent beach and year-round sunshine. The 1960 earthquake destroyed much of the old city; today’s Agadir is modern, spacious and easy to explore. At Souk El Had, browse stalls of spices, leather and ceramics. Then visit the Kasbah ruins for wide views across the harbor and coast. For a quieter glimpse of local life, explore the fishing port or settle at a beachfront café.

At Sea (At Sea)

Funchal, Portugal

Funchal sits in a broad, sunlit amphitheatre above Madeira’s deep Atlantic harbour. Its compact centre rewards exploration, from the Old Town’s painted doors to the cathedral’s carved cedar ceiling. Ride the cable car uphill to Monte for sweeping views, then descend through gardens or by traditional wicker toboggan. Madeira’s wines and market produce offer a taste of the island before your ship sails.

Santa Cruz de la Palma, Spain

Santa Cruz de la Palma is a small island capital with an outsized sense of history. Founded in 1493, it grew into an important Atlantic port, and its old quarter still bears that maritime confidence. Walk Calle Real for handsome colonial façades, then look for carved wooden balconies along Avenida Marítima. Beyond town, La Palma’s steep green interior leads to the dramatic Caldera de Taburiente National Park.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is more than an island gateway. This Atlantic capital rewards a closer look. Browse the stalls at Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África, then follow the old streets towards Plaza de España. Its broad avenues, shaded plazas and market cafés make wandering pleasantly straightforward. Modern landmarks include the sculptural Auditorio de Tenerife, while palm-lined parks offer a welcome pause. Mount Teide rises inland; the golden sands of Las Teresitas lie within reach.

At Sea (At Sea)

Fogo Island

Fogo Island sits off Newfoundland’s northeast coast, where the North Atlantic shapes both the landscape and daily life. From the ferry landing, roads lead through small communities of painted houses, working wharves and weathered fishing stages. Visit Fogo village for its heritage sites, or follow coastal trails to coves, barrens and broad ocean views. The celebrated Fogo Island Inn brings contemporary design to this remote setting. Local studios and cafés offer a closer look at island life.

Praia

Praia is Cape Verde’s capital, set on Santiago, the largest island in the archipelago. Begin in the Plateau, the hilltop centre, where pastel façades, shaded squares and the Presidential Palace recall Portuguese rule. Then visit Sucupira market for everyday island life and Creole flavours. Just west, Cidade Velha’s UNESCO-listed fort and cathedral ruins mark Cape Verde’s first Portuguese settlement. Praia rewards travellers who look beyond the waterfront.

At Sea (At Sea)

Dakar, Senegal

Dakar rewards travellers who look beyond the harbour. Senegal’s capital stands at Africa’s westernmost point, where Atlantic surf meets a city shaped by trade, faith and music. Visit the IFAN Museum of African Arts and browse the markets. Take a ferry to Gorée Island, a UNESCO-listed site whose history demands time and reflection. Allow space for thieboudienne, Senegal’s celebrated fish-and-rice dish, and a drive along the Corniche for ocean views.