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.

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.

Lisbon is a city of decadent charm that we can discover among lifts and slopes and small restaurants where they serve salt cod in every variant. The capital of Portugal is a concentration of the Portuguese lifestyle. Upon arrival at the port of Lisbon, you’ll start your stay enjoying delicious local cuisine. You won’t have any difficulty finding a restaurant on the river bank where you can have a glass of Vinho Verde and taste some sweet rice treats. Whatever you’re looking for, from strong emotions to calm, the city can satisfy you. You can also bask on its beaches or visit the historic buildings of the city of seven hills. Then jump on the tram and head to the art galleries and museums of the second oldest capital in Europe.

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.

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.

Recife, the capital of Brazil’s northeastern state of Pernambuco, is distinguished by its many rivers, bridges, islets and peninsulas. Recife Antigo, on its own island by the harbor, is the historic old town center dating to the 16th century. To its south, popular Boa Viagem Beach is sheltered by reefs and lined by tall apartment blocks, modern hotels and restaurants.

Magnificent lagoons and one of the most incredible coral reefs for a breathtaking dive, await us in Maceio in Brazil. Enjoy a stop at the port of Maceio to discover the tourist attraction and the rich history of this Brazilian coastal city, capital of the State of Alagoas. During the stop you can walk through the wonderful town of Jaraguá, pay a visit to the beach of Praia do Francês, with one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and visit the magnificent lagoons of Santa Rita Island.

The smiles of the children of Salvador is one of the emotions that remain in your heart for the duration of our Costa Cruise in Brazil. In Salvador enjoy the fascinating beauty of the natural scenery of this coastal town. During the stop, you can visit the magnificent monuments of the historic center and explore the Praia do Forte Village, Bahia, where you can see the success of the Tamar sea turtle project, which was launched 37 years ago to protect sea turtles.

Rio de Janeiro is a huge seaside city in Brazil, famed for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, 38m Christ the Redeemer statue atop Mount Corcovado and for Sugarloaf Mountain, a granite peak with cable cars to its summit. The city is also known for its sprawling favelas (shanty towns). Its raucous Carnaval festival, featuring parade floats, flamboyant costumes and samba dancers, is considered the world’s largest.

Santos, a coastal city in southern Brazil‘s São Paulo state, is a major seaport stretching from the mainland to São Vicente Island. The island‘s urban center borders the Bay of Santos, known for its wide beach and adjacent 5.3km-long garden. The Museu do Café, occupying a 1922 commodities exchange preserved in the historic district, explores the area‘s key role in Brazil‘s coffee trade.