Spain

The distinctive cityscape of Valencia harmoniously blends centuries of architecture. The first stone of Valencia Cathedral was laid in 1262, and one of the chapels holds a chalice purported to be the true Holy Grail. Meanwhile, the Plaza del Mercado provides a delightful contrast between the art nouveau Mercado Central and the Gothic architecture of Lonja de la Seda, a former silk exchange and UNESCO World Heritage site. Moving into the 21st century, the City of Arts and Sciences was designed by renowned Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava and opened in 2005.

Founded by Carthaginians circa 220 BC, Cartagena has one of the world's oldest naval bases and a wealth of Roman archaeology. The 1st-century Roman theater was only unearthed a few decades ago, and discoveries are ongoing, including an entire town block dating to Roman times called the Barrio del Foro Romano. Likewise of interest are the Casa de la Fortuna – a house with Roman murals, mosaics and excavated objects – and the Punic Wall Interpretation Center displaying remains of a 3rd century defensive wall.

Barcelona is a true global city of breathtaking architecture, countless world-class museums, bustling markets, colorful parks and high-end fashion. This town is big but perfectly discoverable on foot. Imposing Montjuïc Castle is a good starting point for a stunning panorama of the city, and the renowned Joan Miró museum and Catalonian national art museum are also in the area. One might fill an entire day strolling amidst the 12th- and 13th-century architecture of the Gothic Quarter and then checking out the extensive collection of the Museu Picasso.

Tall hotels rise up from the golden beaches in Málaga, the historic enclave on the Costa del Sol. While the Mediterranean bathes its coastline, Málaga's mountains back the city to form a cocoon that ensures mild weather. Málaga is among the world's oldest cities, founded 2,800 years ago and settled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Visigoths and Christians. Looming over the skyline are the citadels Alcazaba and Castle of Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. Málaga was revitalized in recent years, now featuring some 30 museums and an edgy urban art community.

Perhaps no single edifice has had more impact on a city than the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao. Designed by renowned architect Franck Gehry and opened in 1997, the massive, billowing, titanium-clad structure reflects the city’s revitalized relationship with the river that runs through it, and the modern collection within the museum is as impressive as the exterior. Other worthwhile museums include the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Euskal Museoa, devoted to Basque culture.

Las Palmas, the capital city of Gran Canaria island, is a bustling city that weaves the vibe of the Spanish mainland into a unique tapestry of life informed by world cultures including African, Chinese and Indian. A city of superlatives, it's one of Europe's biggest ports with one of the world's best climates and the cleanest air of any Spanish city according to a WHO study. Many also believe that the long, wide stretch of Las Canteras is one of the world's great urban beaches.

Vigo is simultaneously a quaint historic town and a world-class industrial port – it delights in both dimensions. The name Vigo comes from the Latin vicus, meaning small village, and yet this biggest city in Galicia is home to the world's largest fishing fleet. The keel was laid in Vigo for the inaugural luxury yacht of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in January 2018. Meanwhile, ancient Vigo lives on in the Old Town, home to stately stone buildings and the underground remains of the ancient city wall. Monte del Castro rises in the city center where Vigo was first settled.