Bilbao is a city in northern Spain, the largest city in the province of Biscay and in the Basque Country as a whole. It is also the largest city proper in northern Spain. Bilbao is the tenth largest city in Spain, with a population of 345,141 as of 2015. The Bilbao metropolitan area has roughly 1 million inhabitants, making it one of the most populous metropolitan areas in northern Spain; with a population of 875,552 the comarca of Greater Bilbao is the fifth-largest urban area in Spain. Bilbao is also the main urban area in what is defined as the Greater Basque region.

Bilbao is situated in the north-central part of Spain, some 16 kilometres (10 mi) south of the Bay of Biscay, where the economic social development is located, where the estuary of Bilbao is formed. Its main urban core is surrounded by two small mountain ranges with an average elevation of 400 metres (1,300 ft). Its climate is shaped by the Bay of Biscay low-pressure systems and mild air, moderating summer temperatures by Iberian standards, with low sunshine and high rainfall. The annual temperature range is low for its latitude.

After its foundation in the early 14th century by Diego López V de Haro, head of the powerful Haro family, Bilbao was a commercial hub of the Basque Country that enjoyed significant importance in Green Spain. This was due to its port activity based on the export of iron extracted from the Biscayan quarries. Throughout the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth, Bilbao experienced heavy industrialisation, making it the centre of the second-most industrialised region of Spain, behind Barcelona. At the same time an extraordinary population explosion prompted the annexation of several adjacent municipalities. Nowadays, Bilbao is a vigorous service city that is experiencing an ongoing social, economic, and aesthetic revitalisation process, started by the iconic Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, and continued by infrastructure investments, such as the airport terminal, the rapid transit system, the tram line, the Azkuna Zentroa, and the currently under development Abandoibarra and Zorrozaurrerenewal projects.

Bilbao is also home to football club Athletic Club de Bilbao, a significant symbol for Basque nationalism due to its promotion of only Basque players and one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football history.

On 19 May 2010, the city of Bilbao was recognised with the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, awarded by the city state of Singapore, in collaboration with the Swedish Nobel Academy. Considered the Nobel Prize for urbanism, it was handed out on 29 June 2010. On 7 January 2013, its mayor, Iñaki Azkuna, received the 2012 World Mayor Prize awarded every two years by the British foundation The City Mayors Foundation, in recognition of the urban transformation experienced by the Biscayan capital since the 1990s. On 8 November 2017, Bilbao was chosen the Best European City 2018 at The Urbanism Awards 2018, awarded by the international organisation The Academy of Urbanism.

Along the scenic coast of the Bay of Biscay in the Spanish region of Asturias lies the charming city of Gijon, captivating visitors with its unique blend of culture, nature, and gastronomy. Here, you can enjoy walks along the picturesque San Lorenzo beaches, visit numerous contemporary art museums, and taste the famous Asturian cider in traditional “chigres.”

Gijon is the perfect destination for those who appreciate a mix of history and modern life. Beyond its beautiful beaches and cozy streets, the city is known for lively festivals like the Sea Festival and Song Festival, which add vibrant colors to any trip. For active travelers, there are various water sports and hiking routes that reveal breathtaking coastal views.

Travelers find in La Coruña the perfect place to experience the atmosphere of Spain’s Atlantic coast, where modern promenades meet historical landmarks and cozy beaches. The city is known for having the world’s oldest functioning Roman lighthouse – the Tower of Hercules, built nearly 2000 years ago and still guiding ships today. Here, you can enjoy a stroll along one of Europe’s longest seafront promenades, taking in ocean panoramas and the fresh breeze.

In La Coruña, guests discover the rich Galician gastronomic culture, with seafood served in traditional tapas bars and contemporary restaurants. Local markets delight with fresh products, while the city’s cultural life is filled with festivals, exhibitions, and live street music. This destination offers travelers a unique blend of historical depth, sea views, and warm Spanish atmosphere, leaving a sense of lightness and inspiration after the visit.

Порту является вторым по величине городом Португалии после Лиссабона и одним из крупных городских районов Пиренейского полуострова. Население самого города составляет 237 591 человек, а в столичном районе Порту, который выходит за административные пределы города, проживает 1,9 миллиона человек (2011 год) на площади 2 395 км2 (925 кв. Миль), что делает его вторым самый большой городской район в Португалии. Он признан глобальным городом гамма-уровня Исследовательской группой по глобализации и глобальным городам (GaWC), единственным португальским городом, кроме Лиссабона, который был признан глобальным городом.

Расположенный вдоль устья реки Дору на севере Португалии, Порту является одним из старейших европейских центров, и его историческое ядро ​​было объявлено ЮНЕСКО объектом Всемирного наследия в 1996 году. Западная часть его городской территории простирается до береговой линии Атлантического океана. Его поселение датируется много веков, когда он был форпостом Римской империи. Его объединенное кельтско-латинское имя, Portus Cale, было названо происхождением названия «Португалия», основанного на транслитерации и устной эволюции от латыни. На португальском языке название города пишется с определенной статьей  о Порту ; следовательно, его английское название произошло от неправильного толкования устного произношения и упоминается как  Опорто  в современной литературе и многими ораторами.

Lisbon is the capital and the largest city of Portugal, with an estimated population of 505,526 within its administrative limits in an area of 100.05 km2. Its urban area extends beyond the city's administrative limits with a population of around 2.8 million people, being the 11th-most populous urban area in the European Union. About 3 million people live in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (which represents approximately 27% of the country's population). It is mainland Europe's westernmost capital city and the only one along the Atlantic coast. Lisbon lies in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus. The westernmost areas of its metro area form the westernmost point of Continental Europe, which is known as Cabo da Roca, located in the Sintra Mountains.

Portimão is a town and a municipality in the district of Faro, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The population in 2011 was 55,614, in an area of 182.06 km². It was formerly known as Vila Nova de Portimão. In 1924, it was incorporated as a cidadeand became known merely as Portimão. Historically a fishing and shipbuilding centre, it has nonetheless developed into a strong tourist centre oriented along its beaches and southern coast. The two most populous towns in the Algarve are Portimão and Faro.

Málaga is a municipality, capital of the Province of Málaga, in the Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Spain. With a population of 569,130 in 2015, it is the second-most populous city of Andalusia and the sixth-largest in Spain. The southernmost large city in Europe, it lies on the Costa del Sol (Coast of the Sun) of the Mediterranean, about 100 kilometres (62.14 miles) east of the Strait of Gibraltar and about 130 km (80.78 mi) north of Africa.

Málaga's history spans about 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. According to most scholars, it was founded about 770 BC by the Phoenicians as Malaka From the 6th century BC the city was under the hegemony of Ancient Carthage, and from 218 BC, it was ruled by the Roman Republic and then empire as Malaca (Latin). After the fall of the empire and the end of Visigothic rule, it was under Islamic rule as Mālaqah for 800 years, but in 1487, the Crown of Castille gained control after the Reconquista. The archaeological remains and monuments from the Phoenician, Roman, Arabic and Christian eras make the historic center of the city an "open museum", displaying its history of nearly 3,000 years.

This important cultural infrastructure and the artistic heritage have culminated in the nomination of Málaga as a candidate for the 2016 European Capital of Culture.

The painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso, Hebrew poet and Jewish philosopher Solomon Ibn Gabirol and the actor Antonio Banderas were born in Málaga. The magnum opus of Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona, "Malagueña", is named after the music of this region of Spain.

The most important business sectors in Málaga are tourism, construction and technology services, but other sectors such as transportation and logistics are beginning to expand. The Andalusia Technology Park (PTA), located in Málaga, has enjoyed significant growth since its inauguration in 1992. Málaga is the main economic and financial centre of southern Spain, home of the region's largest bank, Unicaja, and the fourth-ranking city in economic activity in Spain behind Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Alicante, or Alacant , both the Spanish and Valencian being official names, is a city and port in Spain on the Costa Blanca, the capital of the province of Alicante and of the comarca of Alacantí, in the south of the Valencian Community. It is also a historic Mediterranean port. The population of the city of Alicante proper was 330,525, estimated as of 2016, ranking as the second-largest Valencian city. Including nearby municipalities, the Alicante conurbation had 452,462 residents. The population of the metropolitan area (including Elche and satellite towns) was 757,085 as of 2014 estimates, ranking as the eighth-largest metropolitan area of Spain.

Barcelona is a city in Spain. It is the capital and largest city of Catalonia, as well as the second most populous municipality of Spain. With a population of 1.6 million within city limits, its urban area extends to numerous neighbouring municipalities within the Province of Barcelona and is home to around 4.8 million people, making it the sixth most populous urban area in the European Union after Paris, London, Madrid, the Ruhr area and Milan. It is one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the coast between the mouths of the rivers Llobregat and Besòs, and bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola mountain range, the tallest peak of which is 512 metres (1,680 feet) high.

Founded as a Roman city, in the Middle Ages Barcelona became the capital of the County of Barcelona. After merging with the Kingdom of Aragon, Barcelona continued to be an important city in the Crown of Aragon as an economic and administrative centre of this Crown and the capital of the Principality of Catalonia. Barcelona has a rich cultural heritage and is today an important cultural centre and a major tourist destination. Particularly renowned are the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech i Montaner, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The headquarters of the Union for the Mediterranean are located in Barcelona. The city is known for hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics as well as world-class conferences and expositions and also many international sport tournaments.

Barcelona is one of the world's leading tourist, economic, trade fair and cultural centres, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science, and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. It is a major cultural and economic centre in southwestern Europe, 24th in the world (before Zürich, after Frankfurt) and a financial centre. In 2008 it was the fourth most economically powerful city by GDP in the European Union and 35th in the world with GDP amounting to €177 billion. In 2012 Barcelona had a GDP of $170 billion; and it was leading Spain in employment rate in that moment.

In 2009 the city was ranked Europe's third and one of the world's most successful as a city brand. In the same year the city was ranked Europe's fourth best city for business and fastest improving European city, with growth improved by 17% per year, and the city has been experiencing strong and renewed growth for the past three years. Since 2011 Barcelona has been a leading smart city in Europe. Barcelona is a transport hub, with the Port of Barcelona being one of Europe's principal seaports and busiest European passenger port, an international airport, Barcelona–El Prat Airport, which handles over 50 million passengers per year, an extensive motorway network, and a high-speed rail line with a link to France and the rest of Europe.

Marseille is the second-largest city of France. The main city of the historical province of Provence, it nowadays is the prefecture of the department of Bouches-du-Rhône and region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. It is located on France's south coast near the mouth of the Rhône river. The city covers an area of 241 km2 (93 sq mi) and had a population of 852,516 in 2012. Its metropolitan area, which extends over 3,173 km2 (1,225 sq mi) is the third-largest in France after Paris and Lyon, with a population of 1,831,500 as of 2010.

 Known to the ancient Greeks and Romans as Massalia, Marseille was an important European trading centre and remains the main commercial port of the French Republic. Marseille is now France's largest city on the Mediterranean coast and the largest port for commerce, freight and cruise ships. The city was European Capital of Culture in 2013 and European Capital of Sport in 2017; it hosted matches at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2016. It is home to Aix-Marseille University.

Salerno is one of the most popular seaside cities in Italy, intended for recreation at sea. The climate here is warm and mild, which is typical for all cities of the Neapolitan Riviera. Tourism in Salerno is at a high level, as the city is a rich historical and cultural center. Salerno contains many attractions interesting for lovers of history, art and culture.

Corfu or Kerkyra is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the second largest of the Ionian Islands, and, including its small satellite islands, forms the northwesternmost part of Greece. The island is part of the Corfu regional unit, and is administered as a single municipality, which also includes the smaller islands of Ereikoussa, Mathraki and Othonoi. The municipality has an area of 610,9 km2, the island proper 592,8 km2. The principal city of the island and seat of the municipality (pop. 32,095) is also named Corfu. Corfu is home to the Ionian University.

The island is bound up with the history of Greece from the beginnings of Greek mythology. Its history is full of battles and conquests. Ancient Korkyra took part in the Battle of Sybota which was a catalyst for the Peloponnesian War, and, according to Thucydides, the largest naval battle between Greek city states until that time. Thucydides also reports that Korkyra was one of the three great naval powers of fifth century BC Greece, along with Athens and Corinth. Medieval castles punctuating strategic locations across the island are a legacy of struggles in the Middle Ages against invasions by pirates and the Ottomans. Two of these castles enclose its capital, which is the only city in Greece to be surrounded in such a way. As a result, Corfu's capital has been officially declared a Kastropolis ("castle city") by the Greek government. From medieval times and into the 17th century, the island, having successfully repulsed the Ottomans during several sieges, was recognised as a bulwark of the European States against the Ottoman Empireand became one of the most fortified places in Europe. The fortifications of the island were used by the Venetians to defend against Ottoman intrusion into the Adriatic. Corfu eventually fell under British rule following the Napoleonic Wars. Corfu was eventually ceded by the British Empire along with the remaining islands of the United States of the Ionian Islands, and unification with modern Greece was concluded in 1864 under the Treaty of London.

In 2007, the city's old quarter was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, following a recommendation by ICOMOS.

Corfu is a very popular tourist destination. The island was the location of the 1994 European Union summit.

A bay with turquoise waters and panoramic views of the Greek island of Corfu welcomes travelers to Sarandë, the southern jewel of Albania. This seaside town has won the hearts of visitors with its mild climate, coastal architecture, fresh seafood, and picturesque sunsets. Though small in size, Sarandë boasts a rich history, once part of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, as evidenced by archaeological findings nearby.

One of the main attractions is the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just a 30-minute drive away. And for those seeking natural wonders, the nearby Blue Eye spring offers incredibly clear, vibrant waters. Sarandë is the perfect seaside getaway, where cultural heritage blends with a relaxed holiday atmosphere and the warm hospitality of locals.

Argostoli is the capital of Kefalonia, the largest island of the Ionian archipelago in Greece. Located on the western coast of the island, the city is known for its picturesque promenades, charming cafes, and neoclassical buildings. Argostoli is also home to many historical landmarks, including the Archaeological Museum of Kefalonia and Valiianos Square, where visitors can see remnants of the destruction caused by the 1953 earthquake that nearly destroyed the city. Strolling through its streets, travelers can enjoy the harmonious blend of traditional Greek architecture and modern life.

The city is also an excellent starting point for exploring Kefalonia’s natural beauty. Just a few kilometers from Argostoli are famous beaches like Lourdas and Melissani, as well as the famous Dragonera Cave, where visitors can admire stalactites and stalagmites. From Argostoli, it is also easy to go on excursions to unique nature reserves, such as the turtle sanctuary, home to the rare Caretta caretta sea turtles. The city is an ideal place to combine cultural tourism with the exploration of the island's natural wonders.

Chania (Souda), Crete — Charm and History

Chania, located on the northwest coast of Crete, attracts travelers with its historical atmosphere and picturesque Venetian harbor. The narrow streets, buildings, and cozy cafes create a unique charm, blending Venetian and Ottoman architectural elements.

Souda is an important seaport and ferry port situated in the bay of Souda, east of Chania. The port plays a key role in the island's transport network and is strategically important for the region. Around Chania, there are archaeological sites, including the remains of ancient cities, and natural attractions such as caves and World War II memorials.

Mykonos is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 square kilometres (33.0 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 metres (1,119 feet) at its highest point. There are 10,134 inhabitants (2011 census), most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town).

Piraeus is the gateway to Athens , which, in turn, is rightfully considered the center of the centers of the whole world, with the main attraction - the acropolis. Piraeus is an old port city serving the port of Athens, the largest port in Greece to date. Piraeus is part of the great Athens, which boasts an abundance of attractions, including unique monuments of national fine art. More than two hundred museums and galleries, including the University History Museum, the Ceramics Archaeological Museum and many others, will hospitably welcome you within their walls and familiarize themselves with the culture of this area.

Heraklion or Heraclion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. It is the fourth largest city in Greece. According to the results of the 2011 census, the population of the city proper was 166,209 inhabitants, the municipality's was 173,993 while the Heraklion urban area has a population of 225,574 and it extends over an area of 684.3 km2 (264.2 sq mi).

Heraklion is the capital of Heraklion regional unit.

The Bronze Age palace of Knossos, also known as the Palace of Minos, is located nearby.

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands of Greece and is also the island group's historical capital. Administratively the island forms a separate municipality within the Rhodes regional unit, which is part of the South Aegean administrative region. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Rhodes. The city of Rhodes had 50,636 inhabitants in 2011. It is located northeast of Crete, southeast of Athens and just off the Anatolian coast of Turkey. Rhodes' nickname is The island of the Knights, named after the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, who once conquered the land.

Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The name of the U.S. state of Rhode Island is thought to be based on this island.

Patmos is a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, most famous for being the location of the vision given to the disciple John in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, and where the book was written.

One of the northernmost islands of the Dodecanese complex, it has a population of 2,998 and an area of 34.05 km2(13.15 sq mi). The highest point is Profitis Ilias, 269 metres (883 ft) above sea level. The municipality of Patmos, which includes the offshore islands of Arkoi (pop. 44), Marathos (pop. 5), and several uninhabited islets, has a total population of 3,047 (2011 census) and a combined land area of 45.039 square kilometres (17.390 sq mi). It is part of the Kalymnos regional unit.

Patmos' main communities are Chora (the capital city), and Skala, the only commercial port. Other settlements are Grikou and Kampos. The churches and communities on Patmos are of the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The mayor of Patmos is Gregory Stoikos.

Izmir

Istanbul – the largest city in Turkey, located on the Bosphorus. Until 1930 it was known as Constantinople and served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires. The city and its surroundings preserve monuments of ancient civilizations, including temples, palaces and fortifications. Today Istanbul is an important cultural, commercial and industrial hub. Tourists come not only to admire its historic landmarks, but also to shop at world-famous Turkish bazaars, where you can buy spices, jewelry, antiques, colorful hookahs and bargain like a local.

Istanbul – the largest city in Turkey, located on the Bosphorus. Until 1930 it was known as Constantinople and served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman Empires. The city and its surroundings preserve monuments of ancient civilizations, including temples, palaces and fortifications. Today Istanbul is an important cultural, commercial and industrial hub. Tourists come not only to admire its historic landmarks, but also to shop at world-famous Turkish bazaars, where you can buy spices, jewelry, antiques, colorful hookahs and bargain like a local.