Six destinations you can’t miss in 2020

Ben Roberts, an Englishman living in Madrid, has travelled the world in recent years and is always surprised by the destinations closest to home. For him, Cantabria has it all: imposing mountains, quiet and mysterious forests, solitary beaches and meadows whipped by the winds. One of his favourite recent culinary experiences was at El Bodegón, a small restaurant in the fishing village of San Vicente de la Barquera, from where you can see the special glow of the Picos de Europa (pictured) at sunrise. Every trip to Cantabria must begin or finish in Santander, a city with world-class public beaches, a new art museum designed by Renzo Piano Centro Botín, and the wonderful Esperanza Market with its fish stalls. @benrobertsphoto

For Susana Girón, who is originally from Huéscar (Granada) and now living in Madrid, Gran Canaria is a spectacularly beautiful place, filled with energy and mysticism. She recommends this destination to us precisely because this past summer it was affected by a fire that will ensure that its beauty will not be seen again for decades. Her intention is none other than to raise awareness about the necessity and the obligation we all have to take care of the environment, and to help to prevent tourism from dropping in an area that needs it more than ever. In the image, dusk in Roque Nublo, @susana_giron_photo

In 2019, Lisbon-born Rodgrio Cardoso was in Madeira for the first time. He thought it was as visually striking as the Azores, but with many different attractions to experience. It’s worth the effort to travel from the dry corner of São Lourenço – with its incredible paths – through the bustling and lively city of Funchal, then on to the highest point in Madeira, Pico do Arieiro, where – at 1,800 metres – you’ll be literally above the clouds. There’s good reason it’s called the Pearl of the Atlantic. @rodrigooocardoso

English photographer Greg Funnell encourages us to visit Iberá National Park in Argentina, because it shows a history of positive conservation. This area was protected as private property, and has now been returned to the Argentine government with the understanding that it will remain protected. Its unique conditions and topography mean that it is an incredibly important area for wildlife. @gregfunnell

Joseph Fox is also English. He lives in Madrid, one of his favourite cities because – among other things – it is a benchmark for Spanish potato omelettes. This year, he was greatly surprised by Ecuador since – despite its small size – it is a country with much more than it may seem. In a single day, you can visit jungle, volcanoes and city, and still have time to see the sunset on a heavenly beach.

Mónica R. Goya, an Asturian native who lives in London, says Porto has the perfect balance of cultural wealth, architecture, art, and gastronomy and winemaking equal to any European capital. Although it’s no longer a secret, it’s still a very attractive destination, for both the city and the visits that can be made close by, such as going to Matosinhos for some good fish, or visiting the nearby vineyards. @monicargoya