Historic Domburg has been a destination for seaside vacationers since the mid 18th century. Wide beaches, sandy dunes and bustling boardwalks make this a popular summertime vacation spot. Renowned artists like Piet Mondrian have taken inspiration from the picturesque scenery. The beach-weary can walk or bike around De Manteling nature reserve, which opens serendipitously onto Westhove Castle.

Lovely as it is, this little country town of less than 8,000 about 75 miles north of Lisbon wouldn’t be on the radar if it weren’t for its most famous citizens: the three shepherd children who, in 1917, saw monthly visions of the Virgin Mary in the Cova da Iria pasture. Today, the site is marked by the Basílica de Fátima, where pilgrims come on the 13th of every month to honor the Virgin and her young visionaries, especially in May and October, when the apparitions originally began and ended.

The medieval city of Norrkoping is nicknamed “The Manchester of Sweden” because of its historical role in the paper and textile industries. Those industries were powered by the Motala river, which runs through the city. Visit the Himmelstalundsvägen to see ancient rock carvings that date to the Nordic Bronze Age, or explore the Industrial Landscape to get an understanding of what shaped modern day Norrkoping.