Norway offers a landscape shaped by glaciers, framed by fjords, and steeped in Viking history. The country's coastline stretches for over 100,000 kilometers if you count every inlet and island, which makes it one of the longest in the world. Travelers can take a ferry through the Geirangerfjord or cruise along the Lofoten Islands, where steep mountain peaks rise dramatically from the sea. These routes aren’t just scenic; they’ve been lifelines for coastal communities for centuries.

Situated on the north coast of the Snæfellsnes peninsula between a mountain range and the sea is the small town of Grundarfjordur, Iceland. Though certainly now the most well-known town on the peninsula, its nearby mountain Kirkjufell ("church mountain" in Icelandic) is perhaps Iceland's most famous.

The Po River, the longest in Italy, flows eastward from Monte Viso, in the Cottian Alps, through the northern part of the country and drains into the Adriatic Sea near Venice. The Po flows through many important Italian cities, including Turin, Cremona, Piacenza, Ferrara.

Gallipoli is a coastal town in Puglia’s Salento peninsula, built around an old city that occupies a limestone island just offshore from the modern mainland. A bridge connects the historic island with the newer part of town, creating a distinctive layout shaped by the sea. The old center contains narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, small squares, churches, and remnants of defensive walls, while the waterfront opens toward the Ionian Sea.

Palau, a Pacific island nation made up of over 500 islands, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for travelers who want to discover something both ancient and alive. Located between the Philippines and Guam, this small country is known for its otherworldly seascapes, but its appeal runs far deeper than its turquoise waters.