On the Greek island of Samothraki, locals point to an ancient stone jetty as the place where Saint Paul landed around fifty A.D.—his first documented step in Europe, according to the New Testament. The historical evidence, however, is uncertain. The jetty could date to Paul's era or to a later Genoese fortress. A shrine was built in two thousand seven to commemorate the tradition. According to Atlas Obscura, the truth remains pleasantly murky. But here's what's not in question: snorkeling off the jetty's end reveals a thriving marine environment, dolphins and all. So whether Saint Paul actually landed there remains a mystery—but the jetty makes a perfect story, and an even better swimming spot.

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