With its romantic grounds, Sofiero Palace makes for a popular destination. The grounds are perhaps best known for their unparalleled rhododendrons, with an incredible 5,000 bushes bursting into flower in the spring. The fairytale of Sofiero began in 1864, when Crown Prince Oskar and his wife Sophia had their summer residence built here. In 1905, Oskar — by now King Oskar ll — gave the palace to his grandson Prince Gustav Adolf and his bride Princess Margareta as a wedding present. This is when the gardens literally flourished. Princess Margareta was a keen and creative gardener, and it was she who first laid out the grounds that we can enjoy to this day. She arranged flower beds and gardens, had paving laid and wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Every summer, the Crown Prince couple travelled from Stockholm with their four young princes and Princess Ingrid, who eventually became Queen of Denmark. When Margareta died in 1920, Gustaf Adolf carried on the work in the garden, particularly with the rhododendrons. The palace was the summer residence of the Swedish royal family up until 1973, when it was given to the town of Helsingborg. This small palace, which lies like a jewel amid the extensive lawns, is home to a restaurant where the food is prepared by some of Sweden’s finest chefs. There’s also a café with views of the Öresund Sound and Denmark.

Located a short walk from Largo do Senado, along cobbled lanes, is the broad stone staircase leading to the beautiful ruins of St Paul Basilica. The original 1602 church was destroyed by a fire in 1835 but is still considered a symbol of Macau. The crypt and nave house a religious museum.

The authentic Creole villa is now open for public tours, the owners gladly walk visitors through the well-preserved 19th-century house and lush garden premises. Although tours in English are available at certain times, the schedule for them depends on the tour guide, and they're currently unpredictable.

At Jersey Lavender Farm you can learn about the island’s long tradition of perfumery. This is a family-run business that welcomes thousands of visitors every year - join them to learn about lavender cultivation and stock up on artisan cosmetics, edibles and items for the home.