This week: These snails have spectacular shells. Plus, a rare look at the beauty of Spain’s famed Alhambra, and two sharks bump into a camera.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOSÉ MANUEL NAVIA

Spain’s famed Alhambra is filled with rich history and stunning architecture. This photo, taken by José Manuel Navia, shows the defensive Tower of the Captive. Named after a sultan’s legendary love interest held there, it was converted into a small palace. Amid the towering ceilings and lit arches, its walls are adorned with Arabic inscriptions—a design element throughout the site—describing the tower’s beauty.

The remarkable fortress lies on an imposing hill in Granada, Spain, and in 2023, National Geographic was given permission to go where tourists aren’t allowed. Be one of the lucky few to see the hidden recesses of the Alhambra.  

More stories:
—An exclusive look inside the restored Notre Dame—before it reopened to the public
—See these 6 architectural wonders before they disappear

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRUNO D'AMICIS

The spectacularly colored shells of these snails have made them highly sought after—and threatened by illegal trade. What are they called?    

A. Candy cane snails
B. Burgundy snails
C. Cuban painted snails
D. None of the above

PHOTOGRAPHS BY THOMAS P. PESCHAK

Scared of sharks? Photographer Thomas P. Peschak thinks you shouldn’t be, and his lifelong love for sharks has led him on a mission to turn that fear into fascination. This photo shows some bold (and kind of cute) Galápagos sharks investigating Peschak’s camera as he explores coral reefs inside Bassas da India’s vast lagoon in the Mozambique Channel.

ONE LAST THING: Here’s how to rewild your garden—even if you don’t have one. 

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter, which was edited and curated by Jennifer Baik. It was produced by Rita Spinks. Did someone forward this to you? Sign up here to catch next week’s Photo of the Week newsletter.