Playa de las Catedrales
Playa de las Catedrales by Linda Hartley/Flickr
On the scenic Cantabric coast lies a beach whose cliffs rise like spires out of the sand. These Cathedral-like rock formations lend the beach its name, with natural arches that look like they were carved by world class architects in the sides of several cliffs. When the water’s recede, revealing the giants rooted in the shore, the low tide opens up walking paths between the cliffs, like a gorge just large enough for pedestrian passage.
The tall cliffs are not the only wonders discovered upon casting one’s gaze along the rock face. Caverns are eaten out of the cliff edge by a surging, hungry ocean. Caves range from small crevices to large caverns stretching dozens of meters within, while arches curve skyward as high as 30 meters into the air, giving the appearance of a cathedral’s flying buttresses. The aptly named Beach of the Cathedrals testifies to their magnificence.
The rising tide fills in the cracks and crevices, hiding the majestic bluffs almost completely under water. Cliff tops become the new ground level as beachgoers explore the upper side of the cathedrals and their high-reaching arches.
The tall cliffs are not the only wonders discovered upon casting one’s gaze along the rock face. Caverns are eaten out of the cliff edge by a surging, hungry ocean. Caves range from small crevices to large caverns stretching dozens of meters within, while arches curve skyward as high as 30 meters into the air, giving the appearance of a cathedral’s flying buttresses. The aptly named Beach of the Cathedrals testifies to their magnificence.
The rising tide fills in the cracks and crevices, hiding the majestic bluffs almost completely under water. Cliff tops become the new ground level as beachgoers explore the upper side of the cathedrals and their high-reaching arches.
