"Layers of Time" at Playa del Silencio

The coast along the Bay of Biscaya in Northern Spain is like a bucket full of surprises. Especially for those who like to explore solitary beaches and cliffs, still not affected by the international mass tourism. There aren't just incredible arches (as at Playa de las Cathedrales or at Gaztelugatxe) and funny "seawater geysers" (-> Bufones), they also feature some of the most extraodinary rock formations we have ever seen. Flysch dominates in parts of the Basque Coast (the beaches are all covered with steeply-tilted layers), and in Asturias you can see a lot of what we like to call "Layers of Time". In places, for instance at Playa del Silencio, these textures in the sedimentary rocks can be incredibly colorful. Geology really rocks here!

A true eldorado for nature lovers, photographers and especially the macro detail enthusiasts! Although you will not really need a macro lens to shoot stone patterns at Playa del Silencio, the spot shown here als "image of the month" is at least 5 feets (1,5 m) in heights!

Image data: 1/13 s at f/16, ISO 400; Canon EF 16-35mm 1:2,8 L II USM at 35 mm, Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Related Links: More images from Stone Patterns