Many tourists have devoted more than one weekend to the country, which is rightfully considered the birthplace of the most passionate pair dances on the planet, one of the most impressive entertainment with bulls and a world-famous special sort of sherry wine. Do not forget about the peculiar climate, which makes it possible to fully relax on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean at any time of the year.
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But let's skip the lyrical digressions and move directly to the coast of the city of Barrick, which among knowledgeable tourists has long won the title of one of the most picturesque corners on our planet. It is here, protruding from the sea waves, that a marvelous picture opens up before your eyes. Unusual rocky ledges that like a necklace adorn this side of the coast of Spain are called turbidites.
"The back of the dragon"
Even if you find yourself in these places for the first time, at first glance you can understand why the rocky ledges received such an unusual name. The fact is that the landscape is very realistic and really gives the impression that a huge dragon is resting in the local waters. It seems that the monster is about to wake up and everyone will be able to appreciate its phenomenal dimensions. Once here, you unconsciously begin to feel all your insignificance in front of such monsters, about which so many documentaries and science fiction films have been filmed.
Or maybe the dragon is not alive at all, and his back remained at the place of the death of the beast as a centuries-old reminder of the true masters of planet Earth. Whatever it was, but an unforgettable experience of what he saw is guaranteed to every visitor to the coast.
By "turbidite" it is customary to understand a rocky protrusion quite often found in nature, the lower part of which is hidden under water, and the point is directed upwards at a slight angle. But what is so special about it? After all, almost every coast can boast of its own "set" of coastal rocks and reefs. And we will have to agree with this. But it is still difficult to imagine that somewhere in the world there is something similar, analogous to the unusual "necklace" of turbidites that protrude above the water surface in the northern part of the Bay of Biscay.
The coast of the bay along its entire length is cut up and down by rocky cliffs, which alternate with numerous beaches and small bays. In this fabulous place, even the ebb and flow do not obey the known laws of nature. This is what attracts numerous geologists and naturalists on the Barrica coast.
Natural rock necklace
In general, if you believe the researchers who spent more than one month in these places, numerous turbidites can be conditionally divided into two types. The first are of fossil origin, were created many centuries ago, and at the moment are slowly rising from the bottom of the ocean, creating more and more objects of natural origin on the coast. The second group is considered modern, and their creation is still taking place today. At a depth of two thousand meters, such cliffs are formed from soft materials, including sand, which contributes to their gradual erosion by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
All this looks as if there is a kind of natural forge under the water column, where millions of sea inhabitants work day and night, creating more and more rocks, and then, as if on a showcase, displaying the result of their labor for all to see. And, although this process takes more than one month, and even a year, many of the tourists who return to this amazing coast after many years are delighted to discover something new for themselves that they have not seen before. And after that, would anyone dare to assert that nature is inanimate?
If you try to compare the protruding chain of rocks, then only a rich necklace comes to mind that rests on the thin neck of a lovely lady. Like a rich decoration, many turbidites adorn the local coastline, adding a few more points to Spain's conditional list of tourist attractions. It is to these rocks that thousands of tourists rush, filling the city of Barrika with new emotions and impressions.
Barrick Town
This is how the city of Barrique can be called, which is located in the local lands. It is a provincial town and belongs to the autonomy of the Basque Country, the inhabitants of which are a tourist attraction in themselves. Their tough disposition and unshakable belief in their own independence are known all over the world. A colorful appearance and unusual traditions perfectly complement the image of proud stubborn people.
As for Barrika itself, this city is considered one of the most ancient cities in the province of Vizcaya. According to historical sources, the first mention of it dates back to 496, which is considered to be the date of its foundation. At the same time, a number of excavations carried out suggest that these places were inhabited much earlier.
Place of tourist pilgrimage
The coast of the town, the main attraction of which is the chain of rocky ledges, is one of the most favorite places for photographers and simply those who have devoted their whole lives to the pursuit of vivid impressions. Here hidden talents are revealed, and picturesque landscapes, like a catalyst, give impetus to the most unbridled and daring imagination. It is here, among the monolithic ledges, that the past comes into contact with the present, the most favorable atmosphere is created in order to remain alone with your thoughts and look into your own soul. Photos taken at any time of the day are truly impressive and vivid. Each of them is unique, because the weather here can change several times a day.
As for hiking along the coast, many knowledgeable people advise choosing low tide for such excursions. It is then that you can appreciate the full scale and grandeur of the local natural attraction. Each of the rocks appears as naked as possible, exposing its huge silhouette. Just imagine, the water level at ebb and flow differs by about 5-8 meters.
The integral elements of this place are dense fogs that envelop the rocky ledges, adding a special flavor and mystery to the landscape. This picture evokes thoughts about the distant islands, where pirate settlements once arose, about how many ships found their last refuge among similar protrusions, which mercilessly tore apart their wooden hulls. A special greenish coating on the surface of turbidites, which is formed by numerous algae, gives these gray and brown giants a little rainbow colors, as if masking them from the eyes of numerous seafarers.
How to get there
To join the many fans of the local beauty, it will be useful to know how to get to the coast of Barrica. Many tourists prefer to use the services of companies that provide cars for rent. The best option is the route from Bilbao, which is only 23 km along the highway. Finding the rocky masterpieces themselves will not be difficult. They are located a few hundred meters from the central square of Barrika.
You can also use a more budgetary way by taking one of the many buses that will gladly take everyone to the picturesque coastline. For the convenience of tourists, a metro line runs here. The trip by this type of public transport will take no more than 35 minutes.
If you are seriously thinking about where you could replenish your memories with new vivid impressions, and, at the same time, so that the trip does not hit your pocket, we recommend going to the coast of turbidites in Spain. Believe me, you have not seen anything like this anywhere else!
