Cities in Dust

Sculpted by nature, almost a million years ago.

North of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands' protected area called Acentejo, is this basalt formation, La Rapadura. During an eruption, lava basalt came into contact with the sea, forming the spectacular structure. Erosion has caused some columns to fall to the base, nearly 165 feet deep. This is the biggest-known columnar disjunction in Spain — diving here is like flying over a medieval city in ruins.

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Words and photos by: Francis Perez