Today on our Cantabria Infinita blog, we’re celebrating the power of social media with the hashtag #ISeeFacesCantabria. This hashtag has gained massive popularity on Instagram. The concept? Snapping photos of objects that look like human faces.

The success of #ISeeFaces stems from a phenomenon called “pareidolia”, which is our brain’s tendency to recognise familiar patterns in vague stimuli. This ability likely helped our ancestors quickly identify faces and shapes in their surroundings.

Now we invite you to explore Cantabria and uncover the natural faces hidden across the region. Join us as we visit six impressive sites in Santander, Liérganes, Liencres, Castro Urdiales, and Cóbreces to check out rock formations that look like a Native American, gorilla, owl, camel, whale, and even a woman’s breasts. Ready for an adventure?

Camel Rock

Camel, Roca del Camello in Santander

The tour kicks off in Santander near Magdalena Peninsula at Roca del Camello (Camel Rock) beach. This iconic formation, resembling a camel lying down, is visible and vanishes with the tide. It’s the perfect spot for starting our #ISeeFacesCantabria adventure and taking in the coast.

Gorilla, Faro de Cabo Mayor

Native American

Still in Santander, the next stop is the Faro de Cabo Mayor. From the viewpoint at this lighthouse, you’ll spot a craggy rock formation that resembles a gorilla. This vantage point is ideal for soaking in sunsets while capturing the essence of Santander’s very own King Kong.

Native American, Bolao, Cóbreces

Next, we journey to Cóbreces to see the rock formation dubbed “El Indio del Bolao”, the Native American of Bolao. Carved by erosion, the rock looks like the profile of a Native American brave. With its waterfall and abandoned buildings, the surrounding area offers spectacular views of the sea and Cantabria’s dramatic coastline.

Owl, Urros de Liencres

In Urros de Liencres, nature has sculpted a figure emerging from the ocean: an owl. This geological gem, part of the Costa Quebrada Geopark, is the perfect spot to explore hiking trails and snap some spectacular scenic shots.

Whale, Sonabia

Venturing to Castro Urdiales, we find the rock formation called La Ballena (The Whale) in Sonabia. This rock formation is shaped like a whale emerging from the sea. An awe-inspiring sight for photography and nature lovers alike.

Breasts, Liérganes

Breasts, Liérganes

Finally, in Liérganes, we encounter two natural formations that resemble a woman’s breasts, aptly dubbed the Tetas de Liérganes. This charming historic village and its thermal springs provide the perfect cap to our #ISeeFacesCantabria adventure.

What did you think of this tour through Cantabria’s sculpted natural wonders? Do they ring a bell? If you’ve come across other peculiar faces, share them with us on Facebook and X with the #ISeeFacesCantabria hashtag. Explore, discover and share the hidden gems of this infinite land! In Cantabria, nature is yours to explore.