Glossary of Geographic Terms | Flora and Fauna

A castle is a castillo

Spanish Geographical Terms Glossary

Andalucia's diverse landscape is mirrored in its rich tapestry of geographical terminology. The region's varied topography—from rugged mountains and fertile plains to tranquil coastlines and historic settlements—is captured in a comprehensive glossary that explains the terms commonly used to describe these features. This glossary serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the language people use to talk about Andalucia's natural and human-made landscapes.

Ranging from "Aldea" (small village or hamlet) to "Venta" (country or roadside inn), the glossary provides definitions for terms that reflect the region's cultural and environmental diversity. Whether you're exploring the "Arroyo" (stream or river) meandering through the countryside or visiting a "Castillo" (castle) perched atop a hill, these terms enrich your experience and understanding of Andalucia's landscape.

This glossary is not just a linguistic tool but a window into the soul of Andalucia, offering a deeper appreciation of its geographical and cultural heritage.

Spanish	English
Aldea	Small village or hamlet
Arroyo	Stream / River
Baños	Baths ( Roman )
Barra	Sand Bar
Barranco	Gully / Ravine / Cliffots
Cabeza	Head / Top / Summit
Cabo	Cape / Coastal point
Cañada	Gully / Ravine
Canal	Canal / Strait / Navigation channel / Pipe / Conduit
Caño	Water channel or narrow river
Casa Forestal	Forester's House ( Park House )
Castillo	Castle
Chaparral	Thicket of oaks
Charco	Pool
Costa	Coast
Coto	Reserve
Coto Nacional	National Reserve
Cruz	Cross
Cuesta	Hill / Slope
Cueva	Cave
Desfiladero	Gorge
Encinas	Ilex / Holm Oaks
Ensenada	Inlet / Cove
Ermita	Hermitage
Estación	Railway station
Estrecho	Coastal Straits
Fabrica	Factory
Faro	Lighthouse
Fuente	Fountain / Source
Garganta	Ravine
Isla	Island
Laguna	Lagoon / Pool
Lucio de (Doñana)	reed beds / clear channels
Marisma	Marsh / Swamp
Minas	Mines
Mirador	Viewpoint
Monte / Montaña	Mountain / Peak
Nuestra Señora	Our Lady
Observatorio	Observatory
Palomas	Doves / Pigeons
Parque Natural	Natural Park / Reserve
Parque Nacional	National Park
Portillo	Narrow Pass
Pozo	Pool
Puerto de	Port / Mountain Pass
Punta	Coastal point
Rambla	Watercourse or stream
Río	River / Stream / Torrent
Ruinas Romanas	Roman Ruins
Torre	Tower
Salto	Leap / Jump
Santuario	Sanctuary / Shrine
Sierra	Mountain Range
Tierra	Land / Earth
Vado	Ford ( of river )
Vega	Fertile plain
Venta	Country or roadside Inn.

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