Spanish word

cala

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkala/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncove

Example

Buscamos una cala tranquila para nadar.

We are looking for a quiet cove to swim in.

Illustration for cala (cove)

More examples

Acampamos en una cala solitaria bajo las estrellas.

We camped in a secluded cove under the stars.

Core concept

Sheltered seaside cove tucked between cliffs.

Common phrases

  • cala solitaria

    secluded cove

  • cala de difícil acceso

    inaccessible cove

Similar words

caleta: Extremely small rock-surrounded inlet or pocket beach with quiet, shallow water.
ensenada: Coastal indentation that forms a sheltered inlet, with the shoreline curving inward.

Definition in Spanish

Pequeña ensenada del mar, protegida por rocas o acantilados y frecuentemente apta para bañarse.

Word origin

Adopted into Spanish from regional Romance varieties around the Mediterranean that use cala for a small coastal inlet.

Usage tips

  • On maps and tourist information, cala typically signals a small quiet inlet often suitable for bathing.

Other meanings

  • calla lilynoun

Related words

  • caletalittle covenoun

Word lists with this word