Río de la Miel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids River of Honey |
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Río de la Miel.
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 Location within Algeciras
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| Country | Spain |
| Autonomous Region | Andalusia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sierra del Bujeo |
| River mouth | port of Algeciras, Algeciras, Spain. 36°06′57″N 5°29′16″W / 36.1158°N 5.4878°W |
| Length | 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) |
The Río de la Miel (pronounced REE-oh deh lah MYEL) is a small but important river in southern Spain. Its name means "River of Honey" in Spanish. This river flows through the town of Algeciras before emptying into the Bay of Gibraltar.
Even though it's short, the River of Honey has a rich history. It has been used by people for a long time. Today, parts of the river flow underground because the city has grown so much.
Contents
What is the River of Honey?
The River of Honey is a short river, only about 9 kilometers (about 5.6 miles) long. It starts high up in the Sierra del Bujeo mountains. From there, it flows down towards the sea. Along its path, the river drops about 350 meters (1,150 feet) in height. This drop creates some beautiful waterfalls.
The river ends its journey by flowing into the Bay of Gibraltar. This bay is a busy area, especially near the port of Algeciras.
Why is it called the River of Honey?
The name "Río de la Miel" literally means "River of Honey." No one knows for sure why it got this sweet name. Some people think it's because the water was once very clear and pure, like honey. Others believe it's because the area around the river used to have many flowers. These flowers would attract bees, which then made a lot of honey.
The River's Journey
The River of Honey begins in the Sierra del Bujeo mountains. These mountains are part of a larger natural park called Los Alcornocales Natural Park. The park is known for its cork oak trees and rich wildlife.
As the river flows down, it creates several small waterfalls. In the past, the power of these waterfalls and the flowing water was used to run water mills. These mills helped local people grind grain.
The River in the City
When the River of Honey reaches the town of Algeciras, its journey changes. Algeciras is a very busy port city. Over the years, the port of Algeciras has grown a lot. This growth has meant that parts of the river have been covered up.
Many sections of the river now flow through underground pipes or tunnels. This is called being "culverted." It means the river is hidden from view in some parts of the town. This was done to make space for buildings and roads as the city expanded.
The River Today
Even with parts of it hidden, the River of Honey remains an important natural feature of Algeciras. It continues to provide water to the area. The parts of the river that are still visible offer green spaces within the city. These areas can be home to different plants and animals.
The river reminds us of the natural beauty that exists even in busy urban areas. It also shows how cities adapt and change their natural surroundings over time.
See also
In Spanish: Río de la Miel para niños
