The Costa Cálida: discover the most beautiful beaches in Murcia
September 22, 2024
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Have you heard of the pink salt lakes of Torrevieja? This stunning natural wonder is one of the highlights of the Costa Blanca and a remarkable sight to see with your own eyes. The pink color of the water can be seen from a distance and naturally catches your attention. After all, a pink lake isn’t something you see every day. But what exactly is it, and what can you do there? The salt lakes of Torrevieja, also known as Salinas de Torrevieja, are unique natural phenomena found in Spain where the water turns pink due to the high concentration of salt and algae. Want to know more? Here are our top tips for visiting Torrevieja’s pink salt lakes!
Torrevieja: Europe's largest salt lakes
Pink salt lakes can be found all over the world, but what makes the salt lakes of Torrevieja and La Mata so special? There are several reasons. First, their stunning pink hues, which can range from soft pastel pink to deep red. Second, both lakes rank among the largest salt lakes in Europe. Third, these salinas are part of the protected Las Salinas Natural Park. And last but not least, the area is still actively used for salt production!
Together, these factors make the salt lakes of Torrevieja a popular destination for many travelers, often as a day trip from Alicante or from the Spanish region of Murcia. You can take a dip in the salt lakes, ride a charming little train, and enjoy scenic walks.
Useful information for visiting Salinas de Torrevieja (and La Mata)
If you’re in Torrevieja and want to visit the largest salt lakes in Europe, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, the best time to visit, what to wear (and what to avoid), plus some handy tips that we’ll share with you below.
When is the pink hue of the salt lakes at its most vibrant?
The pink color, caused by the high levels of sodium bicarbonate and potassium chloride, isn’t always easy to see. That’s why it’s best to plan your visit during the summer months. On clear days, when the sunlight hits the lakes just right, the pink hue becomes most vibrant and visible. Especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
When the sun is at its highest, around midday, the reflection on the water is often too bright, making the pink color much harder to see.
Good to know: only the salt lake of Torrevieja has a pink color. The nearby La Mata salt lake is actually green.
How do you get to the salinas?
The easiest way to reach the salt lakes is by car. We almost always rent one when we're on vacation, it gives us the freedom to explore at our own pace and makes visiting places like the Salinas de Torrevieja super easy. A tip: we recommend renting a car through SunnyCars which you can already pick up upon arrival at Alicante airport.
The Las Salinas nature reserve is incredibly vast, so there are several spots you can drive to. If you check Google Maps, you’ll find multiple scenic viewpoints that are easy to navigate to.
A small tourist train departs from Torrevieja’s boulevard and takes you to the pink salt lakes. Tickets cost €6.95 per person. While swimming isn’t allowed, the train brings you very close to the lakes and even to several salt mountains that you can walk on, a unique experience!
Where can you swim in Salinas de Torrevieja?
Officially, swimming in the Salinas de Torrevieja is not allowed, as it’s a protected natural area. However, there are a few spots where swimming areas have been cordoned off, and people do go in for a dip. What makes it so special is the floating sensation, thanks to the high salt concentration, you effortlessly stay afloat, similar to the experience in the Dead Sea.
One of the major benefits of the high salt content in the water is its therapeutic effect. A dip in the lake may offer several health benefits, such as relief from respiratory issues and skin conditions.
Do you want to swim here? Then you should navigate to this location on Google Maps. You can park your car here for free and reach the edge of the salt lake in less than five minutes on foot. What’s great about this spot is that there’s also a mud pool nearby. The mud is said to have healing properties, so you can rub it on yourself while you’re there.
Keep in mind there are no facilities here, so bring your own water shoes, as the salt crystals at the bottom of the lake can be sharp on your feet. Also, bring plenty of water. Not just to drink, but to rinse off with after swimming.
What is the difference between Salinas de Torrevieja and Salinas La Mata?
Both lakes contain a huge amount of salt and are among the largest salt lakes in Europe. But where Torrevieja's salt lake turns pink, La Mata's color is green.
Salinas La Mata is a bit more remote, which means the nature around the lake remains pristine. Many bird species migrate specifically to this part of the salinas to spend the winter. Want to catch a glimpse of these birds? The best time to visit is from September to May.
The salt lakes of San Pedro del Pinatar
Just under half an hour’s drive from the salt lakes of Torrevieja and La Mata, you’ll find another remarkable spot on the Spanish coast: the salt lakes of San Pedro del Pinatar.
Although the salt lakes here are much smaller, the water can be much brighter and clearer in color. Salt production plays a vital role in the local economy, so there is daily activity in the area.
The location of these salinas is especially interesting because they lie within a protected nature reserve. Like La Mata, various bird species come here to spend the winter, with many flamingos in particular. This spot is one of the highlights of the Spanish region of Murcia. A relatively unknown region, but one that offers many wonderful places for a vacation in Spain.
The best places to stay near the salt lakes in Torrevieja
Want to enjoy the salt lakes even longer? Then stay a night (or two!) in the area. Around Torrevieja, you’ll find plenty of great places to stay. Our favorites are Ona Aldea del Mar, an apartment complex with self-catering facilities just 400 meters from Los Locos Beach, featuring a swimming pool and beautiful gardens where you can relax, and Lloyds Beach Club is also highly recommended: an apartment and hotel complex right on La Mata Beach, perfect for fully relaxing and enjoying the Costa Blanca.
More travel inspiration for sunny Spain
After Torrevieja and the pink salt lakes, did you feel like exploring more of Spain? From atmospheric cities and idyllic islands to hidden coastal towns and impressive natural areas: Spain has an awful lot of versatile destinations. Check out our other blogs about Spain and get inspired for your next sun vacation or city break:
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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