MAJESTY, COLOUR, WONDER. They're just some of the words used to describe the beautiful salt lakes of Torrevieja by those who have been lucky enough to visit them. They are a natural jewel in the city's crown.
Less than 3 hours flight time from home, the Spanish salt lakes and the wildlife that inhabit them are absolutely stunning. And locals know an even better secret: the Torrevieja salt lakes possess all the therapeutic qualities of a natural spa.
It is purported that just living within the vicinity can have positive benefits for your health and wellbeing. The vivid bubblegum pink colour of the water in the salt lake has been attributed to a rare type of micro-algae that thrives in exceptionally salty conditions.
The rare halophile algae produce a pink dye to help it to better absorb sunlight under the surface of the water.
The vibrant hue of the pink lake is permanent and does not change when the water is poured into a container, and the algae is known for its high concentration of healthy antioxidants and cancer-beating carotenoids, the same naturally occurring pigment that gives salmon its strong and noticeable pink colour.
Torrevieja salt lakes, discover the pink lake
The “Salinas de Torrevieja” are home to 2,000 flamingos during migratory seasons, and the town hall ensures that this wild habitat remains protected during critical periods to ensure that the magnificent wading birds can enjoy their fleeting season in the sun in complete safety.
The pink salt lake has been commercially farmed for its salt for more than 200 years, and it's a renewable commodity as the Mediterranean Sea water is constantly replenished.
Salt and the city of Torrevieja have enjoyed a close association for more than 200 years, and salt production continues today. The lakes produce thousands of tons of salt each year, with the product being shipped to countries throughout Europe.
And Torrevieja's historic salt lake tours detail the history of that connection, with the fascinating attraction running throughout the summer.
The tours set out to educate attendees, highlighting the many uses for salt in the modern world, from pharmaceutical use to generating renewable solar energy.
The tour guide points out the indigenous flora and fauna in the region and explains the reason for the bubblegum-pink water colour.
The lakes are home to an ancient saltwater brine shrimp that positively thrives in rich saline conditions, and also happens to give the lake its salmon-like colour.
The tour encompasses 3,700 hectares of exotic and unique Mediterranean nature, with a chance to scale one of the salt mountains, many of which reach the size of an office block seven storeys high.
Observe the many rare species of birds which inhabit the lakes, and take in the amazing natural panoramic views.
The tour makes plenty of stops to allow for beautiful photo and selfie opportunities.
Marvel at the flamingos, a naturally beautiful environment
Tours use the familiar Spanish road trains that have proven so popular with tourists, which offer shade and a pleasant way to enjoy the environmental spectacle.
The Torrevieja salt lakes are a protected and delicate wetland environment that the town hall goes to considerable measures to protect. Therefore bathing in either of the salt lakes is not permitted.
This year the tours take place from the beginning of March until the end of September. The tour schedule can be extended at the end of the year dependent on demand at the discretion of the town hall.
Tickets cost €7.95 with a one Euro discount for children under 13 years old, and the tours take just over an hour to complete. Trains depart from the Paseo de la Libertad in the centre of Torrevieja at Waldo Calero square, daily at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00. Find more information from the official Torrevieja tourism website.
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: LaZenia.com / Turismo de Torrevieja
Could you please tell me if this tour in open on Friday 27th March 2020.
I have a group of people wishing to go.
Hi Sandra, and thank you for your enquiry. Yes, the tour is now running all year round, so it will be open on the date you require. If you need further information just let us know.
Hello ,
Very interesting read . Thank you
I’m just wondering as it first mentions thst it’s the micro algae that give the water it’s pink colour and then further down the site it’s says it’s the ancient shrimp that produce the salmon like colour . Can you explain . Also why have they not developed an edible salt from lakes ? Thank you
Hi Linda, the halophile algae that live naturally in the water produce a pink-coloured pigmentation rich in carotenoids. It´s the algae that give the water its strong pink colour at certain times of the year. The shrimp eat the algae and the flamingos eat the shrimp, which turns the originally white birds pink along their wings and their backs. You can buy table salt produced in Torrevieja from the local supermarkets here in Spain, such as Carrefour Planet.
Do we have to book for a train tour around the salt lakes and does this include the museum
Hi Sandra, no you don´t have to book, but if you are a larger family or group you might be better advised to do so. You can find the full contact details on our post here (and it does include a visit to the museum) … https://www.lazenia.com/2019/03/12/torrevieja-salt-lakes-summer-tours/
Is the salt lake trip running this summer?