Las Salinas de Torrevieja, the city of salt, a trip to the salt land

Las Salinas de Torrevieja is an industrial plant that extracts sea salt from a shallow but vast lake in Laguna Salada de Torevieja.

Las Salinas de Torrevieja in the Natural Park of Laguna La Mata and Torrevieja

Las Salinas de Torrevieja is an enclave with high ecological value, located in the La Mata and Torrevieja Natural Park. This area is part of the humid and marshy lands in the southern province of Alicante.

Throughout the lagoon, many protected zones have been established, such as the Special Protection Area for Birds or Sites of Community Importance. The area contains wetlands designated as Ramsar sites, rich in various animal species. Consequently, these areas play a significant role in the biological cycles of many bird species, using them as migration points, breeding grounds, and wintering sites.

While the areas along the Costa Blanca coast near the town of Torrevieja and nearby La Mata are renowned for their beautiful beaches and excellent conditions for summer relaxation. It is worth taking some time to explore the world of untouched nature and attractions created by nature, which are abundant here.

One particularly interesting place near Torrevieja and La Mata is an extraordinary land where literally everything is salty! Even the grass, sand, and air have a salty taste, and the whiteness of the tall salt mounds contrasts with the vivid pink colour of the lake water, from which salt has been extracted for thousands of years.

Torrevieja and its history inextricably linked with the sea and salt

Torrevieja is a town on the Costa Blanca coast in Spain, situated between two lakes connected to the sea by a network of canals. Some of these canals date back to the Middle Ages, with claims suggesting that the earliest excavations may even trace back to antiquity. During excavation works, remnants of Roman structures and machinery were discovered, indicating that salt extraction was already taking place in this area during that time.

The first historical records mentioning salt production in this part of Spain date back to the 13th century. They describe the decision of one of the rulers at that time to commence salt production in the Lagoon of La Mata and Torrevieja.

However, the facility that operates in the lagoon today took its present form in 1803 when a modern salt extraction plant from seawater was inaugurated. This also marks the official founding date of the city of Torrevieja. Before this, only military buildings and an old observation tower stood here, from which the city derived its name (torre vieja translates to old tower).

In 1802, King Carlos IV granted the surrounding lands to the salt guild. Within a few months, the first houses, warehouses, a port, shops, and of course, a salt production facility appeared in the area. Since then, salt has become a crucial part of the local economy.

Initially, most of the work in the plant was done manually. Dozens of people painstakingly scraped crystals that had settled on stones. Over time, the first machines for collecting salt appeared, until special platforms emerged on the pink lake. Salt crystallization now occurs continuously and uninterruptedly 24 hours a day.

Currently, with the use of modern technology, it is possible to extract up to 350 grams of salt from one litter of water, allowing for the extraction of over 600,000 tons of salt annually.

Torrevieja’s salt is industrial salt, so you won’t find it in your soup. Instead, you’ll encounter it in places such as:

• Chemical products used daily at home.
• Medical products.
• On roads and driveways when it freezes and becomes slippery.
• In the production of textiles and plastics.
• In animal feed.

The applications of salt are vast, and the market continues to expand. Currently, half of the production is exported beyond the borders of Spain, reaching even the farthest corners of the world.

The pink lake in Las Salinas de Torrevieja and the phenomenon of its colour

The first of the two lakes in the lagoon is called La Mata Lake. It has a traditional blue-green colour and is subject to strict legal protection. The second lake is Torrevieja Lake, which is larger and more developed than La Mata Lake. It would be difficult to mistake the two water reservoirs, considering the vivid pink colour that Torrevieja Lake exhibits.

The water in the lake owes its unusual and beautiful colour to bacteria from the Halobacterium family and algae from Dunaliella Salina living in it. These organisms are adapted to exist in extremely salty environments. Besides the lake in Torrevieja, these creatures also inhabit the waters of the famous Dead Sea.

The presence of microorganisms, combined with an extremely high concentration of minerals and various other organic and chemical compounds, creates a specific microclimate around Torrevieja. Many believe that this microclimate has a beneficial impact on health and well-being.

Likewise, birds visiting this place every year probably share this opinion. The marshy surrounding areas provide them with abundant food supplies, and interestingly, the machines operating in the saltworks and bustling people seem not to bother the lake’s residents at all.

One of the more fascinating local inhabitants is the Pink Flamingo. Truth be told, these large birds are white as snow; it’s only the algae they consume (the same ones that colour the lake water pink) that changes their hue.

Visit to the salt production plant in Las Salinas de Torrevieja

The enormous salt mounds towering over the edge of the pink lake in Las Salinas de Torrevieja are visible from a distance. They somewhat resemble pyramids built by eccentric builders. Between the salt mountains, the arms of massive machines reach high into the sky, tirelessly sifting white powder. The view is incredible, peculiar, and somewhat fairy-tale-like, making one eager to approach and inspect it up close. Fortunately, it is possible to tour the facility and stroll between the salt mountains, an experience I highly recommend.

Your journey into the world of salt begins aboard the interior of a blue train, which several times a day covers the distance from the centre of Torrevieja to the pink lagoon and Salina de Torrevieja. Initially, finding information about the exact departure point of the train proved challenging for us. However, we eventually located the spot and purchased tickets for the next departure.

The entire excursion lasts just over an hour and includes a ride through Torrevieja to Fabric de Sal, as well as a walk through the sea salt factory. On-site, you can closely observe that the water in the lake is indeed pink, especially when you visit in the afternoon as the sun begins to set.

Moreover, you can approach the colossal salt mounds and even climb one of them. It resembles more of a mountainous, snow-covered slope, offering a beautiful view of the salt lake. Near the stop, old salt harvesting platforms are set up, and a bit further, you’ll see modern machines and equipment, along with people working with them.

If it were up to me, I would create a genuine salt museum here, perhaps even a quiet and atmospheric hotel, spa, and romantic restaurant. All, of course, with a focus on the local environment and the comfort of the residing animals.

Unfortunately, the owners do not seem to recognize the potential that lies in this extraordinary place, and much of it is neglected and left to its devices.

We thoroughly enjoyed the trip, although, as mentioned earlier, it is somewhat lacking in attractions. Fortunately, the beautiful lake and salt mounds right at its edge do a commendable job, making it worthwhile to spend a few euros on a journey to the salt land.

After a thirty-minute stroll between the pink beach and the snow-white salt mounds, it’s time to return. Oh, there’s just one more quick stop right at the exit gate of the facility. A small booth serves as a souvenir shop where you can purchase small items made of salt, guides, souvenirs, cold drinks, and that’s about it. This is another aspect I would handle completely differently.

Throughout the train journey, a narrator accompanies you, sharing the history of the facility and the attractions of the Torrevieja area in several languages.

Upon returning to the city centre, we mutually agreed that despite the poorly prepared trip, it was worth its price. We gained a lot of new knowledge and a slew of cool photos, which you can see in our gallery. So, with a clear conscience, I recommend this salty attraction if you find yourself in the Torrevieja or La Mata area.

Las Salinas de Torrevieja and salt production information and curiosities

• The trip to the salt production plant in Torrevieja takes just over an hour. The ticket price for adults is only a few euros, and for children up to 13 years old, it’s 1 euro less.
• The train departs from a single location: Paseo de la Libertad in downtown Torrevieja, near Waldo Calero Square. During the season, from early March to the end of September, the tours take place at the following hours:
  • 10:00
  • 12:00
  • 14:00
  • 16:00
  • 18:00
• The Natural Park of the Lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja, where the salt production plant is located, covers an area of 3700 hectares, of which a whopping 2100 hectares are water and wetland areas.

• Torrevieja Lake is larger, covering an area of 1400 hectares, while La Mata Lake is smaller, with only 700 hectares.
• Salt production in this area began in Roman times, but there are speculations that salt extraction might have been carried out by tribes living here long before the Romans.
• The oldest documented saltworks emerged in the Middle Ages when canals were dug, connecting the two lakes to the sea.
• The longest canal linking the Lagoons of La Mata and Torrevieja to the sea is over one kilometre long.
• The sea salt recovery plant in Torrevieja is the largest of its kind in Europe and the only one in the world that utilizes floating platforms.
• From one litter of water, it’s possible to extract up to 350 grams of salt.
• Annually, over 600,000 tons of salt are produced in the La Mata and Torrevieja lagoons.
• The extraction of salt from seawater involves the natural process of crystallization, aided by the hot and dry climate of this part of Spain.
• Salt extraction from seawater is not the only step needed to make the salt suitable for sale. The obtained product must still be cleaned, rinsed, ground, and packaged.
• In Torrevieja, you’ll find many places and attractions related to salt, including the Sea and Salt Museum in the city.
• The mud from the shores of Torrevieja Lake has scientifically confirmed therapeutic and rejuvenating properties. The mixture of sand and salt crystals in the mud contains significant amounts of magnesium, sulphur, calcium, and many other chemical and mineral substances beneficial to our health.
• Reportedly, bathing in the lake supports the treatment of rheumatism, improves circulation, and works wonders for the skin. Just remember that entering the water is strictly prohibited in most places and could cost you a hefty fine.
• The composition of the lake water is very similar to that of the Dead Sea.
• The water’s salinity is very high, which is good news for people who are not very skilled swimmers. You can simply float on the surface of the lagoon’s water; you won’t sink even if you wanted to 🙂
• One of the places where you can swim is located on Calle Sol street.
• If you plan to take a dip in the lake, don’t forget to bring fresh water to rinse the salt off your body. If you neglect this, the salt can irritate your skin after a short time, leading to redness and even cracks. Such wounds, combined with salt and sweat, can be a true aphrodisiac for those aroused by intense pain 🙂

Polish version