Torrevieja Salt Lakes

The vast Torrevieja Salt Lakes (Las Salinas de Torrevieja) lie on the northern border of Orihuela Costa. Torrevieja has been mining salt for centuries, since it was still a small fishing village. The fantastic Costa Blanca weather combined with the salt content in the air gives the area one of the healthiest climates in the world. The lakes and surrounding countryside have now been declared a Natural Park. This has attracted and protected a wide range of pretty flora & fauna. In particular people visit the Torrevieja Salt Lakes to see the beautiful pink flamingos.

Torrevieja Salt Lakes
Source: Flickr / Werner Wilmes

Torrevieja Salt Lakes

The two lakes are separated by a raised anticline (natural dyke) and have two distinct colours. One lake is pink and the other green. The pink lake has a higher salinity and the colour is formed by a robust seaweed (dunaliellas) that manages to survive in the high levels of salt. At sunset when thousands of flamingos are on the pink lake, the blending colours are remarkable. For a fun little adventure, bring along a book and find a more remote part of the lake. Here you can wade out into deeper water and float around reading, a similar sensation to the Dead Sea.

Salt Lake Natural Park

The natural park surrounding the Torrevieja salt lakes is a haven for nature and sports enthusiasts. Aside from the flamingos, bird watchers may catch a glimpse of terns, harriers and stilts. Some of the flora in the park includes groundsel, lavender and beautiful orchids.

There are many nature trails around the lake shores that are perfect for keen hikers. Running next to the lake is one of Spain's excellent Greenways. The government and local councils came up with a clever idea to make use of the country's disused railway tracks. In many parts of the country they have cleared the tracks, ties and vegetation. These now provide perfect trails that are relatively flat and suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Orihuela Costa will surely leave you with fond memories of your holiday and who knows, maybe even a diving certificate under your belt.