Las Salinas de Torrevieja: Visit a Bubblegum Pink Lake in Spain
Photo by depositphotos.com
One of Spain‘s most popular lakes is so pink that it could have easily appeared in the Barbie movie. In addition to being the pinkest lake in Europe, Laguna Salada de Torrevieja is one of the largest and saltiest lakes on the continent. The vibrant pink color of Laguna Salada de Torrevieja results from a high concentration of salt-loving bacteria, known as halobacterium, and salt-friendly algae, Dunaliella salina.
The town of Torrevieja is located between two salt lakes: Laguna de la Mata, a brilliant emerald green, and Laguna Salada de Torrevieja, bubblegum pink. Both lakes form a nature reserve known as Las Salinas de Torrevieja. Laguna Salada de Torrevieja is almost as salty as the Dead Sea in the Middle East and produces hundreds of thousands of tons of salt each year, exported worldwide.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Swimming in the pink waters of Laguna Salada de Torrevieja is strictly prohibited, but visitors can stand on the shore and walk around the lake. The lake’s high salt content often leads to sparkling salt deposits washing ashore.
At certain times of the year, flocks of bright pink flamingos frolic in Laguna Salada de Torrevieja’s waters. These flamingos eat tiny brine shrimp that consume pink halobacterium, ensuring their vibrant pink feathers.
The muddy bottom of Laguna Salada de Torrevieja and the salt deposits lining the lake’s shores are rumored to have healing properties. Many health enthusiasts claim that applying the lake’s salt and mud to the skin can help clear up skin and respiratory maladies. The salty air of Torrevieja is also said to be conducive to healing for those who struggle with labored breathing.
Photo by depositphotos.com
It is best to visit Laguna Salada de Torrevieja on a sunny day, as the lake appears pinkest when the sun shines upon its waters. June to October is generally the sunniest time of year. The lake, surrounded by bike paths, invites visitors to circle its shimmering cherry blossom pink water.
Most visitors think they’re dreaming when they first see a lake the color of cotton candy. Laguna Salada de Torrevieja is a whimsical destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on every traveler who admires its pink waters.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja (pink lagoon area reference; not the train entrance), Alicante, Spain
- Coordinates
- 38.011289, -0.709203
- Access
- Do not enter the working saltworks or protected lagoon areas independently. The operator’s pages describe authorized train visits from the saltworks entrance, while a local report dated Oct. 30, 2026 says city tourist-train routes from central Torrevieja were suspended but guided visits inside the saltworks continued under a separate arrangement. Confirm directly with Salins whether an interior tour is operating and where it departs before travelling.
- Admission
- The saltworks operator page lists €10 adults, €9 children ages 2–12, €9.50 visitors over 65, and €32.50 for a family of two adults plus two children. These are posted tariffs, not a guarantee of departures: the operator’s Spanish page says the tourist train is unavailable until further notice, while its English page still displays a schedule. Confirm service and price directly before going.
- Time needed
- The operator describes an authorized saltworks train visit of about one hour, including a stop inside the works and at its shop. That duration applies only if the interior tour is operating; confirm departures directly. Do not treat it as the duration of the separate suspended city tourist-train route.
- Best season
- There is no single best season for every visit. Comunitat Valenciana tourism says the Torrevieja lagoon’s pink color is most vivid in summer, while the protected wetland also supports nesting and overwintering birds. Summer is the clearest seasonal suggestion for seeing stronger pink water; bird activity varies through the year. Access to the pink lagoon remains by the authorized tourist train.
- Opening hours
- The operator’s Spanish train page says “not available until further notice,” while its English page continues to show seasonal departure tables. A local report on Oct. 30, 2026 distinguishes the suspended city-center routes from guided train visits inside the saltworks, which it says continued under a separate agreement. Because the sources conflict, contact Salins before travelling; do not use the old timetable as confirmation of a departure.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-08
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-01
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