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
- The protected pink lagoon is not an open-access swimming lake: Torrevieja municipal tourism says access to the pink lagoon is only by the tourist train. The operator departs from C/Portalicos S/N; use that address for arrival. Swimming, entry to restricted areas, and collecting salt or plants are prohibited. The map marker is only a broad natural-park area reference, not the train station.
- Admission
- The operator currently lists the train at €10 adults, €9 children ages 2–12, and €9.50 visitors over 65; a family ticket for two adults and two children is €32.50 at the ticket office. These are train-tour fares, not an admission fee for an unrestricted lake visit; check the operator for current rates and online fees.
- Time needed
- The operator says the train tour takes approximately one hour, including a stop in the salt works and at the shop. A separate official regional walking tour is about 90 minutes and requires reservation.
- Best season
- No best season is published by the operator. The pink color is a natural feature of the salt lagoon, but appearance varies; check local conditions and seasonal tour availability.
- Opening hours
- The train runs Monday–Sunday on a seasonal departure schedule. The operator’s current page lists different times for September, October, November, and December; departures and service may change, so check the live timetable and book/confirm before traveling. Boarding is at C/Portalicos S/N.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-28
- Facts checked
- 2026-09-28
Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.
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