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’s page currently says the tourist train is unavailable until further notice. It still displays tariffs of €10 adults, €9 children ages 2–12, €9.50 over 65, and €32.50 for a family ticket; treat these as posted rates only, not confirmation that tours or tickets are available. Confirm reopening and current prices before travel.
- 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
- 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
- As checked October 21, 2026, the operator states “tourist train not available until further notice.” Its page still displays a seasonal timetable, but that does not confirm active departures. Contact the operator at +34 626 594 109 or visitatorrevieja@salins.com before going. The pink-saltworks area has no independent public-entry hours; use the authorized train only if service resumes.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-08
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-21
Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.
Location
Use the zoom buttons or pinch to zoom. Use arrow keys to pan when the map is focused.
Interactive map loads when in view.
Explorer Passport
Next badge: Trail Scout
Unlocked after exploring 5 different unusual places.
0 of 5 places explored
Discover more from Unusual Places
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
