On the Costa Blanca, there is a unique natural phenomenon that surprises everyone who visits it: ‘La Laguna Rosa de Torrevieja’ (The Pink Lagoon of Torrevieja). In the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de la Mata y de Torrevieja, which belongs to the region of Vega Baja del Segura, an impressive and surprising sight can be seen in a pink lagoon of about 1,400 hectares. It’s 6 kilometres long and up to 4 kilometres wide at its widest part.
On your next visit to the Costa Blanca, you cannot miss this spectacle of nature. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know before setting off on your trip to this fantastic region of the country.
Why is the Laguna Rosa pink?
Many people wonder why Torrevieja’s Laguna Rosa is pink, so let us explain. Firstly, there’s nothing mysterious about this setting. It’s a natural phenomenon caused by the presence of bacteria that release a pink pigment in waters with a high salt concentration. This is the case with this lagoon, which has around 350 grams of salt per litre of water (about the same as the Dead Sea). As an added fact, this is the point in Europe where the most salt is extracted: 800,000 tonnes a year! And there you have it, now you know why the Laguna Rosa is pink.
Just like in the Dead Sea, if we could swim in this lagoon, we would be able to float effortlessly due to its salt concentration. However, swimming is completely prohibited as a measure of environmental protection and safety. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that this place is well worth a visit.
How to get to the Laguna Rosa Torrevieja
Torrevieja‘s Laguna Rosa is located about a 10-minute drive from the town of Torrevieja, in the province of Alicante, so that’s a good reference point for our journey.
For travellers coming from Murcia, the trip takes around 1 hour by car, and a bit less if coming from Elche.
From the city of Alicante, the drive takes approximately 1 hour.
Benefits and properties of the waters of the Laguna Rosa
First, it’s important to reiterate that swimming in these waters is prohibited for environmental and safety reasons. The salt extracted from the Laguna Rosa is used for industrial purposes, including the production of dishwasher salt, road de-icing salt, and food uses such as curing.
Additionally, studies indicate that brines made with this salt can help to regulate, cleanse, and disinfect the skin, while also offering exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Visit the lagoon while respecting the environment
The Laguna Rosa is a unique environmental setting that deserves to be cared for by everyone, so it’s always worth remembering to be respectful. Avoid throwing rubbish or any type of waste on the ground or in the water, as this pollutes the environment and affects the lagoon’s environmental quality. Moreover, waste can be hazardous to local flora and fauna and can cause various types of risks. Try to leave the place as you found it, or better if possible.
Activities and places of interest near the Laguna Rosa
You won’t be short of interesting plans on the Costa Blanca, and there are several options near the Laguna Rosa. If you want to know more about the Natural Park, you can explore its Interpretation Centre, which also allows you to observe many of the birds that make up the local fauna, such as flamingos, gulls, shelducks, Montagu’s harrier, the common tern or the Kentish plover, to name but a few. In this area, you can also go hiking or cycling, which will give you another perspective of the surroundings. A sunset walk around the Laguna Rosa of Torrevieja is a pleasure.
If you have children and want to organise a family activity at the Laguna Rosa of Torrevieja, the Interpretation Centre can help. They organise workshops and guided tours where the whole family, including the little ones, can learn more about the park’s fauna and flora. You already know you can’t swim in the Laguna Rosa, but nearby you have fantastic beaches to sunbathe and swim in the sea: La Mata Beach, Los Náufragos Beach, El Cura Beach, and Los Locos Beach are some of the best options.
Alternatively, you can visit the ‘Torre del Moro’, an old watchtower from the 16th century that gave the town its name. Another interesting visit in Torrevieja is the ‘Parque del Molino de Agua’, a large park with gardens, picnic areas and several fountains and streams. And while you’re in the area with the largest salt extraction in Europe, hop on a special train that will take you on a tour of the salt mines. We promise you it will be an amazing journey.
Come and Explore the Laguna Rosa of Torrevieja
If you haven’t yet visited the Laguna Rosa, we highly recommend including it in your plans for your next trip to the Costa Blanca—you’re sure to love it. It’s an ideal spot for capturing that incredible Instagram photo, especially because the sunset over the Laguna Rosa Torrevieja is spectacular!
Additionally, the Costa Blanca offers numerous attractions and the perfect conditions for a luxurious holiday: Mediterranean beaches, world-class cuisine, cultural activities, and outdoor adventures, among many other things. Book your accommodation in Alicante now and enjoy the Mediterranean.
