The Parc Natural de las Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja is located in the Vega Baja del Segura region and covers parts of the municipalities of Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Los Montesinos, and Rojales. Along with the El Hondo Natural Park and the Salinas de Santa Pola Natural Park, it forms a crucial ecosystem for the biological cycles of various animal species, which use these areas for migration, nesting, and hibernation.
The Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park consists of two separate lakes connected by an aquifer canal, which in turn are also artificially linked to the sea via two other canals. If you’re interested in learning more about this fantastic natural landscape, continue reading this article.
What to Do in the Torrevieja Natural Park
The Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park, located in the province of Alicante, offers various activities for visitors. One of the main attractions is birdwatching, thanks to the area’s rich biodiversity, which includes species such as flamingos, herons, and ducks.
The park has well-marked trails suitable for walking and cycling, providing an immersive and attractive nature experience.
Moreover, the park features strategic viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramic views of the lagoons and local wildlife. Visiting the information centre is an excellent way to learn about the park’s history, geology, and ecology, with educational exhibits and detailed information about the region’s flora and fauna. For photography enthusiasts, the stunning landscapes of the lagoons (especially at sunset) provide a perfect setting. The park also offers picnic areas, inviting a relaxing day out with family or friends.
Hiking Trails in the Park
The Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park has several hiking routes, so if this is your plan, you’re in luck. Here we’ll tell you more about these routes:
Ruta amarilla
This hiking trail (the yellow route) allows you to observe most of the park’s ecosystems. The route offers a broad panorama of the entire park, where you can appreciate its fauna and flora. Depending on the time of year, visitors can spot various types of birds, as some stop here to rest and feed on their long journey to Africa, while others stay because their usual habitats become uninhabitable during winter.
Ruta del vino
The ruta del vino (wine route) aims to showcase the area’s vineyards and their importance to the entire region. It’s a very pleasant walk, with five stops, perfect for the whole family. Along this route, you will find informative signs with information about the park, its diversity, and, of course, the vineyards. To access this route, head to the starting point of the yellow and red routes, next to the park’s Interpretation Centre.
Ruta roja
This is a cycling route, but we’ve included it here because it’s very interesting. This route (the red route) is 5.2 km long and has a slightly challenging climb, but the views of the park are worth it. It starts in front of the Interpretation Centre and crosses the park through an area a bit away from the lagoon: this way, the tranquillity that the park’s birds seek is respected.
Come and Observe the Flora and Fauna of the Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park
The Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park features saline habitats and terrestrial environments with high salt content, but it also has areas of fresh water, unspoiled nature, and agricultural land. The high salinity of the lagoon waters makes it impossible for most aquatic species to live, but many microalgae are the main cause of their characteristic pink-reddish colour.
Birds are the most significant group in the Natural Park, with nearly a hundred species using this area for migration, nesting, and hibernation. Visitors can find white-headed ducks, resident birds, stilts, avocets, terns, sandpipers, flamingos, and harriers during the summer months; and ospreys, cormorants, grey herons, and grebes during the winter. Fun fact! There‘s a very interesting crustacean in these lagoons: the brine shrimp.
Birdwatching in the Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park
Birdwatching in the Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park is a unique and educational experience, considering the area’s biodiversity. The highlight is the Laguna de la Mata, a meeting point for many ornithologists. One of the great advantages of this park is that it has properly adapted trails, with interesting information and perfect viewpoints for quiet observation without disturbing the wildlife.
Visit the Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park!
Discover the natural charm of the Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park, a nearly hidden paradise in the province of Alicante. This spectacular park on the Mediterranean coast offers a unique experience for nature lovers and those seeking tranquillity. With its two impressive lagoons, Mata and Torrevieja, the park is a biodiversity sanctuary that hosts a wide range of flora and fauna.
The best accommodations in the area are here, so start planning your next trip to explore the incredible nature of our country. By the way, the beach is right next to this natural paradise, so you can combine the best of both worlds.
