The Pink Lagoon

South of Alicante the coast flattens into broad salt lagoons, a landscape that feels unlike the rest of the Costa Blanca. The salt flats of Santa Pola and Torrevieja have been worked for centuries, and certain lagoons take on a pink tint when salt-loving algae and bacteria flourish in the brine, particularly in hot, dry weather. The colour varies with light and season, so some days the water is a blush and others a milky blue, which is part of the appeal. The wetlands also host wading birds including flamingos, avocets and herons, and walking trails and cycling paths cross the reserves. A guided tour combines a visit to the lagoon with local wine and tapas, often timed for late afternoon so the light is soft. It is a relaxing, photogenic outing for people who enjoy nature without strenuous effort, and it pairs naturally with a visit to Tabarca, Santa Pola or Elche. Because the pink colour cannot be guaranteed, set expectations lightly and enjoy the birds, the horizon and the salt-crusted shores.

The salt industry is the reason these lagoons exist. Seawater is channelled into shallow basins and evaporated, leaving salt that is piled in white mounds along the shore. In Torrevieja, a natural park surrounds two large lagoons, and a salt museum and viewpoint tell the story. At Santa Pola, the natural park's visitor centre offers trails and bird hides. The best time for birdlife is spring and autumn, when migrating species pass through.

Tour structure varies. Some tours spend most of the time at one viewpoint and finish with a tasting; others combine multiple stops. Read the itinerary to see whether the lagoon is a main feature or an add-on. Bring sunglasses and a hat, as the open landscape has little shade, and a light jacket for breezy evenings. Photographers should aim for late afternoon when the light warms the water.

Some visitors take the chance to float in the salty waters of the Torrevieja area, often marketed as therapeutic. Whether or not you swim, you can enjoy the unusual scenery. Respect the nature reserve rules, stay on marked paths and keep a distance from nesting birds. Accessibility is generally good, as the main viewpoints are near roads and paths are flat.

Distances from Alicante are modest, around twenty to forty minutes, so this works well as a short afternoon excursion. If you only have time for one nature outing, consider whether you prefer green waterfalls, rock caves or salt lagoons; the lagoons are the most unusual. Combined with a glass of local wine, they make an easy, memorable evening.

To get the most from the lagoon, bring a pair of binoculars, and use the quiet moments to spot birds in the shallows. Late afternoon is the best time for colour and photography, with the sun low and the salt crust glowing. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are essential, as the white salt reflects the sun strongly.

Avoid wearing your best shoes, since the paths can be dusty and the salt marks leather. If you want a longer outing, consider cycling the flat trails in the natural park, where bikes can be rented nearby. Whatever the colour on the day, the horizon and the light are the real reward.