Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park
A stunning natural park featuring a surreal pink salt lake, diverse birdlife, and serene walking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant pink hues & flamingos
Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park
Best Time
Vibrant pink hues & flamingos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning natural park featuring a surreal pink salt lake, diverse birdlife, and serene walking trails.
"The pink lake is a unique natural phenomenon, offering spectacular views and a truly memorable experience."
👣 Wear Protective Footwear
The salt water can be harsh on bare feet. Wear sturdy shoes to avoid cuts and irritation from the salt crystals.
☀️ Best for Summer Pink
For the most intense pink lake colors and a higher chance of seeing flamingos, visit during the summer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Famous Pink Lake
Laguna Salada de Torrevieja
Witness the surreal pink-hued waters of the salt lagoon, a unique natural phenomenon that's a photographer's dream.
Birdwatching Opportunities
Various hides and observation decks
Spot migratory birds and local wildlife from strategically placed hides and observation decks throughout the park.
Scenic Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Explore diverse landscapes on signed walks, from open paths to shaded routes, offering beautiful views and peaceful moments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Pink Lake
Getting There Safely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👣 Wear Protective Footwear
The salt water can be harsh on bare feet. Wear sturdy shoes to avoid cuts and irritation from the salt crystals.
☀️ Best for Summer Pink
For the most intense pink lake colors and a higher chance of seeing flamingos, visit during the summer months.
🚗 Drive or Taxi Recommended
If not driving, consider a taxi or carefully plan your walking route to avoid busy roads.
📸 Insta-Worthy Views
The unique pink lake offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
👣 Wear Protective Footwear
The salt water can be harsh on bare feet. Wear sturdy shoes to avoid cuts and irritation from the salt crystals.
☀️ Best for Summer Pink
For the most intense pink lake colors and a higher chance of seeing flamingos, visit during the summer months.
🚗 Drive or Taxi Recommended
If not driving, consider a taxi or carefully plan your walking route to avoid busy roads.
📸 Insta-Worthy Views
The unique pink lake offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🥜 Friendly Squirrels
Bring natural peanuts to feed the friendly squirrels that might approach you on the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the spectacular, unique pink lake and the expansive, peaceful landscapes of the natural park. The birdwatching opportunities and well-maintained trails are frequently praised. However, some find the journey to the park challenging if not driving, and caution is advised regarding the salt water's effect on bare feet.
"Spectacular view, if you are lucky enough to see a sunset here.
The water is not deep at all, but if you go into the water barefoot, your feet get cuts and the salt will make sure you regret not preparing well enough. Beware! 😊"
Gabor Kerecsen
"I visited Parc Natural de la Mata in January 2024, and it was one of the main highlights of my trip to Torrevieja – though getting there was an adventure in itself! 😭
After seeing photos on social media of the famous pink salt lake with flamingos, I was incredibly excited to visit. On Google Maps it appeared to be a 45-minute walk from where I was staying, which I thought would be fine under the mild Spanish winter sun. How wrong I was – and honestly, what on earth is going on with Google Maps? 😩 My route ended up taking me along the edge of busy highways 😱 over a rather nerve-wracking bridge 😱 and through areas that really didn’t feel pedestrian-friendly.
After surviving that stretch, I passed through some residential streets, only to find the green verge leading up to the park rather spoilt by an unfortunate abundance of dog mess 💩 Not the most charming welcome 👎
But once I actually entered the park, all was forgiven. Parc Natural de la Mata is a haven for wildlife, especially migratory birds, and the landscape here is wonderfully expansive – wide open stretches of wild vegetation, serene walking trails, and views that feel both raw and peaceful 💕
While the famous lake had only a blush of pink during my winter visit, and there were no flamingos in sight, I later learnt that the vibrant pink hues are at their strongest in summer, and flamingos are more likely to be present. Even without those Insta-perfect touches, the scenery was unique and captivating, unlike any other nature reserve I’ve visited.
If you’re visiting Torrevieja, Parc Natural de la Mata is absolutely worth seeing – but if you’re not driving, I’d strongly recommend researching the safest walking or cycling route, or arranging a taxi, to avoid my “highway-hopping” experience. 😭
Come in summer if you want the pink lake and flamingos, but at any time of year, the park’s natural beauty makes it a place to remember."
Lufu Design
"Nice walking paths, view points, beautiful views, su ny and shady paths, parking lot."
Maija Isola
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car, with a parking lot available. If you're not driving, research safe walking routes or consider taking a taxi from Torrevieja to avoid potentially hazardous stretches along highways.
Yes, it's possible, but some routes can be challenging and involve walking near busy roads. It's advisable to plan your route carefully or opt for alternative transport.
Driving is the most convenient. Otherwise, a taxi is recommended for a safer and more direct journey. Cycling is also an option if you're comfortable with local roads.
Public transport options directly to the park are limited. It's best to check local bus routes, but driving or taxi services are generally more reliable.
The distance can vary depending on your starting point, but it's approximately a 45-minute walk to an hour's drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park is generally free. You can explore the trails and observe the lagoons without purchasing tickets.
The park is typically open year-round during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times for the natural park itself.
There is no specific entrance fee for the pink lake area within the natural park. Access to the lagoons and surrounding areas is free.
Yes, there is a small visitor center that can provide information about the park's flora, fauna, and trails. It's a helpful resource for planning your visit.
While generally open, it's always good to be mindful of the natural environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife and stick to marked paths to preserve the park's ecosystem.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best way is to observe it from the designated viewpoints and walking trails. Avoid entering the water barefoot as the salt can cause cuts.
Swimming in the pink lake is not recommended due to the high salt content, which can be irritating to the skin and eyes. It's best enjoyed for its visual spectacle.
The park is a haven for migratory birds, and you might spot flamingos, especially in the summer. You can also see various plants and small mammals like squirrels.
Yes, there are several signed walking routes of varying lengths, from short 30-minute walks to longer 3-hour treks, as well as a cycle route.
Absolutely! The unique pink lake and expansive landscapes offer incredible photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for capturing the pink hues of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for birdwatching. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the colors.
The park has several observation decks and hides that offer excellent vantage points for photographing the lagoons and wildlife.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in a natural park to ensure compliance.
The pink color is due to algae and salt-loving microorganisms that thrive in the high salinity of the water, creating a unique visual for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and ensure children wear sturdy shoes to protect their feet from the terrain and any salt crystals. The visitor center can also provide child-friendly information about the park's wildlife.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
Be sure to inform someone of your hiking plans and carry a fully charged phone. While the park is generally safe, it's always wise to be prepared, especially if venturing on longer routes.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Capture the expansive vistas, the diverse birdlife, and the play of light on the salt flats. Visit during the golden hours for the best light. Consider bringing a variety of lenses to capture both wide landscapes and detailed wildlife shots. Remember to be respectful of the environment while you're getting that perfect shot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Pink Hue
This unique ecosystem is a testament to the resilience of life in extreme conditions. The water itself is a byproduct of salt extraction, with the Mediterranean Sea feeding into the lagoon through underground channels. The high salt concentration, while creating a visually stunning spectacle, also means the water is not suitable for swimming and can be irritating to the skin.
Wildlife Haven and Birdwatching
Strategically placed observation decks and hides allow visitors to discreetly observe the wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior. The park's visitor center can offer insights into the current bird activity and species to look out for. Even outside of peak birdwatching seasons, the park's expansive landscapes and unique flora offer a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Navigating the Park: Trails and Accessibility
While the trails are generally well-maintained, visitors should wear appropriate footwear due to the natural terrain. For those concerned about accessibility, the park has made efforts to create inclusive routes, as highlighted by some local initiatives.
It's always a good idea to check with the visitor center for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions and accessibility features. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit