How to Visit the Torrevieja Pink Lake in Spain

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Have you ever seen the super Instagrammable pictures of pink lakes? You can get these super easy at certain times of the year in Spain!

I only realised there is a pink lake in Spain when I was housesitting on the Costa Blanca and I looked into things to do in the area. I visited the pink salt lake in different ways, both on a tour and solo at various spots, to find the best way to experience it.

In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Torrevieja pink lake, including its location, why it’s pink, and the best ways to visit.

Table of Contents

Where is the Pink Lake in Spain?

The pink lake in Spain, or Laguna Salada de Torrevieja as its official name is, is located in the town of Torrevieja, which is situated on the Costa Blanca region. It’s about an hour’s drive from both Alicante and Murcia.

Torrevieja is easily accessible by car or public transportation, making it a popular day trip destination, or a great base to explore the surrounding area.

The pink lake itself is located within Parque Natural de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja just outside the city of Torrevieja, which also has other salt lakes and beautiful hiking trails to explore.

A satellite map showing the location of Torrevieja Pink Lake in Spain, labeled as "Lago Rosa de Torrevieja." Nearby areas include El Chaparral, Torre La Mata, and Los Montesinos, with notable landmarks like Leroy Merlin Torrevieja and Hotel La Laguna Spa & Golf. — How cool is it that the lake is pink even on Google Maps?

How to Visit the Torrevieja Pink Lake?

Whether you’re in Torrevieja and want to see the pink lake or planning a day trip from another city, there are two ways to experience it: join a guided tour of the lake’s salt production or visit a viewing point on your own.

A picture of a pink lake with salt hills and a tourist train in the back reflecting in the water surface — I really enjoyed the tour to the salt lake

Visit on a Guided Tour from Torrevieja

The guided tour departs from the town center of Torrevieja near the harbour at P.º de la Libertad. Here’s a Google Maps link to the exact spot where the tour sets off.

The guided tour with the tourist train is the only way to access the lake’s salt production; you can’t get there on your own.

You can buy tickets at the booth in front of the tourist train, or online beforehand. I visited on a weekday in July and had no trouble getting a ticket last minute.

On the train, an audio guide tells you about the area’s salt production, and once you arrive, a guide shares more information.

A red tourist train in Torrevieja, you can see palm trees and buildings in the back — This tourist train is the only way to see the Salinas de Torrevieja salt production

You have time to walk around a bit, take pictures of the pink lake and you get to climb one of the salt hills up to a viewing platform. It was such a unique experience to walk on salt up a salt hill!

In my opinion, the guided tour is the best way to see the lake. You won’t have to worry about the driving, and it’s the only way to experience both the salt production and the pink lake. Plus, it’s the cleanest and most eco-friendly option.

I learned so many interesting facts on the tour, like that it’s the biggest salt lake in Europe!

Visit on a Guided Tour from Alicante

A great way to visit the pink lake of Santa Pola on a day trip from Alicante is this amazing tour that includes both the pink lake and Tabarca Island.

The tour doesn’t visit the pink lake of Torrevieja about which I’ve been talking so far in this post, but a different pink lake close by. How cool is that there are two pink lakes so close to each other?

Whichever lake you choose, visiting at least one pink lake is a must-do when you’re in Alicante.

Visit on Your Own

If you want to visit the pink lake on your own, you need either a car or a bike, the lake is difficult to access by public transport and it’s too far out of the city to walk.

There are several access points to the lake, with the most popular being The Pink Lake Of Torrevieja on Google Maps. You can park for free on the street since it’s a quiet, residential area.

When I visited, a few people were swimming in the lake, but swimming is not allowed! Not only do you risk a hefty fine, but you also threaten this unique ecosystem. Too many swimmers can prevent the lake from staying pink. So please, do not swim in the lake!

A sign with a no-swimming symbol on it in the middle of a bush, the sign has many stickers on it and it's sprayed full with paint so it's difficult to read — It’s not allowed to swim in the salty water of the Nature Reserve

I was also sad to see the trash at some access points to the lake. That’s why I enjoyed the guided tour more; it’s cleaner and more idyllic without trash in every bush.

Why is the Lake Pink?

The pink color of the lake is due to a type of algae called Dunaliella Salina and bacteria called Halobacterium that thrive in this high-saline environment. The microorganisms produce carotenoids, which give the water its distinctive pink color.

During the summer months, when there is less rain and more evaporation, the concentration of salt increases, making it easier for these organisms to thrive. This results in a brighter and more intense shade of pink.

A picture of the shore of the pink lake in Torrevieja, you can see the high salt concentration in the water as it's a white film on the ground of the lake — It’s amazing how salty the water is!

Best Time to Visit

Generally, the best time to visit the pink lake is during the summer months, between June and September, as this is when the water is at its pinkest. However, the color can vary depending on weather conditions.

Whenever you decide to visit, make sure to visit on a sunny day as the water is only pink in sunshine.

I visited in late July, that’s when I took all the pictures of this post, and the water was a bit of a rusty pink. It looked cool, but it could have been even pinker compared to other pictures I saw.

A pair of legs in flip flops walking over corse salt — It was the first time I walked on top of salt!

Can You Swim in the Pink Lake?

Swimming in the pink lake is prohibited. Not only do you risk a fine of around €6,000, but you also endanger the unique ecosystem. Plus, the lake’s salt is used for human consumption so swimming in it is disgusting.

So, please admire the beauty of this natural wonder from a distance and help preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

A rock full of salt standing out of the shallow end of the salt lake in Torrevieja — The water’s color varies with the season and weather, ranging from pink to brown

Final Thoughts: Pink Lake Torrevieja

The pink lake in Torrevieja is a must-visit for anyone traveling to the Costa Blanca. Its unique color and interesting history make it a fascinating destination, and whether you visit on a guided tour or explore on your own, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

So add this pink wonder to your travel bucket list and get ready for some seriously Instagrammable photos!

Just remember to respect this delicate ecosystem and its rules by not swimming and not leaving any trash behind to preserve this natural beauty.

Don’t forget to check out the other must-see spots in Torrevieja when you’re already there.

How to Visit the Torrevieja Pink Lake in Spain

Where is the Pink Lake in Spain?