Tourist Train to the Pink Lake in Torrevieja
An extraordinary train adventure to the salt lake - walking on salt and pink water!
The pink lake in Torrevieja (Laguna de Torrevieja) is one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena on the Costa Blanca. This salt lake owes its intense pink colour to microorganisms - Dunaliella salina algae and halobacteria, which thrive in water with an extremely high salt concentration. The Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja is the largest sea salt producer in Europe. The lake is located 38 km from Gran Alacant (35 minutes by car), and entry is free. You can drive there or take the scenic tourist train (9.50 euros for adults). Walking on the white salt crust with views of the pink water is an unforgettable experience, especially during the summer months when the colour is at its most intense.
Why visit Laguna Salada?
• Pink water - extraordinary colour thanks to algae and minerals
• Walking on salt - a unique experience of walking on a layer of salt
• Free entry - nature without admission fees
• Perfect for families - safe and fascinating for children
• Unforgettable photos - Instagram-worthy views guaranteed!
Laguna Salada in Torrevieja is one of the most extraordinary places on the Costa Blanca. This salt lake captivates with its pink colour, created by microorganisms and high mineral concentration. The opportunity to walk on the white salt crust and admire the pink water is an experience you will never forget!
What is the tourist train ride to the lake like?
One of the most interesting ways to reach Laguna Salada is by the tourist train that runs from the centre of Torrevieja. It is a comfortable and scenic ride that is an attraction in itself - especially for children!
What will you see during the train tour?
- 🌸 The pink lagoon - a unique salt lake with its characteristic colour
- 🏔️ Enormous salt mountains - impressive white mounds of extracted salt
- 🏭 Old chemical crystallisers - historic production facilities
- 🦩 Flora and fauna - birds and plants of this internationally recognised wetland
- 🛍️ Salt product shop - salt, cosmetics and souvenirs at the end of the tour
The Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja is the largest sea salt producer in Europe!
Salinas de Torrevieja Tourist Train
Official website: visitasalinasdetorrevieja.com
Tour duration
Approximately 1 hour (including stops)
Minimum 6 passengers required for departure
Departure times (until 9 November 2025)
Morning: 11:00, 12:15, 13:30
Afternoon: 16:00, 17:00
From 10 November 2025:
Morning: 11:00, 12:15, 13:30
Afternoon: 16:30
Ticket prices (2025)
Adults: €9.50
Children (2-12 years): €8.50
Seniors (65+): €9.00
Family (2 adults + 2 children): €29.90 (ticket office only)
Groups (19+ people): €7.50/person (booking required)
💳 Tickets: Available at the ticket office by Paseo de la Libertad
📞 Contact: +34 626 594 109 | visitatorrevieja@salins.com
⚠️ Pets: Not allowed
👟 Recommendations: Comfortable closed shoes, hat, sunscreen
🚗 Alternative - driving by car
You can drive directly to the lake by car - there is a car park available. From Gran Alacant it takes approximately 35 minutes (38 km).
Navigation: "Laguna Salada de Torrevieja" or "Las Salinas de Torrevieja"
Why is the lake in Torrevieja pink?
The intense pink colour of the lake is the result of natural processes. The high salt concentration encourages the growth of microorganisms - Dunaliella salina (a type of algae) and halobacteria, which produce pink and red pigments. The higher the temperature and salt concentration, the more intense the pink colour!
Best colour - when to see it?
• Summer (June-September): Most intense pink colour!
• Midday and afternoon: The sun highlights the pink tones
• Windless days: The calm water surface reflects the colours
• After hot days: High temperature = more microorganisms = more intense colour
Can you walk on the salt by the lake?
One of the biggest attractions is the opportunity to walk on the white salt crust that forms along the shore of the lake. It is a surreal experience - the white salt crystals crunch underfoot, and pink water stretches out all around you. Unforgettable!
👟 What to bring
- • Old shoes: Salt can damage them
- • Sunscreen: The sun reflects off the salt!
- • Water: Hot and dry conditions
- • Camera/phone: Unforgettable photos!
- • Hat: No shade available
⚠️ Warning!
- • Do not swim: The water is very salty and can irritate skin
- • Do not touch your eyes: Salt stings badly!
- • Be careful on the salt: It can be slippery
- • Take your rubbish: Protect the environment
- • No toilets: Plan ahead
What practical information should you know before visiting?
Best time to visit
Season: May-September (most intense colour)
Time of day: Morning (cooler) or late afternoon (golden hour)
Avoid: Midday in summer (very hot)
Getting there
From Gran Alacant: 38 km (35 minutes by car)
From Torrevieja centre: 15 minutes by car or tourist train
Parking: Free car park by the lake
Costs
Lake entry: Free!
Tourist train: €9.50 adults, €8.50 children
Family (2+2): €29.90
Parking: Free
Who is it for?
✓ Families with children
✓ Photographers
✓ Nature lovers
✓ Everyone! (easy access)
Photography tips
• Golden hour: One hour before sunset - magical light!
• Contrasts: White salt + pink water + blue sky = wow!
• Perspective: Low-angle shots highlight the salt texture
• Reflections: Look for calm spots with mirror-like water surfaces
• People in frame: Add scale - show the size of the lake!
What else is worth seeing near Torrevieja?
🏖️ Torrevieja beaches
Beautiful urban beaches with a promenade and restaurants - 10 minutes by car
🧂 Salt Museum
Learn about the history of salt mining in Torrevieja
🌊 Laguna Rosada (pink)
The second salt lake of Torrevieja - equally beautiful!
🛍️ Torrevieja town centre
Shops, restaurants and the Friday market
Rafał Prońko
Właściciel Brisa Alacant
Właściciel apartamentu wakacyjnego Brisa Alacant od 2023 roku, regularnie odwiedzam Costa Blanca i znam region z własnych doświadczeń. Wszystkie miejsca opisane na blogu odwiedziłem osobiście — zdjęcia i porady pochodzą z moich własnych wizyt. Pomagam gościom odkrywać najlepsze atrakcje regionu Alicante.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the lake in Torrevieja pink?
The pink colour of the Laguna de Torrevieja is created by microorganisms, specifically Dunaliella salina algae and halobacteria, which produce pink and red pigments in an environment with extremely high salt concentration. The lake belongs to the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja, which is the largest sea salt producer in Europe. The higher the temperature and the greater the salt concentration, especially during summer from June to September, the more intense the pink colour of the water becomes. This phenomenon is entirely natural and safe, and similar pink lakes exist in Australia and Senegal. The salt concentration in Laguna de Torrevieja far exceeds that of seawater, meaning only highly specialised organisms can survive here. The pink colour is best seen on calm, hot days when the still water surface creates mirror-like reflections of the sky.
How much does the tourist train to the Pink Lake cost?
A ticket for the Salinas de Torrevieja tourist train costs 9.50 euros for adults, 8.50 euros for children aged 2 to 12, and 9.00 euros for seniors over 65. A family ticket for two adults and two children costs 29.90 euros and is available exclusively at the ticket office on Paseo de la Libertad. Groups of more than 19 people can receive a discount of 7.50 euros per person with advance booking. The tour lasts approximately one hour with stops where you can admire the pink lagoon, salt mountains, and historic salt production facilities. Entry to the lake itself is completely free, as the train is an optional attraction. You purchase tickets directly at the ticket office at the starting point. A minimum of six passengers is required for the train to depart, so it is best to visit during the summer season when tourist traffic is highest.
When is the best time to see the pink colour of the lake in Torrevieja?
The most intense pink colour of the lake occurs in summer, from June to September, when high temperatures encourage the growth of Dunaliella salina algae and halobacteria that produce pink pigments. The best observation conditions are on calm, hot days when the still water surface creates mirror-like reflections and the colour is most saturated. At midday and early afternoon the sun highlights the pink tones, while photographers should aim for the golden hour, approximately one hour before sunset, when the light gives the lake a magical, warm hue. After several consecutive hot days without rain the colour is at its absolute most intense. In winter and spring the lake may appear more grey or pale pink, though it still looks impressive. It is worth checking the weather forecast before your visit and choosing a windless day.
How do you get to the Pink Lake from Gran Alacant?
From Gran Alacant to Laguna Salada in Torrevieja is 38 kilometres, which takes approximately 35 minutes by car. The most convenient route follows the N-332 road southbound through Santa Pola and Guardamar del Segura. In your navigation system enter Laguna Salada de Torrevieja or Las Salinas de Torrevieja and both will guide you to the destination. There is a free unpaved car park by the lake with space for several dozen vehicles. Alternatively you can drive to the centre of Torrevieja and take the Salinas de Torrevieja tourist train, which departs from Paseo de la Libertad by the port. The train costs 9.50 euros for adults and offers a one-hour tour with stops and a guide. Both options have their advantages: a car gives you flexibility, while the train provides a guided commentary and convenience without having to find your own way.
Can you swim in the Pink Lake in Torrevieja?
Swimming in the Pink Lake in Torrevieja is not recommended for health and ecological reasons. The water has an extremely high salt concentration that far exceeds seawater levels and can severely irritate the skin and eyes. Laguna de Torrevieja is part of a protected Natural Park listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, so visitors should respect nature conservation rules. Instead of swimming you can walk on the white salt crust along the shore of the lake, which is a unique experience of walking on crumbling salt crystals with views of the pink water. Remember to bring old shoes as the salt damages footwear, sunscreen, drinking water, and a hat. There is no shade or toilet facilities by the lake, so it is important to prepare properly before your visit.
Źródła i odnośniki
- Visita Salinas de Torrevieja - Official Tourist Train Website(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Turismo de Torrevieja - Parque Natural de las Lagunas(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja - Generalitat Valenciana(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Ramsar Convention - Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja (Wetland Site)(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Dunaliella salina - cause of pink colour in salt lakes (Nature)(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
Plan your visit to Torrevieja!
From our Brisa Alacant apartment in Gran Alacant you can reach Laguna Salada in just 35 minutes. It is the perfect half-day trip - visit the pink lake, walk on the salt and return to relax on the beautiful beaches of Gran Alacant!
Nature around Gran Alacant
If you loved the pink landscape of Torrevieja, discover more of Costa Blanca's nature — the Clot de Galvany reserve with flamingos is just 5 minutes from Gran Alacant. After exploring nature, relax on wild Carabassi Beach — the most beautiful beach in the region.
Przeczytaj również
Clot de Galvany - Nature Reserve
Free nature reserve 5 min from Gran Alacant.
BeachesCarabassi Beach - Most Beautiful Beach
Wild beach with dunes and crystal-clear water, 10 min from Gran Alacant.
NatureTabarca Island - Snorkelling Paradise
The only inhabited island of Valencia with a marine reserve.