Torrevieja pink lake

Torrevieja pink lake

Sometimes it is not necessary to cross the globe to see spectacular scenery. They may even seem like something out of science fiction. Best of all, they are close to home! In the heart of the Alicante region of Vega Baja del Segura, there is a huge 1.400 hectare pink lagoon that is part of Natural Park of the Lagunas de la Mata and Torrevieja.

If you want to visit a magical place, but you cannot afford a trip to an exotic place, here we are going to tell you about the pink lake in Torrevieja.

pink lake

The pink lake of Torrevieja

This natural phenomenon unique in Spain, is produced by a bacterium that releases a pink pigment in water with high concentration of salt. In the case of Laguna Rosa, 350 grams per liter of water, a concentration very similar to that of Dead Sea.

In addition to being a visual spectacle, it also it is the most productive salt lake on the European continent. 800.000 tons of salt are mined each year for export to Northern Europe and the US for industrial use, from de-icing salt to dishwasher salt. Although it also has its food use, such as salting fish.

Other pink lakes

In part, the high concentration of salt is responsible for this pastel pink color, which sometimes turns fuchsia. This phenomenon also occurs in other lagoons such as Lake Hillier or Hutt Lagoon in Australia. Pink Lakes in Las Coloradas (Mexico); Dusty Rose Lake in Canada, Masazirgol Lake in Azerbaijan or Pink Lake in Senegal.

Is everything pink in the lake of Torrevieja?

Torrevieja salt mine

In waters with high salinity, they appear reddish halobacteria and microalgae with carotenoid pigments. Artemia feed on these bacteria and microalgae. Artemia is a tiny pink brachiopod crustacean, and in turn, is the main source of food for the flamingo (Phoenicopterus) and the slender-billed gull (Larus genei). In short, the pink color of the flamingo is due to what they eat, don't you find it fascinating? In fact, if they stopped eating brine shrimp they would be greyish-white, just like their chicks.

What are halobacteria?

All the halobacteria (haloarchea), are a class of archaea that exist in water saturated or nearly saturated with salt. They are also known as extreme halophytes, although this name also refers to other organisms that live in highly concentrated media. They are responsible for red tides, and the pigment that gives them this characteristic color is bacteriorhodopsin. This pigment is used to absorb light, which will be the source of energy for the production of ATP (energy). This process is independent of other forms of photosynthesis. In fact, they are not capable of fixing carbon from carbon dioxide, like other plants or bacteria.

These have vesicles of gas, which allow them to float. And they are anaerobic. They are able to survive in salinized environments because they have a separate pathway for energy production in addition to photosynthesis.. Some parts of the cell membrane of haloarchea are purple. These parts photosynthesize with bacteriorhodopsin pigments instead of chlorophyll. This allows it to create a proton gradient across the cell membrane, allowing it to generate ATP for its own use.

But not everything is rosy

pink lake sunset

The drawback is that, although it may seem like you are bathing in cotton candy, bathing in the lake is totally prohibited. Despite the fact that on Instagram we find people who defy the regulations, for environmental reasons, to guarantee the quality of the lagoon's ecosystem, and also for security reasons, bathing is not allowed.

The extraction of the salt is carried out with agricultural machines called “volvedoras” and then it is collected in small boats.. This poses a danger for those bathers who decide to skip the legislation, therefore, avoid bathing here and do it on its Mediterranean beach.
And it is that although you can not romp in these pink waters, you can immortalize this unusual spectacle or do any route on foot or by bicycle recommended by the Natural Park Interpretation Center. Where you can see wintering birds, such as the gray heron or the osprey, as well as flamingos.

We tell you that 52% of the city of Torrevieja is protected, and this salt-producing wetland was declared a Natural Park in 1992.

Especially at sunset, in the hot months and before it rains, the scenery is magical.. Of course, once you're there, you might be tempted to imitate everyone who scuba dives or mud baths, but then again, nature tells us that sometimes the best perspective is best seen from the shore.

Alternatives near the pink lake of Torrevieja

beach kills her

If you decide to take a family trip, the Natural Park also organizes environmental education activities for the little ones. Like recycling workshops or guided excursions to discover more than 150 plants in the Natural Park, such as the daffodils, Flor de Saladar, senecios, friar's crowns or small honey buzzards.

And since you are in Torrevieja, we offer you these plans:

  • You have beaches like La Mata, Cura, Los Locos or Los Náufragos.
  • Gastronomy of the area, in the bars of a lifetime. We invite you to try the grilled octopus, the ball with broth, the fried roe and the tomato with roasted chaplain in the Bar the Red.
  • Don't worry, if you are Vegan, there is the option of the restaurant Right.
  • If you like ice creamsYou can't pass up the opportunity to visit sirvent.
  • For snack, another typical sweet is the bow: panquemao
  • And at bedtime, you can stay in the Hotel Dona Monse or if you go With your dog here we leave you a link with other options.

As you can see, this summer you can make a spectacular trip, without having to go far, so it will come out cheaper and you won't have to worry about the language. You even have the option of leaving with your own car. I hope this information has been helpful. And if you dare to visit the pink lagoon of Torrevieja and find other activities, We encourage you to share your experience with us!


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