La Mata lagoon: an easy walk through Torrevieja's salt landscape

La Mata is the approachable half of the Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park. Trails leave near the visitor centre for pinewood, saltmarsh, vineyard and hides beside the green-toned lagoon. The industrial pink Torrevieja lagoon is connected to it, but ordinary visitors should not assume the same shore access.

Two lagoons, one salt system

The protected park covers about 3,700 hectares across Torrevieja, Guardamar, Los Montesinos and Rojales. La Mata lagoon covers roughly 700 hectares and works as a heating reservoir in the salt-production system; brine then passes towards the 1,400-hectare Torrevieja lagoon, where salt crystallises and is harvested.

Channels connect the depressions and the sea. Their water engineering explains why colour, salinity and water level differ between the two lakes. The pink colour is variable biological and chemical behaviour, not a guaranteed filter effect or permission to enter the water.

What the marked route reveals

Around La Mata, official points include El Acequión, the Pinada rest area, remains associated with the old tower and observatories named for grebes, storks, terns, avocets and plovers. Salt-tolerant plants occupy exposed margins, with reeds and rushes where salinity falls.

Birdlife shifts with season and water conditions. Flamingos may be present, but a quiet view of avocets, stilts or small waders is just as characteristic. Stay behind screens, keep voices low and never approach nesting or resting flocks for a photograph.

A low-effort walk still needs planning

• Start at the natural park visitor centre and choose the marked route that suits the day's heat.
• Bring binoculars, water, sun protection and insect repellent.
• Keep dogs under the controls shown locally and away from wildlife margins.
• Do not enter either lagoon or leave paths for salt-crust photographs.

Place La Mata in the wetland chain

The Torrevieja salt guide explains the wider industry. North-west, Los Montesinos reads the same lagoon from its agricultural edge; farther north, Santa Pola and El Hondo continue the wetland chain.

Sources

Written in September 2026 from the Generalitat Valenciana natural park service's official points of interest and its park guide for area, habitats and the linked salt system.

Fire risk, flooding, maintenance and breeding wildlife can close paths. Follow visitor-centre notices and current signs.