en

Tips for a trip

Salt Lagoons

Fairytale fantasy and reality mix in the Parc Natural de Las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja. Two lagoons, two colours, two worlds. The Salada de Torrevieja lagoon, from which salt is still extracted today, boasts an incredible pink (almost bubblegum) colour caused by the alga Dunaliella salina. The Salada de la Mata lagoon is a shade of blue and green and is home to flamingos.

Thanks to the salt springs there is a unique microclimate, recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the healthiest places in the world.

These colourful twins are not only a feast for the eyes, but also an oasis of health. The high concentration of salt and minerals creates a microclimate with pure air rich in iodine, which has beneficial effects on the respiratory tract and skin. People come here from all over the world to soak in the natural spa and recharge their batteries. 

Sanatorium under the open sky

Mar Menor - the so-called Lesser Sea or Great Pond is a Spanish phenomenon, a unique coastal lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea by a narrow strip of land called La Manga del Mar Menor. Nature created it as a large coastal lake (originally an open bay) with 170 km2 of warm salt water. Its tranquil beauty with crystal clear water and picturesque landscape attracts tourists and nature lovers alike.

The "Spanish Dead Sea" is known for its healing properties. The mud from the lagoon is used to treat skin problems, rheumatism, arthritis and allergies. Applying the mud to the skin helps to remove toxins. The vapours rising above the shallow warm water protect against UV rays and have a positive effect on the respiratory tract. Visitors can indulge in this treatment right in the open air.

Waterfalls and nature reserve at Elche

The Pantano de Elche, a 17th-century nature reserve and dam, is an unprecedented natural landmark in the dry landscape (5 km from Elche).The 22-metre-high and 75-metre-wide dam on the Vinalopó River is no longer in use, so the water from the lake permanently flows over the dam wall (the wall is 12 metres thick at the base and 9 metres at the crown). It is the first arch dam built in Europe since the Roman Empire.

Be sure to take the steep stairs to the top of the dam, where you can walk dry-footed over the lake on floating platforms - the perfect place to relax and take a refreshing swim. Below the dam wall, families with children organise popular picnics.

The rugged landscape around the lake is perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The entire area is criss-crossed with nature and hiking trails (no off-trail hiking). The surrounding ravines, marshes, swamps create a complex microclimate that supports the occurrence of local rare fauna and flora.

Interesting cities

Both the province of Alicante (Costa Blanca - White Coast) and neighbouring Murcia (Costa Cálida - Warm Coast) are full of amazing towns that are definitely worth a visit.

The province of Alicante

  • Alicante: The capital of the province of the same name will captivate you with its combination of historic monuments, beautiful promenades and lively atmosphere: the imposing Santa Bárbara Castle overlooking the city with its breathtaking views, the picturesque historic centre, the iconic Explanada de España promenade with its undulating mosaic pavement and palm tree avenue, the city's Postiguet beach, the marina with its luxury yachts, and the many restaurants, tapas bars and shops. Be sure to visit the Mercado Central (a two-storey market in a modernist building in the centre selling fresh fish, seafood, meat, fruit, vegetables and local specialities; a major tourist attraction and gastronomic hub for locals and travellers alike.

  • Elche: The city just outside Alicante is a combination of natural beauty, history and culture - the largest palm grove in Europe with a botanical garden, the Altamira Palace and the Arab fortress of La Calahorra.

  • Benidorm: Modern resort with skyscrapers and long sandy beaches.

  • Altea: A picturesque town with white houses and narrow streets.

  • Villajoyosa: A charming town with colourful houses on the coast.

  • Calpe: Known for the iconic Peñón de Ifach rock.

The province of Murcia

  • Murcia: The capital of the region of the same name with a rich history, culture and gastronomy. The historic centre, Santa Maria Cathedral, the historic Real Casino building with its magnificent interiors, museums, relaxing parks and gardens. Sample local specialties - arroz caldero (rice, fish, vegetables in a cauldron) and paparajotes (a refreshing dessert - fried lemon leaves in a batter sprinkled with cinnamon and cucumber).

  • La Manga del Mar Menor: A narrow strip of land separating the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor lagoon.

  • Cartagena: An ancient port city with a strategic location founded in the 3rd century BC. Carthaginians has a rich history. Highlights include the recently unearthed Roman Theatre under the Cathedral of Santa María la Vieja, Concepción Castle, the historic centre and the magical harbour with its waterfront. Here, be sure to visit the fascinating maritime museums (the Museo Naval - Isaac Peral's 22m submarine or the WWII 5m torpedo), the Museo Histórico Militar and the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology (ARQUA). Most museums in Cartagena offer free admission for tourists. There are beautiful beaches and natural scenery around the city.

  • Águilas: A town with beautiful beaches, a historic centre and a harbour.

  • San Pedro del Pinatar: A town famous for its mud baths and the Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar Natural Park.