Two colorful salt lakes flank the northwestern edge of Torrevieja in Spain’s Costa Blanca.
Together, they form a nature reserve called Las Salinas de Torrevieja. One lake in particular stands out, as its eye-catching bubblegum pink color overshadows its green-tinted neighbor.
When looking from above, it looks like a huge bathtub with pink and white bubbles.
Already from the main road into Torrevieja, one cannot help but notice the giant salt mountains stretching along the pink salt lakes (Laguna Rosa).
However, the lakes are not always pink; weather conditions can impact the lake's color, and can transform them from pale pink to deep pink or brownish purple depending on the light.
Bacteria and algae cause the odd sight. Halobacterium (also known as “salt bacterium”) thrives in salty places, as does a micro-algae called Dunaliella salina.
These are the two magic ingredients that concoct the lake’s bizarre hue. Despite its unique color, the water is perfectly fine, although it can get smelly.
Torrevieja relies on its salt lakes. People have been collecting the minerals from the waters for centuries.
Flamingos, much like the local people, also frequent the pink lake. Feasting upon the algae-filled shrimp that live there gives their feathers a rosy tint that almost matches the water.
In the early 19th century, they officially became a hub for Spain’s salt industry.
The sludge of mud and salt at the bottom has healing properties that can relieve common skin and respiratory ailments.
