The tourism department for the Torrevieja salt flats has announced that today, Wednesday 12th August, it will host a special adaptation of its regular sunset experience, allowing visitors to observe the solar eclipse from the surroundings of the Torrevieja lagoon. Now widely known as the pink lagoon, the area is one of the most recognisable landscapes in the natural park.
According to the salt company, which has been open to tourism since 2018 through initiatives such as tourist trains, the activity offers visitors the chance to watch the astronomical phenomenon in an open space. The event will benefit from wide views of the horizon, enhanced by the reflections on the water and the lagoon’s characteristic colour.
The experience provides a privileged vantage point next to the mountains formed by thousands of tonnes of salt, located within the area reserved for tourist visits. This zone remains accessible, unlike the trails of the Torrevieja and La Mata lagoons, which will be closed to the public on Wednesday due to fire risks.
The proposal includes a guided tour of a natural area that is deeply connected to the identity of Torrevieja. Organisers note that during the eclipse, the decrease in light will temporarily alter the perception of the landscape, creating an afternoon designed for those looking to combine astronomy, nature, and photography in a unique setting.
The event is aimed at the general public, astronomy enthusiasts, and visitors keen to experience the salt flats from a new perspective. As this is a paid, organised experience, participation requires prior booking and is subject to capacity limits and conditions set by the operating company.
Attendees are reminded that viewing an eclipse must always be done with certified eye protection, as looking directly at the sun without proper glasses or filters can cause serious eye damage. The cost for this special eclipse experience is 35 euro per person.
While this event is organised, access to the shores of the Torrevieja and La Mata lagoons is strictly prohibited by natural park regulations throughout the year, regardless of any astronomical events. This prohibition is systematically ignored by hundreds of people daily, particularly during the summer months.
While the La Mata lagoon features designated visitor routes—which will also be closed this Wednesday—the shores of the Torrevieja lagoon see massive footfall. Dubbed the “pink lagoon” by social media, the site is famous for images of white salt shores and pink, brine-saturated water. However, such images often fail to highlight the lack of accessibility, the high temperatures without shade, and the swarms of mosquitoes. Furthermore, the area is home to a breeding colony of flamingos, which has been present since 2020 and cannot be viewed from the shore.
The southeast shore, adjacent to the Torretas de Torrevieja, remains the most crowded section. Throughout the summer, visitors frequently swim and use the mud for skin treatments, though this practice has declined in popularity. Despite the area being a state-concessioned saltworks, public maritime-terrestrial domain, and a natural park, some professionals continue to promote the site for photo shoots. Currently, only a few small signs advise against swimming, and there is no active surveillance, resulting in a recurring issue of accumulated rubbish in these overcrowded zones.
Other Articles
