SANTA POLA SALINAS

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You might be surprised to learn that in the Valencia region,famous for its building boom that stretches along the coast and spreads inland, there are 23 Natural Parks. Located in a variety of habitats including: Inland (which has the most) Coastal Mountain Regions, Wetlands, and even one Mediterranean Riparian Forest plus an Island. These `parcs naturals´ are gems in a land where perhaps too much concrete has been poured during recent years.

La Mata-Torrevieja park, one of the Wetland variety, nestles into an area of 3,700 hectares (1 hectare = 10,000 m2) between the expanding N332 motorway and the surrounding urbanisations. The two lagoons cover around 60% and originally it was planned to use them for fishing when the Crown gave them to Orihuela in 1321.

However the high salinity of the water meant this idea had to be abandoned. Ownership reverted to the state in 1759 following which tests were made as to the viability of salt extraction, which proved successful and so salt extraction began. Seawater enters the La Mata lake and is pre-heated by the sun before it transfers into the Torrevieja lagoon where the salt is harvested.

The characteristic pink colour of the water is caused by its mineral content and salinity. The park was listed in 1989 by RAMSAR (So called because it was agreed in Ramsar, Iran) the worldwide convention for protected wetland areas.

The newly refurbished visitor centre is open daily, except Monday, and has informative displays with interesting guidebooks. So it is worth calling in before you set off to explore the park. It is best to follow the signed yellow route for walkers which will give you a good idea of the main features including the bird watching hides, beautiful shady picnic area with tables and also the best views of the park.

There is also a red route for bikers.

Special bird life found in the park is of international interest and features over 100 species including: flamingo, eared grebes, Montagu’s harrier, and avocet. A conservation project for the rare Audouin’s gull is one of the park’s priorities. This area along with El Hondo, near Elche and the Santa Pola salt lakes forms an important habitat for wintering and nesting birds as well as those seeking refuge in the hunting season.

The vast lagoons provide ideal feeding grounds from invertebrates and mosquito larvae. Naturally what you see depends upon the time of year you visit, but you are sure to see something around the waters edge.

For those interested in flora there is one of the most important stocks of wild orchids in the Valencian province. The salinity limits the growth of aquatic vegetation but the reed and rush beds thrive in the wet salt marsh environment. Also you will find hill vegetation including Mediterranean kermes oak brushland, Aleppo pine, thyme and mat-weed growing in abundance.

This glorious park is a wildlife haven where you can stroll along the gentle paths, sandy in places, thinking that you are miles from any civilisation, enjoying the views and occasionally stopping to take a photo or a look through your binoculars. There are no steep ascents, which is probably another attraction for many people.

Enjoy your visit!

PARK FACT FILE

Location: Accessed via roundabout on N332 La Mata – Torrevieja

Car Parking: Free

Bus: Costa Azul Alicante – Cartagena service

Visitors Centre: Open daily except Monday

Paths: Fairly flat. Some sandy in dry weather

Disabled Access: Yes - along the decked path

WCs: In Visitor Centre

Please follow: Rules for preserving the Reserve

You are in a protected wildlife area with nesting birds. Keep dogs on a lead. To contribute to its preservation visitors should attempt to come in small groups, make as little noise as possible, not leave the paths marked out, respect animals and plants, not light fires, respect forestry rules, and leave no rubbish, waste or tracks of your presence along the route. Thank you.

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