Torrevieja salt lakes, La Mata tourist eco-routes return for summer 2021

IT'S ONE OF THE FIRST POSITIVE signs of a return to some form of normality. Our neighbouring Mediterranean coastal city has announced the welcome return of the Torrevieja salt lakes eco-routes.

Despite the ongoing pandemic the popular tours attracted 1,200 participants just last year, and they've proved popular with residents and the admittedly limited number of international visitors.

After a winter hiatus, Torrevieja City Councilors Antonio Vidal and Rosario Martínez announced the return of the eco-routes through La Mata's natural park just yesterday.

The Councilors for the Environment and Tourism confirmed that each tour will focus on one of four themes: “The Great Secret of the Lagoon” (general nature), “The Birds of the Natural Park” (ornithology), “Vineyard, water and salt”, and “Nocturnal Nature in the Light of the Lagoon”.

The general nature routes present an opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural values ​​of our majestic park. Suited to all participants including families with children, the experience aims to provide information and eco-education in a fun and enjoyable way.

Torrevieja's flamingos, watch them live on your mobile phone

“The Birds of the Natural Park” ornithological routes aim to increase public interest and awareness about the wide variety of birdlife that populates the park, including emblematic birds such as storks, avocets, cranes, and Torrevieja's beloved flamingo population.

City Hall is keen to make the best use of the latest technology, and a digital telescope will broadcast live close-up views of birds in the park and on the waters of the lake.

The feed will be viewable on participants' mobile phones, reducing a future contact risk, and the live video stream will allow anyone who cannot participate in the route to view the “bird-feed” from their device at home – wherever in the world they may be.

The “Vineyard, water and salt” routes will explore Torrevieja´s rich history and close industrial relationship with the pure-white crystalline mineral.

Salt and the city of Torrevieja have enjoyed a close association for more than 200 years, and the lakes produce thousands of tons of salt every year, with the product being shipped to countries throughout Europe.

Torrevieja salt lakes, a choice of eco-routes for summer 2021

The “Nocturnal Nature in the Light of the Lagoon” eco-routes take place during the summer, offering an evening experience that escapes the high temperatures experienced during the day.

All routes are completely guided and expected to have an average duration of 4 hours. Each route is narrated in Spanish and English, and the maximum number of participants per route is 30 people divided into two groups of 15.

Tours of the Torrevieja salt lakes are organised by the City Council and will take place in compliance with current health legislation and precautions for safety and hygiene, including social distancing, mandatory use of facemasks, and the application of sanity hand gel.

The 2021 calendar will offer 13 tour dates during the spring and autumn season, plus 18 nighttime routes during the summer months of July and August 2021.

The new tours start with the first of the general nature routes on Sunday 14th March, with further dates set for Sunday 11th April, Saturday 8th May, Sunday 6th June, Sunday 3rd October, and Sunday 7th November.

Book now for your place in summer 2021's Torrevieja eco-tours

Bird-lovers won't want to miss the ornithology routes, with four upcoming dates for your diary: Saturday 27th March, Sunday 25th April, Sunday 23rd May, and Sunday 21st November.

The vineyard and salt routes take place on Saturday 19th June, Sunday 17th September, and Saturday 23rd November. With only three tours of this theme available, early booking is highly recommended.

Nocturnal nature routes take place in the evenings every Monday and Friday during July and August, with a final date for the nighttime tours on Friday 3rd September 2021.

Reservations can be made up to a month in advance either online or by calling +34 965 703 433. Find out more about the 2021 eco-tours of the Torrevieja salt lakes from the official website, download the brochure, or submit a reservation enquiry online.

Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.

Photo credit: LaZenia.com