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The vast salt pans (salinas) of Santa Pola are the first pleasant surprise for many who first drive south from Alicante airport on the N-332. The sight of flamingos wading gracefully through the shallow waters in search of food is just one of the many beautiful moments the area has in store for visitors. Stretching over 2,740 hectares, these salinas are a textbook example of how a healthy symbiosis between human industry and flourishing nature can be achieved. The salt industry is and remains an important source of income for Santa Pola. Since roughly 1900, the ingenious network has been in place to ensure that the shallow pans are irrigated all year round. This is important not only because salt extraction by evaporation is such a continuous process. Moreover, this constant irrigation and evaporation is necessary to maintain and allow the ecosystem to thrive. Constant water means plenty of food for the birds that feed on fish and invertebrates. On the other hand, salt production benefits from the mineral wealth that bird droppings provide.
Hikers can enjoy all of this to the fullest every day. In addition to a glimpse into the salt extraction process, they can also experience the delights of the rich flora and fauna. This is thanks to the three different vegetation areas in the salinas. These are the salt marshes, the salt marsh reed fields and the dunes. Together they provide an incredible variety and wealth of trees, plants and (water) birds.
There are many hiking trails to be mapped out in the area. A very popular one is the yellow El Pinet route of 3.8 kilometers. The reason for this is that although the walk is relatively short, all important habitats and ecosystems are nevertheless reviewed.
Spotting the many bird species in the salinas is helped by the observation posts that have been placed here and there. This makes the area a paradise for enthusiasts who want to see as many water birds as possible. They have a great chance of spotting several of the birds in their natural environment: avocets, terns, all kinds of ducks, teals, coots, moorhens and of course a lot of flamingos. In terms of plants, there is an abundance of special halophilic plants, which thrive in a salt-rich soil.
A well-prepared tour of the nature reserve starts for many walkers with a visit to the salt museum, which is housed in an old salt mill near the N332. There you can find information about the salt extraction process and its positive effects on nature. In addition, guided tours can be booked for people who do not want to walk on their own.
