In Torrevieja, on the Spanish Costa Blanca, there are two special salt lakes: Laguna Rosa and Laguna de la Mata. These lakes are part of the protected nature reserve Parque Natural de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja. The pink lagoon in particular is famous for its striking color, caused by salt-loving algae and bacteria.

In addition to their natural beauty, these salt lakes have also produced a cultural treasure: the handmade salt boats, known in Spanish as barcos de sal or barquitos de sal.

A local tradition with history

The origins of these salt boats date back to the 19th century, when salt extraction in Torrevieja became an important part of the local economy. Workmen and sailors began making small models of ships in their spare time, often from wood or metal. These were then immersed in brine water from the salt lakes, over the course of days or weeks becoming covered in a layer of shimmering salt crystals.

What began as a simple hobby grew into a recognizable symbol of the city. The barcos de sal represent both Torrevieja's connection to the sea and salt, and the craftsmanship of its inhabitants.

How are the salt boats made?

1. Shaping: The base of the boat is made by hand, often from wood, metal wire or another sturdy material.
2. Salt bath: The model is completely immersed in a saturated salt solution. This is sometimes done in large vessels, sometimes directly in the brine from the salt lake.
3. Crystal formation: After a few days to weeks, natural salt crystals form on the surface of the boat. The longer the boat is left, the thicker the salt layer.
4. Drying and finishing: The boat is carefully removed from the salt bath, dried, and painted for protection if necessary.

The ideal time to make these little boats is during the warm summer months, when the crystallization process is faster and more even.

Cultural significance

Today, barcos de sal are not only souvenirs, but also cultural heritage. You can find them in the Museo del Mar y de la Sal in Torrevieja, where they are an important part of the collection. The boats are loved by tourists and locals alike, and are often given as gifts as symbols of the city.

About the salt lake

The salt lakes of Torrevieja are among the largest in Europe that are still actively exploited. Thousands of tons of sea salt are extracted here every year. At the same time, the lakes are an ecologically valuable area that is home to numerous bird species, including flamingos. The pink salt lake in particular attracts many visitors each year because of its unique color and the health benefits of its salt water.