Free guided tours are being offered at La Mata-Torrevieja natural park.
Described by Torrevieja tourism department as eco-tourism routes, four different walks are being operated in the protected area.
‘Expert guides’ will be on hand to give participants the benefit of their knowledge.
On the watch
The next tour in the diary is an ornithological route entitled ‘Las joyas aladas del Parque Natural’ (the winged jewels of the natural park).
The department notes that the two lakes (Torrevieja and La Mata) are some of the most important wetlands on Spain’s Mediterranean coast ‘due to the variety and size of the populations of birds’.
This makes is ‘an ideal place for birdwatching’, with flamingoes, stilts, cormorants, harriers and avocets just some of the species that can be seen.
Participants will see the grape vines, salt flats and other areas of the park ‘looking for the birds that frequent these zones’.
They will learn ‘surprising facts about their behaviour and biology’ and will be able to observe the birds through telescopes and binoculars.
The tours leave from the visitors’ centre in La Mata park at 10.00 and last approximately 3.5 hours.
The next one is on April 27; then October 26 and November 22.
Salt serving
The tour ‘La Mata: Una laguna de sal’ (La Mata: a salt lagoon) is described as being perfect for families and groups of friends with children.
‘Everyone will learn from and enjoy’ the experience, and tests and challenges will be set for the youngsters.
These routes also start at 10.00 from the visitors’ centre; the next one is on May 4, followed by June 7, September 13, October 4 and November 9.
Wine and salt
The fields of grape vines next to La Mata salt lake are described as ‘extraordinary’. The route named ‘un viñedo de arena y sal’ (vines of sand and salt) takes in this landscape which lies between the sea and the lagoon.
On this outing ‘we will walk next to the lake and find out what makes it unique, while we also learn about its history’ and how it is related to salt extraction at Torrevieja lake.
The tour starts from the visitors’ centre at La Mata and lasts around 3.5 hours; the next one is on May 24, then June 22 and September 28.
Lake at night
There are also night-time routes.
“When night falls the landscape is transformed, some of its inhabitants go to sleep, while others wake up,” they explain.
The sounds and smells change and the night sky fills with stars and constellations.
These tours take place in July and August and last for approximately 3.5 hours, starting at 20.00. They operate on Mondays and Fridays until August 25.
Dune park
There are also tours of Molino del Agua municipal park, which comprises the large area of dunes behind the beach in the south of La Mata.
They are being offered on May 11, June 15 and July 6 at 10.00 and 12.00 on those days, starting from the parking area on Avenida Soria next to the entrance to the beach (duration two hours).
Book a place
Reservations can be completed via the forms available on the tourism department website at https://turismodetorrevieja.com/web/ecorutas.php
This can be done up to one month in advance (except nocturnal tours, which is two weeks).
It is also possible to reserve a place by sending an email to ecorutas@turismodetorrevieja.com; by ringing Torrevieja tourism office on 96 570 34 33; or at the natural park visitors’ centre in La Mata
They note that the company which runs the tours will contact participants 24 hours beforehand with additional information about the route
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