Salinas: Lagoon, Culture and Trails
Accommodation in Salinas
Salinas combines a saltwater lagoon, scenic trails and a layered history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Salinas, natural landscapes, archaeological sites and local traditions can help you decide what to include in your travel plans.
Lagoon, Mountains and Forest
Laguna de Salinas is a saltwater lagoon with no outflow in the province of Alicante, about two kilometres from the town centre. It is under municipal responsibility and enjoys a degree of protection. Nearby, Cueva del Lagrimal lies at the western end of the Sierra de Salinas. The path to the cave is an easy, adaptable hiking trail suitable for families. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Sierra de la Sima offers a viewpoint overlooking Sierra de Salinas. Alto de Don Pedro, at 868 metres, is designated a ZEPA (Special Protection Area for birds). Its mammals include badgers, common genets and stone martens. These landscape highlights offer different perspectives: Sierra de la Sima provides views of Sierra de Salinas, while the description of Alto de Don Pedro highlights its protected status and mammal life.
Parque Forestal La Térmica is a recreational area with tables, barbecue spots, a children’s area, a large picnic area and walking paths. Use of the facilities may depend on local conditions. The park consists mainly of a pine grove of about 10,000 square metres and is considered an example of reforestation. Several short hiking trails through the municipality start at Parque Casica Mataix. The park is also an educational botanical space where visitors can learn to distinguish different types of trees. If you plan to hike there, check current trail conditions in advance.
Trails and Archaeological Sites
The Salinas–Monóvar circular route can be completed on foot or by bicycle. It passes the lagoon, Alto de Don Pedro and the Iberian archaeological site of El Puntal. Another route connects Salinas, Alto de Don Pedro and Pinoso via Alto de Don Pedro, passing the architectural heritage of Salinas’s country houses. The descriptions thus distinguish a circular route with specified modes of transport from a route focused on its stops and rural architectural heritage.
El Puntal is an Iberian settlement in the Sierra de los Altos de Don Pedro dating from the 5th and 4th centuries BC. It is considered the most important Iberian settlement in Alto Vinalopó. Its remains include defensive walls and towers, rectangular and square dwellings, and around 37 tombs. The archaeological remains also point to the settlement’s strong commercial character.
An Iberian settlement also stood at Finca Casa de la Molineta around the 5th century BC, where it served to exploit the lagoon’s resources. The Acueducto de la Casa de la Molineta consists of irregular blocks of stone and mortar forming a series of arches. An irrigation channel runs above the arches, carrying water from the estate to Casa Plaza on the lagoon’s southwestern edge.
History, Museum and Traditions
Museo Municipal Salinas Lugar Viejo showcases aspects of local life. These include reproductions and original works by local painter Juan Gabriel BarcelĂł, as well as themed information panels. Visits are by prior appointment only; admission is free when arranged in advance with the town hall. Confirm appointment and admission details again before your visit. Iglesia de San Antonio Abad was built after the 1751 flood and inaugurated in 1755.
Fábrica de la Sal was initially a magnesium factory and later became a salt works employing around a hundred people. The salt trade was an important source of support for the population of Salinas. When visiting Fábrica de la Sal, you can see the historic monument, Laguna de Salinas, the ruins of mills and pumping wells, as well as basins, washing areas and irrigation channels. Check the arrangements for visits locally.
The RomerĂa de San Isidro takes place on 15 May, proceeding from Iglesia de San Antonio Abad to Ermita Nueva. This annual celebration includes an outdoor Mass and a giant paella prepared for visitors. Ermita Nueva de San Isidro is a small building constructed in the late 1990s. Surrounded by about 60,000 square metres of pine forest, it offers views across the municipality of Salinas and its surroundings. Danzas Populares de Salinas is also part of the May festivities; according to the tourism information, these dances have been performed since ancient times. Check the festival dates before your trip.
Activities with Different Focuses
Centro Ecuestre Yeguada de Salinas offers horse hire, rides, carriage hire, riding lessons, dressage and hippotherapy. Confirm the activities you want directly with the centre before your trip. Bodega Finca Collado in Salinas combines wine tourism with picnics among the vineyards and guided winery tours. Experiences and booking arrangements should also be confirmed directly. Salinas thus offers both horse-related activities and insights into wine tourism as different options for planning your trip.
Discover more destinations: San Miguel De Salinas, La Torre de les Maçanes, La Murada, AlmoradĂ, Sax, Altea, Puerto Marino, Albatera.
For the main travel overview: Alicante.
