Salinas brings together a range of travel interests: the Laguna de Salinas, Iberian archaeological sites, industrial history and trails through the landscape. The lagoon is about 2 km from the town centre. This variety can help you decide whether culture, outdoor activities or a festival should be the focus when choosing your trip.
Lagoon, Mountains and Trails
The Laguna de Salinas is a closed-basin saltwater lagoon in the province of Alicante. It is under municipal responsibility and enjoys a certain degree of protection. On the Salinas–Monóvar circular route, you can walk or cycle past the lagoon, Alto de Don Pedro and the Iberian site of El Puntal. The route thus combines landscapes and archaeological sites in a circular trail.
Alto de Don Pedro is 868 metres high and is designated a ZEPA, a Special Protection Area for birds. Its mammal fauna includes badgers, genets and stone martens. The Sierra de la Sima offers a viewpoint overlooking the Sierra de Salinas. These landscape features complement the archaeological and cultural destinations, although not every route includes the same places.
Cueva del Lagrimal lies at the western end of the Sierra de Salinas. The trail there is an easy, adaptable hiking route suitable for families. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Iberian Traces and Buildings
El Puntal is an Iberian settlement dating to the 5th and 4th centuries BC, in the Sierra de los Altos de Don Pedro. It is considered the most important Iberian settlement in the Alto VinalopĂł. Its surviving remains include traces of defensive walls and towers, rectangular and square dwellings, and around 37 graves. The archaeological remains also point to the settlement's strong commercial character.
Another Iberian settlement stood at the Finca Casa de la Molineta around the 5th century BC; it was used 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 ran above it, carrying water from the estate to Casa Plaza on the lagoon's southwestern edge.
In the town, the Iglesia de San Antonio Abad offers a different historical perspective. It was built after the flood of 1751 and inaugurated in 1755. The Salinas–Alto de Don Pedro–Pinoso route also passes architectural heritage sites at the country houses of Salinas, connecting the places mentioned via Alto de Don Pedro.
Museum and Salt History
The 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 must be arranged in advance with the town hall; admission is free. Confirm the appointment and admission details again before your visit.
The Fábrica de la Sal was originally a magnesium factory and later became a saltworks, where around a hundred people worked. The salt trade played a significant role in supporting Salinas's population. During a visit, you can see the historic monument, the Laguna de Salinas, the ruins of mills and pumping wells, as well as basins, washing areas and irrigation channels. Check the current arrangements for visiting locally in advance.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Parque Forestal La TĂ©rmica is an equipped recreational area with tables, barbecue spots, a children's area, a large picnic area and walking trails. It consists mainly of a pine grove of about 10,000 square metres and is considered an example of reforestation. Check local conditions for the facilities before your visit.
At Parque Casica Mataix, visitors can learn about different types of trees in an educational botanical space. Several short hiking trails start there and lead through the municipality of Salinas; check current trail conditions before hiking. For another view of the municipality and its surroundings, visit Ermita Nueva de San Isidro: the small building was built in the late 1990s and is surrounded by about 60,000 square metres of pine forest.
May Festivals, Wine and Horse-Riding Activities
The RomerĂa de San Isidro takes place every year on 15 May. The procession runs from the Iglesia de San Antonio Abad to the Ermita Nueva and includes, among other things, an open-air mass and a giant paella prepared for visitors. The Danzas Populares de Salinas are also part of the May festivities and, according to the tourism information, have been danced since time immemorial. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the event dates in advance.
Bodega Finca Collado in Salinas offers wine tourism experiences such as picnics among the vineyards and guided tours of the winery. Centro Ecuestre Yeguada de Salinas offers horse hire, rides, carriage hire, riding lessons, dressage and hippotherapy. Confirm experiences and booking arrangements directly with each provider.
For trip planning, a museum appointment, a May festival with a fixed date and activities whose booking arrangements need to be confirmed directly are different considerations. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Salinas, deciding what matters most to you can help you plan a stay that suits these different activities.
Discover more destinations: La Romana, AlcalalĂ, Benidoleig, Beniarbeig, Daya Vieja, Los Montesinos, BahĂa de Jávea, Elche
For the overall travel guide: Alicante.
