Los Montesinos and the Ruta Salada
- Driving time
- About 10 minutes by car
- Area
- Vega Baja
- Town
Los Montesinos is a village in the Vega Baja on the edge of the salt lakes nature park, with a short walk to birdwatching towers. It is about a 10 minute drive from Lago Rosa Apartment.
The reason to stop here is the Ruta Salada. This 3.5 kilometre loop runs through the huerta and fruit fields to the wetland of the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de la Mata y Torrevieja. From the towers you can see black-winged stilts, stone-curlews and flamingos. Being so short, the route is easy with children.
Cyclists know the village from the Vía Verde de Torrevieja, the green route towards the town.
In the village itself you can see the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, with carvings such as a Dolorosa from the school of Salzillo, and the Jardín Botánico 30 de julio botanical garden. For older heritage, drive to the historic estate of La Marquesa with its Roman roots, its tower and its hermitage. The Molino de los Corteses and the 18th century Aljibes de Lo Reig have also survived.
Friday market
On Friday there is a market at or near the botanical garden. Unusually, this market is in the afternoon, so it pairs nicely with the Ruta Salada in the morning.
Binoculars
The towers were built for birdwatching, so bring binoculars if you have them. Flamingos often stand far out in the shallow water.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Ruta Salada?
3.5 kilometres, a loop through the fruit fields to the wetland with bird towers.
Which birds can you see?
According to the tourist information, flamingos, black-winged stilts and stone-curlews, among others.
What day is the market in Los Montesinos?
Friday afternoon, by the botanical garden.
