In the salt pools at San Pedro del Pinatar, beside the Molino de Quintán, there is clay mud formed over centuries by sun acting on the hypersaline water of the Mar Menor. People coat themselves in it, dry off in the sun and rinse. It is free.
It sounds odd written down, and the first sight of it is startling — dozens of people standing about caked in grey mud, drying. But it is a long-standing local tradition and one of the things visitors to this coast talk about most.
How it works
- Take mud from the pool and spread it on your skin, by hand or with a spatula.
- Let it dry in the sun until the layer cracks. That is the point — it has to dry properly.
- Rinse off with the salt water from the pools themselves.
- Then swim in the Mar Menor to get the rest of the salt off.
Official advice worth following: first time, no more than an hour and only on small areas. If your skin is fine with it, go further on later visits. Natural does not mean harmless.
When to go
Sun and heat, because if the mud does not dry there is no point. May to October is the season. In high summer go early morning or late afternoon — standing in full sun covered in mud at midday is hard going.
What to bring
An old swimsuit and an old towel: the mud stains and some of it does not come out. Water shoes or flip-flops, the bottom is uneven. Drinking water, a hat and sun cream for after you rinse. And a plastic bag for the dirty kit.
What it is said to do
Traditionally it is credited with helping rheumatism, arthritis, skin conditions and recovery from fractures. Worth being straight about this: those are properties attributed by local tradition, not a medical treatment. If you have a skin or circulation problem, ask your doctor first.
Where it is
The pools sit inside the Salinas y Arenales de San Pedro del Pinatar regional park, at Lo Pagán — about 40 minutes by car from Torrevieja and slightly less from Orihuela Costa. There is parking, which fills early in August.
We run a return transfer with pick-up at your accommodation. Most people combine it with a morning walking the salt pans and the old windmills.
Common questions
Is there a charge?
No. Access to the pools is free.
Are there showers?
It is a natural site — you rinse in the pools and then in the Mar Menor. Do not count on fresh water showers; bring water if you want to rinse your face.
Can children do it?
Yes, and they usually love it. Thin layers and not for long with small children.
What if I have sensitive skin?
Try a small patch for a short time. If in any medical doubt, ask first.
Message us on WhatsApp — we will come back with availability and the final price.