The Salinas de Levante are placed in an area, ranging 135 hectare of marshland in the South-East of Mallorca, mayor island in the Spanish archipelago of the Baleares. Thanks to its appointment to “Natural Area of Special Landscape and Rural Interest”, this area is protected from the real estate development and shielded from mass tourism.

In early Autumn, wading birds such as this Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) make a stopover in the natural areas of Mallorca here and up-North, in s’Alfufera, before taking to warmer sites. Nikon D750, 400 mm (80.0-400 mm ƒ/4.5-5.6) 1/3200″ ƒ/10 ISO 1250

Las Salinas de Levante are placed in the South-East of Mallorca. Thanks to its appointment to “Natural Area of Special Landscape and Rural Interest”, this area is protected from the real estate development and shielded from mass tourism. Nikon D750, 400 mm (80.0-400.0 mm ƒ/4.5-5.6) 1/400 ƒ/5.6 ISO 250

The bulk production of salt concerns the industrial material, used to purify the island drinking-water from calcium that also tends to clog all electrical resistance such as in dish-washers and in washing-machines. Salinas d’Es Trenc, isola di Mallorca. Nikon D750, 220 mm (80.0-400.0 mm ƒ/4.5-5.6) 1/3200 ƒ/5.3 ISO 250

Rain water contributes to the formation of a solid crust that protects these mountains of salt in storage throughout the winter season. Salines d’Es Trenc, Mallorca. Nikon D810, 120 mm (24.0-120.0 mm ƒ/4) 1/40 ƒ/8 ISO 64

As salt crystals aggregate, they become heavier and they sink. This rougher material is also harvested as industrial grade and stored “en plein air” for a later use. Salines d’Es Trenc, Mallorca. Nikon D810, 40 mm (24.0-120.0 mm ƒ/4) 1/60 ƒ/10 ISO 64

Thanks to their knowledge of hydraulic matters, ancient romans built this system of pools that gets flooded through a canal coming straight from Es Trenc Beach, a few kilometers afar. Salinas d’Es Trenc, isola di Mallorca. Nikon D810, 28 mm (24.0-120.0 mm ƒ/4) 1/160 ƒ/6.3 ISO 64

This little pyramid is formed by crystals slowly aggregating upside-down on top of each others. Salinas d’Es Trenc, isola di Mallorca. Nikon D810, 65 mm (24.0-120.0 mm ƒ/4) 1/160 ƒ/6.3 ISO 64

Due to a higher and higher concentration of sodium chloride, salt crystals form as a thin, delicate crust on the surface of seawater as it evaporates. That’s what is called “Flor de Sal” at its purest form. Salinas d’Es Trenc, isola di Mallorca. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24.0-120.0 mm ƒ/4) 1/160 ƒ/8 ISO 250

Isacco, tour guide. Salinas d’Es Trenc, Mallorca, September 2017. Nikon D810, 85 mm (85.0 mm ƒ/1.4) 1/2000 ƒ/1.4 ISO 64

Its seclusive nature, makes of this area, ranging 135 hectare of marshland, a sanctuary for all kinds of birds. Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) Nikon D750, 400 mm (80.0-400.0 mm ƒ/4.5-5.6) 1/400 ƒ/5.6 ISO 250

The rosey coloration is given by the microorganisms still sitting within the crystals of salt. Salinas d’Es Trenc, Island of Mallorca. Nikon D750, 110 mm (80.0-400.0 mm ƒ/4.5-5.6) 1/400 ƒ/4.8 ISO 250

The romans used to harvest their salt in the pools in the salinas d’Es Trenc two thousand years ago. The canal stream feeding the salt works is also dating back to the age of Rome. Today, on the island of Mallorca, Fleur de sel is still harvested here where the flamingos and other wading birds gather to filter-feed on brine shrimp and blue-green algae, taking advantage of the shallow water of the marshland around the pools.