Salinas de Alemán
Salinas del Alemán Biomaris is a marvel of nature, situated in the beautiful Isla Cristina Marismas Natural Area. Surrounded by the Carreras River and the Atlantic Ocean, it is a stopover like no other – an ornithological haven in the province of Huelva.
Here, the little egret, spoonbill, avocets, stilts, and the iconic flamingo come to breed and feed. The wetland is enormous, home to flora and fauna alike that is rich in diversity, resulting in its declaration as a Special Protection Area for Birds (Zona de Especial Protección para las Aves (ZEPA)), a Site of Community Importance (Lugar de Importancia Comunitaria (LIC)), and part of the ‘Traditional Salt Route of the Atlantic’ (‘Sal Tradicional Ruta del Atlántico’) program.
Biomaris is the epitome of excellence, the only Andalusian saline that uses 100% artisanal and natural salt extraction. It contains no additives, relying solely on the power of the wind and the sun for extraction.
Biomaris offers various salt varieties, including Virgin Sea Salt in coarse or fine grain, Salt Flakes, and Flor de Sal, the “gourmet” salt that has a soft, crunchy texture and is less salty. Flor de Sal comes in three variants: natural, with spices or liquid. Artisanal salt which has sodium, chlorine, and a range of minerals, including iodine, magnesium, iron, calcium, and fluoride, all vital for our health.
In 2013, Biomaris discovered that the wetland generates a by-product useful for therapeutic purposes: magnesium oil and mud baths. Moreover, they offer innovative guided tours. It is a unique experience for tourists, who can learn about the production processes while viewing fauna and flora native to the area.
THE HISTORY
In 1954, an elegant foreign gentleman speaking with a German accent arrived at Isla Cristina, Huelva. He was seeking land for Biomaris, a German cosmetics company. He wanted to build salt flats in the Huelva marshes to supply Biomaris with salt. Some locals joined the project and became salt-tappers. As at that time foreign people did not usually come to live in Isla Cristina, the townspeople did not know how to pronounce the gentelman´s name, Hans Burghard. They nicknamed him Juanito El Alemán – Juanito (John) the German.
I the 80s, Juanito spoke to one of the salt workers Manuel, who suggested that he would buy the salt flats. Juanito at first hesitated but finally agreed. From then on, the salt was no longer sent to Germany. It was destined for local commerce: to the salting industry, to sausage companies, to bakeries. Things were beginning to change.
In 2002, Manuel, who was already around 80 years old and was suffering from some serious health problems, decided to sell the salt flats. Two years passed with no interested buyers. The right to exploitation could be lost so Manuel’s daughter (Manuela) took over. Manuel did not support that idea as the business caused more losses than joys, and it was a male-dominated field. She insisted and soon took charge of everything.
Things didn’t go too well the first few years, but one day, a miracle happened: a French tourist who was passing by saw how Manuela sank a small white cream into the salt ponds that was created at the end of the day on its surface. The Frenchman told her: “Madam, in France that salt is collected with great care and has a lot of value, they call it white gold, fleur de sel,” says Estefanía, Manuel´s granddaughter and daughter of Manuela.
That is how Manuela became a pioneer in valuing flor de sal, which is lower in sodium chloride. None of the salts produced there undergoes any type of washing, caking or bleaching in the entire process. They are 100% handmade and natural. In fact, it was the first organic salt in Andalusia.
THE PROCESS & FAMILY BUSINESS
The salt workers, full of passion and determination, skilfully wield the “rocadillo”, a traditional tool in their art. They are carefully guiding the sea salt into the “crystallizers” and delicately spreading it to the edges. Over time, the salt accumulates in “barachas” – the resulting mountains of salt. It remains there for a brief period before being packaged into bags.
This craft has remained largely unchanged since Juanito the German started it 70 years ago. Here the machinery is eschewed for the affectionate touch of skilled hands. The salt workers dedicate themselves to their labor day after day, ensuring that each step in the process is executed with precision and care.
Sabina, Estefanía, and their two other siblings proudly carry on their mother’s legacy. They continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the salt mining industry. The family’s innovative approach has resulted in products like magnesium oil, a delightful byproduct of their salt mining process. It was first introduced in 2013. It is nothing more than water with a high salt concentration but its chemical composition (mostly magnesium) changes the density and makes it more oily. This oil has incredible therapeutic benefits, especially for skin, bone and muscle diseases.
THE SALTY SPA
In 2015, they built a fantastic saline spa in the middle of the salt flats, allowing people to enjoy its many benefits. The facilities are in such high demand that you must reserve a spot in advance, and it’s only open to the public during the hottest months without rain.
It’s excellent for people with psoriasis, eczema, skin allergies, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and muscle pain. Visitors exfoliate their skin and then float in a pool of magnesium-rich water, which helps promote lymphatic drainage, relaxation, and well-being while reducing stress. You’re sure to leave the spa with a huge smile on your face.
They even have mud and sea salt tubs for aesthetic treatments. You can also indulge in a massage or take a unique yoga class while watching the sunset. It’s a special place that proves anything is possible with dedication and determination.
