Spanish Wind-Pump
This derelict windmill was used, until the mid-20th century, to lift water into a series of salt-pans.
The water was taken from the Mar Menor, an inland sea which is already very much more saline than the adjacent Mediterranean. The salty water was lifted, by the use of the windmill, into large, very shallow ponds. That task having been achieved, the rest of the work was done by the sun.
All that was needed, for the process of evaporation to occur, was a temperature in excess of 18C (65F). In August the temperature here is generally in excess of 38C (100F), and since this region also receives very little rain, it was ideal for the salt-making industry.
Follow these links to view details of the mill and another photo of the tower.