The blossom in Spain colours the land in a picture-perfect sequence which lasts from January to June. The spring blossoms on fruit trees and colourful flowering fields paint a pretty landscape across the country, the Andalusian cities of the deep south are scented by orange petals, and flower festivals brighten the patios of the prettiest towns.
See spring blossom throughout Spain, the famous cherry blossoms in Extremadura, peach trees flowering in Murcia, almonds in flower along the Mediterranean, and cider apple buds bursting in Asturias. Blood red poppy fields, mountains perfumed by lavender, huge yellow sunflowers seeking the warmth… discover when and where to find the best blossoming landscapes in Spain.
- Almond Blossom on the Costa Blanca (Alicante)
- Almond Blossom in Gran Canaria (Canary Isles)
- Peach Blossom in Cieza (Murcia)
- Orange Blossom in Seville (Andalusia)
- Cherry Blossom in Jerte Valley (Extremadura)
- Fruit Tree Blossom in Aitona (Lleida)
- Plum Blossom in Nalda (La Rioja)
- Cherry and Apple Tree Blossoms in Valle de las Caderechas (Burgos)
- Cider Apple Blossom in Asturias
Blossom in Spain
Where to See the Prettiest Landscapes in Spring
Almond Blossom on the Costa Blanca (Alicante)
Blossom season starts early on the Costa Blanca as a mild winter fades into the sunlit days of spring. Almond trees burst into flower scattering the orchards with the palest pink petals which flutter down the mountainside like snowflakes.
Jalón Valley ‘Valle de Xaló’ is the best place to see this display of ethereal beauty – the slopes of Sierra Bernia are sprinkled with a mantle of almond blossoms, vineyards grow across the wide valley floor, and the blue-domed church spire of Jalón market town completes the remarkable scene.
Also known as ‘Vall de Pop’, there are themed walks around the valley which follows River Gorgos from Xaló to Alcalalí.
Meanwhile, just a short drive inland from the beaches of Benidorm on the Mediterranean coast, almond trees bloom along the mountainous landscapes of Guadalest Valley. The Castel de Guadalest is famed as one of the prettiest villages in Spain. Enter through the ancient archway into the fortified hamlet of whitewashed dwellings and souvenir shops, to the main square which overlooks the turquoise waters of Guadalest reservoir.
The surrounding mountains are terraced in the traditional way with olives and almonds. Picturesque at any time of year, this view is even more spectacular when the almond trees are in bloom. Most visitors stop here, but venture further up the valley to the outlying hillside villages where generations of local families have been tending their groves for centuries.
A few kilometres inland from Alicante city, Jijona is another must-see on the almond route. The dry Mediterranean terrain, together with a colder winter and spring sunshine, are ideal for cultivating almonds.
However, the blossoming trees aren’t the only attraction, this town is the main producer of ‘turrón’. Traditionally made with local almonds and honey, this nougat-like sweet is extremely popular throughout the country at Christmastime.
The world’s second-largest almond producer (after the US), almond trees have been cultivated in Spain for over 3,000 years and are commonly grown in the Valencia and Murcia Regions, Andalusia, Catalonia, Aragon, and the Balearic and Canary Islands.
Ground almonds are often used in Spanish cake and biscuit recipes, while roasted almonds are a favourite snack served with a cool lager in summer. Considered to be the best quality in the world, Spanish almonds are primarily exported to Britain, Italy, Germany and France.
The almond blossom season usually starts late January and lasts to mid-February on the Costa Blanca but naturally depends on the weather each year.
When and where to see Almond Blossom on the Costa Blanca
How to get there: Jalón (Xaló) is located on the Costa Blanca in Valencia Region, 15 km from Calpe, 30 km from Denia, 37 km from Benidorm, 147 km from Torrevieja.
Nearest airport: Alicante (ALC) 91 km; Valencia Airport (VLC) 125 km.
Guadalest is located 22 km inland from Benidorm.
When to see almond blossom on the Costa Blanca: February.*
Blossom trails in Vall de Pop (Valle de Xaló / Jálon Valley):
Almond Blossom Route Xaló; Almond Blossom Route Alcalalí.
Blossom activities in Vall de Pop: Themed routes, exhibitions and events in February.
More information on Feslalí.
Almond Blossom in Gran Canaria (Canary Isles)
Almond blossom is seen as a sign of hope and new life, as these trees are among the first to flower at the beginning of each year. The almond trees bloom early in the volcanic mountains of Gran Canaria, one of the famous Canary Islands off the West African coast. Visit the highlands of Valsequillo and Tejeda in January to witness this annual miracle.
The blossom trails lead to ancient caves and archaeological sites, testimony to prehistoric man’s presence in these mystical lands. The local almond blossom festival dates back to pagan times and is branded as a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
Meantime, trekking Gran Canaria in the pure mountain air, touring the island to discover the inland villages and Canarian traditions, and relaxing on the beaches of the coastal resorts, makes a wonderful vacation right now and anytime of the year.
When and where to see Almond Blossom in Gran Canaria
How to get there: Valsequillo is located 24 km from capital city Las Palmas, 60 km from Playa del Inglés.
Nearest airport: 18 km from Las Palmas Gran Canaria airport (LPA).
Tejeda is located 38 km from Las Palmas, 43 km from Gran Canaria airport, 50 km from Playa del Inglés.
When to see almond blossom in Gran Canaria: January and February.*
Almond blossom trails: Circular walking routes from Valsequillo and Tejeda.
Blossom festivals:
Fiestas del Almendro in Flor in Valsequillo and Tejeda – last week January or first week February.*
More information on Valsequillo Tourism or Tejeda Tourism.
Peach Blossom in Cieza (Murcia)
Have you seen the peach blossom in Spain? Visit Ricote Valley in springtime when the countryside turns pink as millions of petals cover the countryside! Known as the ‘Floración De Cieza’, the sight of peach trees flowering in rural Murcia is a not-to-be-missed annual event.
Ricote Valley follows the course of River Segura, from the hot springs of Archena towards the historic town of Cieza, passing intriguing villages, old waterwheels, and peach tree plantations on the way.
It’s the best place to see peach blossoms and one of the most interesting places to visit in Murcia Region. Peach flowers vary in colour from pale pinky hues to vivid carmine.
In fact, the pink blossoming peach trees are cultivated for miles around, right up to the vineyards and wineries of Jumilla.
This route makes a peaceful spring getaway – start the morning relaxing in the warm waters of Archena spa, drive out to see the peach orchards on the blossom trail, enjoy a wine-tasting tour, stop for lunch (Murcia style with roast goat and home-grown vegetables), and then head back for a riverside walk lined with bright yellow mimosa shrubs to make it even more scenic.
Some 100,000 tonnes of peaches are produced every year on the fruit farms around Cieza. The cool winter and hot summer is the optimum climate for several varieties of premium quality peach.
Peach blossom usually happens around the first days of March and lasts until the middle of April. The local authorities organise guided walks to the best photo shoot spots. The Cieza blossom season coincides with Easter, a chance to see the candlelit holy parades and another good reason to visit Murcia.
When and where to see Peach Blossom in Cieza
How to get there: Cieza is located in Murcia Region, 45 km from Murcia city, 34 km from Jumilla, 110 km from Alicante, 360 km from Madrid.
Nearest airport: Murcia Airport (RMU) 68 km; Alicante Airport 102 km (ALC).
Archena is located 26 km from Cieza, 30 km from Murcia.
When to see peach blossom in Ricote Valley: mid-February/ March.*
Peach blossom trails: There are various themed walks and routes through the Ricote Valley.
Blossom Festivals in Cieza: SaborArte Gastronomic Fair in April.
More information on Floración de Cieza or on Facebook floración.
Orange Blossom in Seville (Andalusia)
The scent of orange blossom pervades the air in Seville during the spring. Ornamental orange trees are part of the cityscape everywhere you go, they have been for centuries – gracing the Old Quarter alleyways, circling cute little plazas, along the grand historic avenues, adorning gardens and palace terraces, and most famously in the ‘patio de los naranjos’ courtyard within Seville Cathedral.
Sevilla looks splendid with the bitter oranges hanging on the urban trees in winter, when the branches are bursting with radiant fruit. However, come earlier in the year to appreciate the springtime blossom, when the ivory coloured orange buds exude their extraordinary perfume.
This peculiar orange tree variety was brought over to Andalusia by traders during the Moorish rule of Al-Andalus in the 10th century, when the precious oil of ‘Azahar’, or orange blossom fragrance, became so popular.
Seville oranges are sour so they’re not eaten fresh. Traditionally used for scented oils and healing essence, they are also exported to the UK to make bitter-sweet marmalade. Sevillian orange juice is used in local fish dishes and the sweet candied rind baked on buns. An estimated 60,000 orange trees in the city yield a staggering 6 million kilos of fruit which is processed for cosmetics, animal feed, fertilizer and biogas!
Seville’s orange blossom can be seen towards the end of March and in April and coincides with Easter festivities.
When and where to see Orange Blossom in Seville
How to get there: Seville is located in the Andalucia region of southern Spain. Road distances 93 km to Huelva, 121 km to Cádiz, 141 km to Córdoba, 250 km to Granada, 200 km to Málaga, and 530 km to Madrid.
Nearest airport: Seville Airport (SVQ) 8 km from the historic city centre.
By rail: Seville can be reached by high-speed Ave train from Madrid and other parts of Spain.
When to see orange blossom: end of March/April.* Orange trees can be seen throughout the old quarter.
Festivals:
Easter week processions 24th to 31st March, 2024;
‘Feria de Sevilla’ Seville Fair 14th to 20th April, 2024.
More information on Visit Sevilla.
Cherry Blossom in Jerte Valley (Extremadura)
The Jerte Valley is the top place to see cherry blossom in Europe. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, the primaveral scene of dainty petals drifting across foothills on the pure mountain breeze makes Valle de Jerte the most spectacular destination in Spain.
Valle del Jerte is a unique setting in the mountains of north Extremadura surrounded by cherry tree plantations and waterfalls. A staggering 2 million cherry trees celebrate the arrival of springtime with a display of white blossoms, an ephemeral vision which lasts 2 weeks at most. The valley gradually flowers as the trees on the lower slopes first receive sunshine, followed by the varieties on the tiered terraces higher up the mountainside.
The first cherry blossoms appear as soon as the last frosts leave the slopes of the Jerte Valley, meaning the season is totally weather dependent and so varies each year – blossoming usually happens at the end of March but can be delayed until late April if there’s a cold snap.
The native bigarreau trees produce heart-shaped ‘picotas’, a variety of succulent deeply red cherries, the best delicacy in Spain. Cultivated since the 1700’s, Jerte picotas are carefully hand-picked into chestnut baskets in the time-honoured way. Around 20,000 tonnes of sweet cherries are harvested each year between June and August, in Valle de Jerte alone.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is an excuse to visit Extremadura region. If you’re planning a holiday in Spain, it’s a dilemma whether to visit the area in blossom season or to wait until cherry picking time!
When and where to see Cherry Blossom in Jerte Valley
How to get there: Valle del Jerte is located in Extremadura region, 35 km from Plasencia, 117 km from Cáceres, and 125 km from Ávila.
Nearest airport: Madrid Barajas (MAD) 293 km
When to see cherry blossom in Jerte Valley: lasts for 10 days approx. between mid-March and mid-April*
Cherry blossom trails: Circular route by car visiting Valdastillas, Piornal, Barrado, Cabrero, Casas del Castañar, El Torno and Rebollar (50 km).
Cherry blossom festival Valle De Jerte: ‘Fiesta del Cerezo en Flor’ takes place for 10 days between March 15th to April 10th approximately.
More information on Cáceres Turismo or Valle de Jerte Turismo.
Fruit Tree Blossom in Aitona (Lleida)
The plains of Lleida, in north-east Catalonia, are cultivated with an array of stone fruit trees. As the spring sunshine brushes the cold winter mists away, apricots, nectarines and peaches flourish pinkly into an awesome blossoming display.
Not far away, white blossom appears on the sweet Lleida pear trees to herald the new season. It’s also an ideal climate for other drupe varieties derived from the peach -juicy flat fruit platerinas and paraguayans- which the region is so famous for. Walk between the rows of flowering branches on a visit to these plantations nurtured by the mountain waters of River Segre, meandering down from the realms of Andorra.
Either join an organised trip which leaves the ancient market town of Aytona (Aitona) – there are free walking trips and coach tours, including a sunset trip. Alternatively, amble at your own pace down well-marked trails past the orchards looking for the best spot to capture the beauty on video.
With more than 150 million kilos of fruit harvested annually in Lleida, there’s a choice to be made… whether to visit while the blossoms are out for a visual blast, or to wait till festival time at the end of September to experience the special ‘fruit-tasting days’!
When and where to see Fruit Tree Blossom in Aitona
How to get there: Aitona is located in Segrià Valley, 22 km from Leida city, 113 km from Tarragona, 140 km from Zaragoza, 185 km from Barcelona, 297 km from Valencia.
Nearest airport: Lleida–Alguaire Airport (ILD) 33 km; Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) 177 km.
When to see blossom in Aitona: between last week February and third week of March.*
Blossom trails: Fruit tree trail, Serrabrisa route and the Aitona-Soses riverside walk.
Blossom season activities in Aitona: Aitona council are organise various events when the fruit trees are in blossom.
More information on Fruit Turisme.
Plum Blossom in Nalda (La Rioja)
The region of La Rioja in northern Spain is known for it’s world-class vineyards. Grapes are the famous crop but did you know that the plums are equally delicious? Come along in April as the fields of Nalda wake up to springtime and the flowering plum trees dress the countryside with a speckled display of white, pink and fuchsia petals. This sensual show of colourful blossom is heightened by the pervading fragrance released by the pretty flowers.
Nalda is a castle-topped village with a view over the fruit plantations in the Iregua Valley, the best place to see the blossoming plum trees. Celebrate ‘Plum Blossom Day’ in Nalda, on the first Sunday of April. It’s a fun occasion with a traditional market where you can try the typical cuisine, local specialities such as lamb with freshly made breadcrumbs, meats barbecued over grapevines, or sweet wine biscuits!
When and where to see Plum Blossom in Nalda
How to get there: Nalda is located in the Iregua Valley (La Rioja),17 km from Logroño, 320 km from Madrid.
Nearest airport: Logrono Airport (RJL) 19 km; Bilbao Airport (BIO) 114 km.
When to see plum blossom in Nalda: April.
Festivals in Nalda:
Plum Blossom Festival – first Sunday in April.
Plum Harvesting Festival – first sunday of August.
Prune Festival – Sunday before Christmas.
More information on Panal Nalda.
Cherry and Apple Tree Blossoms in Valle de las Caderechas (Burgos)
Imagine a succession of entwining valleys sheltered by forests of oak and pine where eagles nest, cascades stream down from the mountains to water deer and wild boar, and flow on to nourish the fertile fruit-bearing lands down by the riverside. Along the way a handful of villages with their stone dwellings, historic mansions and half-ruined chapels, catch your attention.
This is Valle de las Caderechas, known as the sensorial valley, a Spain less visited just an hour’s drive north-east from the grand city of Burgos. And, yes you’ve guessed, it’s a primaveral paradise for blossom fanatics! Come April, the cherry and apple trees that thrive in las Caderechas wake up from the winter freeze to put on their annual display of delightfulness.
A memorable experience at any time of year, visit Caderechas Valley during blossom season to capture the prettiest scenes or wait until summer to taste the tempting fruits.
Fiestas in Valle de Las Caderechas
July: ‘Feria de la Cereza’ Cherry Fete – When the sun-ripened cherries are picked from the trees it’s time for celebration throughout the valley. This is the ideal opportunity to taste the different varieties of fresh cherry and a whole array of culinary treats.
October: ‘Feria de la Manzana Reineta’ – Pippin Apple Festival is an excuse to get together for some fun and mouthwatering fruity fare. The village streets of Cantabrana are decked-out for this occasion which revolves around the ‘Queen of Apples’, bright crisp Reinettes straight from the orchards. You’ll also find authentic organic foodstuffs on the farmers’ market stalls including locally grown vegetables, as well as cheeses, sausage, pastries, marmalades and liquors.
When and where to see Cherry Blossom in Caderechas Valley
How to get there: Valle de las Caderechas is located to the northeast of Burgos.
Nearest airport: Burgos Airport 68 km (RGS), Bilbao 100 km (Bio).
Oña is located 58 km from Burgos, 87 km from Bilbao, 300 km from Madrid.
When to see cherry blossom: April.*
Festivals:
Cherry Festival – July
Apple Harvesting Festival – October
More information on Valle de las Caderechas
Cider Apple Blossom in Asturias
‘Floriar del Pumar’, as apple blooming time is known in the local lingo, traces a pink and white colour palette across the Asturian landscape as the cider trees blossom late April into May. Evidently, you don’t need to speak ‘Asturianu’ to enjoy this phenomenon, although a trip to the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain is an opportunity to observe some local customs – take ‘escanciar’ for example, the art of pouring natural cider into a wide tumbler to aerate the golden liquid. The resulting ‘culín de sidrina’ looks like a short measure covering the bottom of your glass, but this is the true way to drink it!
The orchards of blossoming trees can best be seen in the Cider Region (Comarca de la Sidra), six instagrammable apple-producing villages, namely Bimenes, Cabranes, Colunga, Nava, Sariegu and Villaviciosa, where you can wander through field after field of rosy apple buds clicking your camera to immortalize the moment.
This blossom route takes in a pretty section of the Asturias coast and mountains which is easy to reach by car, and a cyclist’s paradise. Spain’s famous walking route, the Northern Camino de Santiago (St James’ Way) also crosses these historic lands.
Cultivated since Roman times, 500 types of apple are reputedly grown in Asturias. However, only 22 varieties are used for making quality Protected Designation of Origin cider, typically fermented in chestnut barrels. Over 45 million litres of Asturian ‘sidra’ is produced each year, of which a whopping 75% is consumed locally.
‘Sidrina’ apparently has a short shelf life, doesn’t travel well and should be drank within a year (or that’s what the locals tell me!). Fortunately it has a lowish 3% -6% ABV. Conversely, natural sweet cider is an alcohol-free refreshment, the pure apple juice before fermentation, which all the family can enjoy.
When and where to see Apple Blossom in Asturias
How to get there: ‘Comarca de la Sidra’ is located in central-eastern Asturias.
Nearest airports: Asturias Airport (OVD); Santander Airport (SDR), León Airport (LEN).
Villaviciosa is located 65 km from Asturias Airport, 44 km from Oviedo, 27 km from Gijón, 150 km from Santander, 143 km from León, 478 km from Madrid.
When to see cider apple blossom in Asturias: end of April until beginning of May*.
Things to do in ‘Comarca de la Sidra’:
Visit the ‘Pumaradas’ Apple Plantations, traditional Cider Houses, Cider Presses, and Navas Cider Museum.
Trails: There are several trails in the Cider region which include coastal paths, riverside walks and mountain hikes. The northern Camino de Santiago (St James’ Way) traverses Colunga, Villaviciosa and Sariego.
Cider Apple Festivals:
Nava Cider Festival – 2nd weekend of July;
Villaviciosa Biennial Apple Harvest Festival – October Bank Holiday weekend 2025.
Tourism Bureaux in Navas, Villaviciosa and Colunga.
More information on Comarca de la Sidra Tourism.
* Blossom seasons in Spain vary each year depending on weather conditions. This is a rough guide, the exact dates are impossible to predict as fruit trees may blossom earlier or later than expected, and may only flower for a couple of weeks or so. Anyone planning a trip to Spain, to see a specific flowering landscape should check with the local tourism bureaux.
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