February - The month of the Almond Blossom

During the first few weeks of February, almost every town and village in the province of Malaga is surrounded by beautiful white and pink almond blossoms. The flowering season continues on until March, and can even last until Easter, depending on the weather and the temperatures. The white blossoms produce sweet almonds while the pink ones produce the bitter variety.

The tree was introduced to this southern spanish province more than 2000 years ago by the Phoenicians. Spain is now the second-largest almond producer in the world, accounting for 13% of global annual production. In the province of Malaga almonds are cultivated on over 16,000 hectares with a production of around 4,000 tons each season. Malaga’s Mediterranean subtropical climate creates the ideal conditions for the almond tree, which is not demanding and can survive happily in dry soil.

To make the most out of the almond flowering season, the best idea is to take long drives through the stunning Malaga landscapes.

Almond trees are especially prominent in inland areas including Sierra de las Nieves and the Guadalhorce Valley.

Almogía has the largest number of almond trees in the Guadalhorce valley. They can be seen and enjoyed while walking on some of the surrounding trails as well as in the town centre itself.

Guaro (situated approximately 22km from Marbella) is the best place to view almond trees in Sierra de las Nieves, especially along the Chiribenítez walking path.

Axarquía is another town renowned for its spectacular almond blossom. The trees are largely situated on the way into the town from Vélez-Málaga and on the hillside leading up to Bentomiz castle.