Almond blossom in Costa Blanca

In February the Costa Blanca changes into a beautiful pink-white flower garden. Both on the coast and in the hinterland the many almond trees blossom. A farewell to winter and an announcement of spring. The weather is very decisive for the flowering period. This year, we have already had wonderful sunny days on the coast. As a result, the pink and white blossoms are coming out everywhere. In the hinterland, where the orchards are, the blossom is usually a little later. Only because the temperatures are lower here. Right now, the blossom is at its best. We recommend taking a tour of one of the famous blossom areas in the Costa Blanca. Bring your picnic basket and camera and enjoy the beautiful nature. Sports enthusiasts can of course go for lovely walks or jump on the bicycle. In this blog we will focus on the almond and the various blossom routes.

The Jalon valley - Alcalali

The Jalon valley is also known as Vall de Pop. In February this valley changes into a beautiful pink-white sea of flowers. Alcalali celebrates the arrival of the almond blossom with an annual festival. In February "Feslali" takes place. Unfortunately, this is not happening this year due to Covid-19. The municipality of Alcalali published 2 official hiking routes. We will discuss both here in brief. They are easy routes, so also suitable for elderly people and children. 

Route 1: 3.8 km - very easy - difference in level almost 30 m

This route is the easier of the two. Less than 4 km on paved roads in the campo. The walk is almost flat. In total, you have to overcome a difference in height of 30 metres. The walk starts in the heart of Alcalali and takes you via the chapel of Sant Joan de Mosquera back to the centre. You can download the route from Wikiloc.

Route 2: 6.6 km - easy - difference in level almost 110 m

This is another beautiful route in bloom. A bit longer, a bit more height difference, but still very doable for almost everyone. The landscape is beautiful and gets an extra dimension by the "Penya Talai" in the background. This 781 m high mountain is next to the Coll de Rates. You can also find this route on Wikiloc.

In this blog we limit ourselves to the 2 routes around Alcalali. But at many places in the Costa Blanca you can enjoy this magnificent natural phenomenon.

Other famous routes in the province of Alicante are:

Els Arcs de Castell de Castells

Relleu - Torre de les Maçanes

La Sierra de Aitana

Vall de Laguar (Barranc de l'Infern)

Penya de la Mina (Serra de l'Algaiat)

Pla de la Casa - Fageca

Click here for more information about these routes (only in Spanish)

Why are there so many almond trees in the Jalon Valley?

To be honest... we have no idea, but there is a legend that explains everything. We have to go back to the time when the Moors ruled Spain. Sultan Ibn Almundin fell in love with Gilda, his slave. He could not resist her blonde hair and blue eyes. They married, but it was not a happy love story. The queen was very sad because she was homesick. The Sultan wanted to see his wife smile and asked his poet for advice. The poet made clear that this was impossible. Gilda missed her cold homeland and the snowy landscapes. The Sultan tried to find a way to "copy" this landscape in Spain. He ordered hundreds and hundreds of almond trees which he planted around his castle. In spring, the blossom came to the trees and the land looked like it was covered with snow. Gilda smiled again. And believe it or not, that's how almond trees came into the Jalon Valley.

The Marcona almond

Spain is the second largest producer of almonds in the world (America is number one). The so-called Marcona almond comes from our region. It is a variety that is in great demand in both the United States and Europe. Almonds do not like frost, but they do like water. As long as there is enough water, there will be enough production of almonds. The Marcona almond has a sweet, powerful nutty flavour. This flavour is even more pronounced when you roast the nuts. The best with traditional Spanish olive oil and seasoned with salt.

Spanish almonds are exported and used to make almond milk and "turron". Turron is a typical Spanish delicacy. Popular during the Christmas season. It is like nougat and consists of sugar, honey, egg white and almonds. The best turron comes from the Alicante region with Jijona as its capital. Those who want to know more can visit the turron museum here.

The threat of the almond tree

Unfortunately, the almond tree has a natural enemy. And the scale of this problem is getting bigger and bigger. The enemy has the name: Xyllela fastidiosa. This is a bacterial disease that is spreading in the Mediterranean region. Even worse, it affects not only almond trees, but also olive and some fruit trees. The situation is serious, and the Spanish media are calling it the 'Ebola of olive trees'. So far, there is no cure for the bacterium. The best thing to do is to cut down the affected tree, as well as the trees in the surrounding area. According to the EU, it is one of the most threatening plant bacteria in the world. 

Vincent van Gogh and almond blossom

The almond blossom is beautiful. An inspiration for many an artist. Vincent van Gogh too fell for the beauty of this fragile flower. His canvas Almond Blossom was one of his favourite subjects. The almond blossom is a symbol of new life. Van Gogh drew inspiration for his famous painting from prints in Japan. Vincent painted this canvas as a gift for his brother Theo. 

The almond blossom is a special phenomenon. It transforms the landscape into something sweet and romantic. It is the announcement of spring and the goodbye to the cold. We, the team of Orange Villas, enjoy the beautiful almond blossom every day. We hope you do too. Would you like to live in an almond blossom region? Do not hesitate. Contact us and we will find you the perfect property.