The must-see cherry and almond blossoms in Malaga this spring

Spring is in the air, and there’s no better time to escape into nature’s colorful embrace than now. As the vibrant hues of blossoming trees paint the landscapes, Málaga invites you to discover its enchanting blooming scenes, promising a delightful springtime escape like no other.
almond and cherry blossoms in malaga

Discovering Blossoming in Malaga 2024: Routes You Shouldn't Miss

In many parts of Spain, blossoming has already begun. This is particularly true in Málaga, where fruit trees are already in bloom, from almond to peach and cherry trees.
 
One of the highlights of this blossoming season is the small village of Guaro, known for its famous Day of the Almond Tree celebration, usually held on the last Sunday of January when these trees blossom. If you missed this event, don’t worry! You can still embark on a scenic drive to the neighboring towns of Pizarra, Almogía, Arenas, and Cártama, each offering its own unique perspective of almond blossoms. Picture-perfect landscapes await, from rolling hillsides carpeted with blossoms to picturesque orchards stretching as far as the eye can see.
 
But the adventure doesn’t stop there! If you couldn’t catch the almond blossoms, there’s still a chance to enjoy the cherry blossoms. These typically blossom between March and April, creating magical scenes across Spanish valleys. The beauty of cherry blossoms in Malaga adds to the enchantment of the region during this season.
 In Alfarnate, the Cherry Blossom Festival, which has been an annual event since 2022, will take place this year on April 6th and 7th. This quaint village, with around a thousand inhabitants, hosts its spectacular Sakura festival. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of cherry blossoms amidst vibrant festivities inspired by Japanese culture. Adorned in kimonos, locals and visitors alike gather amidst 60,000 paper flowers to revel in the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Sakura, the Japanese word for cherry blossom, brings workshops, parades, artisan stalls, and culinary delights inspired by Japanese culture. From aikido to traditional swordsmanship demonstrations, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Japanese traditions in this picturesque white village.
Photo credit: www.alfarnate.es

Distinguishing a cherry tree from an almond tree in bloom

Identifying almond and cherry trees solely by their blossoms or blooming time can be challenging, as both may display white or pink flowers and bloom around March. However, a reliable distinguishing factor lies in observing their trunks.

Cherry tree trunks are smoother, with uniform branches, whereas almond tree trunks are rougher and have irregular, jagged branches. Additionally, almond trees typically bloom earlier, from February to March, while cherry trees bloom later, typically in mid to late March. Cherry blossoms form in clusters known as ‘corimbos,’ hanging from stalks on the branches. On the other hand, almond blossoms grow in clusters without stalks (“racimos”), usually appearing in pairs or alternating positions.

By noting these trunk and blossom characteristics, discerning between almond and cherry trees during bloom becomes more straightforward.

blossoms in malaga
Photo credit: ELTIEMPOHOY.ES

Andalusia in bloom

In Granada, blossoming is occurring earlier than usual due to climate change, offering early sightings in the Sierra de la Contraviesa and Padul. Alpujarra in Granada is another must-visit destination during this time. In Málaga, many fruit trees are already blooming, creating picturesque scenes between Ardales and Carratraca. The Gran Senda de Málaga, passing through these areas, is home to many of these trees. Other Andalusian municipalities, like Sierra Mágina in Jaén or la Subbética in Córdoba, surprise us with early springs, blanketing the fields with a carpet of white and pink blossoms. 
Andalusia is already blossoming. Are you going to miss it?

Spring has Sprung in Andalusia. Are You Going to Miss It?

Choosing these destinations where blossoms bloom in Malaga not only allows us to appreciate nature’s beauty but also supports rural tourism and the communities that thrive on it, all while respecting the environment. As you explore the blooming landscapes of Málaga’s region, don’t forget to indulge in the local flavors and traditions. Treat yourself to a picturesque picnic amidst the almond and cherry orchards, sampling the traditional almond soup and indulging in refreshing local wines amidst the blossoms in Malaga.
 
Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a nature enthusiast seeking a springtime escape, Málaga offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the blossoming beauty of Málaga. After all, life is too short to miss out on nature’s most magical moments!
 

Thank you for reading: Discover the stunning almond and cherry blossoms in Malaga this Spring: A must-see beauty

Let’s stay in touch! Follow us @taolivincom

Almond and Cherry Blossoms in Malaga: Your Questions Answered

In the province of Malaga, you’ll find plenty of almond orchards, primarily concentrated inland rather than along the coast. Villages like Guaro, located 22km from Marbella, and Alora, Almogia, and Cartama in the Valle del Guadalhorce region, to the north/east of Malaga, offer excellent opportunities to witness almond blossoms. Guaro also hosts an almond festival, usually held on the last Sunday of January. Additionally, regions like the Axarquia, encompassing villages like Sedella, Archez, El Borge, and Camares, lie east of Malaga. Blossoms here typically bloom later, making it an ideal spot to catch the tail end of almond blossoms if you’re in Andalucia during March/April.

In the early weeks of February, the province of Malaga bursts into a stunning display of white and pink almond blossoms, adorning every town and village with natural beauty. This floral spectacle extends through March and can sometimes linger until Easter, influenced by the whims of weather and temperature fluctuations.

The almond bloom typically lasts only 2 weeks, as the flowers fall quickly. However, sometimes they can last a bit longer if there is no rain or frost.

The Almond Festival in Guaro is a celebration of the almond tree, its blossoms, and fruit. Typically held on the last Sunday of January when these trees blossom, it features almond exhibitions, local cuisine like the traditional almond soup, and handicrafts. Guided hikes and cycle rides through almond groves are available, along with a photography contest showcasing almond tree photographs.

Typically, the cherry blossoms emerge from the last week of March to the first week of April, making it an ideal time to visit. However, the exact peak bloom period is influenced by weather conditions in the preceding weeks and months.

You can see cherry blossoms in Malaga during the Cherry Blossom Festival in Alfarnate, held this year on April 6th and 7th. Enjoy the vibrant festivities and immerse yourself in the beauty of Sakura season amidst 60,000 paper flowers and traditional Japanese culture.

Pink and white almond blossoms differ in the almonds they produce. White blossoms yield sweet almonds, while pink ones yield a bitter variety containing cyanide, requiring extraction before consumption. The extracted oil from bitter almonds is utilized for food flavoring and liqueurs.

Disclosure: All listings featured on TAO LIVIN’ are independently selected by our editors. If you click through and book something through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Recent Posts