We are used to associate the image of the tree in bloom with Japan and their traditional cherry blossom festival, a guaranteed show. But do we really need to get to Japan to watch this show? We inform you that only a few hours by plane from Italy there are places where flowering and spring arrive early. In fact, a new trend has been born for some years: going on holiday to the Balearic Islands in the spring. Between the end of January and the beginning of March, when frost still covers the rest of Europe, you should definitely visit the islands of Majorca and Ibiza to admire their early spring.
Shortly after the Christmas holidays, in the Balearic period a rare phenomenon called “Fira de la flor d’ametler” occurs, that is the flowering of almond and orange trees. The strange phenomenon, a triumph of perfumes and colors, warns the population of the imminent arrival of summer. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the islands, discovering their customs, traditions and traditions.
The production of almond is part of the culture and tradition of the island of Mallorca. Being their typical product is very important for the economy and agriculture of the territory. From what has been known, it was imported from the Roman Empire, a major consumer of the product and with the arrival and invasion of the filosseria most of the vineyards were replaced with the immense plantations of almond trees. In the Balearics it produces a vast quantity and different varieties with a sweet taste and characterized by a higher content of proteins, fatty acids and carbohydrates, with a particular consistency.
Towards the end of January, when temperatures start to rise and the days heat up, it is the moment when the island of Mallorca is covered with a white and pink mantle for the flowering of the almond trees, becoming the ideal destination for all color can not do without spring. The natural spectacle is guaranteed and the lovers of the blossoming trees can not miss the romantic and fascinating landscape of the “rutas” in bloom. Do not bring your camera with you is a real shame.
The most favorable area for the cultivation of almonds is the central-western area of the island, in particular the municipalities of Marratxí, Bunyola, Santa Maria, Sencelles, Lloseta and Selva for the particular climatic conditions. In Llucmajor, a village where you can enjoy wonderful views of the coast, every year a tour is organized to let tourists visit the rutas in bloom. You can walk through the rows of flowering trees of the plantations to enjoy this gift of nature, the landscape that presents itself is breath-taking. The Llucmajor plantation is located near one of the most important and extensive Talaiotic villages of Majorca, the traditional village of Capocorb Vell. From the promontory of Puig de Randa it is possible to enjoy an excellent panoramic view of the entire Pla de Mallorca comarca. In the picturesque village you can taste the typical dishes of the tradition strictly almond-flavored. Do not miss the desserts such as: “Gatò de l’Almendra” which consists of a cake served with dell’orzata and a scoop of ice cream with almond flavor or even the “Coca de torró”, a mordino nougat with pasta filling of almonds.
The tour continues in the village of Santa Agnès de Corona in the western part of the island of Ibiza. On the occasion of the feast of Santa Agnese, patron saint of the village, during the first Saturday of February the traditional “Llum d’Ametller” night walk will take place. The route will last two and a half hours and will start from Sant ‘Antoni and then arrive in Santa Agnès and pass through Cala Salada and the Vall de Corona, surrounded by flowering almond trees typical of rutas. Upon arrival we will serve a dinner based on torrada, sobrassada and sandwiches.
Soller, in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntata, is a municipality of Mallorca located northwest of the island. The village enjoys a strategic position, between sea and mountains, for the cultivation of olive trees and especially orange trees, for its water richness combined with the warm sun typical of the Mediterranean areas. The oranges are the emblematic fruit of Soller and the area looks like an immense valley of citrus orchards in flower and for this it takes the name of “golden valley”. Oranges have been grown here for over 600 years, but the fruit was actually imported by Arab sailors and merchants who began to grow them in these lands. Over 12 are cultivated in Sóller today.