Portugal’s Douro region is famous for its natural beauty and the vineyards that stretch along the banks of the Douro River. However, the vineyards are not the only element that make this one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.
For thousands of years, almond trees have been linked to the culture and landscape of this region, and their flowering, which usually takes place in spring, specifically in the months of February and March, continues to bring hundreds of people to the region every year. During this period, the hills of the Douro take on a unique and characteristic beauty, with the almond trees in bloom creating a stunning backdrop.
The “Almond Blossom Route” consists of a journey by historic train from Porto to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, the so-called “Capital of the Almond Blossom”. This is CP – Comboios de Portugal’s oldest tourist route, having been in existence for over 70 years.
“This route allows you to get to know the Douro region on board a historic train and also watch the natural spectacle of almond trees in bloom and taste traditional sweets, combining railway tourism and culture,” said Pedro Moreira, President of CP, at a press conference to present the route.
If you decide to come and see this great spectacle of nature for yourself, find out which stops you must make on your journey:
Freixo de Espada à Cinta: This town, whose origins are lost in the depths of time and classified by Reynaldo dos Santos in 1930 as “The most Manueline town in Portugal”, has many reasons for an obligatory stop.
A visit to the Feira da Amendoeira em Flor (Almond Blossom Fair), which brings together gastronomy, local produce, handicrafts, traditional games and various activities, is always a good idea, followed by a stroll through the beautiful historic centre, a boat trip on the River Douro, without forgetting to visit the ash tree that gives this magnificent town its name.
Torre de Moncorvo: This town known for its delicious almonds, located in the district of Bragança, whose history has been linked to iron mining since the early 19th century and which is represented in the iron museum, located in the centre of the magnificent town, doesn’t stop at its breathtaking landscapes and the serenity of its famous lakes. Between February and March, the town is dressed in white and light pink, making it one of the favourite places to watch the almond trees blossom.
Vila Nova de Foz Côa: As already mentioned, this wonderful destination is known as “The capital of almond blossom”, and as such, it couldn’t be left off this list, offering us a spectacle of extraordinary beauty during the months of February and March. However, there are charms to discover all year round in Foz Côa, such as the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, the Côa Museum and its viewpoint, and the fantastic walkways that connect the museum to the old railway station.
It’s important to remember that the exact flowering dates of the almond trees can vary depending on the specific climatic conditions of each year. It’s therefore a good idea to check the local forecasts or contact the locals for up-to-date information on the flowering period.
