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This is an absolutely a unique scenery, one of the most beautiful displays of nature, and so there are even excursions for you to admire the beauty of the valleys of the Douro, in their pallet of colours during February and March. What are we talking about? The Route of the Almond Trees in Blossom!
At the time when the almond trees are in blossom, a little before the arrival of Spring, the valleys of the Douro change colour, turning a lighter, purer and even more romantic hue of white and pink, announcing that a new season is approaching.
In the Douro region, almonds are one of the most famous and high-yielding products. The so-called Route of the Almond Trees encompasses the municipalities of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Mogadouro, Torre de Moncorvo and Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Because of the beauty of the almond trees this time of year, these municipalities organise festivities to celebrate this change of scenery. For example, in Mogadouro there is the Folklore Festival of the Almond Trees and a BTT path through the Almond Trees. Cross-country events are also held in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, around the fields with the almond trees in blossom.
Legend has it that almond trees appeared in Portugal at the time of the Moors, brought by a young king who it seems planted them to please his princess, of Nordic origin, who missed the snow from the land where she was born. As the scenery created by the almond trees in blossom is similar to a white blanket of snow, this was the way the king found to help his beloved remember her homeland.
There are different trips you can make to see this display of colour, whilst at the same time, taking advantage of the magnificent view of the Douro River. Journeys are organised by train, as well as by coach and there is even another where the upward journey is by train and the descent to Porto is down the Douro River, on a cruise ship. However, if you hire a car, you can make your own tailor-made programme and admire the scenery at your leisure, with no time restrictions!
