Pink and white clouds cover the fields of Mallorca and there’s a honeyed sweetness in the air. At a closer glance, these fluffy formations are blushed flower buds emerging from the almond trees that thrive across the island. It’s January and February when the almond blossoms really put on a show.
Island in bloom
An estimated 4 million almond trees grow across Mallorca, falling into two groups: the bitter almond with pink flowers and the sweet almond with white petals. These trees thrive across the island’s countryside because they find the Mediterranean microclimate ideal. After sleeping dormant during winter, buds start to unfurl in late January and throughout February, when the island bursts into a cloud of pink and white with a floral fragrance. The almond blossom, known as the “Awakener”, is the first flower of the year, symbolising watchfulness. In agriculture, this signals the start of the year and a hope for a fruitful harvest.
Best areas for blossom spotting
Much of the island is blessed with blossoms, and here in Ses Salines, you will smell that familiar sweet fragrance. You could also explore Manacor, Son Servera and Sant Llorenç and their surroundings. But thanks to its microclimate, the central area of the island has the largest concentration of blossoms, especially around the pretty villages of Santa María, Bunyola to its northwest and Selva to its northeast. Don’t forget your camera to capture this one-a-year natural miracle.
Walking through pink and white
The best way to experience Mallorca’s annual almond blossom is by walking through it for a 360-degree sensory experience. The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to endless trails to follow these blooming trees and the joys of nature. Some of our favourite routes are in the southwest, from Es Capdellá up the (steep, challenging!) mountain of Puig Galatzó or from the central mountain village of Alaró up to Alaró Castle.
Majorcan almonds
Following the beautiful bloom in February, almond trees grow through spring and then “crack open” in summer. Harvest takes place late summer into early autumn when the almonds are shelled and ready to eat. Mallorcan almonds are delicious, so look out for them in local stores. They are renowned for their vitamins, oils, minerals, fatty acids and fibre, playing an important role in local Mallorcan gastronomy. Desserts commonly feature almonds, from ice cream to cakes like gató d’ametlles.
Although we don’t open until March, we hope that you get the chance to experience the island in bloom. Otherwise, you can enjoy the Mallorcan almond in local cooking when you visit and revel in the natural fruits of our beautiful island. Nos vemos pronto.