Everything about the Almond Blossom of Garrovillas

If you've never been to Garrovillas de Alconétar in February, when the almond trees are in bloom, you have the perfect excuse to discover this corner of Cáceres. For a few weeks, the surrounding area is tinged with white and pink, creating a spectacular landscape that attracts hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. But besides the visual spectacle, there's an event that makes this time of year even more special: the Almond Blossom Exhibition, a traditional festival with typical cuisine and outdoor activities.

Almond Blossom Route in Garrovillas

The almond blossom route in Garrovillas is a perfect plan for those who enjoy hiking and want to see the fields covered in white and pink flowers. Although a guided route is organized in February within the Almond Blossom Exhibition You can take the tour on your own at any time during the flowering period.

They exist two main variants of the route, a shorter one and a longer one. Both allow you to enjoy the scenery, but if you like walking and want a more complete route, the longer one is worth it. There's also an alternative option that we've tried and recommend.

📍 Route itinerary

Short route

• Distance: Approximately 5 km
• Difficulty: Low, suitable for anyone
• Duration: 1h 30 min approx.
• Characteristics: Ideal if you're going with children or simply want a peaceful stroll among the almond trees without making the journey too long.

Long route

• Distance: Approximately 8 km
• Difficulty: Low-medium, with some less signposted sections
• Duration: 2h – 2h 30 min
• Characteristics: It allows you to explore more landscapes and reach areas with better panoramic views.

Alternative variant (our recommendation)

We took a different route, based on the long one but with a slight change to the route. Here's how it went:

• Start: Instead of leaving from the center of the town, we started near the ruins of the Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua The convent is in quite poor condition, but it's still an interesting spot to visit before starting the hike.
• Almond fields: From there, we continue along rural roads where the almond trees soon begin to bloom. Depending on the tree, the blossoms are white or pink, creating a spectacular landscape.
• Detour to a poorly marked path: At one point along the route, we left the main road and took a barely visible path on the left. This section isn't signposted, but it led us to a hill with views and then to the Mata de Alcántara road.
• Return via the Tajo Natural Path: The last part of the route follows the Tagus Natural Path, this time surrounded by olive groves. It's an easy stretch to follow because it's well signposted and took us back to Garrovillas.

Tips for doing the route

• Best time: Mid-February to early March, depending on flowering.
• Equipment: Although it's an easy route, wear comfortable shoes for dirt roads and, if it's rained recently, some mud.
• Route partly signposted: The short route and the end of the long route are well marked, but if you take our alternative route, there's a less marked section. It's not complicated, but it's advisable to bring a map or GPS if you're unfamiliar with the area.
• Is the official route better or going it alone? If you like to go in a group and prefer an organized route, the guided option of the Almond Blossom Exhibition It's a good idea. But if you want to enjoy the scenery more calmly and without so many people, doing it on your own outside of the event date can be even better.

Almond Blossom Festival in Garrovillas

In addition to the hiking trail, the almond blossom in Garrovillas de Alconétar is celebrated with a festival that attracts more visitors each year Almond Blossom Exhibition, which has been held since 1999, is a day that combines nature, gastronomy and cultural activities.

When is it celebrated?

The event usually takes place in mid-February, coinciding with the peak of the almond blossom. It is usually held at mid-February, a perfect date to enjoy the landscape at its best.

Where is it held?

The main activities take place in the Gallito Place, a rural area on the outskirts of Garrovillas, surrounded by almond trees. This is where the hiking trail ends and where the food stalls, market, and musical performances are set up.

Program of activities

The day of the party usually follows this pattern:

• 9:00 a.m. – Meeting at the Plaza Mayor and traditional breakfast (optional).
• 10:00 a.m. – Start of the routes (hiking, equestrian and cycling).
• 12:30 h – Arrival at the Gallito Place.
• 14:30 h - Popular food with typical Extremadura dishes.
• 3:30 p.m. – Live concert (the Bolero Orchestra has played in other years).
• 19:00 h – Party with DJ in the municipal tent.

In addition, throughout the day there are craft and traditional sweets market, a band to liven up the atmosphere and other activities to enjoy the surroundings.

Typical gastronomy: What do they eat at the party?

One of the main attractions of the Almond Blossom Festival is the traditional Extremaduran cuisine served at the Gallito Paraje. If you go, be sure to try:

• Cabbage with crop – A hearty stew with vegetables and pork.
• Marinade – Marinated fish, very typical in the area.
• Homemade sweets – Doughnuts, perrunillas and other traditional desserts.

It's a great plan if you want to try the local cuisine in a festive atmosphere. But if you prefer to eat at a restaurant after the route, you can also check out these recommendations where to eat in Cáceres.

What is the atmosphere like at the party?

Although the festival began as a more local event, each year it attracts more visitors, reaching more than 2,000 people In some editions, the atmosphere is family-friendly and festive, with people of all ages enjoying the day in the countryside.

Best time to visit the almond blossoms in Garrovillas

If you're thinking about taking the almond blossom route in Garrovillas, the most important thing is to choose the right date. The blossoming doesn't always occur at the exact same time, as it depends on the weather, but there is a period when you're most likely to see the trees in their full splendor.

When do the almond trees bloom in Garrovillas?

Almond trees usually begin to bloom at mid-February and flowering lasts between 15 and 20 days In warmer years, the first flowers may appear in early February, while if the winter has been colder, they may not appear until later in the month.

The Almond Blossom Exhibition It is usually scheduled on a date when the trees are expected to be at their peak flowering, so it is a good reference for planning your visit 2025, the event will be the February 15th, a fairly reliable date to see the almond trees in bloom.

Is it worth going outside of the event dates?

Yes, absolutely. Although the festival is a great time to experience the town's atmosphere and enjoy the local cuisine, it also has the disadvantage of being more crowded. If you prefer to take a more leisurely route through the almond blossoms without the crowds, it's best to go a few days before or after the event.

If you go outside the Almond Blossom Festival, please note that:

• You can do the route with peace of mind, without rushing or crowding.
• The flowering stage may vary., so it's best to check out recent photos on social media or ask locals before you go.

How long does flowering last?

The almond blossom is a brief phenomenon. Although it can last until three weeks, the best time is usually during the first 10-15 days, when most trees are covered in blossom and have not yet begun to fall.

If you go too early, the almond trees may not have fully bloomed yet. If you go too late, many blossoms will have fallen and the trees will begin to sprout green leaves.

Other plans near Garrovillas

If you're going to see the almond trees in bloom in Garrovillas, you can take advantage of your getaway to discover other interesting spots in the area. In addition to the almond route, this town and its surrounding areas have places worth visiting, whether you're a history buff or prefer to explore nature further.

What to see in Garrovillas de Alconétar

Although the main attraction at this time of year are the almond trees in bloom, Garrovillas has a well-preserved historic center which is worth a visit. Some of its highlights include:

• Plaza Mayor: It's one of the most beautiful in Extremadura, with arcades and stone houses. A good place to grab a bite to eat before or after your hike.
• Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua: Although it is in ruins, you can still see remains of its structure and it has a rather photogenic air.
• Church of Saint Mary of Consolation: A Gothic-Mudejar temple with a beautiful altarpiece inside.
• Alconétar Bridge: An ancient Roman bridge partially submerged by the Alcántara reservoir. Depending on the water level, you can see more or less of it.

If you want to explore more charming towns in Cáceres, we leave you this guide What to see in Torre de Quemada, which is not far from Garrovillas or you can also go to Cáceres.

More routes and excursions in the area

If you're still looking for more nature, there are other routes near Garrovillas that might interest you:

• Chorrera Waterfall Route (Hervás) – A trail between oak and chestnut trees leads to a waterfall. Ideal for a different kind of activity.See route)
• Tagus Natural Path – Some of its stages pass near Garrovillas and allow you to explore landscapes along the river.
• San Pedro Mountains – A paradise for birdwatching and nature lovers.

If you are looking for more ideas for excursions around the province, take a look at this selection of routes through Cáceres.

Where to eat near Garrovillas

If you're hungry after the route and the visit to the village, you can try traditional Extremaduran cuisine at one of the local restaurants. Some options include:

• In Garrovillas: There are several bars serving tapas and raciones, most of them concentrated in the town square, where you'll also find the inn's restaurant. It's a bit more expensive but has some very tasty menus.
• In Cáceres (about 30 minutes by car): Here you do have many more options. You can consult our guide on where to eat in Cáceres, with recommendations for all tastes.

Where to stay

If you want to spend the night in the area to make the most of your trip, you can choose to stay in Cáceres or a nearby town. In our guide to where to stay in Cáceres You will find recommendations for different budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

To conclude this guide to almond blossom in Garrovillas, here are some frequently asked questions and answers. If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments.

📅 What is the best time to see the almond trees in bloom in Garrovillas?

Flowering usually occurs between mid-February and early March, depending on the weather that year. The Almond Blossom Exhibition It is scheduled at a time when trees are generally at their peak flowering stage (in 2025, it will be February 15).

🥾 Is the almond blossom route signposted?

The short route is well marked, but the long route has some less obvious sections, especially if you take the recommended alternative. The final part of the route coincides with the signs for the Tagus Natural Path, which makes orientation easier.

🆓 Is it necessary to register to do the route?

No, the route can be done independently at any time. However, if you'd like to take the guided tour during the festival, it's a good idea to check if there are any special requirements.

🐶 Can I take my dog on the trail?

Yes, but if you're going during the festival and there are a lot of people, it's advisable to keep your dog on a leash to avoid problems with other hikers or the horses.

🚗 Where to park in Garrovillas for the route?

It is best to leave the car in the village, near the Plaza Mayor or in the vicinity of the Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua If you want to take the long route, parking isn't usually a problem on normal days.

🍽️ Where can I eat after the route?

If you go on a holiday, in the Gallito Place Popular food is served with traditional dishes such as berzas con buche (beer stew) or escabeche (pickled cabbage). If you prefer a restaurant, you can look at options at where to eat in Cáceres, as the city is only a 30-minute drive away.

⏳ How many people attend the Almond Blossom Festival each year?

The event has been gaining popularity and in some editions more than 2,000 people If you want to avoid crowds, it's best to do the route a few days before or after the festival.

🎭 What other interesting festivals are there in Cáceres?

If you enjoy the atmosphere of local festivals, Cáceres hosts several interesting events throughout the year. One of the best known is the Cáceres Blues Festival, which brings together top-level musicians and takes place in a spectacular setting. You can find out more here: Cáceres Blues Festival.

History of the Garrovillas Almond Blossom Show

The Almond Blossom Festival has been held in Garrovillas since 1999 and has steadily gained popularity, becoming a must-attend event in Extremadura. What began as a small local gathering to celebrate the arrival of the blossoming season now brings together thousands of people who come to enjoy the surroundings and culture of the area.

Throughout the day, attendees can participate in hiking routes, taste typical dishes and experience the festive atmosphere in the Gallito Place, where most of the celebration takes place. Furthermore, the festival not only has a cultural impact but also an economic one, as it fills the area's accommodations and boosts the local hospitality industry.

If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement Everything about the Almond Blossom of Garrovillas you can visit our posts about Caceres.