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Ultimate Spanish flower trail: The floral tourist route for nature lovers in Spain

Take a sensory tour through Valle del Jerte in Cáceres awash with 2 million trees or poppy plantations in Burgos

During spring and summer in Spain, colour reigns supreme as millions of cherry trees in bloom and fields of lavender, poppies and almond trees literally transform the landscape.

Here are seven top destinations where outdoor lovers can get back to nature and enjoy incredible floral tourist routes guaranteed to stimulate the senses.

1. Cherry trees in Cáceres

A Cherry Blossom Festival is held in the Jerte Valley in Cáceres province, Extremadura, every year from the end of March until normally the second week in April, and during this period, the senses go into overdrive due to the fact 373m2 of this valley are home to 2 million cherry trees which, "simultaneously come together to bloom".

This gives rise to a white and subtly pinkish landscape on both sides of the valley, along the 11 villages that make up this region, with delicate and fragrant flowers. The contrast with the green of the soil and the intense blue of the sky, together with the scent of the cherry blossom, make the visit almost surreal.

2. Orange blossom in Seville

The best time to visit Seville is from late March to mid-April when the orange trees that fill the streets of the city's historic centre are in bloom. Strolling through Seville at this time of year, residents and visitors are intoxicated by the delicious scent of orange blossom and the natural colour of something so ephemeral.

3. Poppies in Burgos

Spain is, after Australia, the world's second largest producer of poppies. And one of the places on the Iberian Peninsula where they are most abundant is in Condado de Treviño, Burgos, 20 km from Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the Basque Country. Flowering is at its best in this area in April/early May, on 200 hectares devoted to the cultivation of this particular plant. It's impossible not to be impressed by the vitality of the intense red of the poppies.

4. The red tajinaste in Tenerife

The spectacular Teide National Park in Tenerife is even more enchanting in spring. Throughout the length and breadth of the Cañadas del Teide, the 2,000-metre-high plateau on which Spain's highest peak stands, the flower of the red tajinaste, a shrub endemic to the Canary Island, grows.

Between one and three metres high and lance-shaped, the coral red of this flowering plant contrasts with the black of the volcanic lava and the stony surroundings. The tajisnaste also gives off a subtle aroma that is irresistible to bees, which produce a very light-coloured honey. There are walking routes to see the tajinastes in bloom between May and June, but it's not necessary to go too far into the Cañadas, as many of these bushes grow in the area near the Parador Nacional, which is easily accessible.

5. The piorn in Ávila

The imposing Sierra de Gredos is beautiful all year round, but in spring, especially in May, it is transformed with the flowering of the wild piorno trees. These bright yellow flowers colonise the valleys, gorges and slopes of the mountain range on its north side, in the province of Ávila, covering some 65,000 hectares, creating an almost magical effect.

There are routes with around 60 plomos observation points, and there is even a celebration in their honour called the "Festival del piorno en flor" with activities that promote knowledge and protection of this characteristic plant. The annual event has gradually become a symbol of tradition, culture, identity and sustainability.

6. Geraniums in Cordoba

La 'Fiesta de los patios de Córdoba' (The Cordoba Courtyard Festival) is a Unesco World Heritage Site. During this celebration, in mid-May, thousands of geraniums in bloom hang from the flowerpots in hundreds of white-painted courtyards in the Andalusian city. Cordoba City Council has been staging the courtyard competition since 1921, during which time patios and terraces are decorated with geraniums and gitanillas in what is an unparalleled explosion of colour. At the same time, a festival of flamenco music and dance is held, accompanied by local wines and gastronomy of the land – a true festival for the senses.

7. Lavender in Barcelona

The lavender fields of Santa Eulalia de Ronçana in Vallès Oriental, very close to Barcelona, are known as 'little Provence' and are becoming increasingly famous. They are located on the Mas Sampera estate, and entry is free of charge. With its 18,000 lavender plants, it is a real spectacle to visit them in bloom, especially at dusk, when the light best shades the beautiful purplish colour and the walk is more relaxing. A visit in June is highly recommended.

Image 1: WikimediaZarateman

Image 2: Wikimedia

Image 3: turismodeobservacion.com

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