Experience the Spectacular Wonders of Nature in Tenerife

This weekend marks the commencement of one of the most significant natural spectacles in Tenerife: the Almond Blossoms of Santiago del Teide. The local council of this southern municipality is well-prepared to enable visitors to enjoy various paths where the dramatic hues of volcanic landscapes and the verdant pines contrast beautifully with the white and pink blooms of countless almond trees. These scenic routes encompass the historic centre, access points to the municipality, the Chinyero Natural Reserve, and the Forest Crown Natural Park.

In addition to the excursions, guests will be able to partake in a comprehensive programme of activities, a tradition that grows stronger each year. Highlights include musical performances, a photography competition, workshops, a folk festival, and a gastronomic route centred around almonds, among numerous other attractions taking place from Saturday, February 1 to March 4.

Although almonds were introduced to the Canary Islands shortly after the Castilian conquest in the late 15th century, their cultivation flourished in these volcanic regions, at the foot of Teide National Park, during the mid-19th century, particularly when landowners, facing challenges due to cochineal pests that affected their crops, sought alternative agricultural options. The almond tree emerged as an ideal choice during this period.

This led to the introduction of these Asian-origin fruits within this segment of the island. The eruptions, most notably that of Chinyero in 1909, rendered much of the land barren, thus necessitating the use of hardy plants.

The activities begin this Saturday with two routes: one long, challenging trek, and another shorter, moderate one, both departing from the Main Square of Santiago del Teide at 09:00 hours. The almond trees are just beginning to bloom, which is anticipated to reach their peak splendour during the weekend of February 8-9. This location will be the focal point of the festivities.

The Santiago del Teide City Council is incorporating within the extensive agenda for the 28th edition of the Almendro en Flor campaign, a new edition of the Gastronomic Route set to run from February 1 to March 4.

A total of 14 establishments in the town centre, including those in Arguayo and Retamar, will present a variety of tapas, meals, and breakfasts for visitors and hikers participating in the organised paths or exploring on their own. Additionally, another 12 shops in these locales will offer a diverse array of almond-related products.

The participating dining establishments that have opted to join this initiative include: El Patio Restaurant Bar; Stop Bar; Bar Soto Café; Los Brothers Café; El Aguayo Bar; Burguer El Retamar Cafetería Bar; Bar Cafetería Tropic II; Tropic Arguayo Café; Creperia Cositas; Peak Flower Café; La Casona del Patio; Santiago del Teide Restaurant; Bar Arera Km 101; and Bar Cafetería Plaza.

In terms of commercial offerings, this year’s participants comprise: El Valle Supermarket; El Valle Florist; Chapa and Painting Workshop Luis; Mini Market Santiago del Teide; Mirely Store; Ferretería Daluis; Lavaria Lavaria; Casa Aloe Vera and Crafts; La Venta Supermarket; El Retamar; Gloko; and the Gasolinera Services Station El Señor del Valle.

Furthermore, from March 3 to 10, the deadline for submitting digital photographic works for the XXVIII Almendro Photography Contest in Flor 2025 will open, welcoming entries from individuals over 18, regardless of nationality or country of residence.

Contestants may submit one entry per category, ensuring that the submitted image file includes the name of the location where the photograph was taken, accompanied by the author’s personal details.

In terms of photography categories, this year will feature three separate categories: night photography, creative and conceptual photography, and macro. Cash prizes ranging from 300 euros for the first place to 150 euros for third place will be awarded.

These are the primary events scheduled by the Santiago City Council as part of the latest edition of the Almendros en Flor.

Saturday, February 1:

• Long and short routes from the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. 09:00 hours.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Watercolour workshop ‘El Almendro’ in the main square of the helmet. 11:00 hours.
• Musical performance by the Marea 3 group in the square. 16:00 hours.

Sunday, February 2:

• Guided service to explore the path of blooming almond trees from the Main Plaza del Casco.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Musical performance by the Contrastes group in the square. 16:00 hours.

Saturday, February 8:

• Two long routes departing from the main square of the helmet. 09:00 and 09:30 hours.
• Two short routes departing from the main square of the helmet. 09:00 and 09:30 hours.
• A special route designed for pets from the main square of the helmet. 10:00 hours.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Almond fanfare and tasting of almond cocktails in the square. 11:00 hours.
• Performance by the local heat school group in the square. 16:00 hours.

Sunday, February 9:

• Guided service to traverse the path of blossoming almond trees from the Main Plaza del Casco.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Musical performance by the Paraíso Group. 16:00 hours.

Saturday, February 15:

• Three routes for love from the Plaza del Casco. 09:00 hours.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Children’s cooking workshop in the central courtyard of the City Council headquarters. 10:00 a.m. – 13:00 hours.
• Musical performance by the Agua del Chorro group in the square. 16:00 hours.

Sunday, February 16:

• Guided service to explore the path of blossoming almond trees from the Main Plaza del Casco.
• Almond workshop in the square. 11:00 hours.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Musical performance by the Vandal group in the square. 16:00 hours.

Saturday, February 22:

• Three Family Routes Santiago del Teide-Las Stains departing from the Plaza de Santiago del Teide. 09:00, 09:30, and 10:00 hours.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• DEMONSTRATION AND PREPARATION OF MONACAL ALMENDRO CAKE IN THE SQUARE. 11:00 hours.
• Marching band performance in the square. 11:00 hours.
• Musical performance by the Güicho group and friends in the square. 16:00 hours.

Sunday, February 23:

• Guided service to traverse the path of blossoming almond trees from the Main Plaza del Casco.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Musical performance by the Red Soul Band group in the square. 16:00 hours.

Saturday, March 1:

• Two routes departing from the Plaza del Casco. 09:00 hours.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Almond Cooking Workshop and Mojo de Almendra de Santiago del Teide. 11:00 hours.
• Musical performance by Uncle Franklin’s group. 16:00 hours.
• First Edition of the Almond Festival. Chinyero Visitors Centre. 19:00 hours.

Sunday, March 2:

• Guided service to traverse the path of blooming almond trees from the Main Plaza del Casco.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Performance by the Setto Boyeros Group. 16:00 hours.

Tuesday, March 4:

• Guided service to explore the path of blossoming almond trees from the Main Plaza del Casco.
• Country carnival with dwitti dance. 16:00 hours.
• Agroartesanal Market in the main square of the Santiago del Teide helmet. From 09:00 to 18:00 hours.
• Musical performance by the Orchestra Maraury Group. 16:00 hours.