The almond blossom of Santiago del Teide

Every year it is quite an event:  el Almendro en Flor de Santiago del Teide . The almond blossom of Santiago del Teide. Located at an altitude of 930 meters, the picturesque village is actually worth a visit all year round, with its beautiful church, typical restaurants and of course the many beautiful hiking trails that can be found in and around this area.

From the end of January to the beginning of March, hundreds of almond trees are in bloom. Incidentally, the blossom is not limited to Santiago del Teide, these beautiful trees can also be found in other places on the island - for example around Vilaflor.

Almond cultivation

The trees are not just for decoration. Not so long ago, almond cultivation was an important source of income. The tree does very well in the Canary Islands (especially La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria) as it needs little water. The ideal fruit tree par excellence for the arid areas of the island.

Did you know that Spain is the 2nd largest almond producer worldwide? Although the majority is grown on the mainland of Spain, the almonds from the Canary Islands are also in great demand, especially on the islands themselves.

It is therefore not surprising that we the almond is frequently used in the Canarian kitchen. Ever tried a Bienmesabe ? This delicious dessert based on egg yolk, honey and almonds is finger-licking good! The name actually means 'it tastes good to me'. Definitely worth a try!

Almond Blossom Campaign

The annual Campaña de El Almendro en Flor in Santiago del Teide runs this year from January 28, 2023 to February 26, 2023. The activity program includes organized walks, gastronomic workshops, craft markets, music and exhibitions.

Click here for the Facebook page of the municipality of Santiago del Teide, where you will find, among other things, the full brochure with all planned activities.

Insider tips:

 If you plan to hike one of the beautiful routes on your own , please note the following:

• best go on a weekday. On weekends it is generally a lot busier on the hiking trails during this period.
• go as early as possible. The village is not very big and there are not too many parking spaces. If you make sure you get there around 8:30 in the morning, it is still fairly quiet and you will certainly find a parking space. Alternatively, Santiago is also well served by public transport. Click here for a link to Google Maps with the exact bus stop. You can enter your starting position and Google Maps will then calculate which bus connection is easiest to take. If you have any doubts about how the bus system works in Tenerife, be sure to take a look at section Public transport.

If you would like to sign up for one of the organized hikes you can do so with the hiking excursions of El Cardon (click here) who provide the official hikes of the municipality of Santiago del Teide. Please note:

• due to the limited number of places, it is essential to book in advance.
• the price of each route is  5€ per person
• bring your own picnic
• the guidance is in Spanish
• For more information, call the Culture Department of the City Council of Santiago del Teide: (+34 922 86 31 27 extension 300)

Otherwise, the normal hiking tips apply, such as the following checklist:

• wear shoes with a profile
• bring a walking stick
• a cap or hat with a visor (especially essential during sunrise)
• enough water and maybe a piece of fruit
• keep in mind that it can still be quite cold around 8:30 in the morning. So be sure to bring long pants and a windbreaker. Temperatures rise over the course of the hike, so maybe pack a pair of shorts as well.
• ….and…don't forget your camera!

Suggested Route

There are several routes to see the almond blossom. My personal favorite is a - not very long - circular walk from Santiago del Teide towards the Santuario Virgen and back via Valle de Arriba. View the route in this route planner:

Have fun, stay safe and...¡Hasta Pronto!