Pink Almond Blossoms Adorn Tenerife's Black Lava Fields

The annual almond blossom in Santiago del Teide, in southern Tenerife, is a truly special natural sight. What makes it unique is its location: the almond trees bloom right on the dark lava flows from the Chinyero volcano's eruption in 1909. This mix of pink flowers and black volcanic rock creates a stunning scene that isn't seen with the same intensity anywhere else on the island, even where other almond trees bloom.

Every year, thousands of hikers and curious visitors come to explore this area, walking among the remnants of the island's last volcanic eruption. For nearly 30 years, the Santiago del Teide Town Council has worked hard to promote this event, making it a major attraction. This year's program, which included guided walks, workshops, and concerts, ran from January 24 and finished yesterday. It has firmly established the town as a top spot for nature tourism.

José Luis Rivas, an official guide for the program and a partner with El Cardón NaturExperience, noted the huge number of visitors. "Many thousands of people come through here throughout the entire blooming process, not just on weekends, but also during the week," he said. He added that people often ask about the best routes to see the blooming almond trees. Rivas mentioned that right now, the most abundant blooms are in the El Calvario area. He also pointed out that recent rains have made the trails perfect for walking, with broom, thyme, and pennyroyal adding to the beauty of the hike.

Along trails like the PR-TF 43.3, which leads to Chinyero, you can see all sorts of people: families, groups of friends, couples, people walking their pets, athletes, and tourists. The tourists are often the best prepared for the walk. Ana, visiting from Tejina de Isora, is back for her second year with her family. She loves the beautiful scenery and stressed that you don't need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy this natural show.

The area's geological past also adds to its charm. Bilma peak, for instance, is part of local stories about the 1909 eruption. People say that residents from Las Manchas climbed to Santa Ana, hoping to stop the lava flow, which eventually surrounded Bilma. Another story credits the Holy Christ of the Valley with a miracle. One hundred and seventeen years after that volcanic event, Santiago del Teide remembers a powerful natural disaster while also celebrating the vibrant life that now fills its valleys and trails with colour.