Almond Blossoms 2026: A Complete Guide to Experiencing this Season in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

There's a moment every year when Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro transform. The slopes that seemed dormant during winter are covered in white and pink, and the air—that dry, clean air of the interior—begins to smell of spring before it even arrives. It's the almond trees in bloom. And if you haven't yet experienced this season in this land, 2026 is the year to change that.

From the natural blossoming to the town fairs, from the trails along the Douro slopes to the tables laden with Trás-os-Montes gastronomy, this guide was created to help you plan a real visit, with verified information, updated dates, and everything a visitor needs to know before setting off.

Why Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro are the Right Route

Portugal has almond trees almost everywhere. But there's a huge difference between seeing a tree in bloom and entering an entire valley covered in white. That experience—the visual impact that makes you stop the car, get out, and stand still, gazing—happens here. In the Alto Douro and Northeast Transmontano regions.

Almonds aren't just decoration in these lands. They are culture, heritage, and identity. The municipalities of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Torre de Moncorvo, Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Mogadouro, and Vila Flor are among the country's main almond producers, and that's precisely why the flowering here has a different scale: continuous fields, entire hillsides, views that can't fit in a photograph. All these municipalities are part of the Upper Douro territory, one of the regions with the highest concentration of almond groves in the Iberian Peninsula [1].

And there's more: each municipality celebrates this season with its own fair, its own program, its own flavors. You don't come to see almond trees—you come to experience an entire region in celebration.

When the Almond Trees Bloom: The Right Window to Avoid Failure

Almond blossom is a natural phenomenon and, as such, unpredictable on a daily basis. Generally, it occurs between mid-February and mid-March, but depends on the year's climate, altitude, and sun exposure of each slope.

Flowering begins earlier at lower altitudes and in areas more exposed to the south—Freixo de Espada à Cinta and the banks of the Douro tend to start first. Torre de Moncorvo and the higher altitude villages, such as Açoreira, bloom slightly later, making them a good option if flowering in the lower areas is already well advanced. Vila Flor and Mogadouro follow their own rhythms, with the advantage of being geographically distant and always offering a second window of opportunity [1].

The most honest advice: don't plan to "go see almond trees" without checking the weather conditions of the previous days. A prolonged cold wind can delay everything; a hot and dry period can accelerate it. Follow the municipal councils of the region on social media—they usually share updated photos in real time.

Municipal Fairs: What Happens, Where and When

Vila Flor — Almond Blossom Program 2026

February 13th to March 8th | Free admission

Vila Flor kicks off the region's celebrations with a free-entry program spanning almost four weeks. The program includes an exhibition of knowledge and flavors with regional gastronomy and products, a hunting and falconry gathering, competitions, concerts, entertainment for all ages, and a kids' zone that makes the visit suitable for families [2]. The program includes themed weekends throughout the period — check the full program on the official website for concerts and activities for each date.

Vila Nova de Foz Côa — Almond Blossom Festival 2026

February 15th to March 8th

In its 44th edition, the Almond Blossom Festival in Foz Côa is one of the most popular nature tourism events in the country. The program includes concerts, theatre, street entertainment, walks, sporting activities, exhibitions and the traditional ethnographic and allegorical parade [3].

For the concerts, the highlight of the 2026 edition is clear: Bárbara Bandeira will take the stage at Expocôa on February 28th. There's also FF with Côartes on February 27th, and on the weekend of March 6th to 8th, Vizinhos and Karetus will perform on Saturday the 7th. The sports program includes the Foz Côa Douro Trail Adventure (February 20-22), The 37th Cycling Tour and the 3rd Inter-Parish Tour depart from Amêndoa on March 1st. The closing event takes place with the Ethnographic Parade on Sunday, March 8th [4].

Take the opportunity to visit the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, with its Upper Paleolithic rock paintings classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Visits must be booked in advance at museu-coa.pt.

Freixo de Espada à Cinta — Almond Blossom Fair 2026

February 28, March 1, 7 and 8

Freixo asserts itself as the "Capital of the Almond Blossom" — and this edition's program justifies the title. For two weekends, the territory transforms into a stage of flowery landscapes, tradition and entertainment, with regional gastronomy, local products, handicrafts, sports and musical performances by national artists [5].

The poster confirms big names: Nuno Ribeiro on February 28th and Diogo Piçarra on March 7th. On March 1st there will be a cooking demonstration with Óscar Geadas (Michelin-starred chef) and, in the afternoon, concert by the Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Vilarandelo Music Band. Every day there is entertainment with the Bagpipe Groups “Enxu Fole” and “Bomb'aí”, wine and cheese tasting, and at the end of the day on March 8th the Malha Tournament and the Bombos Meeting take place [5].

The Manueline architecture of the Parish Church, the Rooster Tower (heptagonal, a unique example in Portugal) and the route along the N221 between Freixo and Barca d'Alva — where almond and olive trees cover the slopes down to the Douro River — make this stop one of the most memorable on the entire route.

Mogadouro — Almond Trees in Bloom 2026

March 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15

Mogadouro celebrates this season with a program that puts the landscape at the center of everything. The most anticipated moment is the XXII Trails – Almond Blossoms, a walking tour through the municipality's almond groves that takes place on March 8th — a route that crosses fields in bloom with open horizons over the Trás-os-Montes plateau, in one of the most tranquil and least crowded settings of the entire route [6]. On the same day, the X Vintage Car Tour along the Almond Blossom Route also takes place, which runs along the rural paths between the almond groves [6].

The lively music of the Mogadouro Municipality Bagpipers accompanies every day of the festival, and the Pauliteiricos from the Music Workshops—guardians of one of the oldest traditional dances in the northeast—perform on the first weekend. Throughout the five days there are also concerts: Saul on the 8th, the Douro Superior Cultural Festival on the 14th and Siga a Farra on the 15th [6]. In parallel, the Free Fair of Local Products and Handicrafts takes place, where you can find local producers, almonds, DOP olive oil and handicrafts from Trás-os-Montes.

Mogadouro is the northeasternmost municipality on the entire route and, therefore, the furthest from the usual tourist circuits. Those who arrive here find the almond trees in their natural context, without stages or structures erected around them — just the fields, the silence, and the blossoming.

Torre de Moncorvo — Almond Blossoms 2026

March 7th and 8th | March 14th and 15th

Torre de Moncorvo organizes its festivities over two weekends in March, making it ideal for those who couldn't arrive earlier. The program includes musical entertainment, a market with regional products, and workshops [7]. The absolute highlight is the village of Açoreira, a few kilometers from the town center, where some of the largest almond orchards in the region are located, with views over the Douro River and the Serra do Reboredo.

Don't miss the Moncorvo-covered almonds—a regional specialty produced by hand, with a preparation process that you can observe in the town's shops. It's a craft preserved for generations that few places in the country still maintain in this way.

Suggested Itinerary: The 5 Municipalities in 5 Days

The most logical route enters via the A4 from Porto, descends to the Douro River at Foz Côa, follows the river through Freixo, climbs to Moncorvo, continues to the Mogadouro plateau and ends in Vila Flor — a route with real geographical sense, without detours.

Day 1 — Vila Nova de Foz Côa

Arrival at midday. The afternoon is for the Almond Blossom Festival — parade, street entertainment, walk through the village with the almond groves as a backdrop [2]. If the visit coincides with February 28th, there is Bárbara Bandeira in the evening at Expocôa [4]. If you have time, book a visit to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park in advance (museu-coa.pt) — it's well worth it.

Where to stay in Vila Nova de Foz Côa:

• Quinta Alto da Fraga

• Casa da Adega

• Eira da Fraga

• Casa do Rio

Day 2 — Torre de Moncorvo e Aldeia de Açoreira

From Foz Côa to Moncorvo it's about a 20-minute drive. A must-see is the village of Açoreira: enter, walk among the almond groves, and absorb the scale of this plantation. In the center of Moncorvo, visit the Igreja Matriz (Main Church) — one of the largest Manueline churches in the country — and buy some sugared almonds to take home. In the evening there's the Almond Blossom Festival (March 7-8 or 14-15).

Where to stay in Torre de Moncorvo and surrounding areas:

• Casa da Igreja 

• Casa da Avó 

• Quinta da Terrincha 

Day 3 — Freixo de Espada à Cinta

Departure in the morning towards Freixo de Espada à Cinta. The road between Moncorvo and the Upper Douro is a leisurely drive—there are stretches where the valley opens up and the slopes are dotted with almond and olive trees, especially as you approach the river.

If you want to extend the journey, descend to Barca d’Alva: the Douro nestled between cliffs, the curves over the river, and the white patches of almond trees create one of the most beautiful landscapes in this region. It's a road to stop, photograph, and simply linger. In the afternoon, the Almond Blossom Fair is underway—and perhaps Nuno Ribeiro or Diogo Piçarra will be performing in the evening.

Where to stay in Freixo de Espada à Cinta and surrounding areas:

• Casa de Alpajares

• Hotel Freixo Douro Superior

• Quinta do Salgueiro B&B - Turismo Rural

Day 4 — Mogadouro

From Moncorvo to Mogadouro it's about an hour through the interior. The scenery changes completely: you leave the Douro Valley and enter the Trás-os-Montes plateau, with open horizons and almond groves stretching as far as the eye can see. The highlight of the day is the XXII Trilhos – Amendoeiras em Flor (March 8th), a walking tour through the almond groves of the municipality. Before or after, visit Mogadouro Castle and get lost in the streets of this city, which celebrated its elevation to city status in 2025.

Where to stay in Mogadouro and surroundings:

• Alojamentos Origem Mogadouro 

• Hotel Trindade Coelho

• Casa de l’Eigreija

Day 5 — Vila Flor

Vila Flor is the perfect ending to the route: it lies between Mogadouro and the return route to Bragança or Porto, and has an almond blossom program until March 8th [1]. It is here that olive groves and almond orchards coexist most prominently in the landscape — and where it makes perfect sense to sample the Trás-os-Montes DOP olive oil before leaving. Visit an olive press, have lunch in the village, enjoy the afternoon program, and leave with your bags full of regional products.

Where to stay in Vila Flor:

• Quinta do Palame 

• Quinta da Pereira 

• Hotel Rural Villa Júlia 

• Casa dos Lagares de Vara e Pedra 

Gastronomy: What to Eat During the Almond Blossom Season

This season coincides with the end of the winter in Trás-os-Montes — and the regional cuisine is at its best. The Mirandesa-style steak (posta mirandesa) is the most emblematic dish: a thick Mirandesa veal steak, grilled and seasoned with the region's olive oil. Alheira sausage and farinheira sausage are obligatory additions to the snacks. Migas (bread crumbs) with olive oil and sautéed turnip greens complete any self-respecting meal. And to finish: Moncorvo's covered almonds — in all their variations, from chocolate to cinnamon — and the filhós (fried dough balls) that have been appearing on tables since Carnival.

Practical Tips

The ideal mode of transport is by car — the region is vast and the best moments happen on secondary roads where no buses pass. The A4 motorway is the main access route from Porto. During the weekends of the fairs, especially in Foz Côa and Freixo, book accommodation at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance. Pack in layers: in February and March, the days can be mild but the mornings and nights are cold. And bring a camera — the winter light in this region has something special about it.

One Season, One Region, One Experience to Remember

There are trips you take once and that stay in your memory forever. The almond blossom route in Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro is one of them—not because it's perfect, but because it's authentic. The white blanket of the slopes is real, the gastronomy is that of a family table, the olive oil they put on your table comes from olive groves you see from your windows, and the people at the markets still know the name of every product they sell.

It's not a staged spectacle for tourists. It's a region that celebrates its own identity—and that, at this time of year, shares that celebration with those who come from afar.

Discover more itineraries, experiences and flavors of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro at Azeite a Norte — and plan your next trip to the heart of the country.

Quick Calendar 2026

Municipality	Date	Highlights
Vila Flor	February 13 – March 8	Free entry, concerts, falconry, kids zone
Vila Nova de Foz Côa	February 15 – March 8	Bárbara Bandeira (February 28), Karetus, ethnographic parade
Freixo de Espada à Cinta	February 28, March 1, 7 and 8	Nuno Ribeiro, Diogo Piçarra, Óscar Geadas
Mogadouro	March 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15	Saul, Siga a Farra, Pauliteiros, Douro Superior Festival
Torre de Moncorvo	March 7-8 and March 14-15	Açoreira almonds, coated almonds

References

[1] Beira.pt — Douro Superior quer dar escala às festas da amendoeira em flor com organização conjunta. Disponível em: https://beira.pt/portal/noticias/douro-superior-quer-dar-escala-as-festas-da-amendoeira-flor-com-organizacao-conjunta/

[2] Município de Vila Flor — Programa Amendoeiras em Flor 2026. Disponível em: https://www.cm-vilaflor.pt/evento-57/programa-amendoeiras-em-flor-2026

[3] Azeite a Norte — Festa da Amendoeira em Flor 2026, Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Disponível em: https://www.azeiteanorte.pt/informa-es-do-evento-e-registro/festa-da-amendoeira-em-flor-2026-vila-nova-de-foz-coa

[4] Amendoeira em Flor — Programação oficial 2026, Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Disponível em: https://amendoeiraemflor.pt/

[5] Azeite a Norte — Feira da Amendoeira em Flor 2026, Freixo de Espada à Cinta. Disponível em: https://www.azeiteanorte.pt/informa-es-do-evento-e-registro/feira-da-amendoeira-em-flor-2026-freixo-de-espada-a-cinta 

[6] Agenda de Concertos — Amendoeiras em Flor 2026 em Mogadouro. Disponível em: https://agendadeconcertos.com/festa/amendoeiras-flor-mogadouro/

[7] Município de Torre de Moncorvo — Amendoeiras em Flor 2026. Disponível em: https://www.cm-moncorvo.pt/pages/861?event_id=855

[8] Booking.com — Turismo rural em Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. Disponível em: https://www.booking.com/farm-holidays/region/pt/tras-os-montes-alto-douro.pt-pt.html