Cherry blossom in the Jerte valley

What it is

The Jerte valley runs north-east from Plasencia in the province of Cáceres. Its steep sides are cut into stone terraces planted with well over a million cherry trees. They are grown for fruit, including the local picota cherry, which is picked without its stalk. For around ten days, usually in late March or early April, the whole valley flowers white, starting at the bottom and climbing as the days warm. The villages mark it with the Fiesta del Cerezo en Flor, the cherry blossom festival, with markets, walks and music. The harvest follows from May.

Before you go

• The date changes each year with the weather. The valley's tourist office publishes a bloom forecast.
• Drive or walk up the side roads towards the higher villages for wider views.
• The orchards are family farms. Do not break branches for photographs.

The flowers you will see

Wild cherryA tall flowering tree native to Europe, grown for its sweet fruit and spring blossomCherry blossomThe spring-blooming flower of ornamental cherry trees, central to Japan’s hanami custom

More in Spain

🇪🇸 Barcelona · All yearThe flower kiosks of La RamblaA stretch of Barcelona's central promenade lined with flower kiosks since the nineteenth century, busiest on 23 April. 🇪🇸 Granada · Apr to OctThe Generalife gardens above the AlhambraThe summer estate of Granada's Nasrid rulers, where water channels run between roses, myrtle, jasmine and orange trees. 🇪🇸 Córdoba · MayThe patios of Córdoba in MayFor two weeks each May, families in Córdoba's old quarters open their flower-filled courtyards to anyone who walks in.