Palma de Mallorca, 19th Jan 06

MALLORCA GOES NUTS FOR ALMONDS

The almond blossom is about to bloom all around the island...

Mallorca, one of the Brit’s best loved overseas destinations, is preparing for its early spring celebration of the almond. From late January through February and early March, all the land that is planted with almond trees, there are approximately 4 million around the island, is covered in a carpet of almond blossom, which has inspired many artists and photographers throughout the years.

ROMANTIC WALKING IN FIELDS OF ALMOND BLOSSOM

Walking at “almond blossom” time is fabulous, romantic and unique. Hence many hotels, tourist offices and walking associations on the island all feature their own version of walks to take in the spectacular countryside in full bloom.

Valerie Crespí-Green, one of the island’s best known walkers, has just released a new book called “Walk & Eat on Mallorca”. In addition, her well-known hiking guide book “Landscapes of Mallorca”, is now in its 5th edition. Both books are available in the UK from Sunflower Books.

Another walking book written by British author, June Parker, called “Walking in Mallorca”, is now available from Cicerone Press.

GUIDED WALKS

Calvia – (south west) the most famous resort area of Mallorca, has put together a book of walks prepared by Valerie Green. The book, entitled “Landscapes of Calvia”, costs 1 euro and is available from any one of the 6 tourist offices in the region. It features 15 different walks with easy to follow detail and advice, comprehensive maps and information on the local flora and fauna.

In addition, Calvia features guided walks throughout the winter season, including a special “Almond Blossom Walk” in February, as part of its “Winter in Calvia” programme for holiday visitors, which is specifically aimed at the over 55’s market. For more information: www.calvia.net.

Soller – (western mountain region) here two multi lingual experienced guides are available throughout the winter and spring. They feature a variety of walks with different fitness level and can be contacted via their website: www.mallorcamuntanya.com.

WALKS ALONG ANCIENT STONE PATHS

For the enthusiast walking along Mallorca’s ancient route is one of the best ways to see the countryside and take in historic relics and places of interest. These paths, which have been restored over the past few years, run mainly through old bridle ways close to the higher peaks of the Tramuntana mountain range. Once finished, the route will total a 150 kms of pathways and will join the southern end of the Tramuntana range at Andratx with the northern end at Pollenca.

The route is divided into 8 stages and each stage will have its own refuge when the restoration is complete. To date, two refuges are now open; Tossals Verds & Muleta. For further information in English go to:
www.conselldemallorca.net/mediambient/pedra

ALMOND CUISINE

Almonds remain one of the primary agricultural crops on Mallorca and much of the local cuisine, in springtime, takes full advantage of the nut with a range of dishes from almond soup, rabbit/chicken/fish cooked in almonds, to ice cream, cake, tarts, turron (nougat) and biscuits. All these traditional dishes are widely available in restaurants throughout the island.

Now with the development of spas and health treatment centres on the island, some spas even feature treatments using almonds together with a whole range of nourishing body creams.

Almond recipes are plentiful a selection can be found in Vicky Bennison’s book, “The Taste of a Place Mallorca”, published by Chakula Press Ltd.

SPECIALIST TOUR OPERATORS

Various tour operators feature walking holidays on the island. Herewith two examples: Headwater Holidays, www.headwaterholidays.com and Inn Travel, www.inntravel.co.uk.

Photographs of almond blossom on the island are available on the Mallorca Tourist Board’s website: www.newsmallorca.com

For further information, please contact:
Mallorca Tourist Board, Dominique Carroll / Anna Skidmore,
Tel:(+34) 971 725 396 Fax: (+34) 971 713 540
E-Mail: info@fomentmallorca.org

Further Press Releases:

FIVE NEW HOTEL OPENINGS IN MALLORCA SPRING – SUMMER 2013 (31st May 13)

GOOD NEWS FOR MALLORCA IN 2012 (09th Feb 12)

THREE KINGS - THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE! (05th Jan 12)