The Algarve in Spring: Almond Blossoms and Moorish Princesses

Those who venture to the Algarve in early spring are often surprised by what they find in this far-flung corner of Europe. While (not much) further north, frost is a given, as are cloudy skies, Portugal’s southern edge is already welcoming spring as early as January. Blue skies frame vibrant green hills, spring flowers line country roads, and, most impressively, almond blossom swells, filling trees and tumbling onto the ground, painting entire hillsides white with its delicate petals.   

In fact, the almond blossom is such an impressive sight that it has been the subject of legend since times long gone – so let’s dive into a traditional Algarve tale from back when the Moors ruled present-day Portugal’s southern kingdoms.  

The Legend of the Almond Blossom*

*Many versions of this tale exist, referencing various kings and locations, but we’ve opted for a retelling of the traditional Portuguese version.  

 

Many centuries ago, a Moorish King ruled over Chelb, present-day Silves. A valiant ruler feared by kings far and wide, he had never once been defeated in battle.  

This day was no different, and he sat back proudly, taking in the battlefield as his men rounded up any survivors from the other camp. He would take them prisoner, and they would serve in his kingdom. As his eyes drifted down the line of chained figures, his breath caught in his chest, and he found himself propelled forwards, for he had never seen such rare beauty. With eyes the colour of sapphires and hair like liquid gold, Gilda stood tall and proud, refusing to allow the defeat of her people to phase her.  

Finding the thought of the young beauty in chains unbearable, the king immediately released her, begging that she ride in his carriage and arranging the most comfortable of rooms in his palace to accommodate her.  

Though it took time, he eventually won her trust, finally confessed his love for her, and proposed. She accepted.  

Happy summers came and went for the young couple, but their joy was not to last, for one day, the northern princess fell ill. The king sent for doctors from far and wide, but not one could find the source of her illness or provide a cure. The news spread of the king’s desperation to cure his beloved until one day, a message came up from the palace dungeons. A prisoner wanted an audience with the king.  

Desperate and willing to try anything that may help, the king sat on his gilded throne and watched as the hunched figure shuffled towards him. Barely more than a shadow, the prisoner bent low as he approached the king, his twisted body contorting unnaturally as a glint of gold shone through his matted hair.    

Impatient, the king demanded to know what information he might have. Finally lifting his head, the prisoner’s sharp eyes met the king’s, surprising the ruler with their intensity and deep sapphire tones.  

“The affliction that ails your beloved, dear ruler, is nostalgia”, stated the prisoner, his gnarled fingers flicking the air to emphasise his point. “Nostalgia for the snow of her distant homeland”.  

Willing to go to the ends of the earth to see his beloved smile, the king gathered a council of the wisest people in all the kingdom and stated that he would not rest until snow fell on his lands. His hot, arid lands, where mere rainfall was a scarcity.

All hope of the princess ever being cured was lost, until one day, the king rounded a corner and took in a sight more beautiful than he could ever have imagined. White covered the ground as delicate petals drifted down, carried by the breeze from the orchard of almond trees in full bloom. That same day, he ordered that almond trees be planted on all the hills throughout his kingdom.  

 

1. Almond blossom

The following spring, the king led Gilda up the narrow, winding stairs of the tallest tower in the palace. Reaching the very top, she took in the powdery white hills as far as the eye could see, and she was finally cured. The king and princess lived long lives filled with love, and every spring, they would climb the narrow, winding stairs of the tallest tower in the palace to watch as “snow” covered the kingdom.  

Almond Treats Not to be Missed

Though the sight of the Algarve’s almond trees in bloom is a treat in itself – and an experience not to be missed if you’re in the Algarve in early spring, sampling the delicacies made with the almonds themselves is also a must. Here are our top suggestions: 

• Traditional Algarve marzipan figures, which are said to date back to the Moorish rule of the region. 

• Algarve Almond “cheeses” – soft wheels filled with a traditional egg yolk and sugar custard and coated in powdered and granulated sugar for a delicate finish. 
• Dom Rodrigo – made with egg yolks, sugar, almonds, and cinnamon, and often wrapped in colourful tin foil.  

 

  2. Dom Rodrigo                               3. Marzipan Figures “Doce Fino”                        4. Almond Tart

 

Lagos has some standout bakeries, including Pastelaria Algarve, Padaria Central, and Bolodoce & Café, or you can simply have your concierge at LUX MARE rustle you up a tasting selection to work your way through throughout your stay. So, will this be the year you finally experience the Algarve in early spring?