Spain’s cherry blossom season 2026 begins soon: Best places to see it

Spain’s famous cherry blossom season is about to begin, transforming parts of the country into vast landscapes of pink and white flowers. The annual bloom, which attracts thousands of visitors every spring, is expected to start within weeks in several regions including Extremadura and parts of Aragón. For British tourists and residents in Spain, the short blooming window offers one of the most spectacular seasonal experiences in the country.

When the blossom season begins

Spain’s cherry blossom season is beginning slightly earlier this year following a relatively mild winter in many regions. Tourism officials in Extremadura say the first blossoms are expected to appear from mid-March, with peak bloom likely towards late March and early April, depending on temperatures in the coming weeks.

The most famous display takes place in the Jerte Valley (Valle del Jerte) in Cáceres province. Here, more than one million cherry trees bloom across the valley each spring, creating one of Spain’s most photographed natural events. You can also read more about Spain’s spring blossom destinations in this guide.

The bloom is celebrated with the annual “Cerezo en Flor” festival, which includes local markets, guided walks, cultural events and food fairs across several villages in the valley, according to the Jerte Valley tourism office.

Where visitors will notice the biggest impact

During blossom season, quiet rural areas can suddenly become some of Spain’s most visited spring destinations. Small towns such as Jerte, Cabezuela del Valle, Navaconcejo and Tornavacas typically see a surge in visitors as people travel to see the flowering orchards. The Jerte Valley is well known for its spring cherry blossom landscapces and traditional villages.

Accommodation in the area often fills quickly during the peak bloom period. Many visitors travel from major cities like Madrid, Seville or Salamanca, while British residents living in coastal areas such as Marbella, Fuengirola or Alicante often make weekend trips inland to experience the blossom season.

Local restaurants, rural hotels and farm shops benefit from the seasonal tourism, which provides an important economic boost before Spain’s busy summer holiday season begins.

Planning a trip to see the blossoms

If you want to see the cherry blossoms in Spain this year, it is worth planning ahead because the bloom only lasts for a short time.

Here are a few practical tips:

• Check blossom forecasts released by Jerte Valley tourism offices in March.

• Book rural accommodation early if planning an overnight stay.

• Visit during weekdays if possible to avoid the busiest crowds.

• Explore walking routes through the orchards for the best views.

Driving through the valley is one of the most popular ways to experience the blossom, with scenic routes connecting the small villages where hillsides are covered in flowering trees.

Other places in Spain with cherry blossoms

Spain’s cherry blossom displays are sometimes compared to Japan’s famous sakura season, but the experience is quite different. In Spain, the blossoms spread across entire agricultural valleys and mountain landscapes, rather than city parks.

The exact timing of the bloom varies every year depending on rainfall and spring temperatures.

Common questions

When is the best time to visit?
The peak blossom usually lasts around 7 to 10 days, most often between late March and early April.

Do you need tickets to see the blossoms?
No. The orchards are spread across open countryside and can be viewed from public roads, viewpoints and hiking routes.

Can tourists easily visit the area?
Yes. The Jerte Valley is around three hours by car from Madrid, making it a popular weekend trip during the blossom season.

How the blossom season will unfold

Local tourism authorities are expected to release updated bloom forecasts and festival schedules in the coming weeks as temperatures rise in March. Once the flowering begins, visitors will have only a short window to see one of Spain’s most spectacular spring landscapes before the petals fall and the orchards turn green again.