Hundreds flock to western Catalonia to see almond trees in bloom

Hundreds of visitors have headed to the countryside near the small town of Arbeca, in western Catalonia, this weekend to take in breathtaking views of a white sea of almond trees in bloom.

It is the first weekend of the year that people have been able to enjoy the blossoming rural landscape in Les Garrigues county, not far from the regional capital of Lleida, but those who haven't been able to make out there just yet still have until early March to soak up the sight.  

To celebrate the start of the almond bloom season, the town of Arbeca and local companies offered some 200 day-trippers a local food-product tasting and guided tours around the historic town center.

Magda Garret, who promotes tourism for the local council, says the annual "visual spectacle" is a good opportunity to boost local "shops, restaurants, and lodging."

According to her, more and more people are also becoming interested in learning about the countryside where their food comes from.