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The humble almond is a stranger to British shores but across the Mediterranean, it is grown widely especially in locations with warm, dry weather for most of the year. This includes many parts of Greece, Cyprus and the Balearic Islands. In the Canaries, Christmas is a time when the shelves of supermarkets become stocked with all kinds of almond-based delicacies including the traditional Turron, a type of nougat.

Almonds are grown all over the island of Mallorca. In fact, the island claims to have over five million almond trees in its many orchards. When these trees come into blossom during February and March, it makes for some spectacular scenes, which have been used by those who paint or take photographs on the island.

The almonds are used to make all kinds of dishes. Mainly sweet ones, but almond soup is also said to be quite tasty. The fruit is now also used in creams and other cosmetics. Son Servera, a small town to the north east of Manacor, puts on a special Almond Fair at the beginning of February, to promote the crop and show people the range of almond products and recipes. The blossom on the almond trees makes walks on the island even more enjoyable at this time of year and areas around Soller, Calvia, Colonia san Pere and inland from Alcudia are all good places to take in the views.

One way to enjoy the countryside at this time of year is to walk along Mallorca's newly renovated ancient stone wall paths. This 150km route of pathways is being renovated in a similar way to the coastal paths of Menorca.