Wildflowers provide extraordinary vistas on mountain slopes all over Spain, sparking a rainbow of colours on green hillsides in the spring.
I am no botanist and struggle to name almost all of species which excite butterflies and naturalists in equal measure. However, I am able to give pointers on where to see them.
In the south-east, the Guadalest Valley – which runs inland from Benidorm, La Nucía and Altea – is a great spot to see fields of poppies and other flora. A walking route is suggested below, which is near the top of valley.
Further afield, I would point to the section of this website which covers Teruel. In April, May and June, extensive fields of wildflowers can be seen around most of the villages listed. And many of the suggested walks will be adorned with colour and clouds of butterflies which add to the spectacle.
In the Pyrenees, more hardy species can be seen at prodigious heights, before they wilt in the summer heat.
And I should mention the importance of rain. The spring of 2024 was very disappointing in the south-east of Spain because of the drought. Many wildflowers failed to materialise due to the lack of moisture in the soil. If there is adequate precipitation, then La Mata-Torrevieja natural park is a great spot to see colourful flora. The route in the Alicante South & Murcia section named Vines and Pines is a short walk close to shore of La Mata lake which is best done in March, April and early May in order to see the flowers.
The valley walk
This route from Confrides on the lower slopes of Sierra Aitana is to see the mountainside in full colour – the verdant grassy slopes; the purples, lilacs, reds and pinks of the wildflowers; and succulent burgundy cherries and other fruits in the orchards.
It’s is not a difficult walk; a gentle climb up country lanes and tracks. Head out of the back of Confrides on the CV-70 road towards Alcoy. It is slightly uphill going out of the village. After around 10 minutes turn off left, just after the kilometre 21 sign. Head up the potholed country lane. First of all see the vines, where the grapes will be ripening in early summer.
It’s a gradual ascent with ever improving views across to the Sierra de Serrella. The lane winds up through the cherry and almond orchards, past tumble-down farmhouses and fields full of flowers in the spring. There are also apple trees. After a couple of kilometres, at a saddle, where there is an old farmhouse, the road forks. Take the track off left to continue ascending.
Emerge at the narrow mountain road, where it is decision time. Some people will want to continue; they can turn right to walk up the lane for a couple of kilometres to reach the Font de l’Arbre picnic tables, where they will find more fruit trees and spring flowers. It’s a good spot to take out the sandwiches and maybe a flask of coffee.
As walkers will be returning on the same route, it is up to them to decide exactly when they want to head back.
To get to the start point, take the CV-70 from La Nucía to Confrides. Park up on the main road outside Pension Pirineo.
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