Enjoy The Flowering Of Fruit Trees In Aitona
Today we propose a different getaway. A trip to witness one of the most fascinating spectacles of nature. The flowering periods that Mother Nature gives us each season are short, punctual and magical. We are going to Lleida to contemplate the flowering of fruit trees in Aitona.
Located in the Segriá region, Aitona places its origin in an old Saracen castle. A land full of charms that awaits us to go out in search of the pink flower of the peach tree.
A sea of flowers wrapped in tons of legends, a rich history and a wonderful cultural heritage make this visit something really special. Do not fall asleep and prepare your travel bag. You have two weeks to witness this burst of color. Follow us, we will tell you.
A little history about Aitona
Its name seems to be a toponymy of Arabic origin, “d´Azitona” (olive). Conquered by Ermengol VI of Urgel in 1145, it remained in possession of his crown until 1212. A year later it became the barony of Aitona and in 1223 it was in the hands of the Montcada family.
One of the symbols of the shield of Aitona is the rooster. An especially important animal for this population. According to legend, she was alerted to the imminent attack by the Arabs by all the roosters in the town, who began to crow at the same time. Thanks to this, Aitona was saved from the attack.
You can still see some remains of the castle that gave rise to the town, on top of a hill. You can also visit the sanctuary of San Juan de Carratalán, rebuilt by the Knights Hospitallers on an old mosque.
The flowering of the fruit trees in Aitona
At this moment it is already known as the “Catalan Jerte Valley” or “Spring of Japan in Aitona”. A getaway that has become in recent years an exclusive, unknown and unique trip to experience one of the most beautiful natural spectacles in the world.
An old ditch of Arab origin, with 27 kilometers and 25 meters of unevenness, along with other channels, served Aitona to complete a unique landscape that has served as a movie set.
There are several guided coach routes that can be hired to visit the fields. But there is also the possibility of doing them on your own. These are the three Aitona proposals for your free visit, all three can be done on foot or by bicycle:
- Sierra Brisa Route: it is a route that ascends the roads that surround the town to obtain the best panoramic views. About 4.5 km.
- Fruit tree route: a completely flat route between the fruit trees and the Segre river. About 6.5 km.
- Aitona-Soses natural green path route : bordering the Segre river, from Aitona to Soses. It is a green route with autochthonous fauna of about 10 km.
Gastronomy of Aitona
After touring its fields and filling all your senses with the experience, we have to sit down at the table and see what these lands have to offer to the palate. Magnificent tastings of all the culinary arts that its inhabitants have developed with their star product await you in Aitona.
You can try the exquisite coca de recapte with peach, the peach with wine or new combinations, such as the etoscagin or the shot of genó. The perfect icing for after a wonderful journey among the beautiful fruit trees of Aitona.
Something more than flowers
Aitona also has a rich cultural heritage that cannot be missed. The castle of Aitona and the sanctuary, previously mentioned are some of them.
The Morería neighborhood is a fascinating historical complex with a narrow network of alleys, quite rare in these lands. The 18th century parish church of San Antolín Mártir and the chapel of San Cayetano complete this unique getaway.
A sea of pink flowers, whose petals even cover the roads. We can’t think of a more idyllic place to get lost. The recommended visit is in March, due to the spectacular pink color of the landscape.
However, throughout the year the colors of the Aitona fruit trees change in hue. The landscape is in constant transformation, so a visit at any time never disappoints.
