The arrival of spring is just around the corner and bring with it a burst of life as trees and flowers begin to blossom. If you're a fan of cherry blossoms, you'll be pleased to know that you don't have to journey to Japan to see them. Cherry blossom in Portuguese translates as "flor de cerejeira", and the Portuguese town of Fundão in Castelo Branco boasts a stunning display of cherry trees in full bloom, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, forests, and rivers. During this time, Fundão hosts its very own cherry festival with events to celebrate the arrival of spring and the blooming of the cherry trees. Discover this breathtaking sight, and find out how and when you can experience cherry blossoms in Portugal in 2024.
What are cherry blossoms?
Cherry trees, as their name implies, produce the tasty red fruit, but there's a wide range of cherry tree varieties out there. Come springtime, these trees bloom with delicate flowers, typically in shades of pale pink, white, or purple. Cherry blossoms, also known as Sakura, are a beloved symbol of spring and are celebrated in many countries, including Portugal. In Portugal, cherry blossom trees can be spotted in various spots, like Fundão, as well as in parks, gardens, and streets throughout the country.
What are the meanings behind cherry blossoms?
Cherry blossoms symbolise the beauty of new life and renewal in spring. However, their lifespan is very short (usually only around 10 days); and for this reason, they also also represent the brief, fleeting nature of life.
What’s the best month to see cherry blossoms in Portugal?
The cherry blossom season typically occurs in late March to early April, when the trees produce a stunning display of pink and white flowers, although this largely depends on the weather and other conditions. The exact start of the blooming season in 2024 is yet to be determined, however, it is expected that the prime time to witness the cherry blossoms in Portugal will be near the end of March 2024, meaning you still have time to plan your trip to see this natural wonder.
Where is the best place to see cherry blossoms in Portugal?
If you want to see the arrival of Spring in full bloom in Portugal, then you cannot miss the cherry blossoms in Fundão, Castelo Branco. In this area, cherry blossoms are particularly abundant and well-known, and the town is a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the beauty of the cherry blossom season. Thousands of cherry trees with white and pale pink flowers cover the entire Gardunha mountain and if you want to see one of the most beautiful natural events of the year, then this is a must.
Fundão is known as the Portuguese “cherry town”, with a production that reaches more than 20 million euros, and attracting more than 130,000 tourists a year. and explores every single business opportunity involved with this fruit.
And all of this calls for a celebration: the cherry festival in Fundão is a popular event that attracts visitors from near and far, and offers an opportunity to experience the beauty of the cherry trees, as well as to participate in a range of cultural and recreational activities. The arrival of the cherry blossoms is traditionally accompanied by picnics, hot-air balloon rides, bicycle tours, train tours and many other events that allow tourists to enjoy a day out amongst the blossoming cherry trees.
Apart from its picturesque landscapes, Fundão town boasts numerous other attractions worth exploring. Be sure to take a stroll through the historic center and visit landmarks like the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, dating back to the 16th century, or the Capela da Nossa Senhora do Miradouro ou de Seixo, which dates from the 14th century and is associated with a legendary apparition of the Virgin Mary.
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