Spring in Portugal

Portugal is on the same parallel as New York City. The climate, however, is mild  courtesy of the Gulf Stream which makes it a Mediterranean climate. That does not mean that spring is less welcome. The wet, chill rains of winters pelt the pavements from October through February.

The first harbinger of spring blossoms in the Algarve when the almond trees burst forth in January. The blossoms are like snow without the cold and wet. Slowly spring moves north and soon the warmth of the spring sun warms the country altogether.

Soon the winter vegetables give way to peas, lettuce and other warm weather delights. The school children take off their woolen clothing and exchange them for something lighter. Potted plants begin to stretch toward the sun and thoughts of the beach. I think spring was my favorite time in Portugal.

The almond trees in bloom, courtesy of Foz Côa Friends – Associação – find them on Facebook.