Rock roses are common plants of the matorral; this is the Large Pink Cistus.

Most of us have heard that the Mediterranean has been much altered by Man over the millennia. Firstly by clearing the primeval forest and secondly, by allowing his goats to eat everything in sight. Including tree seedlings.

Goats and sheep are said have been important in shaping the landscape.

No trees means that soil is quickly eroded and washed into rivers and the sea, silting up ports and coastlines. The result is barren mountainsides unable to support life, destroying agriculture and causing floods and famines.

However, from February onwards the casual observer is struck by a remarkable transformation. The countryside becomes alive with wildflowers and thousands of birds, bees and insects.

Today is your opportunity to find out more about this intriguing paradox.
The whole valley has been terraced to create an unparalled cultural landscape.
Almond blossom in February, within two weeks the first almonds start to grow and finish with the harvest in September.

For three weeks in February the almond trees burst into blossom in a riot of whites and pinks. The result is an unique display of colours, scents and sounds.

One of the most impressive features of the land around Tàrbena are the terraces carved out of  mountainsides, a process started by the Moors 1200 years ago.