The Senda de los Almendros is a short circular trail (PRC-VA 9) located within the Riberas de Castronuño-Vega del Duero Nature Reserve, the only protected natural area in the province of Valladolid. The route is approximately 3.4 to 4 kilometers long and has a moderate elevation gain of between 50 and 100 meters; its difficulty is classified as moderate or easy, depending on the source. The trail runs along the banks of the Duero River, passing through areas of reed beds, holm oak forests, and, primarily, fields of centuries-old almond trees that give the route its name. From the observation point, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the dammed bend in the Duero River—known locally as La Florida—as well as the San José Dam and the reserve’s bird observatory. The proximity to the water and the riparian vegetation allow for the observation of waterfowl, forest birds, and protected species such as the purple heron and the little bittern, which are found in one of the few breeding colonies in Castile and León. The trail includes a lookout point overlooking the San José Reservoir, a hydroelectric engineering project that regulates the area’s irrigation canals. The Senda de los Almendros is one of Valladolid’s best-known trails and is featured in the region’s hiking guides. It is at its most spectacular between February and March, when the centuries-old almond trees bloom in shades of white and pink, making this the trail’s busiest time for tourists. The trail is accessible with assistance for people with limited mobility for the first kilometer and a half up to the bird observatory, and it is suitable for children.
