Crags meet agriculture

The limestone that lines Catalonia's coast is even more abundant inland, forming bold shapes such as the Roques de Benet. These castle-like formations are considered icons of this autonomous community of Spain—as are the two crops arrayed before us. Neat vineyard rows, still foliage-free as spring unfolds, point the way to a grove of blossoming almond trees. Tinted to a marzipan tone by the setting sun, the bloom will soon give way to a multitude of snack-size fruits—likely the coveted Marcona variety, which originated right here in Catalonia.