In a Nutshell: Travel Destinations for Pistachio Lovers to Explore
A vibrant green hue is taking over social media feeds and local patisseries; from chocolate treats, to now influencing runway fits and even home decor accessories, the pistachio nut is having a moment. Following the viral sensation of the “dubai chocolate bar”, pistachios are truly basking in the culinary spotlight. For those who go “nuts” for this delicious treat, it can now also influence your travel plans too, with 42%* of travelers motivated to visit a new place to experience the local food culture and cuisine. We are showcasing mouthwatering destinations from around the world that are ideal for pistachio lovers, from the origins of viral flavours to pistachio monuments and farms.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is a stylish and indulgent destination, much like the chocolate. However, and as some may not be as familiar with, the old town souks and creeks are where the city’s charm and authenticity lies. Start any visit to the city with a trip to the Dubai Creek to experience the variety of traditional Dubai Souks (including spice, gold and textiles) to bring back a souvenir from the Gulf of a gold necklace, local Emirati dress, or even a bag of za’atar - grown in the heart of the Middle East. Or grab a bag of pistachios to taste the inspiration behind the chocolate while strolling the market streets. Climbing up the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, situated in the downtown district of the city, shopping in the Dubai Mall, a visit to the Museum of the Future and a beach day on the Palm should not be missed while in the city. Whether traveling to Dubai to buy the authentic viral bar, to experience the glitz and glamor, or to shop in the local markets, don’t miss out on exploring all the city has to offer.
Where to stay: Located a 10-minute drive away from where the city’s souks are situated, Golden Sands Boutique Hotel, located overlooking the Dubai Creek, offers travelers the perfect location to taste and shop to their heart’s delight. Lounge overlooking the city’s picture-perfect city skyline view from the rooftop pool, or enjoy a drink in the hotel’s bar while admiring the glitzy interiors that align with the lavish lifestyle of Dubai.
Alamogordo, New Mexico, USA
The USA is well-known for its pistachio production, with advanced irrigation and farming technology allowing it to produce the majority of the world’s supply. While most of the USA’s pistachio production is in California, due to the growing conditions with dry heat and well-draining soil, for travelers there is another must-see destination to consider. On the outskirts of White Sands National Park lies the city of Alamogordo within New Mexico, home to PistachioLand and the World's Largest Pistachio. Visitors can see the pistachio sculpture, which was built in 2007 and visit the working farm where pistachios and wine grapes are produced on a PistachioLand Farm Tour, riding through the pistachio orchards and vineyards on a 14 passenger electric vehicle. Beyond this green nut, Alamogordo offers a mix of outdoor adventure and space history for visitors. Travelers can experience the otherworldly landscape of the white gypsum dunes in the nearby National Park, ideal for sand sledding and hiking, before venturing to another world with a visit to New Mexico Museum of Space History.
Where to stay: A short drive from the White Sands National Park, Home2 Suites By Hilton Alamogordo White Sands offers a home-away-from-home feel in the desert foothills of the Sacramento Mountains. Alongside the well-equipped rooms, the hotel offers a spa and wellness centre with saltwater swimming pool, sun terrace, and fitness room for guests to enjoy.
Catania, Sicily, Italy
Catania, nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily, offers the ideal getaway for those nuts about pistachios. Grown on the slopes of Mount Etna, Sicilian pistachios benefit from volcanic soil, which gives them a rich, complex flavour and bright green hue. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture by touring pistachio farms, sampling artisanal gelato and pastries infused with the prized nut, or even taking part in a Catania Home Cooking Class, inviting guests to create their own pistachio ravioli, all paired with local wines. Those looking to take their love for pistachios to another level can take a short drive to Bronte, often hailed as the “Pistachio Capital” of Italy and renowned for producing some of the world’s finest pistachios. Catania itself offers a wealth of experiences, from strolling through bustling food markets and tasting carne di cavallo, wandering through the baroque piazzas to exploring ancient ruins and the dramatic landscapes of Mount Etna, whether through a wine tasting experience or a hike up to the top.
Where to stay: Perfectly located in the heart of Catania’s historic centre, and just steps away from iconic sites like Via Etnea and the bustling fish market, B&B Sant'Agata offers a stylish base for travelers looking for charm and hospitality in the city. Guests can enjoy fully equipped rooms with air-conditioning, WiFi and private bathrooms along with a delicious local breakfast.
Gaziantep, Turkey
For pistachio lovers, Southern Turkey’s city of Gaziantep is often called the "Pistachio Capital" of the country, and is well-known for the “green gold”. The region, with optimum soil and climate conditions for cultivation, is famous for its unique and high-quality pistachios, known as Antep pistachios and produces over 100,000 tonnes per year. These pistachios are smaller, more elongated, and have a vibrant green color compared to other varieties. Antep pistachios are highly aromatic and flavorful, ideal for traditional desserts like baklava - made with layers of thin pastry and pistachio filling and katmer - a sweet pastry filled with clotted cream and pistachios. The city even has a museum, Gaziantep Fıstık Müzes, dedicated to showcasing the rich history and culture of pistachios in Turkey. For foodie travelers, it’s not only pistachios on the menu for a trip to Gaziantep though. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the planet and the crossroads of many spice routes, the city boasts a distinct cuisine which has earned it UNESCO recognition as a Creative City for Gastronomy. Visitors to Gaziantep can explore the local bazaars to sample an alinazik kebab, made with lamb and eggplant or dolma, vegetables stuffed with seasoned rice.
Where to stay: Visitors can bed down just a short walk from Gaziantep Castle at Ali Bey Konagi, a well-located historic hotel in the heart of the city. This traditional stay boasts air-conditioned rooms and suites, centred around a terrace and courtyard in which guests can relax after their busy day sampling the city’s delicacies.
Aegina, Greece
A short ferry ride from Athens, the charming island of Aegina is a pistachio paradise that no nut lover should miss. Thanks to its warm climate and the salty air breeze, Aegina produces pistachios so uniquely sweet and flavorful, the cream of the crop that have earned a coveted PDO status (Protected Designation of Origin). The island has been cultivating these golden-green gems for generations, and their legacy is proudly celebrated every year with a lively pistachio festival. The Aegina Fistiki Fest is packed with music, food, and of course, plenty of pistachios in every form imaginable (even as a mojito). These nuts aren’t just snacks here, they’re woven into the local diet and culture, popping up in everything from street food to fine pastries like kourabiedes, a type of traditional Greek butter cookie, and even grocery products like pesto and butter. Beyond their world-famous pistachios, the island offers a rich mix of history, culture, and charm. Take a walking tour to uncover historical landmarks like the Archaeological Site of Kolona and the Tower of Markellos or for a slower pace, there are some fantastic, serene beaches dotted around the island including Agia Marina, Marathon, and Vagia, all perfect for a swim in the sunshine, but of course not forgetting to end the visit munching on these unique pistachios.
Where to stay: Rastoni Hotel is housed in an old pistachio farm. Featuring wooden furnishings and interiors designed by local artists, all the rooms are individually decorated to make for a unique experience for each guest. Relax within the charming garden terrace, and take a stroll towards the intense blue sea of Aegina’s beautiful bay, which is just a short walk from the property.
*Research was commissioned by Tripeden.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2025. The sample comprised 32,106 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January 2025. USA N=2,000, Canada N=800, Spain N=800, Italy N=800, France N=1800, UK N=1800, Germany N=1800, Netherlands N=800, Denmark N=500, Sweden N=500, Croatia N=501, Switzerland N=800, Belgium N=800, Ireland N=504, Austria N=500, Portugal N=800, Mexico N=1,800, Colombia N=800, Brazil N=1,800, Argentina N=800, India N=1,800, China N=800, Hong Kong N=500, Thailand N=800, Singapore N=800, Taiwan N=500, Vietnam N=800, South Korea N=800, Japan N=1,800, UAE N=500, Australia N=1,800, New Zealand N=500.