Bronte, Sicily The Pistachio Capital on the Slopes of Mount Etna

We drove over to Bronte from Randazzo on a quiet Sunday, winding along scenic roads that hug the western slopes of Mount Etna. Bronte is world-famous for its Pistacchio Verde di Bronte D.O.P., the emerald-green pistachios grown only here in the volcanic soil surrounding Etna.

Much of the town was closed when we arrived. This is typical for a peaceful Sicilian Sunday but we did find one wonderful exception: Pasticceria F.lli Gangi. We purchased pistachio cream, pistachio pesto, pistachio gelato and pistachios. These were all made from locally grown Bronte pistachios. Each was incredible rich, vibrant, and unlike any pistachio flavor you’ll taste elsewhere.

While our short visit centered around this delicious stop, Bronte has much more to explore for those with a bit more time, and us the next time we are in Bronte:

Things to Do in Bronte

• Castello Nelson (Nelson Castle): Just outside town, this historic 12th-century Benedictine abbey was gifted to Admiral Horatio Nelson in 1799. It’s now a small museum surrounded by peaceful gardens and countryside views.
• Mount Etna’s Western Trails: Bronte offers access to some of Etna’s lesser visited hiking routes, with panoramic views and fewer crowds than the eastern slopes.
• Church of the Annunciation (Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata): The town’s main church, with its striking baroque façade and quiet piazza.
• Pistachio Tastings: Visit one of the many local shops like Pasticceria F.lli Gangi that specialize in pistachio products from spreads and nougats to liqueurs and pastries.
• Bronte Pistachio Festival (Sagra del Pistacchio): If you visit in late September or early October, you can join in Sicily’s most famous pistachio celebration, with parades, cooking demos, and endless pistachio flavored treats.

A Note for Sunday Travelers

Bronte is a quiet, local town and many restaurants and shops close on Sunday afternoons. It’s a perfect time for a slow stroll, a coffee or gelato at Pasticceria F.lli Gangi, and a scenic drive through Etna’s lava-rock landscapes.