Pistachios are everywhere in 2025 — and we mean everywhere. They’re starring in TikTok-viral chocolate bars, taking over coffee shop menus, and lending their vibrant green to gelato, lattes, and even skincare. But the pistachio craze isn’t just transforming snacks — it’s now reshaping travel itineraries.
According to new Booking.com research, 41% of travelers say food culture is a top motivator when choosing where to go. And with pistachios trending worldwide, these tasty green gems are becoming more than a guilty pleasure — they’re a passport to delicious adventure.
From volcanic farms in Sicily to roadside giants in New Mexico, here are five must-visit places where pistachios aren’t just a snack — they’re a whole vibe.
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Souks, Skyscrapers & Sweet Green Gold
Sure, Dubai dazzles with luxury hotels and towering landmarks. But down in the city’s old town souks, travelers can find the real flavor, including pistachios straight from the source. The city’s Creekside markets are packed with gold, textiles, spices, and yes, bags of locally grown pistachios, perfect for snacking while you bargain-hunt. The viral pistachio chocolate bar that’s set social media ablaze? You’ll find it here too.
Stay at: Golden Sands Boutique Hotel – Overlooking the Creek and a short drive from the souks, it mixes old-world charm with rooftop pool luxury.
2. Alamogordo, New Mexico – Home of the World’s Largest Pistachio
California may be pistachio king, but Alamogordo is its nutty heart. Tucked near White Sands National Park, this desert town is home to PistachioLand and the 30-foot-tall World’s Largest Pistachio sculpture. Take a tour through working orchards in an open-air electric vehicle, then unwind with pistachio wine and pecan brittle. Bonus: Space geeks can hit the nearby Museum of Space History.
Stay at: Home2 Suites by Hilton White Sands – Modern comforts meet mountain views and saltwater pool vibes.
3. Catania, Sicily – Where Volcanic Soil Grows Gold
On the sunbaked slopes of Mount Etna grow some of the world’s most coveted pistachios — rich, flavorful, and deeply green thanks to the volcanic earth. In nearby Bronte, the “Pistachio Capital of Italy,” nuts are serious business. Join a farm tour, take a pasta-making class, or indulge in pistachio gelato so creamy it should be illegal. Bonus points for pairing your snack with a local wine.
Stay at: B&B Sant’Agata – Smack in the city center and a short walk from the lively markets and restaurants that showcase pistachio in everything.
4. Gaziantep, Turkey – Baklava’s Best-Kept Secret
Welcome to Turkey’s pistachio paradise. Gaziantep is home to Antep pistachios — smaller, greener, and more flavorful than most. These nuts star in local delicacies like katmer and baklava that’ll ruin you for store-bought forever. Pistachios even have their own museum here. Beyond the nut, Gaziantep is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy with a food scene that spans centuries and spice routes.
Stay at: Ali Bey Konagi – A beautifully restored traditional home just steps from the bazaar and Gaziantep Castle.
5. Aegina, Greece – An Island of Pistachio Dreams
Just a short ferry from Athens lies Aegina, where pistachios aren’t just a crop — they’re a way of life. The island’s nuts are so special they’ve earned PDO status, and every September the Fistiki Festival celebrates them with music, mojitos, and more pistachio treats than your suitcase can hold. In between bites, stroll the picturesque port, swim in the turquoise bay, or tour the Temple of Aphaia.
Stay at: Rastoni Hotel – A boutique stay on a former pistachio farm, just minutes from the sea.
Craving more?
Whether you’re hunting for pistachio gelato, farm tours, or just need help planning a nutty escape, Booking.com has you covered.
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