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National Geographic
2 days ago
- National Geographic
The little-known Sicilian town that feeds the world's almond craze
Avola, set in the heart of Sicily's Ionian coast, might be unknown to many at first glance. But behind its humble name lies the beating heart of a successful business, where the almonds produced are considered among the finest in the world. With its strategic position, overlooking the Gulf of Noto, it has a rich history intertwined with the art of the almond cultivation (from Italian 'mandorla') that has been shaped by the influence of Phoenician and biblical symbolism, creating a one-of-a-kind cultural and gastronomic legacy. 'Centuries of tradition and hard-work, passed down from generation to generation, are rooted in Avola's fertile lands' says Salvatore Rizzo, a third-generation farmer raised in the town. 'The quality of these almonds is the result of intensive irrigation techniques first introduced by the Arabs, that helped turn this nut into a cornerstone of the Italian patisserie'. Avola's history Avola, commonly known as the hexagonal city, preserves a deep identity typical of a true Mediterranean melting pot. The town was once seen as a golden land for its position along the Sicilian coastline, which inevitably attracted Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, each of whom left an indelible mark. With an earthquake in 1693, much of this legacy was shaken, making Avola a living mosaic of Sicily's layered past. The method of growing almonds from Avola's almond trees—also known as mandorlo—follows the rhythms of nature. Photograph by Adam Eastland, Alamy Stock Photo (Top) (Left) and Photograph by siculodoc, Getty Images (Bottom) (Right) Today, the past can be seen through its still-standing Baroque places of worship, historical buildings, old recipes, and stunning landscapes. 'I've always been drawn by Avola's quiet resilience, seen through the eyes of locals. It feels like being suspended between past and future," says Rizzo. 'On a normal day, you'll spot kids enjoying almond biscuits and elders pouring soap mixture into molds, still making scibina by hand." Over the centuries, there's still a creativity that doesn't come prepackaged and it's rare in nearby bigger cities. (10 must-do experiences in Sicily) The almond-growing process The method of growing almonds from Avola's almond trees—also known as mandorlo—follows the rhythms of nature. Trees are carefully planted by hand, spaced far apart to allow their root systems to stretch deep into the volcanic soil. A testament to meticulous selection can be seen in the harvesting process, done by hand, aided by gently shaking off the branches to loosen the ripe Pizzuta almonds. Today, farmers manage the work without any artificial tools, unlike in ancient times when irrigation was essential. Much of Avola's almonds are used to make traditional Sicilian sweets, from marzipan and rich cassata to sugared almonds. Beyond the kitchen, they are used by the cosmetic industry, where their oils and creams are renowned for their soothing properties. An operator carefully inspects the Avola almonds, discarding broken or damaged ones to ensure only the finest proceed to the peeling stage. Photograph by Francesco Vigliotti (Ancient ruins, city tours and cannoli on a family tour of western Sicily) 'The almond tree of Avola is still nurtured thanks to methods that have nothing to do with modern agriculture and is probably one of the first introduced crops by conquerors of the Sicilian coast' says Rizzo. "Avola's porous soil lives in symbiosis with Southern Italy's dry summers and mild winters, which create great conditions for the healthy blooming of its prized almonds.' One of the oldest and most renowned almond producers in Avola is Nastasi Mandorle, a family-run business with two locations in town, just a few miles from Syracuse. The company's roots date back to 1898, when entrepreneur Lorenzo Nastasi, together with his two sisters, began cultivating almonds in the surrounding countryside. Nastasi practices a dry-farming approach, which relies entirely on natural rainfall and the nutrient-rich soil of Avola. Given the particular terrain and the summer blossoming, almonds are harvested from July to September, carefully hulled and sun-dried for three days, in order to preserve their sweet oils and woody hull, also named mallo. Where to try it Nastasi: A trusted name in the almond business, Nastasi's factory is a stop you can't miss if you're a food enthusiast. The well-stocked store offers a wide range of products, from silvered and whole-peeled almonds to fragrant almond pastes, pistachios, and hazelnuts. A visit to this place guarantees a full immersion in Avola's almond history. Various stages in the traditional processing of the Avola almond, a jewel of Sicilian agriculture. Photograph by Francesco Vigliotti Nama : Nama is a family-run business founded by the Tiralongos. If you are looking for a sweet snack, head here. This centuries-old factory welcomes its visitors with a curated selection of Avola's finest nuts, including fresh almonds, organic products (creams, almond oil), and nut pestos, all made with devotion to the land. Pippo Si Pappa Bar : This lovely cafe is famous for its silky and fresh almond granita (rated the best in town), warmed brioche, local ricotta, and artisanal ice-cream. Where to stay Avola offers countless charming accommodations for a relaxing stay. Morfeo Charming Rooms & Relax is the best option to quickly reach the city center, and it features a private pool, a spacious garden, and suites with private balconies. Le Torrette Rooms and Apartments is a cozy bed-and-breakfast with its own restaurant and a bicycle rental service, which is a perfect way to explore the coast. When to go Avola is an urban jewel year-long, but it's best enjoyed in summer (July-September), when you can sunbathe on beaches with crystal-clear waters and witness the almond harvest. October is a good compromise for those who are more inclined toward tasting tours. The temperature is pleasantly breezy, and never too hot. Getting there Avola is easy to reach from major Italian metropolises. Flights from Catania Fontanarossa (CTA) or Comiso Airport operate all year-long. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Catania (Italo or Frecciarossa), followed by a bus to Avola that takes about 1.5 hours. (How chocolate went from rough to refined in one Sicilian town) Maria Salvati is an Italian freelance journalist and copywriter. Born and raised in Rome, she writes about lifestyle, politics, and travel with a focus on Italy's culture. Her work has appeared in Business Insider, Thrillist, and Fodor's. Follow her on Instagram @mariasalvati2
The 961
14-07-2025
- Business
- The 961
Shark Tank Is Officially Coming To Lebanon – Here's How You Can Get A Chance To Pitch Your Idea
It's happening. The global hit show Shark Tank is officially launching in Lebanon, giving local entrepreneurs a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of investors – and possibly walk away with a game-changing deal. For the first time ever, Lebanese founders, inventors, and hustlers will get the chance to step into the iconic Shark Tank spotlight, pitch their vision, and secure real investment to take their businesses to the next level. While we still don't know who the investors are, we do know it will be made up of Lebanese businesspeople and investors. Shark Tank, which has helped launch over 1,000 businesses around the world, is known for turning underdog entrepreneurs into household names. With shows across the world, LBCI is finally bringing it to Lebanon. Shark Tank isn't a stranger to Lebanese. One of the main investors in Shark Tank USA, Kevin O'Leary, has credited on the show his Lebanese and Phoenician heritage for his success. His mother is Lebanese. Lebanese entrepreneur sisters, Donna and Rosy Khalife, secured a deal for Surprise Ride, a curated subscription box for kids, which O'Leary invested in and was later acquired. Lebanese trio Tony Lahood, William Moujaes, and Michael Khoury secured an investment for their product from both O'Leary and Herjavec. Now, it's looking for talent in Lebanon, and casting is officially open. If you've got a product, business, or startup you believe in, this is your moment. To apply, reach out to [email protected] or call 79 353 481 for more info Whether you're a solo founder, a startup team, or a side hustler with a dream, this is your shot to impress the Sharks and turn your idea into reality.
UPI
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Famous birthdays for July 9: Jimmy Smits, Jack White
Movies // 12 hours ago Mia Threapleton wanted to get her claws into 'Phoenician' nun role NEW YORK, July 8 (UPI) -- Mia Threapleton says she spent three months studying Catholicism and creating her own "murder dossier" after Wes Anderson hired her to play a knife-wielding nun in his espionage comedy, "The Phoenician Scheme."
The Age
12-06-2025
- The Age
Port guide: Malaga, Spain
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories. This gritty working-class city gets overlooked amid Andalusia's competition, but you'll be surprised at how lovely and lively it is. Who goes there More than 200 cruise ships visit Malaga over the summer season. Some are on Mediterranean cruises, some about to cross the Atlantic towards North America, others on their way around the Iberian Peninsula to northern Europe. Azamara, Celebrity, Oceania, Silversea, Viking and Virgin Voyages, plus expedition lines such as Scenic and Ponant, are among the many lines that visit. Sail on in This is far from cruising's most splendid port, but you can't really complain about the sparkling Mediterranean and biscuit-brown mountains of Andalusia. Closer to shore, you'll see the cathedral (known as the One-Armed Lady because its second tower was never built) and the remains of a Moorish-era hilltop fort, one of the most significant Islamic fortifications remaining in Spain. Berth rites Malaga has made a big effort to attract cruise ships. Larger ships dock at Terminals A or B at Eastern Dock, and at both terminals you'll find a tourist information centre, a few shops and souvenir stores, an ATM and currency exchange booth. You can hit the beach a short walk away, while the town is a 20-minute walk. The port authority runs a paid shuttle into the city centre. Smaller ships tie up at Terminal C or the Palm Grove Terminal, which has similar facilities and is almost right in town. Going ashore You've every reason to spend the day independently in Malaga, which is very walkable, starting with its attractive waterfront lined by palm-studded parks. The old town is lively but also has history dating back to Phoenician times and a thriving contemporary arts scene: both Centre Pompidou Malaga and Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga are worth visiting. But really, you'd be just as happy to wander from fort to gardens, cathedral to cafe.
Sydney Morning Herald
12-06-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Port guide: Malaga, Spain
This article is part of Traveller's ultimate guide to cruise ports. See all stories. This gritty working-class city gets overlooked amid Andalusia's competition, but you'll be surprised at how lovely and lively it is. Who goes there More than 200 cruise ships visit Malaga over the summer season. Some are on Mediterranean cruises, some about to cross the Atlantic towards North America, others on their way around the Iberian Peninsula to northern Europe. Azamara, Celebrity, Oceania, Silversea, Viking and Virgin Voyages, plus expedition lines such as Scenic and Ponant, are among the many lines that visit. Sail on in This is far from cruising's most splendid port, but you can't really complain about the sparkling Mediterranean and biscuit-brown mountains of Andalusia. Closer to shore, you'll see the cathedral (known as the One-Armed Lady because its second tower was never built) and the remains of a Moorish-era hilltop fort, one of the most significant Islamic fortifications remaining in Spain. Berth rites Malaga has made a big effort to attract cruise ships. Larger ships dock at Terminals A or B at Eastern Dock, and at both terminals you'll find a tourist information centre, a few shops and souvenir stores, an ATM and currency exchange booth. You can hit the beach a short walk away, while the town is a 20-minute walk. The port authority runs a paid shuttle into the city centre. Smaller ships tie up at Terminal C or the Palm Grove Terminal, which has similar facilities and is almost right in town. Going ashore You've every reason to spend the day independently in Malaga, which is very walkable, starting with its attractive waterfront lined by palm-studded parks. The old town is lively but also has history dating back to Phoenician times and a thriving contemporary arts scene: both Centre Pompidou Malaga and Museo Carmen Thyssen Malaga are worth visiting. But really, you'd be just as happy to wander from fort to gardens, cathedral to cafe.
