The famous honey of Zafferana Etnea
When you venture up to admire the majestic Mount Etna, one of the world’s most beautiful volcanoes, you’ll almost certainly pass through the streets and squares of Zafferana Etnea. Located on the east side of the volcano, this charming town is the main gateway to some of Etna’s most famous paths and tourist destinations. If your guide is knowledgeable, they will likely recommend stopping for a breakfast or lunch in Zafferana on your way out or back. It’s impossible to visit the town without sampling its world-renowned local honey, a product born from a long-standing tradition.
Beekeeping in Zafferana Etnea
Ask around in Zafferana Etnea, and you'll hear many locals share similar stories about the origins of the town’s beekeeping tradition. Most will proudly tell you about "the ancestor" who first started the town’s beekeeping tradition—whether their name was Giuseppe, Sebastiano, or Mario doesn’t matter; the story is always the same, dating back to the 1920s.
The tale goes that around 1920-1922, a local farmer, weary of working in the fields, decided to turn to beekeeping and honey production as a new livelihood. Whether this "young farmer" existed or not, the 1920s marked a pivotal moment for Zafferana Etnea. Since then, the town has proudly been known as "the city of honey".
Zafferana Etnea: a charming mountain town
While the tradition of beekeeping may have existed before, it was the late 19th century that saw Zafferana Etnea emerge as a true town. Previously, only a convent and summer villas of noble Catania families stood here. The town grew steadily thanks to the rise of mountain tourism in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, Zafferana is a clean, panoramic, and delightful town. Its main square is dominated by the beautiful Church of Our Lady of Providence, with twin bell towers framing the spectacular views of Mount Etna’s craters and eruptions. The town also boasts a panoramic balcony overlooking the coast, a public park with attractions like a pond, tennis court, and amphitheater, and the remnants of the monastery around which the town grew. Most notably, it’s a starting point for several nature trails, leading you to explore centuries-old trees, dense woodlands, and dramatic lava flows.
Along the town’s streets, you’ll find numerous honey shops and local honey producers, each offering a wide range of products. No matter which one you choose, you can be assured that the quality will be high, and the flavor of the honey will be unique and unforgettable.
Varieties of honey
The most famous honey in Sicily is orange blossom honey, produced from the citrus flowers that bees adore. Alongside this classic, you’ll also find a rich variety of chestnut-flower honey. Chestnut trees are abundant on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, and local beekeepers have perfected the art of producing honey from the nectar of these flowers. Additionally, you’ll find a range of flavored honey varieties, such as strawberry or apple, which are particularly popular with tourists, especially during local festivals.
Honey and Etna: a perfect pairing
Honey is not only a delicious treat but also a great source of energy. A small taste is all you need to feel revitalized and ready to take on your next adventure. Though not everyone brings it along on mountain hikes or long walks, honey is a smart and energizing snack to keep on hand.
When you set out to explore the lava flows of Mount Etna or watch one of its spectacular eruptions, don’t forget to carry a jar of honey with you. Whether you're hiking in the daytime or braving the volcano’s cold nighttime eruptions, honey can help you regain your energy in a delicious way. And if you’re lucky enough to enjoy honey produced directly from the volcanic land, it will serve as a truly unique souvenir to remember your experience forever.