Manna experience

Unique tradition
FromEUR€25
Unique tradition
FromEUR€25
Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

2503

Meet one of the last manna producers

  • Duration:About 1½ hour
  • Difficulty level:Easy
  • When:All year long - harvest period is in July & August
  • Price:From €25 per adult

A unique experience

Have you ever heard about manna? If you have read the Bible, you might remember that manna is what fed the Hebrew people during the Exodus. But in Sicily, manna doesn’t come from the sky: it comes from ash trees. Embark on this Manna Experience and learn about this unique – and endangered – local tradition.

Have a piece of this curious crumbly creamy-yellow thing. It doesn’t taste like anything you already know. Manna is the dried sap of some species of ash trees that grow in the Mediterranean. The production of manna goes back many centuries and it is still harvested every summer in the groves near Castelbuono. This tradition has now disappeared in the rest of South Italy. It survives here thanks to the efforts of a few passionate people.

You will meet Mario, one of the last manna producers, in an ash tree grove. He will tell you about his strong connection to local nature, show you the steps of the extraction process and explain what the manna is used for. Manna has many medicinal properties but it is also used in cosmetics and pastry.

This is a short experience (about 90 minutes). If you’d like a longer immersion in the local traditions, we recommend our Sicilian Country Experience.

Where and when to meet?

Meet Mario on his land located a few kilometres from Castelbuono. You will be provided with a map indicating the meeting point when you book. If you don’t have a car, please contact us.
Meeting time: 3 pm or to be scheduled with the producer.

Highlights

  • Immersion into the local traditions
  • Encounter with one of the last manna producers
  • Tasting of manna
  • Perfect for families with children

Prices

Small groups – maximum 10 participants:

Adults: 25€ (minimum 2 adults)
Children (6-16 years old): 10€
Children (0-5 years): free

Groups and Private tours:

Please call the producer at (0039) 320 6661849

Madonie Explorers' Guarantee

  • Expert English-speaking guideMario has been a manna producer and a nature guide for 20 years. He is a member of AIGAE (Associazione Italiana Guide Ambientali Escursionistiche). He speaks Italian, English, French and Spanish.
  • Free cancellationUp to 48 hours before the tour
  • Rescheduling or cancellation with refund in case of bad weatherIf Madonie Explorers cancels the excursion because of bad weather conditions, you can choose to reschedule the excursion or to be refunded

Optional Extras

  • TransportParticipants must have a car. If you don't have one, please contact us and we will find the best solution.

What to Bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Clothes suitable to the weather conditions (e.g. summer hat, sunglasses, etc.)

Reviews