What a great experience to go down to a genuine market and get in the mix of it, bargaining, tasting and living the sicilian market life for a little while. Bought huge bags of bayleafs, oregano stalks and tons of spices for dirt cheap. I mean, less than 2 euro each ( think large ziplock size bag). It was a bit tense as we had small kids and felt the eyes of pickpockets around us. So if you go, travel light and be ready to move fast. People approach you fast and from all sides. Also bring a pack of ziplock bags
I love Catania it is close to Malta where I live . We arrived in Catania by catamarang on Saturday morning and just deposited the luggage at the hotel and were told that checking in time was 2 o'clock so we had to kill some time.We went to the fish market. The colours of the fruit and vegetables were many and the variety out of this world. It is know as a fish market because the fish part is enormous but there are all other things for sale . It was busy and everybody was there clearly to get the best and freshest deal. Even if it is just browsing as we were doing on this first visit it was still a visit that gives pleasure to the palate as well as to the sight. All languages were heard sicilian mostly but also classic and italian volgare. English pronounced in the italian way every word seems to have an' a' at the end it is hilarious ! French is also heard as well as Spanish .I began to wonder what nationality is not visiting this market,There was a motley goup in a market full of colourful stuff and full of a diversified people shopping to their heart's content. Visit it and you will not be disappointed . Au contraire to put it in French. Au revoir and ci vediamo al mercato!!!!
.. loved the fish market, browsing the stalls. There is an amazing quantity and variety of fish but a lot of fresh produce too. There are butchers, delis and restaurants. Wish we had done our homework and chosen a good restaurant. The one we ate at (outdoors facing the fountain) served the most indifferent meal we ever had in Sicily....
Our friends live in near by Belpasso and they needed to grab some things at the near by Catania market. The market is open everyday and is great cultural experience. The food is all laid out on tables and all fresh. There is meat getting laid out in the open along with fish..all getting cut and wieghed for you. The produce is amazing..fresh, cheap and abundant. We did not go ton the flea ,arket section which sells shoes, purses ,trinkets,etc...great time of tasting and taking in.
On our recent visit to Catania, walking through the vast array of stalls was definitely a highlight. You can buy almost anything at this market and it's a must see for fish lovers.
5 minutes from Una hotel, go early in the morning to see nice fisk market with lot of fresh fish and clamshell. Also lot of big tunas and swordfish.
We stayed in Catania for a week and went three times.We have been to markets all over Europe but this takes the cake.Every fish you could imagine(and some you can't) also meat ,cheese and produce.We purchased both fish and meat to cook in our apartment both were excellent and well priced.Don't miss this market!
A colourful Sicilian buzz, open longer than expected. in the morning hours extra busy, with tons of fish and frutta di mare, and veggies, fruits, spirits, bread, olive oil etc. Loud, crowded but lovely, perfect for shopping for a fish feast, but they have meat too. In the evening restaurants serve the fresh fish. Significant knowledge of English is rare but you will work it our with the merchants who are really friendly.
Is a wet market but is something very italian. You see all kinds of fishes and stuff. The stuff here is cheap. The oyster is only 1.50 euro compare to the ortigia island wet market. The herbs is cheap compare to Roma campo del fiori market. The grissini, frutis and etc is all cheaper. The people are so friendly and they will let you take picures and hold the knife and everyone want a piece of you (i mean take pictures). Is a wet market so it is wet but not dirty.
The fish market is the most incredible open air market I have ever seen. You really get a sense of timelessness when you visit. All the seas bounty is on display, as well as fresh meats, vegetables, cheeses, desserts, and all sorts of prepared items. It is a riot of sights, smells , jostling haggling crowds, singing vendors, a tumultuous yet orchestrated symphony of humanity and commerce not to be missed.