Local markets

Sicily is home to a variety of vibrant local markets, especially in the main tourist areas. These markets are excellent places to experience the local culture, sample regional cuisine, and shop for unique souvenirs. Below is a selection that we have made for you:

Palermo

Mercato di Ballarò: One of the oldest and most famous markets in Palermo, Ballarò offers a lively atmosphere with stalls selling fresh produce, fish, meat, and local street food. It's a great place to try local delicacies such as "arancini" and "panelle".

Locatie: Via Ballarò, Palermo https://maps.app.goo.gl/1L7KGEca2bVktjn67

When: Daily, except Sundays

Hours: Generally from early in the morning until about 14 hours. It's best to visit in the morning for the freshest produce and lively atmosphere.

Mercato del Capo: Another popular market in Palermo, Capo is known for its colorful stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, herbs, and freshly caught seafood. The market also features vendors selling traditional Sicilian sweets.

Locatie: Via Cappuccinelle, Palermo https://maps.app.goo.gl/D3VsxygtBBK8xu217

When: Daily, except Sundays

Hours: Usually from 7 am to 2 pm, although some stalls may stay open longer.

Mercato di Vucciria: Famous for its lively atmosphere, Vucciria is a historic market that sells a mix of food, clothing, and local handicrafts. It is especially lively in the evenings, with Street Food vendors and bars.

Locatie: Vucciria-plein, Palermo https://maps.app.goo.gl/VFAibh1Py45KVZrt9

When: Daily, but especially lively on weekends

Hours: Mornings are the best, although in the evening the market turns into an entertainment area with street food vendors.

Catania

Mercato del Pesce (Fish Market): Located near Piazza del Duomo, this bustling fish market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood and local delicacies. It's a great place to taste fresh "sardines" and "swordfish".

Location: Via Garibaldi, near Piazza del Duomo, Catania https://maps.app.goo.gl/jkZnNey365EUG6ew5

When: Daily, except Sundays

Hours: Opens around 6 am and closes around 1 pm.

Fera 'o Luni: A large street market held on Mondays, Fera 'o Luni offers everything from fresh produce to clothing and household items. It's a great place to experience local life.

Location: Via Plebiscito, Catania

When: Daily, except Sundays https://maps.app.goo.gl/9Qr7RqaKVQW8hU6Q9

Hours: Usually from early in the morning until about 1 p.m.

Taormina

Taormina Local Market: Located near the Porta Messina, this smaller market offers local food products, artisan goods, and flowers. It's a good place to pick up local wines, cheeses, and olive oil.

Location: Near the Porta Messina, Taormina https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lokv6FZUig5AL5Vx8

When: Daily, except Sundays

Opening hours: from 07:00 - 20:00 Saturday from 09:00 - 20:00

Giardini Naxos

Local Market of Giardini Naxos: Located near the hotel St Alphio Garden, this smaller market offers clothes, shoes, household items, fruits and vegetables, cheese and salami, and many other items.

Location: Near St Alphio Garden hotel https://maps.app.goo.gl/NNxRUDZzr5UACP2N8

When: Saturday

Opening hours: from approximately 09.00 to 13.00

Syracuse

Mercato di Siracusa (street market): This lively market is located in Ortigia, the historic center of Siracusa. It offers a variety of fresh produce, seafood, and local specialties. Don't miss out on trying "syracuse-style arancini" while you're there.

Locatie: Ortigia-eiland, Syracuse https://maps.app.goo.gl/K7uREiVcx1xk4S7G9

When: Daily, except Sundays

Hours: Usually from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Old market Ortigia: https://g.co/kgs/MxrFALM

Location: Ortigia Island, Syracuse

When: Daily, except Sundays

Hours: Usually from 20:00 to 00:00.

Agrigento

Mercato di Agrigento: This market is held in the center of the city and offers local products, cured meats and cheeses, as well as artisanal products. It is a great place to taste local specialties such as "caponata" and "couscous di pesce".

Location: Near Via Atenea, Agrigento https://maps.app.goo.gl/5nS3GaoZJcM9wnnu9

When: Friday

Hours: Usually from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Messina

Mercato di Messina: This market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, local cheeses, and produce. It is an excellent place to find authentic Sicilian ingredients and specialties.

Location: Near Piazza Cairoli, Messina https://maps.app.goo.gl/rwYFExaxpGEPmQaW6

When: Daily, except Sundays

Hours: Generally open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Trapani

Mercato del Pesce di Trapani: This fish market is known for its fresh catch and lively atmosphere. You'll find a variety of seafood and local delicacies, perfect for enjoying a meal by the sea.

Location: Near the port, Trapani https://maps.app.goo.gl/5St6W9QhovEEvGWm7

When: Daily, except Sundays

Hours: Opens around 7 a.m., with vendors often closing early in the afternoon.

Modica

Mercato di Modica: Although smaller than some other markets, the market of Modica is known for its chocolate and local sweets. The city is known for its unique chocolate-making traditions, and you can find a variety of artisan chocolates here.

Locatie: Piazza G Lupis, Modica https://maps.app.goo.gl/s3ZCwhGGnr1zBA338

When: Friday

Hours: Usually from early in the morning until 1 p.m.

Tips for visiting markets:

Tasting: Markets are a great place to sample local delicacies and get recommendations.

Bargotiating: In some markets, especially those where clothing or handicrafts are sold, bargaining is sometimes done but cannot be accepted. However, it is not common in food markets.

Cash: Bring cash, as some vendors do not accept (credit card) cards.

Days: Subject to changes of days."