The Catania fish market, known locally as “La Pescheria,” is a historical marketplace located in the heart of the city centre of Catania, Sicily, Italy. It is famous for its lively atmosphere with shouting fishmongers, colourful displays of fresh seafood, and the authentic Sicilian charm it exudes.
La Pescheria is a centuries-old market that has been a central hub of activity for locals and visitors alike. It typically operates in the early morning hours, with fishermen arriving with their catch as the city begins to awaken. Visitors to the market can expect to find a wide variety of seafood, including fish, shellfish, squid, octopus, and more, all freshly caught from the nearby Mediterranean Sea.
One of the most captivating aspects of La Pescheria is its lively ambiance, with vendors enthusiastically haggling and bargaining with customers, and the sights and sounds of the market creating an immersive sensory experience. It’s not just a place to purchase seafood; it’s a cultural experience that offers insight into the culinary traditions and daily life of Sicilians.
In addition to the seafood at the central piazza, visitors can also find other local products on adjoining streets such as fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and artisanal goods, making it a comprehensive marketplace that showcases the best of Sicilian gastronomy.
The market area is surrounded by numerous eateries and trattorias that specialise in serving freshly caught seafood, meat and traditional Catanese food like arancini and horse meatballs. Try fried seafood at mm!! Trattoria, get a fresh plate of seafood pasta at Osteria Antica Marina and stand in line for a lunch arancino at
Market days
Monday – Saturday, closed on Sundays
Opening hours on market days
Monday: 7am – 2pm
Tuesday: 7am – 2pm
Wednesday: 7am – 1pm
Thursday: 7am – 2pm
Friday: 7am – 2pm
Saturday: 7am – 2pm
Sunday: closed
Market tips
- Must try Catania Fish Market food & drinks:
- Tripe: now only sold by single vendor, who is visited by chefs from across Catania
- Seltz, a refreshing drink made with combining soda water, lemon and sea salt. A slightly sweeter version made with tangerine syrup is also great
- Fresh oysters: both the French and the smaller, round local Sicilian variety
- Roasted artichokes
- Citron (cedri in Italian), the huge Sicilian lemon. The best part is the white pith, sprinkled with sea salt
- Dried figs, roasted almonds and dried oregano at Le Delizie di Maurizio e Gaetano
- Wear proper shoes that are easy to clean. The ground is wet and there are the occasional discarded fish guts flying around.
- Get a tour guide: they’ll help you navigate the market, have personal relationships with the vendors and will help you taste thing without having to purchase a full portion
- Come back for lunch and dinner at one of the many restaurants around the market
- The best time to visit is around 8-9am
Read about our Catania fish market experience or explore more markets in Catania!
