I Almost Skipped The Markets in Catania
In general, if I am being fully honest, I expected not to like the markets in Catania. Not hate them. Just… Not care that much. I even considered skipping the market completely.
We didn’t. And I’m very glad we didn’t.
La Pescheria
We started at La Pescheria, right behind the cathedral. You leave the polished piazza, turn a corner, and suddenly you are in the middle of shouting vendors and mountains of seafood.
Catania has been a trading city for a long time because of the port and its location between Etna and the sea. The fish market here feels exactly like a lived-in market, not a staged tourist stop.
At first glance, it was exactly what I expected. Loud. Fast. Very fish-focused, obviously.
Since I do not eat fish, I was interested but not emotionally invested. Lukas enjoyed it more. I watched, filmed, and after a while was ready to move on.
Fera ’o Luni
A few streets inland is Fera ’o Luni.
The name comes from Sicilian dialect and means “Monday fair.” Historically, farmers from villages around Etna would come into town on Mondays to sell their produce. Over the years it spread past just one day, and now it feels like one long everyday market.
It isn’t one neat square. It is several streets filled with moments that remind you that this is where people actually shop, it is not a show for tourists.
You walk past clothes, shoes, random household stuff and even fake brand bags. Not really our thing. But then you reach the fruit and vegetable section. And, in my opinion, that's where the magic happens.
The vegetable moment
At this point I genuinely thought, yes, I have reached the age when vegetables are incredibly exciting for me. And they were. No shame here, okay?
Not because it was dramatic or cinematic. Just because it felt real. Proper, quality produce in abundance. Plus, a variety you don’t usually see in supermarkets like Eurospin or Conad.
The blood oranges were the absolute highlight. Catania sits right next to Mount Etna, and the soil plus the big day-night temperature swings make citrus that much sweeter and deeper in flavour. And, of course, adds the signature red colour. I ate way too many and kept thinking, yes, this is how paradise tastes like.
Prices
Let’s talk numbers, because I know you care.
We spent under twenty euros.
That included:
- Blood oranges
- Mangoes
- Forest strawberries
- Onions
- Plantains
- Garlic
- Fresh juices
- And three avocados for one euro
Yes. Three avocados for one euro.
We took the chance. They were good.
In Eurospin or Conad you’re usually paying 1.50 to 2.50 per avocado, so that felt like a small win.
Blood oranges were around 1 to 1.50 per kilo depending on quality. In supermarkets they are often closer to 2 euros per kilo. Not a mind-blowing difference, but still noticeable.
So no, the market isn’t wildly cheaper than grocery stores. The difference is not that dramatic. The real advantage is variety, freshness and being able to pick what you want from stall after stall.
And let's not forget the vibe, locals buying for real meals, not just tourists posing for pictures.
The beetroot moment
And then came my personal highlight. Please don't laugh.
Uncooked beetroot.
For some reason, I rarely see raw beetroot in Sicilian grocery stores. It is just not that common. And as a Latvian, beetroot is not optional, it is essential. It is soup. It is comfort. It is childhood.
So when I saw fresh beetroot at the market, I was genuinely excited. I will not state the exact price for fear that a Latvian is possibly reading this, but compared to what we are used to paying back home, this definitely felt like premium beetroot. For everyone else, it was still under one euro, no worries.
Soup was made. Soup was not shared. I ate it all and am not a shamed of it.
Catania vs Palermo
Now something slightly controversial.
I prefer this market over the main markets in Palermo. And you know how much I love Palermo.
Palermo is and always will be my favourite city. But its markets feel more tourist-oriented now. In Catania, especially in the fruit and vegetable section, it felt more local. More routine. Less performance.
People buying what they need and leaving. That difference matters.
Why I’m glad we didn’t skip it
I don't know why I wasn't excited about visiting the market at first. We almost skipped it to be honest. That would have been a mistake. So I am glad Lukas talked me into it.
But then again, I was wrong not only about the market, but about Catania in general. I expected to absolutely hate it. Visit it quickly just to say "I was there". But it ended up as one of the absolute highlights for me. Go figure.
Catania has a certain intensity. A capital energy that can feel rough around the edges. The market reflects that. It is not polished. It is busy and practical.
If you want a glimpse of everyday Sicily, this market is one of those places where it actually happens.
And yes, apparently I am now someone who gets deeply excited about vegetables. I am fine with that.
If you wish to see the Catania markets in action, the video has already been posted on our YouTube. Just a warning, don't watch hungry, because a lot of tasty food is shown: https://youtu.be/g1CHCaResJ4?si=CyWunU2M3JHep9cr
And if you’d like to read more of our stories and everyday experiences here, consider subscribing to the blog. We truly appreciate every single one of you.
As always, tips are never expected, but always appreciated https://spark-of-sicily.ghost.io/#/portal/support
Thank you for reading, and see you in the next one.
Ciao.