Fish Market - Catania

This was supposed to be the place – vibrant, energetic, a mecca for seafood lovers with lots of selection and quality. I was a little disappointed because it wasn’t as busy, selection wasn’t as great, and the prices were exorbitant. It’s off season I was told and there’s not as many fish anymore? I settled for fresh peel-n-eat shrimp and tri-coloured oranges for my lunch. Delicious. The many stalls under colourful umbrellas, close to lava steps and a bridge made for a unique site close to the touristy area. They sell all kinds of fish, seafood, fruit, produce, herbs and spices. Also sold were grilled seafood, ready made meals and assorted pastries. A selection of restaurants close by, a park onsite and some interesting sites for viewing.

This is Sicily at its most authentic. Buy a bag of pistachios, so huge you'll never finish it, and so fresh. The vendor is quite the romantic!

Italian markets have always been a favorite place to visit. Pescheria, Catania’s open-air fish market, bristles with energy, charm, and color. We had an fantastic very fresh seafood lunch at a restaurant in the market, Letterman 82.

The fish market is not for the faint of heart but if you like seafood it is a MUST! In the section just outside the city wall was a stall selling grilled prawns with lemon and parsley the best I have ever had. They have a hand washing station as eating them is a full contact sport. Another stall was selling some of the best oysters we have tried and yet another had small sandwiches of anchovy/red pepper and lemon which were delicious. It is easy to make a full meal of bites from multiple stands. You know the fish is fresh as the market doesn't smell fishy!

It’s interesting to see a true fish market for locals and connected fruit and veg sellers which them mergers into the normal tourist rubbish sold The restaurants in the area are ok under the umbrellas but better options are available elsewhere, try street 34