Seafood

Since Sicily is an island, fresh fish and shellfish are naturally an important part of the Sicilian cuisine, of course always freshly caught in the surrounding sea. Experience the local and busy atmosphere at a fish market and go early to see the fishermen return with the catch of the day. Among the specialties of the island is pasta with sardines, as well as a variety of dishes with tuna, blue fish, shellfish and swordfish to name a few. Try for example the “spaghetti ai ricci”, which is a spaghetti dish with sea urchins. It may be quite costly, since the chef has to spend a lot of time parting the meat from the up to 15 sea urchins that is needed for one portion of spaghetti. But it tastes delicious!

La Pescheria
The popular fish market in Cantania is open daily, except on Sundays. It is very busy and full of locals and merchants all shouting to sell their special offers and emphasising the freshness of the fish. It is an extraordinary experience and you may wish to purchase all the colourful seafood, since you have probably never seen anything alike.

You will find the fish market by Piazza Alonzo, which is close to the famous Piazza del Duomo.

La Vucciria
The city of Palermo offers a wide range of markets, the La Vucciria being the most famous market in the city. The fish market is open every day except on Sundays and we recommend you to come early to do the best buys. Vucciria means “voices” and you will definitely hear the many fishermen, merchants and buyers shouting to each other when haggling over the offers. You will also find other goods such as herbs, fresh foods, crafts and clothes.

You will find the fish market by Piazza San Domenico.