Retire Early Lifestyle
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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Catania Fish Market

Catania, Sicily

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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Catania's fish market, known locally as "A Piscaria," is the heart of the city. It’s loud, it’s surprising, and it’s real.

You'll experience colors, fragrances, and shouts from vendors that come together in a picturesque way.

The Catania Fish Market, or La Pescheria, is a vibrant and bustling hub of activity that offers a truly authentic Sicilian experience.

Ya gotta go see it.

Catania's famous fish market

Ancient lava stone from Mt. Etna eruptions covers the fish market's floor, and there are fish leftovers and puddles of water. Wearing open toed shoes is probably not a good idea...

Located just on the other side of Piazza di Duomo, an opening to the legendary Armenano Fountain is at the back and upper left.

La Pescheria has been a cornerstone of the city's culinary and economic life for centuries, and it has been a vital part of Catania's identity for as long as the city has existed.

I'd say it's the best fish market we have ever seen.

Until 1930, the sea washed against the city walls near Porta Uzeda, where the train bridge is and the Fish Market is located.

During that time, fishing boats were unloading their catch right here into the market!

However, during this time, Italy's fascist regime decided to restructure the port, making significant modifications. They filled in and constructed quays. The outer breakwater was extended by another 600 meters, creating the port that we see today.

Fresh swordfish, tuna and other catch

From the Ionian Sea fishermen bring in swordfish, tuna, sea bass, grouper, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, and a variety of shellfish. There are mussels, clams, oysters, octopus, squid, shrimp, prawns, and lobster.

You'll even find other delicacies  like sea urchins, cuttlefish, and various types of crustaceans.

One of the original walls of Catania's historic city, dating from the 16th century, can be found at the fish market. It is located over the "Antica Marina" restaurant. It’s one of the most important landmarks, but often overlooked.

Tuna is on the table, and other fish are in the bucket

Not only can you find fish at this market, but because the soil has become rich and fertile due to the eruptions of Mt. Etna, you can purchase mushrooms that grow around the mountain settlements.

Dried fruits, dates, nuts and spices - dating back to the Arab occupation of Sicily - can also be found.

Swordfish head and body

Because the head of the swordfish contains a large amount of cartilage and bone - making it difficult to process and prepare for human consumption - it is used for animal feed or fertilizer instead.

 Historically, the waters around Sicily, particularly the Strait of Messina, have been rich in swordfish. So the harvesting of this fish has been a tradition in Sicily for millennia.

Swordfish has a firm, meaty texture with a delicate flavor that lends itself well to various cooking methods. It can be prepared in countless ways, from grilled steaks to flavorful stews.

Man purchasing seafood for his meal

Mt. Etna is Europe's tallest and most active volcano, erupting a staggering 30-40 times a year!

It shapes the city's geology and provides volcanic soil for its agriculture.

 There was a huge 7.4 earthquake in 1669 with lava covering many roads - which you are walking on today.

Most buildings in Catania are built with lava rock and as you can see behind the gentlemen here, the buildings surrounding the fish market are built with  this dark lava stone.

Shrimp, squid and cuttlefish

Fish vendors at Catania's fish market use "vanniate" to encourage sales and draw consumers to their stand, adding color and vibrancy to the market.

Examples of these vanniate are:

"Ma'am, this octopus is still alive!"

or

"This fish is so fresh, it jumped into the net by itself!"

or perhaps

"Last piece of tuna! Don't miss out!"

Historic buildings surround the market

The market's center is surrounded on three sides by historic stone buildings.

On the fourth side, however, the buildings retreat to form a passageway overlooking the market.

You can see onlookers leaning over the railing admiring one of the finest performances on the planet, with a bird's eye perspective of the action below.

These energetic interactions between fishmongers and customers make for a visually stunning environment.

There are lots of independently owned restaurants surrounding the market, and besides the fish market stalls, you'll find other stalls selling fresh produce, local cheeses, and other regional specialties.

Various shellfish

Shellfish abound with stacks of Octopuses, Red Prawns, Lobsters, and oyster crates.

Oysters for 1.50Euros each

Fresh mollusks, cockles, and clams squirt water into the air and you can purchase oysters singly, by the plate or mussels by the bag.

A fishmonger selling Sicily's signature swordfish

When is the best time to visit Catania's Fish Market?

It's open from Monday to Saturday between 7.30 and 1pm, but most stalls start closing at noon.

 The fish market comes to life in the early morning, around 5.30 a.m., when the fishmongers arrive.

If you want to take photos, the early morning hours around 7.30 am offer a more calm environment.

At that time it's easier to roam among the booths, observe the fresh fish arrive and the merchants arrange it on the stalls.

The busiest period is between 10 am and 12 pm, when visitors, bystanders, and purchasers flock there to buy freshly caught fish.

Not to be missed!

Catania's La Pescheria

Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto 9

95121, Catania, Sicily

Website: https://cityin360.com/catania-fish-market

Tele: +393932112827

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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