La Pescheria in brief
La Pescheria (the fish market) sits directly behind Piazza del Duomo, in the lanes around the Amenano fountain. The city's own cultural guide places it behind the cathedral square, so the easiest way to find it is to stand in front of the elephant fountain and walk towards the back of the square.
The market is a working place first and a sight second. Fish stalls line the lanes and fishmongers prepare the catch at the counter. It suits a short visit of an hour or so, ideally combined with the cathedral and a coffee in the old town. This guide is independent and is not the official site of the city or the market.
Opening hours and the best time
What to expect, and what to check on the day.
Monday to Saturday, morning
Local information gives 8 am to 1 pm as the working time of the market. There is no single official timetable that covers every stall, so individual stalls may start or finish a little earlier or later. Arrive in the first half of the morning rather than at midday.
Sunday is different
The fish market does not trade on Sunday mornings. Some food tours do run on Sundays, but that is not a sign that the fish stalls are open. If fish counters are the point of your visit, plan it for a weekday or Saturday.
Holidays
There is no published holiday calendar for the market. On a public holiday, assume that fewer stalls will be open and have a second plan, such as the cathedral and the old town.
Photos and manners
Stallholders are working. Ask before you photograph a person, step aside when someone is carrying a crate, and do not block the lane.
Food tours and walks in Catania
Street food tours that include the market, old town walks and day trips from the city, with live prices and availability.
What you will see
The photos show the basics: fish stalls and a fishmonger cutting up tuna at the counter. The sight is the work itself, not a museum display, so what you see changes with the day and the catch.
A street food tour is one way to eat your way through the area. One tour on offer starts at Piazza del Duomo at 11 am, lasts 3 hours, runs in English with a maximum of 10 people and costs from €59 (price from, 2026). It includes tastings, a seasonal dessert and 3 drinks. Dishes can change with the season, so do not book for one particular item. Check the cancellation terms on the booking page before you pay.
If you prefer to explore on your own, treat the market as the start of a walk. From the square, Via Etnea runs north for roughly 3 km towards Mount Etna, and you can follow it to Piazza Stesicoro and the entrance to Villa Bellini. Mount Etna itself has its own guide.
Getting to the market
Prices and notices as of October 2026.
| From | How | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Catania Airport | Alibus to the centre, valid for 90 minutes on other city lines too | €4 |
| Airport to Piazza del Duomo | Taxi at the official rank. Press reports a €27 flat rate on a trial until 31 December 2026, so ask the fare before you get in | €27 (reported) |
| City buses | AMTS ticket, valid 90 minutes. A day ticket is valid until 23:59 | €1.40; day ticket €3.50; €2 on board |
| Central station | City bus. AMTS lines that used to end at Piazza Borsellino have ended at the central station since 11 December 2025 | – |
| Old town | On foot from the cathedral, a few steps behind the square | – |
Rail works change some train services until 12 December 2026, with replacement buses between Catania Airport and Syracuse. If you arrive by train, check the current timetable before you set off. Our airport page explains the options in detail.
Combine the market with
Everything below is within the same part of the old town.
Catania Cathedral
The baroque cathedral on the square in front of the market, with its visiting hours and rules.
Things to do in Catania
Twelve experiences from the old town to the Roman theatre.
Catania tours
Street food tours, city walks and day trips compared.
Catania Airport
Alibus, trains, taxis and car hire from Fontanarossa.
Catania fish market: frequently asked questions
Where is the Catania fish market?
La Pescheria is directly behind Piazza del Duomo, in the lanes around the Amenano fountain. From the cathedral it is a short walk.
What are the opening hours?
Local information lists Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm. There is no single official timetable for all stalls, so go in the morning and do not rely on stalls staying open until 1 pm.
Is the fish market open on Sunday?
No. The fish market is closed on Sunday mornings, even though some food tours operate on that day.
How long should I plan?
About an hour is enough to walk the lanes. Add time for the cathedral, which is next door, or a food tour of around 3 hours.
Is there a food tour that includes the market?
Yes. One English-language street food tour starts at Piazza del Duomo at 11 am, runs for 3 hours with a maximum of 10 people and costs from €59 in 2026, including tastings and 3 drinks. See the tours on this page for current availability.
How do I get there from the airport?
Take the Alibus (€4, valid for 90 minutes) to the centre or a taxi from the rank outside arrivals. Check the fare before you get in, because the flat rate reported for 2026 is a trial.