The Street Markets of the Val di Noto
by
Matt Bird
Street markets are a way of life in the Val di Noto and across Sicily. All but the very smallest communities have a street market at some point during the week.
Markets are intense multi-sensory experience of sights, sounds and scents from the array of produce and goods. They are a great way to experience Sicilian culture and meet friendly locals happy to share their knowledge and love of the island.
Agriculture is Sicily’s main resource and industry with three-quarters of the islands land used for agriculture. So street markets predominantly sell fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, olive and nuts, bread and cheese. Being an island of course fresh fish is also a big feature at street markets. Plus there is clothing and fabrics, antiques and bric-a-brac on sale.
The Sicilian name for local market is ‘fera’, ‘fiera’ in Italian and ‘fair’ English. Typically street markets are open by 8am till 1pm which applies to all those below unless specified differently. Happy shopping!
- Noto
When: First Sunday of the month
Where: Corner of Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Salvatore La Rosa
What: ‘Antiques market’
- Ortigia Island
When: Every Monday to Saturday
Where: Vicolo Bagnara
What: ‘Street market’
- Modica
When: Last Sunday of the month
Where: Viale Medaglie d'Oro
What: ‘Flea market’
- Avola
When: Every Saturday
Where: Piazza San Sebastiano
What: ‘Farmers market’
- Pachino
When: Every Saturday afternoon
Where: Old Station Square
What: Specialising in dried and pickled goods
- Palazzolo Acredie
When: Every 1st & 15th of the month
Where: Viale Dante Alighieri
What: General street market
- Scicili
When: Every Tuesday
Where: Via Saffi
What: General street market
- Frigintini
When: Saturday mornings
Where: Town square, North end of town
What: General street market
- Ragusa Ibla
When: Every Monday
Where: Via Sergente Scribano
What: General street market
- Ragusa
When: Every Wednesday
Where: Parcheggio Polisportivo (sports complex carpark) Contrada Selvaggio
What: General street market
NB Street Markets details change from time to time, if you are aware of any changes to the above please do email me.
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