Mercato di Ortigia

The basics

Given its fame, the market is on the itinerary of nearly every morning and early-afternoon tour of Ortygia (Monday to Saturday). While guides can make haggling or learning about local specialties much smoother, you can head to the northern side of the island and browse the market on your own. Prepare for a riot of goods, such as spices, arancini and other Sicilian street foods, freshly caught seafood, and the best local produce, from zucchini blossoms to pears and black figs.

Things to know before you go

• The market is among the most famous in Sicily and a must-visit in Syracuse and Ortygia.
• Bring cash, as not all vendors take cards, and carry a shopping bag for groceries.
• Prices may be advertised, but are nearly always negotiable.
• Keep an eye out for the island’s fresh seafood, often considered the highlight of the market.

How to get there

The Ortygia Market is in the heart of the historic center of Syracuse on the island of Ortygia. From the Siracusa train station, it’s about a 20-minute walk on Via Francesco Crispi and Corso Umberto I, and across the Umbertino Bridge to Via Mercato and Via Emmanuele de Benedictis.

When to get there

The market is open from morning to mid-afternoon Monday to Saturday throughout the year. To avoid the worst of the tourist crowds, and to see stands full of produce and freshly caught fish coming in from the water, arrive early in the morning—the opening hour at 8am is typically best.

Sicilian specialties at the Ortigya Market

If you’re unsure about what to shop for at the Ortygia Market, you can hardly do better than making a beeline for Sicilian specialties. A few to seek out are smoked tuna, caponata (fried eggplant with other vegetables), and prosciutto dei Nebrodi, a special prosciutto produced from the meat of black pigs bred in the Nebrodi mountain range of northeast Sicily.