Shopping in Sicily

If shopping is on your holiday list to do while in Sicily, you can be assured you will be able to find everything your heart and soul desire. However a little know-how of the process of shopping won't go astray as it may be slightly different to what you're used to.

Finding the right shop

While big cities in Sicily do have larger department style shops that contain everything, largely products are located in small businesses instead. This can mean shopping takes a little longer than you're used to but you will get specialized produce For example Sicilians will get their bread, cakes and sweets from the pasticceria (bakery), meat from the macelleria (butcher) and so on. Similarly for non-food items you may need to go to a cartoleria for paper goods, pads and pens; the farmacia or alimentari for toiletries and the merceria for underwear, tights or pyjamas.

If you're after a supermarket look for SPAR with meat, dairy, vegetables and alcoholic drinks or the COOP which is similar and also stocks bread, some pharmacy and other items such as books. All towns will also have their own local market on a set day or days of the week where you can get a lot of cheap local produce. In fact larger cities will have several of these and they are worth visiting particularly in Palermo and Catania. In these markets you could find fresh meat, vegetables and fruit, electrical appliances, clothing and tupperware.

What time to shop

Shop hours can vary across Sicily and be rather confusing for tourists. Most small businesses will operate in the morning from 8am or 9am until midday or 1pm, then close for several hours and reopen after 4pm or 5pm. If you're in a small town do note this as you may not find food otherwise (although bars/cafes will remain open with basic food). Supermarkets will remain open throughout the day but they usually have at least one day a week when they are closed or have reduced hours.

On Sundays most shops are closed. Restaurants also close one day a week – often on a Monday.

What to buy

Sicily is a great place to buy gift items or souvenirs. For example there are some excellent ceramics to purchase here in places like Caltagirone, Santo Stefano di Camastra and Sciacca. You could find these in useful kitchen items such as plates, bowls and spoons or even as ashtrays, vases or watches. A lot of people also like to buy models of the brightly coloured Sicilian cart that were once used around the island before roads and cars. Another fun item to look for is the Sicilian puppet.

Where to Shop

While it's not possible to list every market and supermarket in Sicily, there are some in Sicily's two main cities – Palermo and Catania - that you should not miss on any account. These are listed in this section.

The Vucchiria in Palermo is full of heady delights. This age-old market is really atmospheric and worth a stroll. Wander around through stalls selling fish, sun dried tomatoes, fruit and vegetables, clothes, pasta, eggplant, film, batteries or electrical cords - you'll find a bit of everything here. Much is mouth watering too so it's a good place to time when you're hungry. It closes at midday on Wednesday.

Palermo has an abundance of markets – Il Capo, Ballaro, Casa Professa, I Lattarini, Mercato delle Pulci, Mercatino di Piazza Marina, Mercatino Antiquariato and Borgo Vecchio are some of these.

Catania

The two main food markets in Catania are La Pescheria and La Fiera (also known as 'Afera 'o Luni). La Pescheria is possibly also the best market on the island. It is located right near the Piazza del Duomo and as the name suggests it is a fish market full of writhing and twisting sea creatures, the calls of sales man and the movement of produce. Go early for the best deals and most activity which is highly entertaining (the market finishes at midday). You can also pick up fresh fruit and vegetable produce nearby or eat here at night – a great place for dining.

La Fiera is in Piazza Carlo Alberto and runs until lunch time. Here you'll find fresh fruit but also cafes and snack bars. On Sundays the market extends to include puppets, antiques, electronics, books, plants and other items.

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