The twice-weekly market of Fano, the seaside town famous for Italy's oldest carnival, selling fresh food, produce and local gastronomy in the historic centre
The Mercato Settimanale di Fano is the twice-weekly street market of Fano, the historic seaside town in the province of Pesaro and Urbino on the northern Marche coast, famous for hosting the oldest carnival in Italy. Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays on Piazza XX Settembre and through the centre, it is a traditional Italian market serving local residents, with stalls selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, fish and seafood from the Adriatic, cheeses and cured meats, bread, fresh food and the household goods, clothing and general items typical of an Italian neighbourhood market. Because it caters to Fanesi doing their daily shopping, the produce is authentic and prices are honest, aimed at residents rather than inflated for visitors, making it a good place to assemble a picnic or to taste the local Romagnola-influenced gastronomy of the coast. Prices at food stalls are generally fixed, while non-food goods may allow a little negotiation; cash is the norm and the easiest way to pay, as many stallholders do not take cards. The atmosphere is brisk and local in the morning, and the historic centre of Fano, with its Roman origins as Fanum Fortunae, the Arco d'Augusto gate and the medieval streets, rewards a wider visit, while the seafront and harbour are close at hand. For visitors, the market offers a genuine slice of everyday life in one of the Marche's most characterful coastal towns, away from the resort crowds, and the chance to buy fresh Adriatic produce and local food at honest prices. Combining it with the town's Roman and medieval sights and its long beach makes for a rewarding day on the northern coast.
Location
Highlights
- Twice-weekly market in the historic seaside town of Fano
- Fresh Adriatic fish and seafood landed on the coast
- Seasonal produce, cheeses, cured meats and local food
- Authentic, resident-focused atmosphere away from the resorts
- Setting in a town of Roman origins famous for Italy's oldest carnival
Tips for visiting
- Go on Wednesday or Saturday morning for the freshest fish and produce
- Bring cash, as many stallholders do not accept cards at this local market
- Visit the fishmongers early for the best of the Adriatic catch
- Combine a visit with Fano's Roman Arco d'Augusto and the seafront
- Food prices are fixed, but there can be flexibility on non-food goods
When to visit
Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the time to visit, with the freshest seafood and produce early on; the market does not run in the afternoons or on Sundays.
Accessibility
The market is held outdoors on the largely level central squares and streets, broadly accessible to wheelchair and pushchair users, though busy morning trade slows movement between stalls.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Fano market held?
On Wednesdays and Saturdays, roughly 8AM to 1PM, on Piazza XX Settembre and through the historic centre.
What is sold there?
Fresh Adriatic fish and seafood, seasonal produce, cheeses and cured meats, bread and the household and clothing goods typical of an Italian market.
Is it a tourist market?
No. It serves Fano residents, so the produce is authentic and prices are aimed at daily shoppers rather than visitors.
Should visitors bring cash?
Yes. Cash is the easiest way to pay, as many stallholders do not accept cards.