A secondary Catania market in an atmospheric covered market space, selling excellent meat, cheese, and local products at good prices
The Scalette di San Benedetto area, near Via San Gaetano alla Grotta in central Catania, is part of the city's secondary, more local market scene — a lesser-known counterpart to the famous Pescheria fish market. Set in an atmospheric covered and arcaded market space, it serves Catanesi who come for everyday provisions away from the tourist crowds, and prices reflect that local trade: meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, and Sicilian dry goods are notably good value here. Butchers form the backbone of the market, with counters displaying fresh cuts, horse meat (a Catania speciality), sausage flavoured with fennel seed and cheese, and offal. Cheese vendors sell fresh and aged provola, ricotta, and pecorino, while greengrocers stack seasonal Sicilian produce — artichokes, blood oranges, lemons, tomatoes, and prickly pears. A scattering of dry-goods and household stalls rounds out the mix, and there is virtually nothing aimed at tourists, which is precisely the attraction for visitors who want to see how Catania actually shops. Bargaining is minimal, as prices are already low and largely fixed, but vendors are friendly and quantities are flexible. Payment is overwhelmingly cash, so visitors should bring small euro notes; the market sells everyday food and has no VAT-refund facility. The atmosphere is workaday and authentic rather than theatrical, busiest in the early morning and tailing off well before lunch. Because it lies just off the main tourist circuit, it pairs well with a walk through Catania's baroque centre and the nearby Pescheria. The must-visit element is the butchers' row, where the local specialities — horse-meat cuts and the fennel-and-cheese sausage grilled fresh — are best appreciated. Mornings are essential, as the market is closed by early afternoon and on Sundays.
Highlights
- A local, non-touristy Catania market in an atmospheric covered, arcaded space
- Strong butchers' row featuring Catania specialities like horse meat and fennel sausage
- Excellent value on meat, cheese, fruit, and vegetables away from the crowds
- Fresh and aged provola, ricotta, and pecorino alongside seasonal Sicilian produce
- A genuine glimpse of how Catanesi shop, just off the main tourist circuit
Tips for visiting
- Come early in the morning, as trade tails off well before lunch and closes by early afternoon
- The market is shut on Sundays, so plan a weekday or Saturday morning visit
- Bring small euro notes — the butchers and produce stalls deal almost entirely in cash
- Try the local fennel-and-cheese sausage and the Catania horse-meat cuts from the butchers' row
- Prices are already low and fixed, so there is little need to bargain on everyday produce
Frequently asked questions
Is the Scalette di San Benedetto market touristy?
No — it is a genuinely local Catania market where residents shop for everyday meat, cheese, and produce. There is little aimed at tourists, which is exactly its appeal for visitors wanting an authentic experience.
What are the opening hours?
It trades Monday to Saturday, roughly 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays. Mornings are essential, as the market winds down by early afternoon.
What local specialities can visitors find here?
The butchers are the highlight, selling Catania specialities such as horse meat and sausage flavoured with fennel seed and cheese, alongside fresh provola, ricotta, and seasonal Sicilian vegetables.
Do the stalls take cards?
Most vendors accept cash only, so visitors should carry small euro notes and coins. Card acceptance is rare at this local market.