Sicily Shopping and Districts

(Sicily, Italy)

Shopping in Sicily is lots of fun. The island has a good blend of shopping malls, boutiques, shop-houses and street markets, and is not overrun with sterile malls. While not on a par with Rome or Milan and possibly a little more expensive, you can still pick up similar quality items, including leather goods, clothes, and shoes.

Souvenirs can be had in all parts of Sicily and wine is another big buy, while unique Sicilian olive oil and ceramics are particularly sought after.

When to Shop and Where

Palermo easily has the best shopping in Sicily, followed by Catania. They both have high quality markets and shopping malls where you can buy locally made products, Italian labels and international brands.

The top malls in Palermo are in the Teatro Massimo, the Piazza del Duomo and the Via Roma districts. In Catania, head for the Corso Italia for the ultimate shopping mall experience, which is loaded with Italian designer gear. For cheaper options, pay a visit to Catania's industrial zone, Misterbianco.

As for street markets, all Sicilian towns and cities have them. Most town markets only open for a day or two per week, but the markets in Palermo and Catania are open every day.

The Mercato Lo Capo Palermo and Vucceria are Palermo's top markets, while the lively markets and fairs in Cefalu, Caltagirone, and Sciacca are also popular.

Those shopping at markets will find that most have items for tourists, including Sicilian ceramics and olive oil.

Caltagirone, in southern Sicily, is best for quality traditional ceramics and the stalls near the town entrance generally have a great selection.

When it comes to olive oil, Sicily has a unique blend with specialised wine shops (enotecas) offering the high quality product.

More information about Palermo Shopping.