Mercat des Peix Fish Market
A historic market in Ciutadella, Menorca, offering the freshest seafood, meats, and produce, with a unique 'catch and cook' dining experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest seafood selection
Mercat des Peix Fish Market
Best Time
Freshest seafood selection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic market in Ciutadella, Menorca, offering the freshest seafood, meats, and produce, with a unique 'catch and cook' dining experience.
"A feast for the eyes and the table, this market offers unparalleled freshness in a charming, historic setting."
🍳 Cook Your Catch
Buy fresh fish and have it cooked at nearby restaurants for an amazing meal! :fish:
🚶♂️ Explore the Old Town
The market's antique setting is a feast for the eyes. Wander the historic quarter for a glimpse of the past. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Freshest Catch
Fish Market Stalls
Abundant, high-quality fish and shellfish displayed on ice. Look for bright eyes and fresh skin – signs of peak freshness.
Artisan Butchers
Adjacent Butcher Shops
Discover a superb selection of steaks and cured meats, all looking incredibly fresh and of high quality.
Colorful Produce
Fruit & Vegetable Stalls
A vibrant display of fresh fruits and vegetables, adding a splash of color and freshness to the market.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Dining Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍳 Cook Your Catch
Buy fresh fish and have it cooked at nearby restaurants for an amazing meal! :fish:
🚶♂️ Explore the Old Town
The market's antique setting is a feast for the eyes. Wander the historic quarter for a glimpse of the past. :camerawithflash:
⚖️ Dining Choices
While convenient, some restaurants around the market are tourist traps. Seek out better value if you have time. :moneywithwings:
🍎 Fresh Produce Galore
Don't miss the vibrant fruit and vegetable stalls alongside the fish and meat. :apple:
Tips
from all over the internet
🍳 Cook Your Catch
Buy fresh fish and have it cooked at nearby restaurants for an amazing meal! :fish:
🚶♂️ Explore the Old Town
The market's antique setting is a feast for the eyes. Wander the historic quarter for a glimpse of the past. :camerawithflash:
⚖️ Dining Choices
While convenient, some restaurants around the market are tourist traps. Seek out better value if you have time. :moneywithwings:
🍎 Fresh Produce Galore
Don't miss the vibrant fruit and vegetable stalls alongside the fish and meat. :apple:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Mercat des Peix for its incredibly fresh seafood, high-quality meats, and vibrant produce, all set within a charming, historic quarter. The unique 'catch and cook' dining experience is a major draw, though some note that surrounding restaurants can be tourist-oriented and pricier.
"The market is a traditional fish market & also nearby are some traditional butchers shops & fruit & vegetable shops , all selling fresh produce of a very high standard . The markets location is a truly awesome set in an antique quarter of the town & little has probably changed in it's appearance in the last hundred years or so & is a feast for the eyes , as well as a feast for the food buying shopper . The fish market has an abundance of high quality fish & shellfish , all on view , all kept on iced stainless steel trays & all at the time of my visit were extremely fresh , with a nice appearance of the skin & bright eyed , which is a good sign of freshness . The butchers also had a very good selection of steaks & also cured meats & all looked very fresh & of an extremely high quality . The markets fruit & vegetables also were very fresh & looked very colourful ! . The market is a feast for the eyes as well as a place to buy a feast for the table . So if you're looking to shop for the table , or just want a browse at all it's colourful produce , then the market could be your next place visit whilst here in the beautiful town of ciutadella ."
Stephen Collins
"A small market that specialises in freshly caught fish and shellfish , amazingly fresh you can buy something and take it to the small restaurants in the square where they will cook it for you for a price , now thats fresh food .Fantastic colours and smells , pity we had just eaten as this was a place we would definitely come back to."
Tork Mackenzie
"The market itself is nice and great. A small market, typical flair, perfect. The restaurants around are the typical tourist trap. The food is still ok, service very quick and nice, but you pay the extra which is ok. If you have a choice and some time, walk around and you find better ones. If you are in a rush, there is nothing wrong. You just pay more for normal food with ok flavor and quality."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercat des Peix is located in the heart of Ciutadella's historic quarter. It's easily accessible on foot if you're staying in the town center. If arriving by car, look for public parking areas nearby, though they can be busy during peak season. :car:
The Mercat des Peix, known for its fresh produce and dining options, is located in Ciutadella de Menorca, not Mahon. :round_pushpin:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Mercat des Peix itself is free. You only pay for the fresh produce you wish to purchase. :ticket:
The market typically opens in the morning and operates until early afternoon. It's best to visit in the morning for the widest selection of fresh fish. Hours can vary slightly by season. :clock1:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the market itself is for purchasing fresh ingredients, many visitors buy fish and shellfish from the market stalls and take them to nearby restaurants in the square to be cooked for them. :forkandknife:
Reviews suggest that while the restaurants offer a convenient way to enjoy market-fresh food, some can be tourist traps with higher prices. It's recommended to explore and compare options if you have the time. :moneywithwings:
The market specializes in incredibly fresh fish and shellfish. You'll also find traditional butchers selling high-quality meats and stalls with colorful fruits and vegetables. :apple:
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The market's historic setting, vibrant displays of fresh produce, and lively atmosphere make it a fantastic spot for photography. :camerawithflash:
Focus on the colorful seafood displays, the butchers' prime cuts, the fresh fruits and vegetables, and the charming architecture of the surrounding antique quarter. :art:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the market can get busy, especially during peak hours. Consider visiting earlier in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. While the market itself is for shopping, the nearby restaurants can accommodate families, though it's wise to check menus and prices beforehand to ensure they suit your family's needs and budget.
💰 Budget Travelers
When it comes to dining out, be mindful of the surrounding restaurants. While they offer convenience, some are noted as being pricier due to their tourist location. Look for places that clearly display their prices or ask about the cost of having market-bought items cooked. Exploring a few streets away from the immediate market square might reveal more budget-friendly local eateries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Market Experience
Many visitors highlight the unique opportunity to buy fresh seafood and have it cooked at the small restaurants scattered around the square. This 'catch and cook' experience is a major draw, offering unparalleled freshness. However, a word of caution from travelers: while convenient, some of these surrounding eateries can lean towards being tourist traps. If you have the time, it's worth exploring to find places that offer better value for money, though the food quality is generally considered acceptable even in the more tourist-oriented spots.
Beyond the culinary aspect, the market's historic setting is a significant part of its charm. The antique architecture and the timeless feel of the place make it a photographer's delight and a wonderful spot to simply wander and soak in the local atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the simple, high-quality ingredients that Menorcan cuisine is known for.
Culinary Delights: Freshness and Dining
The unique dining proposition at Mercat des Peix is the ability to purchase your ingredients and have them cooked at nearby establishments. This 'cook-it-for-you' service is a highlight for many visitors, offering a personalized and incredibly fresh dining experience. Imagine selecting the perfect piece of fish and then enjoying it grilled or prepared to your liking just moments later.
While the freshness is universally praised, travelers offer nuanced advice regarding the surrounding restaurants. Some reviews point out that these establishments can be geared towards tourists, potentially leading to higher prices for standard dishes. The advice is to be discerning; if you're in a rush, they serve their purpose well, but if you have more time, seeking out less obvious spots might yield a more authentic and budget-friendly culinary adventure.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit