Local markets in the Sorrento Peninsula: where to find the most authentic typical products

One of the best ways to get in touch with the culture and traditions of a place is to visit its markets. The Sorrento Peninsula, with its rich agricultural and culinary tradition, offers numerous opportunities to discover and purchase local products of the highest quality. During your stay at La Terrazza Family Holidays, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit the markets in the area, where you can buy genuine zero-kilometre products, meet local producers, and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Sorrento’s daily life.

Here is a guide to the most interesting markets in the area, with advice on what to buy and how best to enjoy the experience.

The Sorrento Weekly Market

Where: Via San Renato (Casarlano district)
When: Every Tuesday morning, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What to find: Clothing, accessories, household products, local fruit and vegetables

Sorrento’s traditional weekly market is held every Tuesday morning and is mainly frequented by local residents. Here you will find a mix of stalls selling clothing, accessories, home textiles and foodstuffs.

The fresh produce section is particularly interesting: local farmers display seasonal fruit and vegetables grown in the surrounding countryside. It is the ideal place to buy Sorrento IGP lemons, local tomatoes, aubergines, courgettes and other typical Mediterranean vegetables.

Insider tip: Arrive early, preferably before 9am, to enjoy more choice and better prices. Don’t hesitate to haggle a bit on price, it is a common practice and appreciated by local vendors.

How to get there from La Terrazza Family Holidays: The market is located in the upper part of Sorrento. You can take the local bus from the square in Sant’Agnello (about 15 minutes) or use a taxi.

The Sant’Agnello Farmers’ Market

Where: Piazza Matteotti, Sant’Agnello
When: Every Friday morning, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
What to find: Local agricultural products, cheeses, honey, preserves

Just a few steps away from La Terrazza Family Holidays, the small Sant’Agnello farmers’ market is a real treat for lovers of genuine food. Here, local producers sell their products directly, eliminating middlemen and guaranteeing freshness and quality.

Some of the specialities not to be missed are:

• The ‘Provoletta del Monaco’, a typical cheese produced in the hills of Vico Equense
• The citrus or chestnut honey produced on the Lattari Mountains
• Artisanal preserves such as the ‘Conserva di pomodorini del piennolo’
• The extra virgin olive oil from the Sorrento hills
• Freshly baked bread and focaccia

Insider tip: Ask the producers to taste the products before you buy. They will be happy to introduce you to their specialities and tell you how they are made.

How to get there from La Terrazza Family Holidays: The market is easily reached on foot in about 10 minutes.

The Marina Grande Fish Market (Sorrento)

Where: Marina Grande Pier, Sorrento
When: Every morning (except Sundays), from 6am to 8.30am
What to find: Freshly caught fish and seafood

For an authentic experience and an up-close look at Sorrento’s fishing tradition, there’s nothing better than the small fish market in Marina Grande. Here, at dawn, fishermen return with the night’s catch and sell directly to local restaurateurs and residents.

The market is small and informal, but offers an incredible variety of fresh fish:

• Anchovies, sardines and mackerel
• Squid and octopus
• Sea bass and gilthead
• Prawns and scampi
• The famous ‘pesce azzurro’ of the Gulf of Naples

Insider tip: If you want to buy fish, arrive very early (around 6.30am) as the market ends quickly once the restaurants have made their purchases. If you stay at La Terrazza Family Holidays, you can cook your purchase in the house’s fully equipped kitchen.

How to get there from La Terrazza Family Holidays: Take the bus to Sorrento and then walk down to Marina Grande (about 25 minutes in total), or use a taxi.

The Vico Equense Farmers’ Market

Where: Via Filangieri, Vico Equense
When: Every Monday and Thursday morning, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What to find: Farm produce, cheeses, cured meats, homemade bread

About 5 km from Sant’Agnello, Vico Equense is home to one of the most authentic farmers’ markets in the area. The town is famous for its gastronomic tradition, in particular the “provolone del monaco” PDO and pizza a metro.

At the market, you will find:

• A wide selection of local cheeses
• Artisanal cured meats such as soppressata and salami from Naples
• Seasonal fruit and vegetables
• The famous ‘pane di Vico’, baked in wood-fired ovens
• Products in oil such as courgettes, aubergines and sun-dried tomatoes

Insider tip: After visiting the market, stop at one of the historic cafés in the central square to taste the local pastries, especially the ‘Pizza Dolce di Vico’, a delicacy made of sponge cake and custard.

How to get there from La Terrazza Family Holidays: The most convenient way is to take the Circumvesuviana train from Sant’Agnello to Vico Equense (about 10 minutes). The market is a short walk from the station.

The Sorrento Antiques and Crafts Market

Where: Corso Italia and Piazza Tasso, Sorrento
When: First Sunday of the month, from 9am to 8pm
What to find: Antiques, local handicrafts, unique souvenirs

If your stay coincides with the first Sunday of the month, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Sorrento’s antiques and crafts market. Unlike food markets, here you can find unique items and memorabilia to take home as a memento of your trip.

The stalls offer:

• Pieces of Sorrentine marquetry, the famous local art of woodworking
• Hand-painted ceramics
• Antiques and vintage items
• Handmade jewellery
• Handmade leather goods
• Lemon products such as soaps, creams and perfumes

Insider tip: This market is very popular with tourists, so prices can be higher than elsewhere. Don’t be afraid to haggle, but remember that many items are unique pieces handmade by local artisans.

How to get there from La Terrazza Family Holidays: You can take the local bus or the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (about 5 minutes). The market is along Corso Italia, the main street of the town.

Seasonal products not to be missed

Depending on when you visit the Sorrento Peninsula, here are some seasonal products to look for in the local markets:

Spring (March-May)

• Fresh broad beans
• Peas
• Artichokes
• Wild asparagus
• Strawberries

Summer (June-August)

• IGP Sorrento lemons
• San Marzano and Cuore di Bue tomatoes
• Aubergines
• Peppers
• Figs
• Vesuvius apricots

Autumn (September-November)

• Table and wine grapes
• Porcini mushrooms from the Monti Lattari
• Chestnuts
• Walnuts
• Persimmons

Winter (December-February)

• Oranges
• Cauliflowers
• Broccoli
• Fennel
• Scarole and chicory

Practical tips for visiting markets

1. Bring cash: Most vendors in markets only accept cash, so make sure you have enough euros with you.

2. Bring your own bags: To reduce plastic waste, bring reusable bags for your purchases.

3. Learn a few words in Italian: Although many salespeople speak some English, a simple “Good morning” or “Thank you” can make all the difference and make the experience more authentic.

4. Arrive early: The best products are sold quickly, so it is advisable to visit the markets early in the morning.

5. Check the authenticity: To be sure you are buying local products, ask the vendors where the goods come from. Genuine producers will be happy to tell you the story of their products.

Dishes to prepare with your purchases

One of the joys of staying at La Terrazza Family Holidays is having access to a fully equipped kitchen where you can prepare your own meals with fresh produce purchased from local markets. Here are some easy-to-make traditional Sorrento recipes:

1. Insalata Caprese: Very simple but delicious, it only requires fresh tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, basil, extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt.

2. Spaghetti al limone: A fresh and fragrant first course made with lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, pepper and olive oil.

3. Aubergine parmigiana: A classic of Campania cuisine that makes the most of fresh, seasonal aubergines.

4. Fish all’acqua pazza: If you have bought fresh fish at the market, try it cooked in this traditional way with cherry tomatoes, garlic, parsley and a little white wine.

Guided market tours

For those who want an even more complete experience, at La Terrazza Family Holidays we can organise guided tours of local markets with an expert guide who will help you discover the most authentic products and interact with local vendors.

The tour may include:

• Visit to one or more markets
• Tasting of typical products
• Advice on what to buy and how to use
• Information on local history and gastronomic traditions

Al termine del tour, potrete tornare a La Terrazza con i vostri acquisti e, se lo desiderate, partecipare a una lezione di cucina per imparare a preparare piatti tradizionali con i prodotti appena acquistati.

Visiting local markets during your stay at La Terrazza Family Holidays is not only a way to buy quality food, but a cultural experience that will allow you to get in touch with the traditions and lifestyle of the Sorrento Peninsula. Whether you are passionate about gastronomy, in search of unique souvenirs, or simply curious to observe local daily life, the markets offer an unmissable opportunity to have an authentic experience far from the beaten tourist paths.

Enjoy discovering the flavours and colours of our markets!