Weekly Markets: a stroll through the stalls of local Corsican and Sardinian products
A journey through the markets of Corsica and Sardinia
Visiting the weekly markets in Corsica and Sardinia is a great way to discover local traditions. Among colorful stalls and enticing aromas, you will find typical products such as cheeses, cured meats, wines and handcrafted objects. Each market has its own unique flair: some are known for their gastronomic offerings, others for the quality of local craftsmanship. It’s an authentic experience that allows visitors to taste unique flavors and connect with local culture. Let’s explore the main weekly markets of Corsica and Sardinia and discover the most representative products found among their stalls.
Weekly Markets in Corsica
Corsica has a strong market tradition, with weekly events that attract both locals and tourists in search of regional specialties.
- Ajaccio: the central market in Place Campinchi, right in front of the port, is one of the island’s most famous and takes place every morning during the summer (off-season, from Tuesday to Sunday). Here you will find a wide selection of seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses, traditional cold cuts like figatellu, Mediterranean maquis honey and aromatic spices.
- Bastia: on weekends, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville hosts the traditional market, full of fresh and artisanal products like cheeses, charcuterie and fish. Just a short walk from the square, on Sundays you will also find the flea market at Place Saint-Nicolas.
- Bonifacio: from April to October, the market at Loggia de l’Arsenal (Haute-Ville) takes place on Tuesdays and offers a refined selection of regional products, with a focus on honey, jams and sheep cheeses.
- L’Île-Rousse: the covered market on Rue Paoli is open every morning and is ideal for those seeking high-quality fresh products, including cheeses, olive oil and artisan bread.
As you stroll through Corsican markets, you will sense the island’s unique identity—a land that blends French and Italian influences into a rich and varied gastronomy, offering flavors that tell the story of a truly distinctive place.
Weekly Markets in Sardinia
In Sardinia, weekly markets are also a must—not just for shopping, but for experiencing the social heart of city life.
- Cagliari: the San Benedetto Market, open from Monday to Saturday, is one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Here you will find a wide variety of fresh fish, cheeses and cured meats.
- San Pantaleo: every Thursday morning during the summer, this village in the heart of Gallura hosts a market with a unique atmosphere, blending local crafts with typical products like honey and regional wines.
- Alghero: the Civic Market on Via Sassari is a go-to for those seeking fresh fish and meat, fruits, vegetables and traditional cheeses like Pecorino Sardo, pane carasau and bottarga.
- Olbia: the farmer’s market at the Olbia Community Hub takes place every third Saturday of the month and features local specialties, organic food and fresh, genuine products, perfect for those wanting to buy zero-kilometer fruit and vegetables. Also in Olbia, the Porto Romano Market is held every Tuesday morning, offering traditional cheeses and cured meats as well as local crafts. As an added bonus, parking is almost always available and there’s often live music too.
Sardinian markets are the soul of the island: a place where local producers offer the best of their harvests and craftsmanship, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Corsican and Sardinian products to discover at the markets
The markets of Corsica and Sardinia are true treasure troves of unique flavors and scents. Among the stalls, you will find products that reflect the local culinary history and traditions.
- Cheeses: Brocciu is the most iconic Corsican cheese, enjoyed both fresh and aged, while in Sardinia, Pecorino Sardo DOP is one of the most renowned specialties.
- Cured meats: Corsica is known for figatellu and coppa, while Sardinia has specialties like salsiccia sarda and mountain ham.
- Bread and other baked goods: pane carasau, also known as “music paper bread”, is a staple of Sardinian cuisine, while Corsica offers its own traditional pane corse, often flavored with chestnuts.
- Sweets and honey: Corsica is famous for its honey of Mediterranean essences, while in Sardinia you will find traditional sweets like seadas, fried pastries filled with cheese and drizzled with honey.
- Wines and liqueurs: markets offer a wide range of local wines such as Vermentino di Gallura in Sardinia and Patrimonio in Corsica, along with typical liqueurs like Sardinian mirto.
Visiting the markets of Corsica and Sardinia isn’t just about shopping, it’s a genuine sensory experience. Fragrances, colors and flavors come together in a convivial atmosphere, where each product tells a story of tradition and passion for the land. Whether it’s a piece of aged cheese, a slice of crunchy bread, or a glass of local wine, every taste is a small journey through the cultural roots of these two fascinating Mediterranean islands.
