Market and Markets in Tuscany
Content
Shopping in the market in Tuscany
The markets usually take place weekly.
The setting up of the stalls begins in the morning between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., the market usually ends around 13:00 p.m. to 14:00 p.m.
The regular markets take place on the following days (mornings):
Which market is open today? The weekly markets by day of the week
The most important weekly markets at a glance – this way you can quickly find the market near you. Unless otherwise stated, the markets take place in the morning.
- Monday: Carrara, Suvereto, Porto Ercole
- Tuesday: Cecina, Porto Santo Stefano, Strada in Chianti, Florence (Cascine)
- Wednesday: Piombino, Massa Marittima, Forte dei Marmi, Lucca, Siena, Pisa
- Thursday: Viareggio, Pietrasanta, Marina di Carrara, Grosseto, San Gimignano, Montepulciano
- Friday: Follonica, Venturina Terme, Torre del Lago, Colle di Val d'Elsa, Pienza, Montalcino
- Saturday: San Vincenzo, Castiglione della Pescaia, Riotorto, Orbetello, Lucca, Volterra, Arezzo, Cortona, Greve in Chianti, Pisa
- Sunday: Panzano in Chianti, plus many antique markets (see table)
- Daily except Sunday: Market halls and markets in Florence (Sant'Ambrogio), Pisa (Piazza delle Vettovaglie) and Livorno
Market days can be rescheduled at short notice due to holidays, events, or construction work. In summer, many seaside resorts also offer evening markets with arts and crafts – if in doubt, check with your accommodation or the tourist office.
Markets in Tuscany: Table by location
| City | Market day | Time of day | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florence (Sant'Ambrogio) | Monday to Saturday | 07:00-14:00 | Piazza Lorenzo Ghiberti |
| Florence (Cascine) | Tuesday | 07:00-14:00 | Cascine Park |
| Florence (Fierucola) | Third Sunday of the month | 09:00-19:00 | Piazza Santo Spirito |
| Florence (Piazza dell'indipendenza) | Third Saturday and Sunday of the month | 08:30-13:00 | Independence Square |
| Siena (La Lizza) | Wednesday | 08:30-13:00 | Via La Lizza |
| Siena (Antiques) | Third Sunday of the month | full-time | Market Square |
| Arezzo | Saturday | 08:30-13:00 | Viale Giotto |
| Arezzo (Antiques) | First Sunday (and Saturday before) of the month | full-time | city center |
| Greve in Chianti | Saturday | 08:30-13:00 | Piazza Matteotti |
| Greve in Chianti (Il Pagliaio) | Fourth Sunday of the month | 09:00-14:00 | Piazza Matteotti |
| Panzano in Chianti | Sunday | 08:30-13:00 | Piazza Bucciarelli |
| Panzano (Aprilante) | First Sunday of the month | 09:00-15:00 | Panzano in Chianti |
| Strada in Chianti | Tuesday | 08:30-13:00 | Strada in Chianti |
| Cortona | Saturday | 08:30-13:00 | Piazza Signorelli |
| Pisa (Vettovaglie) | Monday to Saturday | 08:30-16:00 | Piazza delle Vettovaglie |
| Pisa (Via Paparelli) | Wednesday & Saturday | 08:30-13:00 | Via Alberto Paparelli |
| Pisa (San Martino) | Wednesday & Saturday | 08:30-13:00 | Via San Martino |
| Pienza | Friday | 08:30-13:00 | Via Mencattelli |
| San Gimignano | Thursday | 08:30-13:00 | Piazza Duomo |
| San Gimignano (Il Mercatale) | Second Sunday of the month | 09:30-19:00 | Piazza delle Erbe |
| Montalcino | Friday | 08:30-13:00 | Via della Libertà |
| Montepulciano | Thursday | 08:30-13:00 | Piazza Pietro Nenni |
| Forte dei Marmi | Wednesday | 08:00-14:00 | Piazza Guglielmo Marconi |
| Forte dei Marmi (Antiques) | Second Sunday (and Saturday before) of the month | full-time | city center |
| Pietrasanta | Thursday | 08:30-13:00 | Statuto Square |
| Viareggio | Thursday | 08:30-13:00 | Piazza Cavour |
| Livorno (Vettovaglie) | Monday to Saturday | 08:00-14:00 | Via Buontalenti |
| Livorno | Monday to Saturday | 08:00-13:00 | Cavallotti Square |
| Livorno (Antiques) | First Sunday of the month | full-time | Piazza Cavour |
| Grosseto | Thursday | 08:30-13:00 | Piazzale De Maria |
| Grosseto (Antiques) | Fourth Sunday of the month | full-time | Piazza Stefano de Maria |
| Castiglione della Pescaia | Saturday | 08:30-13:00 | Piazza Ponte Giorgini |
| Porto Ercole | Monday | 08:30-13:00 | Via San Rocco |
| Porto Santo Stefano | Tuesday | 08:30-13:00 | Piazzale Sant'Andrea |
| Orbetello | Saturday | 08:30-13:00 | Via Caravaggio |
| Lucca (Antiques) | Third Saturday and Sunday of the month | full-time | city center |
| buonconvento | Saturday | 08:30-12:30 | city center |
| San Vincenzo | Saturday | 08:00-13:00 | Piazza Giovanni XXIII |
| Piombino | Wednesday | 08:00-13:00 | Ferrer Street |
| Venturina Terme | Friday | 08:00-13:00 | Fair Street |
| suvereto | Monday | 08:00-13:00 | Vittorio Veneto square |
| Riotorto | Saturday | 08:00-13:00 | Via De Amicis |
| Follonica | Friday | morning | Central Park |
| Cecina | Tuesday | morning | Cecina |
| Massa Marittima | Wednesday | morning | Massa Marittima |
| Volterra | Saturday | morning | Volterra |
| city wall | Wednesday & Saturday | morning | Lucca |
| Carrara | Monday | morning | Carrara |
| Marina di Carrara | Thursday | morning | Marina di Carrara |
| Colle di Val d'Elsa | Friday | morning | Arnolfo di Cambio Square |
| Puccini Lake Tower | Friday | morning | Puccini Lake Tower |
What else you should know about the markets in Tuscany
The markets are one of the main attractions in Tuscany. Almost every place has a regular market - from the daily sales event in Florence to the fish market in Livorno to the weekly market in Castiglione della Pescaia. In most places the markets take place on different days; so it is possible to visit a different market every day if necessary.
While fish markets often take place on the coast, the markets in the larger cities are almost comparable to grocer's or junk markets in terms of the variety of offers. In the villages, on the other hand, there are mostly farmers' markets or markets with a selection of local specialties; a visit here during harvest times is particularly worthwhile. Ultimately, the decision on which market to go to is a matter of taste. It is always an entertaining experience - especially on vacation. So this is also a good opportunity to get a little insight into the mentality of Tuscan traders.
Since the markets are generally located in the city center, you should be prepared for the possibility of not finding a prime parking spot when arriving and choosing a parking area. This may involve a longer walk from the parking lot, which you can combine with exploring the market. Please remember not to leave valuables in your car and avoid giving opportunistic thieves any opportunities in the crowded market!
Beware of counterfeit branded goods
Counterfeit designer bags, sunglasses, and watches are offered for sale, especially in larger markets and on beaches. Stay away: In Italy, not only the sale but also the purchase of counterfeit goods is prohibited . Buyers face fines of €100 to €7.000, the goods are confiscated – and tourists have also been fined. Checks are particularly frequent in seaside resorts during the summer.
Instead of going to the market, focus on what makes it special: fresh fruit and vegetables, pecorino cheese, salami, olive oil , wine, and local handicrafts. It's authentic, often inexpensive – and makes the best souvenir.
Frequently asked questions about markets in Tuscany
When do the markets in Tuscany begin and end?
The weekly markets usually start between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. and end around 13:00 p.m. You'll find the best selection in the early morning; it gets quieter and sometimes cheaper towards the end.
When is the market in San Vincenzo?
Saturday morning, from about 8 a.m. to 13 p.m., in Piazza Giovanni XXIII.
When is the market in Piombino?
Wednesday morning, from about 8 am to 13 pm, in Via Ferrer.
When is the market in Follonica and Castiglione della Pescaia?
In Follonica there is a market in the Parco Centrale on Friday mornings, in Castiglione della Pescaia on Saturday mornings.
Is it possible to trade in Italian markets?
When buying clothing, bags, and household goods, it's customary to politely ask for a better price, especially when purchasing multiple items. Haggling is generally not expected with food.
Can I pay by card at the market?
More and more retailers are accepting card payments, but you shouldn't rely on it. Take enough cash with you in small denominations.
Is it legal to buy counterfeit branded goods in Italy?
No. Buyers in Italy also face fines of 100 to 7.000 euros, and the goods will be confiscated.
