Split, Croatia – the morning fish market: Local fish and seafood housed in a gorgeous building (2023)
The morning fish market in Split is quiet lively and loud – everyone is yelling out the specialties of the day, some are animated, even comical in their zeal. You almost have to stand out if you want to sell out of the days catch since there is a lot of competition for the best and freshest seafood you can find in Dalmatia.
Taking photographs of markets, especially seafood markets are fun as long as you don’t get in the way and you are observant of the traffic and stay out of the pathways. There’s nothing worse than being a clumsy tourist getting in the way or disturbing vendors who are trying to make their livelihood selling their seafood. But if you do act quick, you can go right in and zoom on some amazing shots and detail at the morning market. And who knows, maybe you can occasionally get some funny or interesting shots of some of the vendors in action and touting their specials of the day.
Why visit the local fish market in Split, Croatia?
Visiting the local fish market in Split, Croatia, offers a unique and immersive experience for several compelling reasons:
Freshness Beyond Compare: You’ll discover an incredible array of seafood caught that very morning, ensuring the freshest flavors imaginable.
Cultural Insigh: It’s a chance to immerse yourself in Croatian culture, witnessing the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of a traditional market.
Local Flavors: Taste the essence of the Adriatic Sea with a variety of fish, shellfish, and seafood prepared in authentic Dalmatian recipes.
Supporting Local Economy: By patronizing the local fish market, you contribute directly to the livelihoods of local fishermen and vendors.
Food Adventure Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or looking to broaden your culinary horizons, the market offers a chance to try new dishes and flavors.
Photographic Opportunities: For a content creator like you, the market provides a treasure trove of visually stunning scenes and characters to capture.
Historical Significance: Many of these markets have a rich history, often tied to the city’s maritime heritage, adding depth to your exploration.
Cooking Inspiration: If you enjoy cooking, you can source the freshest ingredients to prepare your own Croatian seafood dishes.
Interaction: Engage with locals, hear their stories, and learn about traditional fishing methods and sustainable practices.
Memorable Experience: A visit to the fish market is not just about food; it’s about creating lasting memories and a deeper connection to the destination.
In summary, visiting the local fish market in Split, Croatia, promises a sensory and cultural adventure that enriches your travel experience and provides ample content opportunities for your blog.
Here are some highlights visiting the morning seafood market in Split
An amazing variety of local fishes caught in the Adriatic Ocean
It’s amazing, the variety of fish and seafood available at this market – there are a whole rainbow of colors, sizes and assortment available for sale and just caught the night before. The seafood market has a very strong influence to the local economy and has a substantial role in Split’s history, tradition and cuisine.
- So many local fish to choose from
It’s amazing to watch and see how these fish vendors can quickly filet an entire tuna in just a few minutes and come up with perfect fish filets for sale.
- Making the filets
The fish market is housed in an ornate and beautiful building with slab limestone counters and floors, it’s so wonderful seeing seafood presented this way, so fresh in a very clean environment. The outdoor section is also an overflow of the inside market with many more selections of fish and shell brought in daily for sale.
- Interior shot of the fish market
A strong odor
So many different types of local shell-fish were on display at the fish market, it’s amazing the different varieties that are gathered locally. From the image above, not everyone enjoys the fresh smell of seafood on display at the markets. The shell fish selection is extensive, with so many different varieties of shellfish in every size, color and shape for sale today.
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An unknown ugly flatfish at the market
- This video shows the fish monger expertly skinning that really ugly fish above into some edible pieces of fish steaks for the customer patiently waiting below.
If your up early in Split, take a walk over to the seafood market on the western side of the old city and follow your nose. The lively indoor/outdoor market is a must visit spot for seafood lovers especially with all the amazing varieties available for sale every day at the Split market – a wonderful place to photograph and enjoy a slice of food and local culture.
For more posts on visiting the fascinating city of Split, Croatia – check out my other stories below
The best places to visit and photograph Split
Farmers market in Split’s old town
A free Split city tour of the Diocletian Palace
Local foods of the Dalmatian coastline
Enjoying a day in Trojir, Croatia
Conclusion to an Early morning fish market in Split.
Thanks for dropping by and checking out the Early morning fish market in Split. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with any of the social media buttons below or on the side, thank you.
Noel-Great capture of so many different aspects of the fish market. Although I love going to markets when I travel, the fish is never my favorite. Give me the flower stalls anyday! I could especially relate to the woman covering her nose-it made me laugh. They always say the freshest catch shouldn’t have that much of an odor, and I noticed you didn’t mention the subject. Was it strong and fishy?
Hey Niel, great work! I love markets too, I visited Hamburg’s fish market just this morning. Love your shots of fish lying on the counter, especially the ‘ugly flat’ one, and the video was great too! Thanks for sharing
What was the hygiene like, Noel? Like Phoebe, I notice in the fifth picture down that the guy is smoking with cigarette ash looking like it could fall at any moment on the fish he’s preparing below… doesn’t strike me as a very good way to be doing things!
Hygiene was extremely clean except for the one guy and I’m sure it’s just his bad habit. I don’t think I would have bought fish from him personally, but boy he was a barker!
We love the markets here in Croatia, have not yet been to this one, gotta try asap. That flat fish sure is ugly, poor thing, I bet he made a wicked tasting soup!
I love photographing food and food markets and I like eating fish but I’m never pleased with my photographs in fish markets. I guess I find them very unphotogenic to say the least but I enjoyed your post never-the-less and I have to laugh at myself for being so squeamish!
Great photos. I can only imagine the smell and quite possibly would have been very similar to the young girl you photo’d. I almost feel sorry for the unknown ugly flatfish, I am not sure, seeing him, that I would want to eat him – although I am sure he would be very tasty. 🙂
You really have captured these images well. It’s interesting reading this post soon after I just wrote a post on Japan (coming soon!) and included a short extract about the Tsukiji Market which is the largest fish market in the world. I can’t say that I frequent fish markets but I am sure they are an interesting experience watching how the pros go through all the phases of preparing and ultimately selling their products.
Hi Noel, I enjoyed all the scenes you photographed. I like how you captured the energy of the market as well as the local vibe – and the smell! My favorite shot is that of the girl covering her nose. It can’t be a seafood market without someone not loving the odor:) I also like your tip about how to photograph without being obstructive.
Hi Marisol, thanks for connecting – as you can see I love markets and the energy, excitement and the visuals you can get from being in such an authentic space…have you been to Split? If not you should visit this area in Damatia.
Fish markets are usually good places to visit in most cities. I think that the “unknown ugly flatfish” is a monkfish. Quite ugly but very tasty.
The unknown ugly flatfish is called monkfish. Good eats. 🙂
Loving the picture of the girl covering her face, it really made me giggle! I think I’d be the same.
I love markets (and wrote about my local one this week). Fish markets can be some of the best as there’s usually a lot of shouting going on (in France the process of the fish arriving at the quay and being bought by the dealers is even called “la criée” – the shout -) I love the shot of the guy with his cigarette ash about to fall on to the lovely fesh fish!!
That reminded me of going to the fish market in Sète, south of France, during my childhood.