Fish market in Blanes
I remember a little town with a long beach, a beach with many tourists sunbathing. I remember my days spent there a few years ago, probably 3 or 4 back in time. It was nothing else but beach time, strolling around and laughing with my best friend. I remember my first time in Blanes, a beach town in Costa Brava.
My second time visiting Blanes was a lot different. We went there to find out about the famous fish market and the way it works. We had a chat with Roser Figueras, the veterinary looking after fish safety and good conditions, and the only woman working in the fish market team.
It was Roser who helped us to get under the skin of the secrets of the fish market. I do like fish but not all kinds and I cannot stand sea food, but it doesn’t mean it was not interesting to see for the first time how it is all managed.
unloading the caught fish in Blanes
We were lucky to see the auction just a few minutes after we came as a boat full of fresh fish arrived in the port too. First, they put into the computer how many kilograms of which fish they have which is showed on the first screen. Then there are 2 more screens on which they start to sell. The prices start higher and go down automatically and the fish buyers can stop it at a price they are willing to pay.
caught fish ready to be sold
It is only restaurants, fisheries and industries that can buy fish at the fish market in Blanes.
The market is open twice a day, in the morning and then from around 3.15 to 6.30 pm. Different kinds of fish can be caught in early hours than those in the afternoon. In the morning it is mostly blue fish, tuna and sword fish (for the last 2 you need permission to catch them) and then later in the day it is more shell fish, red shrimps and special kinds of fish.
Weather is also a very important factor as during a windy day ships has to stay close to the coast and can only get more fish than shrimps.
buying fresh fish at Fish market in Blanes
Morning sales are mostly done in big amounts with less people buying, while in the afternoon it is more buyers here buying smaller amounts of different fish.
Fishermen have to pay a fee to Confraria de Pescadores de Blanes which is the 2nd or the 3rd biggest fish industry in Catalonia. Most fishermen are men, but women work here too – only sewing nets together with some retired fishermen.
being sold
It took us just around an hour to learn about fishermen and how fresh fish are sold at the market in Blanes. But let me tell you, a very interesting experience. I love when I can learn something new.
Check out my short video to have a better idea of Fish market in Blanes:
This trip was a press trip organized by Costa Brava tourism board. All the thoughts in the article are just my own as usual.
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I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
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Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Agness:
I have the same thing with the markets, especially fruit ones :)
Agness
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For some reason, I love exploring local vegetable, fruit and fish markets. Great photos! I’m going to Oslo soon so I’m gonna visit one of the fish markets there and have a proper fish!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Ron | Active Planet Travels:
To be honest, I don’t go to fish markets very often as the smell doesn’t do any good to my stomach, but at this market I was happy to find out how they work … and kept my distance from the fish, just in case :)
Ron | Active Planet Travels
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Sweet article Alex! I’ve always wanted to visit a fish market like this just to get a glimpse of what life is like for any local fisherman. I recently bought a whole grouper when I was back home from a Caribbean Fish Market & I must say it was delicious!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Wends of Journeys and Travels:
That’s what I think too. I love markets but this was the first time I visited just a fish market.
Wends of Journeys and Travels
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this is cool. I have yet to see the markets of the destinations I am visiting. This is where interesting real life happens for the locals. Great capture Alex. :)