Mercado de Peixe & Cais de Pesca (Fish Market and Fishermen's Pier)
Imagine stepping into a world where the day begins with the rhythmic sounds of fishing boats and the scent of the sea fills the air. Welcome to the Mercado de Peixe & Cais de Pesca in Paraty, where the vibrant fishing culture of this historic town comes to life. Nestled in the Ilha das Cobras neighbourhood, this spot offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of local fishermen and the bustling seafood market that thrives on their catch. Whether you're here to witness the morning's fresh catch being unloaded or to sample the finest seafood Paraty has to offer, this is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic local experience.
Just across the water from the historic centre, in the Ilha das Cobras neighbourhood, is where Paraty's fishing life really happens. Local fishermen moor at the Cais de Pesca (fishermen's pier) and unload the day's catch. Right beside it, the Mercado de Peixe sells fresh fish and seafood straight from the bay. The market opened in 2018. Its design was inspired by traditional fishermen's huts: tiled stalls under a roof with a skylight, where fishermen sell directly to locals and visitors. Paraty is the biggest producer of white shrimp in the state of Rio de Janeiro, so shrimp is always a highlight. Women from the local fishing community, traditionally the town's shrimp peelers, are part of the market's story. It's a short walk from the old town: cross the pedestrian footbridge from Largo de Santa Rita. Come to watch the fishing boats at work and see a slice of everyday local life.
History
Fishing has always been central to Paraty, and today it is the town's second most important economic activity. The fishermen's pier at Ilha das Cobras was long a working landing point for the local fleet, and its revitalisation was an old demand of the fishing community.
In 2018 the city opened the Mercado de Peixe here, the first stage of a plan to revitalise the Ilha das Cobras waterfront. Designed by BAA Arquitetura, it has eight tiled stalls under a skylit roof, inspired by the traditional fishermen's huts. The building also houses offices shared by the municipal fisheries department and the local fishermen's association (Colônia de Pescadores Z-18). The city backed the creation of a cooperative of fisherwomen to run the stalls, honouring the tradition of the women who work as shrimp peelers.
Fun Facts
- Paraty is the largest producer of white shrimp in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
- The market's eight tiled stalls under a skylit roof were designed to echo traditional fishermen's huts.
- Women have long worked as shrimp peelers in Paraty, and the market was designed to support a cooperative of fisherwomen.
- Fishing is Paraty's second most important economic activity.
Guide Tips
- Come early in the morning to see the boats unloading their catch and to buy the freshest fish and shrimp. The light over the bay is beautiful at that hour too.
- From the historic centre, take the pedestrian footbridge from Largo de Santa Rita: it's just a few minutes' walk.
Opening Hours
Hours vary with the fishing day. Best visited in the morning.