Zaragoza has a strong cod tradition — especially in the Aragonese ajoarriero variant, bacalao al ajoarriero adapted with tomato and pepper. But finding quality cod in the Aragonese capital requires knowing where to look.
This 2026 guide explains where to buy cod in Zaragoza based on your objective: saving money, traditional quality, or premium online product.
Main Options in Zaragoza
- Mercado Central (Plaza de Lanuza) — tradition
- Specialized fishmongers: Las Fuentes, Actur, Centro
- Large supermarkets: Alcampo, Carrefour, Mercadona, Aldi, Dia
- Online with 24h refrigerated delivery
Mercado Central — the traditional benchmark
In Plaza de Lanuza, a protected modernist building, you'll find cured fish stalls with decades of experience.
- Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00, Saturdays 8:00-14:30
- What to ask for: salted cod for ajoarriero, traditional shredded cod, extra-thick fillet
- Price: 20-32€/kg salted, 26-38€/kg artisan desalted
- Origin: Mostly Norway, occasionally Iceland
- Advantage: personalized service, can recommend the cut according to the recipe
- Downside: limited hours, difficult parking (city center area)
Tips for buying at the Mercado Central
- Friday morning is the best day — new pieces arrive for the weekend
- Ask about the origin and curing date
- Ask to shred it at home if you prefer more control over the size
- Stalls with documented traceability (specific origin) are the most reliable
Specialized fishmongers in Zaragoza
Las Fuentes
Neighborhood with traditional local fishmongers. Mid-range prices, variable quality. Ask specifically for cod — not all of them handle this category well.
Actur / Rey Fernando
More modern area, new fishmongers. Some supermarkets with fish counters (Alcampo Actur).
Centro and San Francisco
Some gourmet stores with packaged cod. Products for gifts and special occasions. Higher prices.
Supermarkets in Zaragoza
Alcampo (Actur and Utebo)
The large Alcampo stores in Zaragoza have a fresh fish counter with fresh loins. Good value for money.
- Fresh loins: 22-28 €/kg
- Vacuum-packed desalted: 13-16 €/kg
- Frozen chunks: 8-11 €/kg
Carrefour GranCasa
The largest hypermarket in Zaragoza. Complete fish section with Carrefour Selección references (18-22€/kg). Full details: Carrefour 2026 guide.
Mercadona
Several stores around the city. Consistent Hacendado brand. 5-6 cod references. See Mercadona guide.
Aldi
Aldi stores in Zaragoza have frozen and vacuum-packed desalted cod at lower prices than competitors. Industrial quality but suitable for daily use. See full Aldi 2026.
Cod online with delivery to Zaragoza
Zaragoza is well connected logistically with Barcelona (300 km) and Madrid (320 km). Online cod arrives in 24 working hours with refrigerated transport.
Advantages of buying online vs local:
- Access to certified Icelandic cod (scarce in Zaragoza supermarkets)
- Traceable artisan curing
- Complete variety including cod cheeks and derivatives
- Free shipping from 99€
- Arrives refrigerated at 2-8°C
What cod to buy for Aragonese recipes
Aragonese ajoarriero
Salted shredded cod. Aragonese tradition prepares it with tomato, green pepper, and garlic. Ideal from the Mercado Central. Alternative: shredded cod from Carrefour Selección or Mercadona.
Aragonese migas with cod
Desalted cod in small pieces. Any supermarket cod works perfectly — the flavor integrates with the migas.
Ajoarriero cod for special occasions
For a special dinner or restaurant, quality artisan shredded cod. Online or Mercado Central.
Aragonese potaje with cod
Salted or vacuum-packed desalted cod — any option works. The flavor of the potaje is built with the vegetables.
Shopping calendar in Zaragoza
- November-February: best time. Wide variety, stable prices
- March: price increase for Easter (+10-20% in market)
- April: after Easter, back to normal
- May-August: low demand, less variety but better price
- Fiestas del Pilar (October): occasional demand increase
- Christmas: seasonal increase, buy in advance
Related guides
- Mercadona vs Lidl vs Aldi: comparison
- Best cod in Spain ranking
- Price of salted cod per cut 2026
- How to desalt cod at home quickly and well
Conclusion: where to buy cod in Zaragoza according to your use
- Aragonese ajoarriero and traditional recipes → Mercado Central
- Daily family use → Mercadona, Alcampo, Aldi
- Elaborate recipes (pil-pil, baked star) → artisan online
- Cod cheeks and special derivatives → online, rarely in supermarkets
Artisan Icelandic cod with traceability arriving in Zaragoza in 24h: our selection. Free shipping from 99€ to all of Aragon.
