Malta is a sun-soaked Mediterranean archipelago between Sicily and North Africa, renowned for its ancient fortified cities, crystal-clear waters, and 7,000 years of history. This UNESCO World Heritage jewel blends baroque architecture, prehistoric temples, and vibrant coastal life into one of Europe's most captivating destinations.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Maltese Lace (Bizzilla)
Intricate handmade bobbin lace unique to Malta, produced in villages like Vittoriosa and Birgu. Designs range from tablecloths to framed art pieces.
Price: $15-120
Where: Mdina crafts shops, Ta' Qali Crafts Village
Mdina Glass
Hand-blown decorative glass made with traditional techniques at the Mdina Glass workshop. Recognizable for its vivid Mediterranean colors and swirled patterns.
Price: $20-200
Where: Mdina Glass shop, Ta' Qali Crafts Village, airport
Maltese Pottery
Hand-painted ceramic tiles, plates, and bowls featuring traditional Maltese motifs such as the Maltese Cross and luzzu boats. Popular decorative items.
Price: $10-50
Where: Ta' Qali Crafts Village, Valletta souvenir shops
Maltese Sea Salt
Naturally harvested salt from the historic Salina salt pans near St Paul's Bay, hand-collected using traditional methods. Excellent food gift.
Price: $5-12
Where: Valletta market, specialty food shops, Wembley Store
Gbejniet (Sheep Cheese)
Traditional Maltese sheep or goat milk cheese, vacuum-packed and available in fresh, dried, or peppered varieties. A beloved local delicacy.
Price: $8-15
Where: Marsaxlokk market, Valletta market stalls
Maltese Honey Ring (Qaghaq tal-Ghasel)
Traditional ring-shaped pastry filled with black treacle and spiced with aniseed, a distinctly Maltese treat. Vacuum-packed for travel.
Price: $5-10
Where: Any bakery, supermarkets, souvenir shops
Maltese Cross Jewelry
Silver and gold jewelry incorporating the distinctive eight-pointed Maltese Cross, symbol of the Knights of Malta. Available in bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
Price: $20-150
Where: Valletta jewelry shops on Republic Street, Sliema boutiques
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Marsaxlokk Sunday Market
Malta's most famous outdoor market held every Sunday alongside the colorful luzzu fishing boats. Fresh fish section open daily from 7am, with additional stalls selling clothes, souvenirs, and local produce on Sundays.
Where: Marsaxlokk waterfront, southeast Malta
Hours: Sun 7AM-1PM
Ta' Qali Crafts Village
A permanent craft market housed in WWII RAF Spitfire base buildings, with resident artisans producing Mdina glass, lace, pottery, and metalwork. Watch craftspeople at work in their studios.
Where: Ta' Qali, Central Malta near Mdina
Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM, Sat 9AM-1PM
Valletta Daily Market
A bustling covered daily market in the heart of Valletta selling fresh local produce, fish, clothing, and sundry goods. Authentic local atmosphere away from tourist shops.
Where: Merchants Street, Valletta
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-1PM
Mdina Road Open Market
A popular Sunday morning flea market and general goods market at the foot of Mdina's walls. Good for vintage items, plants, clothing, and household goods at local prices.
Where: Mdina Road, Rabat
Hours: Sun 7AM-1PM
St. James Cavalier Market
Seasonal artisan and craft market near Valletta City Gate showcasing local designers, handmade crafts, organic food, and independent Maltese brands. Popular with locals on weekends.
Where: City Gate area, Valletta
Hours: Sat 10AM-4PM (seasonal)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Republic Street, Valletta
Malta's main pedestrianized shopping street running through the heart of the capital, lined with souvenir shops, cafes, jewelry stores, and fashion boutiques. The street dates to the 16th century and is flanked by baroque palaces.
Best for: Souvenirs, jewelry, books, gifts
Tower Road, Sliema
A long seafront promenade lined with international fashion brands, shoe shops, pharmacies, and casual dining. Malta's most popular everyday shopping street with a good mix of local and international stores.
Best for: Fashion, accessories, everyday shopping
Bisazza Street, Sliema
A compact shopping district connecting Tower Road to The Point mall, featuring independent boutiques, opticians, beauty salons, and cafes. Popular with young Maltese shoppers.
Best for: Independent boutiques, beauty, casual fashion
Ta' Qali Crafts Village
Malta's dedicated craftsmen village where artisans produce and sell traditional Maltese crafts including glass, lace, silverware, and ceramics. Each studio offers a chance to watch the making process.
Best for: Traditional crafts, unique handmade gifts
Spinola Bay area, St Julians
The elegant shoreline around Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay in St Julians houses upmarket boutiques, jewelry shops, and fine dining. Popular with wealthier residents and hotel guests.
Best for: Luxury goods, upscale fashion, fine dining gifts
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
The Point Shopping Mall
Malta's largest shopping mall in Tigne Point, Sliema, housing over 80 stores across three levels. Anchored by major international brands including Zara, H&M, and Marks & Spencer, with sea views from the terrace.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-7PM
Baystreet Shopping Complex
A large entertainment and retail complex in St Julians featuring cinemas, restaurants, bowling, and international fashion brands. Popular with families and young crowds, especially evenings and weekends.
Hours: Daily 10AM-10PM
Plaza Shopping Centre
Central Sliema's established mall with a supermarket, fashion stores, electronics, and a food court. Convenient for everyday shopping with parking available underground.
Hours: Mon-Sat 9AM-8PM, Sun 10AM-2PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in shops, malls, or markets in Malta; fixed prices are standard
At the Sunday Marsaxlokk market, buying multiple items from the same vendor may yield a small discount if asked politely
Some souvenir shop owners near tourist sites will negotiate slightly for multiple purchases
Antique dealers at the Rabat flea market expect some negotiation
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antiques over 50 years old require export permit; cultural artifacts from Malta's prehistoric temples are strictly prohibited from export
Tax Refund: EU VAT (18%) can be claimed by non-EU visitors on purchases over €50 via the Tax Free shopping scheme; get form stamped at airport customs
Duty Free: EU residents have no duty-free limits between EU countries; non-EU visitors: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre spirits, €430 worth of goods
Shipping: Malta Post (Posta Malta) ships internationally from post offices; Maltese glass and ceramics best packed professionally at purchase point