Malta Souvenirs: What to Buy, Where to Buy It, and What to Avoid

Malta has a strong craft tradition — ceramics, lacework, Malta Cross jewellery, wine and honey are souvenirs that actually make sense: local, often handmade, genuinely unique. In this guide: what to buy, where to buy it, how much to pay, and what to avoid (the Chinese knock-offs lining the seafront).

Malta Cross Jewellery

The Maltese Cross (Cross of the Knights) is the island's symbol — an eight-pointed cross derived from the crest of the Knights of Malta, 12th century. Jewellery featuring it is THE Maltese souvenir: rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets in silver and gold.

Where to buy: Jewellers on Republic Street and Merchants Street in Valletta — certified pieces with hallmarks. Shops in Mdina. The Sunday market in Marsaxlokk — slightly cheaper.

Prices: Silver pendant: €15–45. Silver ring: €25–80. Gold earrings: €80–250. Avoid: stalls on resort promenades — often mass-produced without authenticity.

Maltese Ceramics

Traditional Maltese ceramics feature distinctive motifs: the Malta Cross, swallows (sailors' symbol), limestone colours (white, ochre, terracotta), luzzu fishing boats. Hand-painted plates, bowls, tiles and figurines.

Best shops: Crafts Village at Ta' Qali (central Malta — artisan village, best prices direct from makers), Mdina Glass at the Mdina Gate, shops on Republic Street in Valletta, shops in Vittoriosa (Birgu).

Prices: Decorative plate (20cm): €15–35. Malta Cross tile: €8–15. Kitchenware set (4 pieces): €40–80. Avoid "made in China" ceramics with Maltese motifs at beach markets.

Maltese Wine

Malta produces excellent wine — the local grape varieties Gellewża (red) and Girgentina (white) are unique to Malta. A bottle of Maltese wine is an unusual and genuinely special gift.

Recommended labels: Meridiana (premium, €20–40), Marsovin Reserve (great value, €12–22), Delicata (entry range, €8–15), Ta' Mena Estate on Gozo (limited production, local only, €18–30).

Where to buy: Shops in Valletta, Mdina Glass Shop, direct from wineries (Meridiana, Marsovin — tastings available), supermarkets (Welbee's, PAVI). Airport — similar prices, good selection.

Gozo Honey

Gozo honey is considered one of the finest in Europe — bees collect nectar from unique Mediterranean flora (rosemary, thyme, carob, wild herbs). Protected as a EU regional product. Very aromatic, dark brown in colour.

Where to buy: Direct from beekeepers on Gozo (shops in Victoria/Rabat), Marsaxlokk Sunday market, local produce shops in Valletta. Prices: €8–15/jar (250g).

Also worth getting: Local fig jams, Maltese olives (Bidni — a unique variety), capers, dried Gozo herbs — excellent gifts, inexpensive and original.

Gozo Lace (Bizzilla)

Handmade Gozo lace (bizzilla) is a craft tradition passed down through generations. Tablecloths, napkins, lace jewellery. Recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Where to buy: Gozo Heritage (Victoria), shops in Rabat Gozo town centre, Crafts Village Ta' Qali. Prices: small napkin €8–20, tablecloth €40–120. Authentic Gozitan lace commands a premium — because the handwork takes dozens of hours.

Mdina Glass — Handblown Art Glass

Mdina Glass is one of Malta's most celebrated craft brands — colourful art glass handblown on the island. Bowls, vases, figurines, jewellery — unique patterns, unrepeatable colours. Shops at the Mdina Gate and in Valletta. Prices: small figurine or pendant €12–25, bowl €25–60, vase €40–120.

Best Shopping Spots — Ranked

1. Crafts Village Ta' Qali — best prices, direct from makers, all categories. Bus from Valletta or by car.
2. Marsaxlokk Sunday market — ceramics, jewellery, local products. Until noon.
3. Valletta — Republic Street and Merchants Street — certified jewellery, craft shops.
4. Mdina shops — pricier, but the atmosphere of shopping in the Silent City is part of the experience.

What to Avoid

• Souvenirs at resort promenades — usually Chinese mass production with a Maltese label
• Jewellery without silver/gold hallmarks — may be base metal
• Honey without a local producer's label — may be blended imports