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If you’ve been to Valletta or Sliema, you’ve likely seen the typical Maltese souvenir stalls selling cheap magnets, keychains, and plastic trinkets. While these items are everywhere, they rarely carry any real connection to Malta’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Living in Malta since 2011, I’ve been asked countless times: “What should I buy that’s truly Maltese?” The answer lies in understanding what souvenirs really are – small objects that preserve your travel story. In Malta, if you know where to look, you can find souvenirs that aren’t just things, but pieces of living heritage.
Understanding Maltese Culture Through Souvenirs
Maltese souvenirs can tell a story that lives beyond your vacation. Whether it’s a jar of local honey made from near-extinct bees, or lace crafted using 19th-century bobbin techniques, these items reflect the spirit of the island.
Markets, artisan fairs, and village workshops are the best places to explore Malta’s hidden crafts. Choosing the right souvenir is about more than buying something, it’s about engaging with the culture, supporting local makers, and bringing home a piece of the island’s identity.
Top 10 Authentic Maltese Souvenirs
1. Handmade Maltese Lace
Malta’s lace-making tradition dates back to the early 1800s, with Gozo as its heartland. This craft once flourished thanks to British influence and the admiration of Queen Victoria. Maltese lace features intricate patterns, often using the Maltese cross and wheat motifs, and is made on a pillow (trajbu) using wooden bobbins.
Where to buy:
- Artisan fairs in Gozo
- Bastion Lace (Gozo)
- Ta’ Qali Crafts Village
2. Traditional Filigree Jewelry
Filigree is a delicate art form using twisted silver or gold wire to form lace-like jewelry. Even if you’re not a jewelry lover, these items make thoughtful gifts with a clear link to local craftsmanship.
Tip: Ensure it’s handmade by speaking to the seller or buying from artisan markets rather than generic tourist shops.
3. Maltese Glassware
Mdina Glass, one of the island’s best-known producers, offers vibrant hand-blown glass pieces in every shape and color. I especially love their Christmas ornaments, each one is unique and beautifully crafted.
Where to buy:
- Mdina Glass shops (Valletta, Ta’ Qali)
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4. Ġbejniet (Traditional Maltese Cheese)
This soft goat cheese is a local delicacy served in restaurants and at markets. It’s particularly well-known in Gozo.
Personal tip:
Try ġbejniet from Mekrens Bakery in Nadur, Gozo. My sister always stocks up before returning to the UK – she freezes it and enjoys it for weeks.
5. Maltese Honey
Made by bees that are nearly extinct in Europe, Maltese honey has a rich, floral taste and deep cultural roots. Look for jars labelled “Product of Malta” – many souvenir shops sell imported honey disguised as local.
Where to buy:
- Saturday market at Ta’ Qali
- Local village shops
6. Religious Artifacts
While religious items are common in Malta, most are mass-produced. Be cautious when buying in Valletta, where many products are imported.
Tip: Look for smaller artisan shops or religious festivals for more authentic finds.
7. Native Olive Oil
Maltese olive oil is rare, most of what’s sold is imported from Italy. When you find genuine local oil, it’s often richer and more peppery in flavour.
Where to buy:
- Local food markets
- Specialty shops in smaller towns
8. Local Wines and Spirits
Malta’s native white grape, Girgentina, produces crisp, refreshing wines perfect for summer. Another favorite is prickly pear liqueur, which has a sweet and fruity flavor.
Where to buy:
- Available in most restaurants
- Airport duty-free for last-minute purchases
9. Maltese Ceramics
Ceramic Maltese tiles are a beautiful and compact souvenir option. Hand-painted with local motifs, they’re ideal for home decoration.
Where to buy:
- Artisan fairs
- Ta’ Qali Crafts Village
10. Books by (or About) Malta
If you enjoy history, especially Malta’s role in WWII, I recommend “Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege, 1940 – 43” by James Holland. Though not written by a Maltese author, it gives deep insight into the island’s resilience during the war.
Where to buy:
- Local bookshops
- Museum gift stores
How to Shop for Maltese Souvenirs Like a Local
Insider Tips:
- Check the labels. Authentic Maltese products clearly state their origin.
- Avoid street vendors for “too good to be true” deals; authentic items are rarely cheap.
- Visit artisan markets in Valletta, Mdina, or Gozo to meet the makers and hear the stories behind their work.
- Explore unique stores like Souvenirs That Don’t Suck in Sliema and Valletta. Their minimalist designs on mugs, shirts, and tote bags reflect Maltese food, architecture, and slang in a modern style.
Bringing Maltese Souvenirs Home: Packing & Practical Advice
Fragile items like glass or ceramics should be wrapped securely. Most shops will help you pack them properly. If you’re in a rush, Malta International Airport has solid last-minute souvenir options.
What you’ll find at the airport:
- Local sweets from Café Cordina
- Honey rings and date pastries
- Maltese beer and liqueurs
- Bottles of Kinnie, the iconic local soft drink
These make easy, fun gifts that travel well and give friends and family a literal taste of Malta.
Take Home More Than Just a Photo
Buying authentic Maltese souvenirs is about more than shopping; it’s about choosing items that carry the spirit of your trip. Whether it’s the soft texture of Gozo cheese, the sparkle of blown glass, or the story behind a handmade lace, these objects remind you of the island’s character long after you leave.
So travel respectfully, shop mindfully, and bring home something that keeps travel memories alive.
