What to bring back from Malta? The 9 most typical souvenirs are: Mdina Glass blown glass, filigree jewelry, Gozo lace, ġbejna cheese, Maltese Honey, prickly pear liqueur, Marsovin Winery wine, date mqaret, and Caffe Cordina products.
Complete guide to the best Maltese souvenirs 🛍️
Malta blends ancestral craftsmanship and gourmet pleasures. Each category below details the origin, the average price spotted in 2025, and the best addresses to buy without mistakes.
1️⃣ Multicolored blown glass (Mdina Glass / Malta Glass)
- 🧿 Swirling colors achieved at 1,200 °C.
- 📍 Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, Attard, 9 am-6 pm; Mdina Glass showroom.
- 💶 €18 per paperweight, €45 per vase.
- 🔗 Compare with Murano glass to evaluate quality.
2️⃣ Maltese Jewellery: gold or silver filigree jewelry ✨
- 🛠️ Twisted wires soldered by hand; Maltese crosses, butterflies, or boats.
- 📍 Santa Lucia Street, Valletta, workshops open from 10 am to 7 pm.
- 💶 €60–250 depending on filigree density.
- 👀 Custom orders possible (48-hour lead time).
3️⃣ Maltese Lace: Gozo lace 🧵
- 🎀 Genoese motifs on honey-colored silk.
- 📍 Sannat Lace Centre, Gozo, 9 am-5 pm.
- 💶 €25 per bookmark, €95 for 80 × 80 cm tablecloth.
- 🔗 Also see Sardinian laces for comparison.
4️⃣ ġbejna cheese and other savory delights 🧀
- 🐐 Small natural goat cheese rounds: plain, pepper, or herbs.
- 🥡 Vacuum packed: keeps for 3 weeks; ideal for flying.
- 📍 Victoria market (Gozo) on Saturdays, 7 am-1 pm.
5️⃣ Maltese Honey: thyme honey from Gozo 🍯
- 🌿 Unique herbal aroma, recognized by Slow Food.
- 📍 Mellieħa Sunday Market, 8 am-2 pm.
- 💶 €8 for 250 g jar.
6️⃣ Prickly pear liqueur, jam or soap 🌵
- 🍹 20% vol. liqueur, €12 per 50 cl bottle.
- 🧼 Natural exfoliating soap, €4 each.
7️⃣ Marsovin Winery wine 🍷
- 🍇 Girgentina (white) and ġellewża (red) grape varieties.
- 📍 198, Marsa Road, Marsa. Tasting tour €12.
- 💶 €9-14 per bottle at the winery, +40% at the airport.
8️⃣ Date mqaret & sweets from L’Artisan du Chocolat 🍫
- 🥟 Small fried rectangles filled with dates, €3/6 pcs.
- 🍫 Bars infused with carob from the archipelago, €5.
- 📍 Kiosk Mqaret, Merchant Street (Valletta).
9️⃣ Caffe Cordina: pastries and roasted coffee ☕
- 🍰 Figolla (almond paste), Maltese Kannoli.
- 🎁 Box of 12 sweets under atmosphere packaging, €15.
- 📍 244, Republic Street, Valletta, 8 am-7 pm.
Where to buy your souvenirs? Shops, markets and hours ⏰
Most Valletta Souvenirs and Sliema Souvenirs open between 10 am and 7 pm, but some morning markets close before noon. The table below summarizes the key addresses:
| 🎯 Location | Specialty | Opening hours | Useful info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ta’ Qali Crafts Village | Mdina Glass, Malta Glass | 9 am-6 pm | Bus 56 from Valletta |
| Santa Lucia Street | Maltese Jewellery | 10 am-7 pm | Workshops visible |
| Mercato di Marsaxlokk | ġbejna, Maltese Honey | Sunday 7 am-2 pm | Cash payment advised |
| Caffe Cordina Shop | Vacuum-packed pastries | 8 am-7 pm | Near the presidential palace |
For an overview of locations, check the detailed guide to Maltese shops.
Tips for choosing, packing and declaring your purchases ✈️
- 📏 Liquids: limit to 1 L in cabin, protect with bubble wrap.
- 🧳 Fragile items: place in the center of the suitcase, surrounded by clothes.
- 🛃 French Customs 2025: allowance of €430 for air travelers.
- 💸 Recover up to 14% VAT with tax-free (minimum €100 purchases).
- 📑 Check rules on VAT on gifts if giving to a client.
Tip: a free foldable canvas bag is often given in shops; it serves as extra luggage for the return trip.
FAQ about Maltese souvenirs
What is the lightest souvenir to fit in a cabin bag?
A Maltese cross in Maltese Jewellery weighs less than 5 g and doesn’t break, ideal for traveling light.
Can you visit Marsovin Winery without a car?
Yes: bus 43 from Valletta (Blata l-Bajda stop). Online booking recommended, 1 hour 15 minutes tour with three tastings.
Where to find a last-minute gourmet souvenir at the airport?
The airport duty-free offers mqaret, Maltese Honey, and a L’Artisan du Chocolat shop open from 4 am to 10 pm.
How much does postal shipping cost to France for Mdina Glass?
MaltaPost charges €17 for a 2 kg package with breakage insurance included, delivery in 5-7 working days.
Are there seasonal craft fairs?
Yes, Valletta hosts a spring fair (April) and another in autumn; in summer, they move to Sliema and Bugibba.
By following this guide, every traveler leaves with an authentic piece of the archipelago, whether a shard of Malta Glass or a golden jar of Maltese Honey 🍯.
