A Guide to the Best Traditional Souvenirs From Malta
Last Updated: Dec 09, 2023
Reading Time: 14 minutes
By: Shaun
Malta is a Mediterranean island with a rich history and culture. It has been inhabited by various civilizations over the centuries, from the Phoenicians to the Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, the Knights of Malta (the Knights Hospitaller), French and British. Each of them has left their mark on the island’s architecture, language, religion, cuisine, and traditions.
If you are looking for some unique souvenirs to bring home from your trip to Malta, you will be spoilt for choice. There are many products that reflect the Maltese heritage and craftsmanship, as well as the island’s natural resources and beauty. Whether you are interested in heritage crafts, local food and drinks, art and home decor, or eco-friendly products, you will find something that suits your taste and budget.
In this article, we will introduce you to the best traditional souvenirs you can buy in Malta, but make sure you check out other post where we list more contemporary products one can also buy to commemorate their stay in Malta.
Heritage Crafts
One of the most distinctive aspects of Maltese culture is its heritage crafts. These are products that are made by hand using traditional techniques and materials that have been passed down from generation to generation. Some of these crafts date back to ancient times, while others have evolved over the years to adapt to modern tastes and demands. Here are some of the most popular heritage crafts that you can buy in Malta.
Blown Glass
Mdina Glass Shop | Image by Sari Virtanen on Flickr
Blown glass is one of the oldest and most beautiful forms of Maltese crafts. It dates back to Phoenician times, when glassmakers from Tyre (modern-day Lebanon) settled on the island and taught their skills to the locals. The technique involves blowing air into molten glass through a metal tube to create various shapes and sizes of glassware.
Maltese blown glass is known for its colorful and intricate designs, which are inspired by the island’s landscape, flora, and fauna. You can find vases, bowls, lamps, ornaments, and other items made from blown glass in different styles and patterns. Some of the most common motifs are fish, birds, flowers, swirls, and stripes.
If you want to buy some blown glass souvenirs in Malta, you can visit Mdina Glass or Phoenician Glassblowers. Mdina Glass is the oldest and largest glass producer in Malta. It was founded in 1968 by Michael Harris, a British glass artist who introduced the studio glass movement to Malta. Mdina Glass has several outlets across the island as well as an online shop. You can also watch glassblowers at work at their factory in Ta’ Qali Craft Village.
Phoenician Glassblowers is another renowned glass producer in Malta. It was founded in 1981 by Leonard Sullivan, a Maltese glass artist who learned his craft from Michael Harris. Phoenician Glassblowers specialises in creating unique pieces that reflect the Phoenician heritage of Malta. You can find their products at their showroom in Valletta or at their factory in Marsa.
Maltese Lace
Maltese Lace - Bizilla | Image by Rijksmuseum on Wikimedia Commons
Maltese lace (known in Maltese as bizilla) is another exquisite form of Maltese craft. It is a type of bobbin lace (or pillow lace) that involves twisting thin threads of cotton or silk around pins on a cushion to create intricate patterns. The origin of Maltese lace is traced back to Genoa, Italy, where lace-making was introduced by Spanish nuns in the 16th century. The technique was then brought to Malta by the Knights of Malta (the Knights Hospitaller), who ruled the island from 1530 to 1798.
Maltese lace flourished in the 17th century, when affluent families would commission lace-makers to create tablecloths, runners, baptism dresses, wedding veils, shawls, scarves, jackets, shirt collars, and fans featuring distinct local symbols like the Maltese cross, flowers, and birds. Maltese lace was also exported to other countries, such as France, England, and Russia, where it was highly valued for its delicacy and elegance.
If you want to buy some Maltese lace souvenirs in Malta, you should visit Gozo, where lacemakers craft bizzilla (the Maltese word for lace) on their doorsteps or in their workshops. You can also find lace shops and stalls in the capital city of Valletta, especially along Republic Street and Merchants Street. Some of the best places to buy authentic Maltese lace are The Lace Shop, The Lace House, and The Lace Gallery.
Maltese Filigree
Maltese Filigree | Image by Mary Holmden on Wikimedia Commons
Another stunning Maltese craft is the Maltese filigree, which is a type of metalwork that involves twisting thin wires of gold or silver into intricate designs. The origin of this art is largely unknown, but it is believed to have been influenced by the many cultures that have inhabited the island, from the Phoenicians to the Arabs to the Sicilians. Eventually, the technique used to make filigree was refined by the Knights of Malta, who introduced new tools and patterns to the local artisans.
Maltese filigree is known for its elegance and sophistication. It is used to create jewellery and accessories such as earrings, necklaces, rings, brooches, and cufflinks. Some of the most common motifs are crosses, hearts, flowers, stars, and Maltese crosses. Maltese filigree is also used to decorate religious items such as rosaries, crucifixes, and reliquaries.
You can find several filigree artisans working in their workshops at the Ta’ Qali Craft Village. You can also find filigree shops and stalls in Valletta, especially along St. John’s Street and St. Paul’s Street. One of the best places to buy Maltese filigree is Valletta Jewellery Shop, where you can find a wide range of filigree pieces displayed in a historic building that dates back to the 16th century.
Local Food and Drinks
Another category of souvenirs that you can buy in Malta is local food and drinks. Malta has a rich and diverse cuisine that reflects its history and culture. It is influenced by various Mediterranean cuisines, such as Italian, Sicilian, Spanish, French, Greek, Turkish, and Arabic.
It also incorporates local ingredients such as fish, seafood, rabbit, cheese, honey, olives, capers, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and spices. Here are some of the most delicious and popular local foods and drinks that you can buy in Malta.
Maltese Nougat
Qubbajt
Maltese nougat (or qubbajt) is a type of confectionery that is made from honey, sugar, nuts, and egg whites. It is similar to the Italian torrone or the Spanish turrón, but with a softer and chewier texture. It comes in different flavours and varieties, such as almond, pistachio, sesame, coconut, and chocolate.
Maltese nougat is a traditional sweet that is usually eaten during village festas (festivals) that celebrate the patron saints of each town or village. During these festas, nougat stalls are set up along the streets, offering a wide range of nougat for sale.
You can also find nougat shops and factories across the island, where you can buy nougat all year round. One of the best places to buy Maltese nougat is Diar il-Bniet, a restaurant and shop in Dingli that sells nougat made from fresh farm produce. You can also order nougat online from their website or visit their factory in Zebbug.
Maltese Wine
Marsovin Summer Wine Festival
Malta, like many of its Mediterranean neighbours, has a long history of winemaking that goes back centuries. The local wine is produced from indigenous grapes that are grown in the island’s soil and ripened in the island’s hot sun. Some of these indigenous grapes are Ġellewza (a red grape) and Girgentina (a white grape).
Maltese wine comes in different types and styles, such as reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines. The most renowned wine producers in Malta are Marsovin and Emmanuel Delicata, both of which organise festivities during the summer to celebrate and showcase their produce.
Meridiana Wine Estate is another producer where you can enjoy wine tours and tastings in a scenic setting overlooking Mdina. You can also visit The Wine Boutique in Valletta, where you can find a wide selection of wines from different regions and countries, as well as wine experts who can help you choose the best wine for your taste and occasion.
Maltese Sea Salt
The Xwejni Salt Pans | Image by Corina Möller on Wikimedia Commons
Maltese sea salt is a product that reflects the island’s natural resources and beauty. It is harvested from natural salt pans along the coast using traditional methods that date back to ancient times. The salt pans are shallow pools that are filled with seawater and left to evaporate under the sun. The salt crystals that are left behind are then collected and packed by hand.
Maltese sea salt is rich in minerals and enhances the flavour of food. It is used to season dishes such as fish, seafood, meat, cheese, and bread. It is also used to preserve foods such as capers, olives, cheeselets, and sun-dried tomatoes.
To see the salt production firsthand, one can visit the salt pans at Ta’ Xwejni in Gozo, not too far from Marsalforn. Here, you can see how salt is collected and packed by hand. While in Gozo, you can also visit Savina Creations, where sea salt is mixed with herbs and spices to create gourmet blends such as rosemary and thyme salt, garlic and parsley salt, and chilli and lemon salt.
Maltese Honey
Qagħaq tal-għasel | Maltese Honey Ringss | Image by ansondavid from Pixabay
Not many people know that the Maltese islands get their name from the honey that gets produced on the islands. The islands were named Melite (meaning “honey-sweet”) by the Greeks and Melita by the Romans, as the honey became quite famous in the ancient world for its healing properties. It was especially helpful for colds and coughs, but Maltese honey can also be enjoyed on its own or mixed with lemon, orange, or ginger for a refreshing drink.
The honey is produced by the Maltese honey bee, a subspecies of the western honey bee that is endemic to the island. The Maltese honey bee is small and blackish in colour, with shorter legs and narrower, shorter wings than other Mediterranean bees. It has a wide abdomen that is covered in long hair. The Maltese honey bee is also very resistant to diseases, viscous, and highly active.
Many shops around Malta and Gozo sell Maltese honey, but if you want something more authentic, then you should visit Diar il-Bniet, a restaurant and shop in Dingli that sells honey made from fresh farm produce. Another option is to visit Savina Creations in Gozo, where you can find honey mixed with herbs and spices to create gourmet blends.
You can also order online from Malta Products or Taste of Malta, where you can find a variety of honey products such as pure Gozo honey, honey with lemon, honey with carob, and honey rings (qaghaq tal-ghasel).
Art and Home Decor
Malta has a vibrant and diverse art scene that reflects its history and culture. It has produced many talented artists who have expressed their creativity and vision through various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, and pottery.
Here are some of the most interesting and unique art and home decor products that you can buy in Malta and take back home with you.
Malta Miniatures
Malta miniatures are small replicas of iconic landmarks, buildings, and scenes from Malta’s history and culture. They are made from resin, wood, or metal and painted by hand. They are ideal for decorating your home or office with a touch of Maltese charm.
Some of the most popular Malta miniatures are the Mdina Gate, the Grand Master’s Palace, the Auberge de Castille, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Mosta Dome, the Blue Lagoon, the Luzzu (a traditional fishing boat), and the Maltese Cross.
If you are interested in these miniature souvenirs from Malta, you can visit The Artisans Centre in Valletta, where you can find a variety of miniatures from different eras and styles. Once again, a great place to find these miniatures is Mdina Glass in Ta’ Qali Craft Village, where you can find glass miniatures that are hand-blown by glass artists.
Malta Pottery and Ceramics
Malta’s pottery and ceramics have been influenced by the various cultures that have inhabited the island. Today, you will find that many of these ornaments incorporate local motifs such as fish, birds, flowers, and geometric patterns.
As you might expect, these items come in all sorts of styles and designs, ranging from traditional to contemporary. You can find plates, bowls, mugs, jars, vases, tiles, and other items made from pottery and ceramics in various colours and shapes. Some of them are also decorated with hand-painted or glazed patterns.
The crafts village in Ta’ Qali is obviously a great place to find several pottery and ceramic studios that offer a wide range of products, but you can also visit Villa Bologna Pottery in Attard, where you can find hand-painted ceramics that are inspired by the 18th-century villa and its gardens.
Malta Door Knockers
Door Knocker in Valletta | Image by Frank Vincentz on Wikimedia Commons
As you walk the streets of some of the oldest towns and cities in Malta, like Mdina and Valletta, you cannot help but notice the door knockers installed on the doors of the old buildings. They are one of the most distinctive features of Maltese architecture and date back to the 16th century, when they were introduced by the Knights of Malta as a symbol of their wealth and status.
The door knockers should reflect the taste and personality of the owners; hence, you can find a wide assortment of shapes and sizes. Some of the most common motifs are lions, dolphins, Maltese crosses, and seahorses. They are not only functional but also decorative, adding a touch of elegance and character to the doors.
If you are serious about buying a door knocker, then you should pay a visit to Funderija Artistika, where you can order custom-made door knockers that suit your preferences. You can also visit Souvenirs That Don’t Suck in Sliema, where you can find door knocker-themed products such as magnets, coasters, and tote bags.
Eco-Friendly Products
Malta might be a small country, but the Maltese still believe they should do their part to help the environment, hence why many opt to create eco-friendly products. These are products that are made from natural or organic ingredients or materials that are biodegradable or recyclable.
They are not only good for the environment but also for your health, and they also support local producers and artisans who use sustainable and ethical practises. Here are some of the best eco-friendly products that you can buy in Malta.
Soap
Soap Café is a shop in Sliema that sells natural and organic soaps, balms, lotions, teas, incense, and potions. It was founded in 2007 by Charlene Mercieca, a Maltese soap maker who wanted to create products that were free from harmful chemicals and animal testing. She uses the best of local produce, such as olive oil, honey, herbs, and flowers, to make her products.
Soap Café products are suitable for all skin types and ages. They are also vegan-friendly and gluten-free, and they come in a variety of scents and flavours, such as citrus, mint, vanilla, coconut, rosemary, and lavender. Some of the products that you can buy from Soap Café are olive oil soap bars, almond milk body butter, lavender lip balm, chamomile tea bags, jasmine incense sticks, and rose water spray.
Another soap shop you can visit is The Soap Factory in Valletta. This shop was founded in 2018 by Matthew Borg Cardona, a Maltese soap maker who wanted to create products that are cruelty-free and eco-friendly. He uses natural oils, butters, herbs, spices, fruits, and flowers to make all sorts of products like vegan soaps, shampoos, conditioners, body scrubs, bath bombs, and shower gels.
The Soap Factory products are gentle and nourishing for your skin and hair. They are also biodegradable and plastic-free. They come in a variety of fragrances and colours, such as lemon, peppermint, cocoa butter, coffee, orange, and aloe vera.
Savina Creations
Savina Creations is a shop in Gozo that sells eco-friendly and artisanal products made from local ingredients. It was founded in 1981 by Joseph Spiteri, a Maltese entrepreneur who wanted to promote the island’s culture and traditions. He uses the finest local produce, such as carob, prickly pear, olive oil, honey, cheese, and sea salt, to make his products.
Savina Creations products include food, drinks, cosmetics, candles, textiles, and accessories. They are all wrapped in biodegradable or recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, and cotton. They are also certified by various organisations, such as Fairtrade, Organic, and EcoCert.
At Savina Creations, you can buy carob syrup, prickly pear liqueur, olive oil soap, beeswax candles, cotton scarves, and bamboo bags.
Conclusion
Malta is a Mediterranean island with a rich history and culture. It has many unique souvenirs that reflect its heritage and craftsmanship. Whether you are looking for something traditional or contemporary, edible or decorative, practical or whimsical, we are sure that you will find something that suits your taste and budget.
In this article, we have introduced you to some of the best souvenirs to buy in Malta. We have covered four main categories of souvenirs: heritage crafts, local food and drinks, art and home decor, and eco-friendly products, and we have suggested some places where you can find these souvenirs across islands.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Malta and explore its shops and markets for yourself. You are sure that these souvenirs will bring back fond memories of your trip for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if a souvenir is authentic or not?
Some ways to tell if a souvenir is authentic or not are to look for a label or a certificate of authenticity that indicates the origin and the materials of the product; to ask the seller about the history and the technique of the product; to compare the price and quality of the product with similar ones; and to trust your intuition.
How can I pack souvenirs safely for travel?
Some of the souvenirs you can buy in Malta are rather delicate, so if possible, tell the seller to pack them for you in bubble wrap or a sturdy box. Make sure to place heavy items at the bottom of your suitcase; to fill any gaps with soft items; to use ziplock bags or containers for liquids or food; to check the customs regulations of your destination country; and to consider shipping your souvenirs if they are too bulky or valuable.
How can I make my own souvenirs from Malta?
Some ideas to make your own souvenirs from Malta are to collect seashells or pebbles from the beach and turn them into jewellery or magnets; to take photos or sketches of your favourite places or scenes and turn them into postcards or bookmarks; to buy some local ingredients and make your own recipes or preserves; to buy some local fabrics and make your own clothes or accessories; or to buy some local seeds and plant them in your garden.
