What souvenir to buy in Malta? Gbejna cheese, “all-Maltese” honey, lace, Kinnie and Mdina glass: what else can you bring from Malta as a gift? Maltese lace

Shops in Malta are open from 9:00 to 19:00, on Saturdays - until 20:00, with a mandatory siesta in the middle of the day for 3-4 hours. In busy tourist centers, some shops are open without a lunch break. More recently (in the spring of this year), trading on Sundays and holidays was allowed. On the archipelago (apparently due to the increased tourist flow), you can increasingly find shops open 7 days a week from early morning until late evening.

First of all, the country has a huge number of souvenir shops and jewelry stores, where many tourists flock after visiting the main attractions of Malta. There are large department stores, interesting stores of household goods and interior items. Valletta has many shoe stores and children's stores.

The town of Sliema is considered a paradise for shopping. The main stores there are located on St. Anne Square (Diesel, Morgan, Mothercare), on Tower Road (Zara, Marks & Spencer, BHS, Dorothy Perkins, Ecco, Geox, Clarks, Bortex, Topshop ), on Tigne Street (The Point shopping center), on Bizazza Street (Monsoon, Accessorize, Plaza shopping center).

Among the supermarkets in Malta, it is worth mentioning Arkadia (Paceville), PAVI (Qormi), Tower Supermarket (Sliema).

Shopping centers in Malta

Souvenirs from Malta

The set of souvenirs brought by tourists from Malta differs from souvenirs from other countries only by the inscription - Malta. These are standard plates, magnets, mugs, ashtrays, T-shirts. In addition to the inscription, souvenirs from the archipelago can be marked with a replicated image of Maltese buses, which are considered a local symbol.

The range of edible souvenirs is more diverse. So, in addition to local wine and Kinney, first of all tourists take home goat cheese Ġbejniet, which is produced through long drying in the wind and sun. There are three types of cheese: soft (frisk), without pepper (abjad) and with pepper (tal-bżar). This cheese is considered an excellent wine accompaniment. Cost - about 6 euros/kg.

Maltese sun-dried tomatoes, or Tadam imqadded, are in demand among tourists - dried tomato halves sprinkled with sea salt and spices. They are used in the preparation of fish dishes, salads and soups.

Another national Maltese product is honey, or Għasel; beekeeping is very common in the archipelago. True, the apiaries are located in the rocks and differ from those familiar to us - they are located in caves.

The cost of a jar of honey is about 6 euros.

It’s worth trying, and if you like it, bringing home a sweet syrup made from the fruits of ceratonia (Carob syrop, Għasel tal-ħarrub) - a bread or carob tree, also called “John’s breadfruit”, which grows in abundance on the islands of the archipelago. Syrup from the fruits of ceratonia is usually added to coffee and tea, and also taken for medicinal purposes - as a cold remedy.

And, probably, the most budget-friendly and at the same time very useful souvenir is packages of local sea salt, which is used for both cosmetic and food purposes. Salt pits, in which salt is evaporated, are located in abundance along the entire coast of the Maltese islands.

Video about shopping in Malta

On the official website of the TV show “Heads and Tails. Shopping” an issue dedicated to shopping in Malta is available for viewing.

Heads and Tails. Shopping – Issue 36 (Malta)

Malta is a tiny country, it has nothing special to boast about, and there are practically no industries here. But you want to bring home something special, something truly Maltese. The only thing that Malta has is its history, because everyone has lived on this island - Arabs, knights, Italians, Turks, French, and English, and everyone left behind something of their own, which later became Maltese .

1. Silver jewelry

Despite the fact that silver is not mined here, there are no fewer jewelry workshops in Malta than churches. And all because Maltese art is known throughout the world filigree, when the jewelry seems to be woven from the finest silver threads and looks like jewelry lace. Most likely, this art was brought by the Arabs, but perhaps it appeared on the island before their arrival. Earrings, pendants, rings, brooches - you name it, but filigree items with the symbols of the Maltese cross are especially popular.

There are many jewelry stores, and they are in almost all tourist places, but I would recommend going to the village of craftsmen Ta-Kali- the prices are lower there and the selection is more interesting. Prices for Maltese silver jewelry are more than affordable. Here, see for yourself, display prices, which can be reduced a little further by haggling. What about gold? No, gold is no longer a Maltese theme.

2. Maltese glass

It cannot be said that glass in Malta is somehow unique, but products made from it are quite popular among tourists. Glassblowing was brought to the island by the Venetians even before the advent of the knights, but this art gained popularity only in the mid-20th century, and the main trick of Maltese glassblowers is adding metals and gold dust to glass. Now in Malta there are 3 large workshops for the production of Maltese glass - Mdina, Gozo and Valletta. The most popular (and beautiful in my opinion) factory is “Mdina Glass”, located in the same village of Ta-Kali craftsmen. It’s true that prices for glass products are going through the roof, and even with discounts it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to buy anything cheap here. So, if you decide to get Maltese glass, be prepared to fork out some cash.

3. Ceramics

Not to say that she is anything special, but she is there. And if it depicts a Maltese cross, then it immediately becomes a Maltese souvenir. I especially liked the Maltese ceramic magnets, one of which is on my refrigerator!

4. Lace

The history of Maltese lace is connected with the Knights of St. John. Apparently, the wives of the knights whiled away the time, weaving their intricate laces, while their husbands played soldiers. One way or another, the lace here is real, handmade using traditional technologies passed down through generations. But lately a lot of machine-made synthetic junk has appeared, which costs several times less, so if you decide to buy real Maltese lace, read the label carefully and buy it from trusted places. Lace tablecloths, fans and umbrellas are especially popular among tourists.

5. Door handles

About Maltese passion for door handles I have already . If you like these kind of clapper handles, you can buy them in specialized stores. Prices for such pens start at 20 euros apiece, and a good and massive lion head can cost more than 100.

6. House number

Trite? - Yes! But in addition to the clapper handle, every Maltese house is decorated with such ceramic numbers. If I had a house, I would definitely buy it, but you can’t hang such beauty on my apartment door, alas.

7. Knight of Malta

No, but what could we do without it? The Knight of Malta is the second most famous symbol of the state after the Maltese cross! The choice of knights is huge, there are whole armies of them, but I don’t see the point in overpaying, so you can choose your favorite figurine of the appropriate size in any souvenir shop. A figurine of the Knight Hospitaller of Malta in the house is said to improve the health of its residents. But it is not exactly!

8. Maltese bus

Just 10 years ago, such old English buses traveled around Malta and Gozo. But now Malta’s bus fleet has been completely renovated, so such a retro bus can only be found in a museum or souvenir shop. Eh... a symbol of a bygone British era, complete with red telephone booths.

9. Alcohol

Malta is full of prickly pear cacti, and the Maltese use them to make local cactus liqueur "Bajtra". Of course, you can take it, but will you drink it? This drink has nothing in common with tequila; it is simply a sweet syrup made from cactus fruits, diluted with alcohol. Bottle 0.7 - 10 euros.

Better buy a bottle or two Maltese wine, which surprisingly turned out to be very good (and inexpensive). The wine here is a French heritage and is made using classical technologies - which means it’s very good! Wine prices start from 5 euros per bottle.

And of course - beer! The beer they brew here is also soulful, and the most popular Maltese beer is Cisk. I recommend!

In addition to what I have listed, people also offer to bring:

Local goat cheese "jbeina"(which is nothing to my taste);
- honey(it is honey in Africa too);
- Maltese nougat(sweet heritage of the Arabs);
- products from sheep wool(but I hardly saw any sheep?);

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The Maltese economy derives the bulk of its income from tourism, and therefore the majority of Maltese shops, markets and boutiques have long been focused on the interests of vacationing tourists. In Malta you can find large department stores, and very interesting crockery and hardware stores, and in Valletta there are a lot of shoe and children's stores. The insane number of souvenir and jewelry shops is amazing.
There are quite a lot of traditional street fairs in Malta, which take place during various festivals and holidays. There you can try delicious treats and buy colorful, sometimes even unique, things. Street markets operate from early morning until one o'clock in the afternoon.
The Maltese are interested in fashion, so almost all international brands of all kinds of goods are represented here. Since the factories of these companies are located here, then in Malta they are cheaper than in Russia. By the way, Maltese stores offer a wide range of sizes, so it is absolutely impossible to leave without purchasing.
Shopping centers are usually open from 9:00 to 19:00, on Saturdays until 20:00 (lunch break, or siesta, 3-4 hours). In busy tourist centers, most shops are open until 22:00. On Sundays, most shops are closed, with the exception of some souvenir and newspaper shops.

WHAT TO BUY

Souvenir shops
Souvenir shops are found almost everywhere; they are open from 9:00 to 18:00 with a siesta break, most often seven days a week. There are a variety of items: cups, T-shirts, key chains, ashtrays, towels, vases, potholders, coasters, figurines, cigarette cases, plates, openers, pens, spoons, toys, etc., but they are all united by the engraving “I love Malta”. Many souvenirs are created from Maltese stone (limestone). Among these little things you can find very cute and funny ones. For example, you can buy metal knights of different sizes as a souvenir.

Mdina glass
Malta produces very original glass products. There are several traditional glassblowing industries here, the most famous of which is Mdina Glass. In the villages around Mdina, glass blowers have long lived - true masters of their craft. And although factory-made tableware has clearly won the battle for cheapness and durability, traditional Mdina glass to this day retains the warmth of the hands and breath of local craftsmen.
The company's factory is located in the village of Ta'Ali, where you can observe the glass blowing process. Products can be purchased at the factory, shops on Merchants Street and the cruise ship terminal in Valletta, Mdina, Bugibba, Sliema and Victoria (Gozo), as well as at Malta Airport The online store delivers purchases all over the world.

CRAFT VILLAGES
The village of Ta'Ali, located near Valletta in the center of Malta, has a beautiful open space that houses the National Park, the National Stadium, the Pitkalia vegetable market, the Crafts Village, the MFCC - a huge exhibition and conference center, etc.
At the Crafts Village in Ta'Ali, you will see a variety of things made before your eyes - from blown glass to famous local lace, from pots to filigree jewelry. Here you can choose the best gifts and souvenirs! In addition to the above, you will also find paintings and sculpture, ceramics and stone products, household food and beverages, furniture, gifts, fabrics and metal products.
On the island of Gozo there is a similar Crafts Village called Ta ’ Dbiji.

maltese lace
Did you know that the knights of the Order of St. John became fashion trendsetters for thin patterned lace? Although lace art was born in Genoa, it was in Malta that it began to be produced on an “industrial” scale from the end of the 16th century. And it was the knights who established handicraft production using the technique of weaving lace on bobbins. They also contributed to the spread of Maltese “airy lace patterns” in all the royal courts of Western Europe, decorating their suits and cloaks with a finely woven eight-pointed Maltese cross, luxurious collars and cuffs. Today, lace art in Malta continues to live and delight tourists.

WATCH
Fans of expensive gifts and watches should pay attention to Maltese watches. In Malta there is a traditional production of very remarkable watches of unique design, which cannot be found anywhere else except on these islands.
The production itself is small, but has an interesting history. These watches were nicknamed the “Arlogg tal lira” watch, that is, a watch that costs one Maltese lira. Today, these watches are not cheap, since their production is labor-intensive and includes several stages, and the watch cases are skillfully painted and decorated with gilding. Craftsmen and their work can be found in artisan villages such as Ta 'Ali in Malta and Ta ’ Dbiji in Gozo.

JEWELRY STORES
During the times of chivalry, jewelry craft flourished in Malta. The most precious items produced on the archipelago are filigree and jewelry. Today, Maltese goldsmiths are thriving and their work is exported to every major city in the world. Jewelry shops in Malta are even more common than souvenir shops!
It is impossible not to buy the famous Maltese silver products of truly filigree work (fineness #875). Each of them is unique, as it is made by hand by skilled craftsmen. The weight of the products is very small, which is achieved due to the openwork and intricacy of the shapes. The crosses on the neck are especially beautiful. Discounts and sales are practiced.
The largest concentration of jewelry stores is anywhere where there are many tourists, especially Valletta and Sliema. Jewelers usually work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., sometimes without a siesta break; Day off is Sunday, but sometimes - seven days a week.
Jewelry stores in Malta are a rather rare case when you can and should bargain to get a 10-20% discount. In general, silver and gold items are cheaper in the archipelago than in Russia.

Textile
The island of Gozo specializes mainly in textile production, but nevertheless there are also textile craftsmen in Malta. The wool cardigans and sweaters that hang outside shops in Malta are quite cheap here. In addition, you can buy T-shirts, towels and jeans here at fairly low prices.

Cosmetics
In Malta, special attention should be paid to health cosmetics sold in beauty salons. A distinctive feature of such establishments is that before purchasing, salon employees offer to test the products for free. You should not refuse this opportunity, since the products are really of very high quality. For example, this could be cosmetics from such well-known French companies as Bioderma and Uriage. In addition, Malta has a lot of medicinal cosmetics based on sea minerals and algae.

Products
Food products are souvenirs that are gaining popularity among tourists. Beautifully packaged Maltese style treats are a delicious reminder of your holiday. For example, this could be a jar of capers. The most delicious capers grow in Malta. They even look different here. They grow like bushes, hanging in long vines from stone walls, in every street. The harvest is harvested in April, before the plants bloom, because capers are the pickled flower buds of this shrub. In Maltese cuisine, capers play an important role and add piquancy to fish and meat, meatloaves, and salads.
While in Malta and as a gift home, be sure to try and purchase local honey. I would especially like to note transparent and aromatic Gozitan honey, which was valued by the ancient Romans. Its taste is amazingly concentrated in the aromas of tropical flowers. Gozitan honey is also considered more ecological, since the island is greener and more agricultural. Honey in jars labeled NTM - by the environmental organization Nature Trust Malta, collected from plantations where absolutely all types of plants in Malta are collected. Thanks to this, the honey turns out to be as “Maltese” as possible.
Malta is not as famous for its wine production as its larger Mediterranean neighbors, but Maltese fine wines are exhibited at international exhibitions where they win prizes and receive high praise. Such famous grape varieties as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Carignan, Moscato, Shiraz, etc. are grown on the islands. The wines made from them are known for their light, pleasant and refreshing taste.

Also a good souvenir from Malta would be traditional Maltese products: sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese and wonderful sweets - cannoli, fijoli biscuits, ftira buns, sweet rings, rum baba, cookies, nougat and delicious cakes.

Find out more about crafts in Malta -.

In St. Julian's, right next to the city beach, opposite the Fuego salsa bar, there is a large shopping center called Bay Street. The shopping complex is quite large, 4 floors, with a swimming pool and a hotel on the top floor. Various entertainment programs are constantly held on the lower floor; on the second floor there are many cafes and jewelry departments. Numerous brands can be found on the third floor. This is not the largest shopping center in Malta, but it is certainly worth a visit. The second floor is connected to the street by a bridge that opens directly onto the Paceville nightclub district. On the second floor there is a rich bookstore. Literature is presented in all languages. Be sure to stop by, you will certainly enjoy the variety of printed publications here and will undoubtedly leave with a couple of books that are so nice to read while lying on the beach.

Another great shopping destination in St Julian's is the Portomaso Tower. This is the only skyscraper in Malta. In the Portomaso Shopping Complex you can also find many cafes and brand stores. In addition, this is where the outlets are located. Browse the branded boutiques, choose something to suit your taste, and even with a discount of 30 to 70%, and then go to the wonderful coffee shop of the Portomaso Tower, order an original Maltese pastry and enjoy the spectacle of St. Julian's Bay from a bird's eye view . Unforgettably...

Maltese silver

It is impossible not to bring Maltese silver from Malta. Maltese silver products are truly filigree work, mostly 875 fineness. Each is unique, as it is made by hand by skilled craftsmen. The weight of products made from Maltese silver is very small, which is achieved precisely due to the openwork and intricacy of the shapes. The crosses on the neck are especially fascinating. Wear this cross to feel the majestic spirit of the Knights of St. John. In every city of Malta there are many jewelry shops selling Maltese silver. Well, if you want more substantial, less ornate decorations, then you should go to Republic Street in Valletta. Here you can find chic shops with unsurpassed English silver, all jewelry is 925. Designer die-cast products are very stylish. Massive earrings in the form of huge rings of the Maasai tribe will decorate any beauty. A matching bracelet will be selected for the same earrings. The kit will cost approximately 100 euros. You can negotiate up to 80. The quality of the products is excellent. All massive rings are hollow inside, so they are light, and the owner of new earrings can rest assured about her ears. :-) There are also many different clothing boutiques in Valletta on Republic Street.

Maltese glass is also imported from Malta, the production workshops of which are concentrated mainly on the island of Gozo. Maltese glass is distinguished by its bright colors, abundance of blue tones and sufficient strength. However, when purchasing, do not forget to ask the seller to wrap the products for safety during transportation. Glass in stores in Malta is packaged so carefully that there is no need to worry about transportation.

In Gozo, glass shops sell a variety of beads. Handcrafted from Maltese glass, they shine with all the colors of the rainbow. Maltese women wear them one bead per bracelet. And there can be up to 10 such bracelets. In general, Maltese women skillfully decorate themselves with various jewelry. When in Malta, it is impossible not to be tempted to try wearing the same number of bracelets and beads. And, surprisingly, here in Malta, these decorations suit everyone.
High-quality knitwear made in Europe

Malta has very good knitwear. All well-known brands make their clothes, which are imported to Malta, not in China, but in Portugal. Every knitwear item from Zara, for example, whose huge boutique awaits you in Sliema near the bus station, has the “Made in Portugal” label. The quality is hundreds of times higher than Chinese. Things last for years.
Maltese lace, which also comes from Gozo but is sold everywhere, is very popular among the British and French.

Selection of souvenirs in Malta

As souvenirs from Malta, you can bring not only banal magnets, which cost here from 1.5 to 2.5 euros, but an original and inexpensive gift will be Mediterranean sea salt, which is evaporated in a special way. It has a tonic and healing effect, it is especially useful for the cardiovascular system. Sold in any supermarket.

In St. Julian's, as in every city and even village of Malta, there are a lot of souvenir shops. They are everywhere. There are especially many of them near English schools. They sell everything: from handmade tableware made in Malta to sweets from Sicily. Marzipan fruits look colorful, but are unlikely to please your refined taste. Hard and candied, albeit beautiful. Price from 3 euros. You can bargain, especially if there are several of you. Don’t forget to buy Maltese wine, sold here at prices starting from 7 euros (sometimes you can bargain and buy for 4), and you can also buy charming glasses of Maltese glass to accompany the wine. And, of course, figurines of knights, as a reminder that you were still in knightly Malta.

You can buy olive oil in Malta. Can be found for 5-7 euros. Tasting sweetly, the Maltese consider it the richest source of vitamin E.

You can also bring sun-dried tomatoes as a gift. The thing is quite specific in both appearance and taste, but when added to soup, the taste of the dish is excellent. Sold in cans and by weight in supermarkets.

You will certainly leave Malta with your suitcases full, but forget about Tax-Free in Malta. The VAT refund procedure on the islands is, of course, provided for by the legislation of the Republic of Malta. To receive a refund, you must present all products purchased in one store, with labels, to the officer on the second floor at the airport. Present your passport, fill out the paperwork, indicate your bank card number and wait 6-8 months. For some reason, as practice shows, funds from Tax-Free from Malta never appear in the account. And here, too, lies another Maltese secret. Happy shopping!

What to bring to friends and acquaintances?

When you enter the store, you will find a myriad of different souvenirs. Beach and kitchen towels with Maltese crosses, T-shirts with a map of the Maltese Islands, towels with declarations of love for Malta. The famous Mdina glass in all sorts of variants is sold on all corners. Cups, spoons, plates, bottle openers, bells and key chains with the symbols of Malta.

All kinds of knights range from tiny souvenirs to life-size statues. Winds with shells, stuffed sea creatures, boxes with mother-of-pearl. A variety of jewelry with Maltese crosses - Malta is famous for its filigree in gold and silver. Ladies who have visited Malta often boast about the extraordinary beauty of jewelry they purchased there, made using filigree techniques.

Filigree (Italian filigrana, French filigrane, from Latin filum-granum) is a decoration made of gold or silver (as well as gold-plated, copper or iron) wire, bent and soldered in some places in such a way that an ornament in the form of flowers, leaves, arabesques and other patterns.

The range of Maltese jewelry stores is very diverse - earrings and pendants, rings and necklaces, brooches, hairpins, small boxes and, of course, Maltese crosses, chains and dolphins. The Maltese women themselves, and even more so the Maltese, are indifferent to such beauty and, frankly speaking, are greedy to purchase quite expensive products. If you meet a girl wearing filigree earrings on the street, she’s definitely a tourist. But the locals will certainly be happy to tell you and show you all the local shops selling such beauty!

For gourmets - original works of Maltese masters. Bring fans for your friends, ashtrays for your friends. Grab a jar of prickly pear cactus jam for your beloved boss, and the famous Maltese honey for your best friend.

A sun umbrella made of Maltese lace for grandma. A porcelain doll in traditional Maltese dress for my niece. For married couples, magnets are the eyes of Osiris to protect the family ship from sinking.

Bring a doorknob for your homebody friend - in Malta there is simply an incredible selection of these attributes of a cozy home of the most unusual types.

Your choice will be huge! There are gifts for everyone in Malta!

Three kilometers away is the artisan village of Ta Ali, where the famous Maltese (Mdina) glass is made.

Glass blowers work right in front of tourists, always attracting a lot of curious people. I also stood with my camera for quite a long time at the stove, watching the process of creating a new vase.

The entire process of making products takes place using some kind of medieval hooks, pliers, or even just a piece of wet newspaper. Mdina glass is always handmade. On average, one vase takes 5-10 minutes. More complex products are made by more experienced craftsmen and not often. If you're lucky, you can catch the creation of a real masterpiece.

Here, in the next room, there is an exhibition and sale of products. The choice is huge. You can bargain and get a discount of up to 50%. Mdina glass is sold everywhere in Malta, but nowhere else will you have such a selection as in the artisan village in Mdina. The products are very beautiful, but also very heavy, since metals and gold dust are traditionally added to the glass.