The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Malta
Malta is certainly not in short supply when it comes to selling souvenirs. From flip-flop key rings to fishing boat fridge magnets, there’s certainly a lot to choose from. Why pick up a stick of Malta rock along with your groceries when there are some fabulous places on the island to buy that unique souvenir that spells out true Malta? Whether you’re after a small trinket or something a little more elaborate, here’s five of the best places in Malta to buy souvenirs with a difference.
Souvenirs That Don’t Suck
Yes, that’s right, this is the name of the shop. Selling exactly as the name suggests, you won’t find souvenirs like these anywhere else on the island. Based in Sliema, the shop’s two owners design all their products in-house, which are then in turn produced in Malta or the EU, ensuring quality and reasonable prices. On their mission to rid the island of bad souvenirs, this shop, and the website, is the perfect place to pick up quirky, humorous, artistic and original souvenirs with a difference.
Diar il Bniet
Centrally located in the village of Dingli is Diar Il Bniet, a picturesque converted farmhouse, now a restaurant and shop. With produce for both the restaurant and shop coming in handpicked directly from neighbouring fields, which make up a 600-acre, family-run farm, you’ll find freshly produced honey, conserves, pickles and antique-style gifts ideal for home décor. Cultivated in a rich, dark soil, fruits and vegetables grown on the farm and ripened in the Maltese sun provide a sensational taste to produce that changes by the season. Pick up a souvenir that depicts typically Maltese culinary tradition. Dine and shop at your leisure under one roof.
Diar Il Bniet, Main Street, Ħad-Dingli, Malta +356 2762 0727
Soap Café
Catering for all skin types and ages, Soap Café in Sliema uses the best of local produce in its soaps, balm and lotions. Free from mineral oils, BI products, parabens and animal fat, their practically edible products also come in a vegan range. All their raw materials are ethically sourced. With products for adults and children, specific products can also be customised for those who suffer with skin ailments. Take your pick from loose teas, incense and potions all freshly prepared and displayed on the shelves. Pick up a souvenir that will leave you feeling, looking and smelling divine.
Soap Cafe, 46 St Mary Street, Sliema, Malta 00356 2788 3675
Ta’ Qali
Whatever your taste, a trip to Ta’ Qali Craft Village will see you coming home with a souvenir (more than likely for yourself). Set in a former RAF WWII air field, the old Nissen huts have been turned into workshops and independent shops selling anything from gemstones to soaps. Traditionally Maltese, you can witness filigree jewellery being handmade and glass blowers at work. Find knitwear, stoneware, Maltese pickles and preserves and liquors made from the finest Mediterranean fruits. Part of the ‘Hop On, Hop Off’ bus route, Ta’ Qali is the perfect stop for a few hours of leisurely discovering the varied items available to purchase in each hut.
Mint Sparrow
Competing against some of the biggest shops on the island is the delectable Mint Sparrow. Situated in the capital of Valletta, this independent shop stocks everything handmade by their international team. Primarily selling accessories, clothing bags and jewellery, this shop doubles as a space for bringing the creative community together. A shop, work space and gallery all in one. Quickly turning dreams into reality, this life-inspired business offers items to purchase made straight from the heart.
Mint Sparrow, 120 St John Street,Valletta, Malta +356 9995 9519