Specialties

Popular souvenir items and local foods in Malta include:

• Gbneja (Gozo) cheese
• Galletti (water crackers)
• Bigilla (bean dip)
• Ravioli
• Maltese sausage
• Local olives and sundried tomatoes
• Pastizzi (deep fried pastries)
• Almond cakes
• Limoncello
• Maltese lace
• Maltese filigree silver
• Honey and beeswax products
• Carob products
• Prickly pear cactus products
• Maltese glass (Mdina glass)

Shopping Areas

The most popular shopping areas in Malta are Sliema, St. Julian's and Valletta. These are easily accessible by bus, and are surrounded by many bars, restaurants and cafes. However, parking can be difficult in these areas.

Opening hours vary by shop. Many small businesses open from 8-9am to 12-1pm and 4pm to 7-8pm. Larger shops are generally open 8-9am to 7-8pm. Most shops in Malta are closed on Sundays.

There are several shopping malls in Malta:

• The Point (Sliema)
• Bay Street Complex (open daily until 10 pm and open Sundays, St. Juilan's)
• The Plaza (Sliema)
• Daniel's (Hamrun)
• The Duke (Victoria, Gozo)
• The Embassy (Valletta)

Markets

There is no large, daily food market in Malta. You can shop for food at a grocery store/supermarket or a produce cart/van.

The open-air market on Merchant Street (called the ‘Monti' in Maltese) in Valletta sells household goods, clothing, and tourist items during the morning Monday to Saturday.

An open-air seaside market is held daily in Marsaxlokk, where you can purchase fresh seafood on Sunday mornings (Go early to avoid crowds!)

Other markets in Malta include:

• Ta Qali National Park (weekdays)
• Independence Square, Victoria, Gozo (daily)
• Cospicua (Tuesday mornings)
• Ta Qali National Park (Permanent craft market, open daily, in the fomer WWII military airfield)
• Ta'Dbiegi in Gozo (Permanent craft market, open daily, accessible by bus)

Markets in Malta are generally cash only. Bartering is uncommon in Malta.

Supermarkets

There are many one-stop grocery stores/supermarkets in Malta where all food items and some household items can be purchased. Some of the largest and most popular grocery stores include:

• Pavi
• Lidl
• Smart
• The Tower
• Carrefour
• Chain
• Marks and Spencer Food
• Arkadia
• Park Towers

You must insert a €0.50, €1 or €2 deposit in shopping carts/trolleys in Malta. Shopping bags in Malta are available to purchase at most grocery stores; otherwise the use of reusable bags, paper bags, or cardboard boxes is encouraged.

Many grocery stores in Malta offer free delivery, with a minimum purchase. Larger grocery stores also offer free parking.

You can purchase alcohol at grocery stores in Malta. Tobacco is available to purchase in some smaller grocery stores, and at corner shops.

Vegetable Trucks/Carts

The availability of produce in Malta is highly influenced by seasonality. Most produce in Malta is imported, but cheap, high quality produce is readily available at many stores. Most dairy products in Malta are local. Produce, meat, and baked goods are generally fresher and cheaper if you purchase them directly from a butcher, bakery, or vegetable trucks.

"Veg trucks" park around villages in Malta and sell produce fresh from the farm. Check with your neighbours or your local cart as to when and where they will be, as schedules vary. Produce is generally priced per kilo.

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