As well as sightseeing, relaxing, eating out and working on your tan whilst on holiday, it’s always great fun to see what the local shops have on offer in terms of souvenirs, and other memorabilia of your trip to Malta. Of course, there are hidden gems everywhere that rival what can be found elsewhere in Europe; from local markets to larger shopping malls, but here are a few great places to start from when you are on holiday in Malta.

1. Mdina Glass, 14 Triq il-Merkanti, Valletta 

Featuring hand-blown glassware produced by artisanal glassmakers at their nearby craft workshops, Mdina Glass is Malta’s first glass factory, opening its doors in 1968. Since then it has produced over 4000 amazing pieces that are modern, innovative, and above all beautiful. From traditional vases, bowls, perfume bottles & solid objects, to more recent designs such as candleholders, lanterns, lampshades, pendant lights, chandeliers and tableware, each item made at Mdina Glass is handmade, and is truly original and unique.

2. Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, Ta’ Qali, Malta 

Arts and crafts have experienced a revival in recent years in Malta, partly due to the booming tourist trade but also due to cultural significance. The Ta’ Qali crafts village is the perfect place to watch craftspeople at work, find some great souvenirs and gifts to take home with you, and also to just enjoy the laid back and relaxed atmosphere.

Located in a former wartime airfield, this shanty town is a wonderful place to shop for gold, silver and filigree jewellery, paintings by local artists, leather goods, Maltese lace, furniture, ceramics and ornamental glass. You can also get something to eat and drink there at the lovely café so you can relax after shopping.

3. The Silversmith’s Shop, 218 Republic St, Valletta

A family business for generations, this charming shop on Republic Street, the main shopping street in the city of Valletta, sells the most beautiful gold and silver filigree jewellery, and the onsite studio means you watch the filigree artists at work. Filigree is a very finely detailed art form and it can take up to a day to create even a tiny design, so getting to see the masters at work lets you appreciate what a precious treasure it really is. They will also undertake custom silversmithing work, so if you have a special project in mind, it’s definitely worth a look.

4. The Soap Café, 46 Santa Marija, Tas-Sliema

This delightfully named boutique shop may sound like an eatery, but don’t be mistaken – this is an artisanal shop selling soaps, body lotions, and other beauty and skincare products. Enjoy the rich scents of the fresh ingredients used to make the soaps in the attached studio, purchase some customised all-natural lotions, or even treat yourself to a relaxing massage or facial during your visit.

The brainchild of Maltese local Charlene ‘Charly’ Mercieca; an avid researcher of alternative remedies, a qualified beautician, herbalist & more, the Soap Café produces over 50 different handmade soaps for all kinds of skin types and ailments, as well as lotions, balms and scrubs that would make perfect gifts for your loved ones – and yourself!