Introduced in the mid-1880s by Lady Hamilton Chichester, who sent lacemakers from Genoa to Malta to teach locals the Italian technique of bobbin lace, lacemaking soon became an important source of income for Maltese families. Look out for lace made from the distinctive creamy, honey-coloured Spanish silk and the eight-pointed cross which is often worked into the design. Another recognisable feature is the plump “wheat ears” worked into the fluid, swirly design typical of Gozo. Best place to buy: Gozo.

A showpiece of artisan skill, delicate silver (and sometimes gold) filigree jewellery is an age-old tradition in Malta, dating back to Phoenician times. Delicate and intricate designs are hand crafted out of thin strands of silver to create unique pieces of jewellery and small decorative items. Try and watch an artisan at work. Best place to buy: Valletta or Ta’ Qali Crafts Village

Already present on the islands in Phoenician times, the glass industry only took off in Malta after 1968, when Englishman Michael Harris set up Mdina Glass, producing free-formed organic glassware in colours inspired by the sea, sand, earth and sky. All mouth-blown and handmade, today Maltese glassware remains very popular, and is produced in typical Mediterranean colours. Best place to buy: Ta’ Qali Crafts Village or Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village in Gozo.

The most ancient of Maltese crafts dating back to prehistoric times, pottery remains a creative and popular industry with a unique Mediterranean flair reflected in its hand-painted design and colours. You can watch pottery being made and decorated by hand in the traditional way at Ta’ Qali Crafts Village. And if you’re willing to wait a while for your souvenir, you can order a custom made volcanic stone table top, which can be shipped to any destination. Best place to buy: Ta’ Qali Crafts Village or Ta' Dbiegi Crafts Village in Gozo.

Back in Roman times, Malta was revered for its textile industry, and even senator Cicero remarked that Malta was “a manufactory for weaving women’s garments.” Up till the early 19th century, every household had its own hand loom, but few remain today. Gozo retains a strong cottage industry in wool knitting, where you can pick up handmade pure wool cardigans for decent prices. Best place to buy: Victoria or Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village, Gozo.

Originally imported from mainland Europe in the 18th century, the ancient art of Ganutell has evolved into a distinctly unique Maltese form specialising in exquisite flowers crafted out of delicate fabric, paper, seashells, wood shavings or ribbons mounted on thin gold or silver wire. Almost lost, the artform is now enjoying a revival, and can be worn as a bridal headdress, brooch or a necklace. Look out for elaborate ganutell flower arrangements in churches. Best place to buy: custom made to order. Contact Ganutell Malta for more information. 

This is not going to fit in your suitcase and you won’t take it back home with you this time! But, if you're willing to wait a few months for yours to be custom made, hand crafted, painted and gilded by a master craftsman, it will be well worth it. It’s an investment not only for your house but also in a distinctly Maltese traditional craft that has survived since the 17th century. Original Maltese clocks are priceless collectors items and very rare, but reproductions are still made to order using the same original technique and in the same design. Best place to buy: Rabat and Valletta.