On your vacation in the Maltese islands, whether you are staying in a hotel or renting, you will always have shopping to do or perhaps the need to fill the refrigerator if you are cooking. An overview of grocery shopping in Malta and Gozo…
Shopping groceries in local food stores
A peculiarity of Maltese commerce: you will find everywhere mini-markets even in the smallest village of Gozo. In Valletta, this is the only type of shop that exists: there is no supermarket in the capital of Malta! Bread, fruits, vegetables, fresh section, groceries, drinks, hygiene products. Prices are not necessarily much higher than elsewhere and local stores avoid wasting time in the supermarket aisles!
Tip: carry cash, credit cards are not accepted everywhere.
♦ Hours: generally 8am-1:30pm then 4pm-7pm in Valletta. Continuous in the seaside resorts and until 10 pm in San Julian’s including Sundays and holidays.
Shopping in supermarkets
No hypermarket in Malta and Gozo! But about thirty small supermarkets spread in Malta and Victoria (Gozo). Malta’s entry into the European Community in 2004 has favored the arrival of French, Italian and German supermarkets. Thus, when you go to a Tower supermarket, you will find “Carrefour” products, at Pavi “Auchan”, in Scotts “Conrad”. The supermarkets have a butcher’s shop and cheese by the slice, but only the Arkadia and Pavi supermarkets have their own fish shops. You can shop in Malta and Gozo in “Lidl” stores and for frozen food in “miracle Foods”.
NB: the organization of the shelves is confusing in some supermarkets in Malta and Gozo! Expect to go in circles before you find what you’re looking for…
♦ Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Scotts Supermarkets are open on Sunday mornings. Arkadia Supermarket in San Julian’s is open every day of the year (except Good Friday) until 10pm.
Shopping at the markets
Combine business with pleasure and shop at the markets! You won’t find as many food markets in Malta as in the south of France or in Italy. Nevertheless, two large specialized markets are worth a visit. Close to Mdina, the market of Ta’Qali, Maltese producers sell directly fruits and vegetables. Very competitive prices and guaranteed freshness. For fish, at the pretty fishing port of Marsaxlokk: More than 15 fish stalls await you!
Tip: Arrive early in Marsaxlokk for your peace of mind and a better selection of stalls.
♦Schedules: -Marsaxlokk Fish Market: Sunday Morning from 7am to 2pm (bus lines 81 – 85- X86) -Ta’Qali Market: Tuesday: 4pm to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm(bus lines: 51-52- 53- 202- 109-X3)
Shopping groceries at street vendors
Very popular with the Maltese, the street vendors are stationed all over the island of Malta, they generally buy from Maltese producers and sell fruit and vegetables or fish. The quality of the products is good and the prices often unbeatable. An alternative to the market!
Tip: Buy early in the morning! In summer, heat does not guarantee freshness of food!
♦ Schedules: generally always present at the same locations and times Monday through Saturday.
NB: In addition to Maltese products at good prices; organic products, English marmalade, Italian pasta, French cheeses, wines of the world… Nothing is missing in Malta and Gozo! Beware: the price displayed on the shelf is sometimes higher than the price at the checkout! Invest in an isothermal bag for food shopping and if you are renting: think about the free delivery offered by most stores.
Read our article on shopping in Malta.
