Valletta Glass

Valletta Glass makes hand-blown glass in Malta, and its pieces are among the most recognisable gifts to bring home from the islands. Bowls swirled with blue, glowing lamps, striped vases, glass sailboats and festive baubles all come from its own furnace at the Ta' Qali Crafts Village. Visitors to the walled city can browse the collection in the Mdina shop on Is-Sur.

On VisitMalta.co.uk the business is listed in our directory of gift shops in Malta. This page covers the history, the range, prices that are printed, and how to arrange a purchase or a custom piece.

A family glassworks since 1979

Valletta Glass began in 1979 as a family venture founded by Paul Said, who is still closely involved in management and production. From a young age he admired the Venetian Murano glass tradition, and the business aims to keep Maltese glassblowing alive and to promote the island's craftsmanship abroad. Quality has stayed the same for more than 40 years, and the team of craftsmen is valued for keeping the trade going.

Every piece is made by hand in Malta. Colour is added with glass chips or powders, and the glassblowers shape the glass while it is still extremely hot, so no two pieces are exactly alike, which is part of the appeal for anyone who wants a gift with its own character rather than a mass-produced souvenir.

What you can buy

The online shop lists around 90 pieces in categories such as animals, bowls, clocks, cups and saucers, drinking glasses, flowers, lights, paperweights, sailboats, vases and necklace and bracelet sets, plus seasonal Easter, Valentine's Day and wedding collections. Printed prices start at €6 and reach €295. Bowls begin at €20 to €22, lamps from €40, vases from €45, and a Malta Cross paperweight from €25.

The statement piece is the hand-blown glass sailboat: two tall sails of marbled or patterned glass, a striped mast and a wave-shaped base, available in 18 colourways from €250. A fused glass luzzu, the traditional Maltese fishing boat, is also made. For Christmas there are baubles, glass trees, angels and light-up decorations, with a red angel ornament from €6.

Art lovers may like to combine a visit with the 2B Gallery, another creative business in our directory.

Seeing the glass made

Visitors can watch the glassblowers at work, and the demonstrations are free. The workshop sits in Ta' Qali Crafts Village, and thousands of tourists call in each year to see it. The Mdina shop is a good companion to a day exploring the old capital; our Mdina guide suggests a route, and hotels in Mdina and Rabat are close by.

A second shop at St John's Square in Valletta pairs naturally with a visit to St John's Co-Cathedral and our Valletta guide. For more ideas on filling your days, see things to do in Malta.

Custom designs, delivery and shipping

Customers who want something made to order can share an idea, a reference picture or a logo, and the team reviews the request and replies. Delivery is free in Malta and Gozo on orders over €50, with local delivery on weekdays, and orders can be collected free from the Ta' Qali shop. Gifts for the UK are sent worldwide by DHL Express, with the cost calculated for the destination in the basket.

Glass is fragile, so if you are flying home, check baggage rules on our flights to Malta guide or choose delivery instead. Our Malta weather guide can help you time a trip around the Christmas season or the quieter months. To ask about a gift or custom piece, send your request through the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass it to Valletta Glass.