Malta Travel Forum

I am looking-forward to my holiday in Malta (Qawra) at the end of June and wondered what the shops were like for wines and spirits?

I often wait until I get to the airportonly to find a limited stock - or else buy lots of drinks in shops only to find that the airport duty-free is much better!

Is it similar to typical Spanish resorts? Are the shops well-stocked (and cheap?).

Finally, can you get "Cuarenta Y Tres Licor 43" in Malta? (That is our favourite tipple to bring-home!)

Many thanks! Cheers!

Don't forget that the 100ml liquid rule will also apply to wines and spirits, if you buy them in Malta. Wrap any purchases in your clothing and put in your hold baggage. Sorry, I can't for the life of me remember what the duty free is like - it can't have been outstanding or I would have remebered!!

Since Malta is now in the EU does duty free still exist ?

It doesnt really matter whether it is called "duty-free" or not - The reason for this post was that I wanted to know if there is a good selection of cheap drinks on the island itself, or whether I should wait until I get to the airport.
My wife and I stick to the usual limits for the EU ( I think that is 2 ltrs spirits each but I will check.
However, IF you buy the goods in the country you are visiting rather than at an airport, there are no restrictions other than what is practical for the weight of your suitcase etc!
Last time I was in Spain, I bought 1 ltr Spanish brandy for 7.50 euros!
Is Malta similar or is it expensive?

I reinterate my comments about the 100ml limit for going through security. Unless the liquid is in your hold baggage, anything you have in your carry-on baggage will be taken off you. So, if there is still a "duty-free" facility at the airport on the air side, then that is where you should stock up.

I expect one can buy Brandy even cheaper Tango...
...all depends on the quality you enjoy.
On the other hand, one litre of good Brandy may not be as easily found for that price.

Duty-Free is alive and well in Malta but price-wise, Duty-Free has limitations.
I believe that you still pay 18% VAT, just the Duty is removed.
I have added a link for your information.

No idea what "Cuarenta Y Tres Licor 43" perhaps you might like to contact them directly.

http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/162/duty_free_section/Europe/Malta.html

http://www.maltairportvalue.com/maltairportvalue/Code_Mas_Miasummer08.html

If it is about cheap drinks, I cannot really help, if you are interested in local Maltese wines and liqueurs, then I can recommend to buy Sottovoce Frizzante wine and Madlien and Bajtra tax-Xewk liqueurs. At list the liqueurs should be also available at the airport.

Thanks for the replies - I will soon know the answers as I travel on 30th June!
It is not the end of the world if there are limited bargains but its nice to know before-hand!
No doubt anything with be cheaper than the UK with the high duty on alcohol!
Best wishes