SHOP THESE SUMMER MUST-HAVES AT THE AIRPORT

It’s holiday time, and the only items that should be on your agenda right now are rest, relaxation and recreation. Are you ready to soak up the sun in the Mediterranean? Well, you’re not ready until you’ve checked out our list of summer must-haves which you might need throughout your stay on the Maltese islands, and which may all be purchased at the airport’s retail outlets.

For A Day By The Beach

Shoes? Check. Swimwear? Check. An extra beach towel to lay on and dry off after swimming? You might want to check out Agenda Bookshop’s Dock and Bay microfiber towel collection, which comes in an array of colours and caters for all ages. While you’re at the bookshop, you might also want to check out the latest beach reads to hit the shelves.

Cloudless skies are the norm in the summer on the Maltese islands, so you’re going to need some serious sun protection before your beach day. Stock up on sunblock with high SPF from the airport’s WHSmith outlet or the airport pharmacy. You might also want to invest in a good pair of sunglasses from the HEBE outlet on Level 0 to protect your eyes against the sun’s UV rays.

You’re also going to need an insulated cup to stay hydrated in the heat, so check out the stock of thermal cups and bottles at Costa Coffee inside the Check-In Hall to keep your drinks cool on the go. Last but not least, get hold of a comfortable bag to carry your beach essentials around with you. Samsonite’s Securipak backpacks are not only lightweight but are also equipped with a convenient USB port and are made from 100 per cent recycled PET material.

For A Night Out

Between the weekly village feasts, the sporadic wine, beer and food festivals, and the vast array of parties which are organised on a regular basis on the islands, the vibrant nightlife in Malta and Gozo is definitely something to look forward to.

As with any other events, you’re going to want to look and feel your best. Pair your fresh tan with a naturally cool, fresh-faced make-up look and a couple of spritzes of a fragrance that smells just like summer. Head to WHSmith on Level 0, and you’ll be spoiled for choice on both fronts.

Speaking of looking your best, we can’t leave out the arm candy, can we? From dainty bracelet collections for women to a fantastic range of watches for men, there really is something for everyone at HEBE. Complete the look by splashing out on a new leather wallet or a chic handbag from Samsonite.

For A Comfortable Sightseeing Experience

Despite their relatively small size, there’s a lot to see and do on the Maltese islands, so you’ll probably be moving around a fair bit throughout your stay here. In this case, we’d recommend travelling light and only carrying the essentials around with you.

As the weather can be hot and humid during the day, wear breathable, lightweight clothing and a good pair of shoes that will help you stay comfortable. Speaking about comfort, consider investing in a good bum bag from Samsonite which is not only a more compact and secure alternative to a backpack or handbag, but will also allow you to keep your hands free, which could be especially useful when exploring a new place.

At Agenda Bookshop inside the Check-In Hall, you’ll also find some smaller items which might enhance your sightseeing experience, including power banks, insulated water bottles that you can refill throughout the day, as well as guidebooks to help you find your way around the country.

To Take Back Home With You

So, your holiday has come to its inevitable end, but you’ve got a tonne of memories (and some truly unique souvenirs) to take back home with you. Ditch the usual airport chocolates and treat yourself to something a bit more high-end this time around. Sunday in Scotland’s artisanal chocolate falcon is definitely something you won’t find anywhere else, but you could also opt for smaller yet equally delicious treats, including delectable nut spreads, intricate chocolate boxes and a variety of fresh cakes and cookies.

You’ll also be able to find souvenirs with a more local feel at Departures. In fact, there’s an entire Spirit of Malta section inside the airport’s Dufry outlet which stocks everything from Maltese sea salt to the locally hand-crafted Nemnem candles.

If you’d like to splurge on something you can wear, you might want to check out the jewellery collections inspired by Maltese heritage at HEBE or rock an exclusive Malta top from Hard Rock Café. … And we didn’t even mention the best part. If you’re travelling to a non-Schengen country, anything you purchase after the security checks will be tax-free!