Malta has no land borders, so the ferry from Sicily is the only surface crossing into the island nation — and it is a genuinely practical way to travel, especially if you are road-tripping through southern Italy and want to avoid flying. Virtu Ferries operates the routes and, when conditions allow, the high-speed crossing from Pozzallo can be surprisingly quick.
The two routes: Pozzallo and Catania
Virtu Ferries runs services to Malta's Valletta Grand Harbour from two Sicilian ports, and the choice between them largely comes down to where you are coming from on the island.
Pozzallo to Malta
Pozzallo, a small port on Sicily's southern tip, is the closest departure point to Malta — around 90 km across open water. The high-speed catamaran makes the crossing in roughly 1 hour 45 minutes in good conditions. That is fast for a sea crossing and feels more like a transfer than a voyage, though the open Med can be choppy and the service does get cancelled in rough weather.
Catania to Malta
From Catania — Sicily's second city and the more likely arrival point if you have flown in or come from Palermo via the A18 motorway — crossings take around 3 hours. The route is useful if you want to base yourself in Catania's lively centro storico before heading to Malta, or if you plan to explore Etna first.
Weather and cancellations: the Sicilian Channel can be lively, particularly in autumn and winter. Virtu Ferries uses a high-speed catamaran that needs reasonably calm seas to operate. Check the weather forecast before you travel and read the cancellation policy carefully — it is not uncommon for sailings to be delayed or moved to the next day.
When the ferries run
Services are most frequent during summer (roughly May to October), when the ferry can run multiple crossings daily from both ports. Outside the peak season the schedule thins out considerably, and some shoulder-season periods see just a few sailings per week. If you are planning a winter crossing, check the timetable early — you may find only one or two options per week, sometimes fewer.
Virtu Ferries publishes its season schedules several months in advance. Book directly on their website and watch for email updates if you have a booking, since timetables can shift.
Fares and booking
As with most European ferry routes, fares vary considerably by season, how far in advance you book, and whether you are travelling as a foot passenger or taking a vehicle. Summer peak fares are higher; book early and you will generally pay less. Foot passengers pay less than those with cars or motorcycles, and the passenger-only fare is noticeably cheaper on the shorter Pozzallo route.
Virtu Ferries operates a dynamic pricing model, so the same seat can cost substantially more closer to departure. If your dates are fixed, booking several weeks ahead is worth it.
Taking a car to Malta
Malta drives on the left — unusual in the Mediterranean — and many visitors find it easier to rent a car on the island rather than take their own. That said, the ferry accepts cars, motorcycles and motorhomes, which is ideal if you are touring southern Italy by road and want to continue to Gozo or explore Malta's back roads at your own pace.
Bear in mind that Malta's roads in and around Valletta are narrow and traffic can be heavy, particularly in summer. Parking in the capital is limited. For more on the logistics of shipping a vehicle across a ferry, the Viamo guide to taking a car on a ferry covers the essentials.
Gozo, Malta's quieter sister island, is reached from Malta by a short DFDS-operated ferry from Cirkewwa to Mġarr — a crossing of around 25 minutes. If the Gozo ferry is a significant part of your trip, factor that in when deciding whether to bring a car.
The port at Valletta
Virtu Ferries docks at the Valletta Ferry Terminal in Sa Maison, about 1.5 km from the historic city gate. It is not quite in the centre, but taxis and the Maltese bus network (operated by Malta Public Transport) connect the port reasonably well. Water taxis also cross the Grand Harbour to Vittoriosa and other Three Cities.
The Grand Harbour itself is spectacular — approaching by sea, with the honey-coloured bastions of Valletta rising above you, is genuinely one of the better arrivals in the Mediterranean.
Getting to Pozzallo or Catania
If you are not driving, both ports are reachable by rail and bus from elsewhere in Sicily. Catania has its own airport (Catania Fontanarossa, code CTA), which makes it an easy starting point if you are combining a Sicilian leg with a Malta stay. Pozzallo is smaller and less well connected — the easiest approach is by car or a combination of train to Ragusa and then bus or taxi south to the port.
If you are touring southern Italy more broadly, Malta slots neatly into a route through Sicily — you might cross to Malta for a few days, then return to Catania or Pozzallo and continue north or fly home. The guide to ferries to Sicily covers the Italian mainland connections.
What to know before you go
- Malta is an EU member and uses the euro, but it is not in the Schengen Area. Border checks apply on arrival, so carry your passport even if you are an EU citizen.
- The terminal in Pozzallo is fairly basic — arrive a little early and do not expect much by way of food or amenities.
- Virtu Ferries sells on-board meals and light refreshments, but the crossing is short enough from Pozzallo that you can easily eat before boarding.
- Check-in at the port closes 30–45 minutes before departure, sometimes earlier for vehicles. Confirm the cut-off time when you book.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry from Sicily to Malta take?
From Pozzallo, the high-speed catamaran takes roughly 1 hour 45 minutes in calm conditions. From Catania the crossing is around 3 hours. Actual times can vary with sea conditions.
Who operates the Malta ferry from Sicily?
Virtu Ferries is the main operator, running services from both Pozzallo and Catania. Book directly through their website for the most up-to-date timetable and fares.
Can I take my car on the Malta ferry?
Yes. Virtu Ferries carries cars, motorcycles and motorhomes. Fares for vehicles are higher than for foot passengers, and you should book vehicle spaces well in advance in peak season as they sell out.
Do I need a passport for the Malta ferry?
Yes. Malta is not part of the Schengen Area, so a passport check applies when you arrive, regardless of your nationality. EU citizens need at minimum a national identity card; non-EU travellers need a valid passport and may need to meet entry requirements. Always check with the Maltese government or your own government's travel advice before travelling.
Sources and further reading:
- Routes, timetables and fares: Virtu Ferries (virtuferries.com).
- Malta entry requirements: Transport Malta and the Maltese government.
- Ferry and vehicle logistics: Viamo guide to taking a car on a ferry.