malta to sicily catamaran

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Malta to Sicily Ferry: Prices, Routes & More

Interested in taking the ferry from Malta to Sicily to discover all that it has to offer? You’ve come to the right place!

From how to take the ferry, the experience on board, and essential travel information, to the top places to visit, I’ll be highlighting the key points that will help you plan the ultimate trip using the Malta ferry to Sicily.

Ferry Route from Malta to Sicily

Since Sicily is known for its international connections with some of Europe’s biggest ferry companies, you can travel to mainland Italy, the surrounding islands, North Africa via Tunisia, and of course, Malta.

Routes and Port Locations

The port location in Malta is located in Valletta (next to what’s referred to as the Valletta Waterfront), whilst the port in Sicily is in Pozzallo. The distance between the two islands is 57 nautical miles (105 km), with the ferry ride lasting approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes .

Although there are currently no direct ferries from Valletta to Catania , you can still get there easily if you’re interested in spending most of your time there. Prior to finalising your booking with Direct Ferries, all you need to do is add the bus transfer option from Pozzallo to Catania .

Ferry Timetable

The Malta Sicily ferry service operates daily. Generally speaking, ferries depart from Valletta as early as 5:00 am, while the last ferry from Pozzallo departs at 21:30.

With this in mind, be aware of possible cancellations in the event of rough weather during the winter months.

How to Book Ferry Tickets from Malta to Sicily

Next, it’s time to purchase tickets. The process is quite straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps.

• Head to the Direct Ferries deal finder and compare prices
• Choose your preferred ferry route: Valletta to Pozzallo or Valletta to Catania (arrive at Pozzallo and include a bus transfer to Catania)
• Select your outbound/return journeys
• Confirm your booking

Ticket prices may vary according to the season and whether you’re travelling as a foot passenger or with a vehicle.

Looking for tours and excursions in Malta and Gozo?

Get my recommendations on the best day trips, boat trips, excursions and activities and book in advance!

Can I travel by car from Malta to Sicily?

If you really want to experience the beauty of Sicily at your own pace without the stress of any time limits, your best option is to go by car.

As opposed to the pre-planned stops of a guided tour, this option will allow you to see more of the island’s top sights and perhaps go off the beaten track to discover some hidden gems.

Travelling with a personal car

Upon boarding the ferry from the Malta port, the staff will carry out your check-in whilst you’re still behind the wheel.

Once you arrive in Sicily, you will be asked to head to the garage before you need to head to the garage before the other passengers disembark.

Renting a car from Malta

If you do not have a car, renting one from Malta is possible; however, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

Of course, the ferry price increases if you’re travelling with a personal car and a rental car. Moreover, you need to pay an additional fee to the car rental company. This varies according to the model you choose and the duration of your journey between Malta and Sicily.

Check out my two guidebooks full of local knowledge and my best recommendations for your trip, and up-to-date for 2024 !

Malta & Gozo guide book Valletta : An Insider’s Guide to Malta’s Capital

Take the hassle out of planning your trip to Malta and be an informed traveller!

On Board the Ferry – Passenger Information

Get ready to sit back and relax whilst sailing from Valletta to Pozzallo. In a nutshell, the ferry Malta to Sicily vessel experience offers visitors all the amenities and anything they need whilst crossing from Valletta to Pozzallo.

Highlights and key services of the Malta Sicily Ferry

• Indoor Seating
• Stellar views of the Grand Harbour from the Malta port in Valletta
• Shopping On Board
• Cafeterias/Bars
• Slot Machines
• Designated Charging Points for Mobile Phones
• Designated Smoking Area aboard the ferry
• Baby Changing Facilities for people coming with children
• Hand luggage can be kept near you, while your main luggage is deposited on the luggage trolley upon arrival
• People with mobility issues have ample space on board and can also use the garage ramp and lift.
• Travelling with your pet is possible

Before You Travel

Ensure that you arrive at the passenger terminal 1 hour before the chosen departure time.

Important Visa Information to Travel to Malta and Sicily

Onto the nitty gritty. E.U. citizens shouldn’t have any issues with entering Sicily. All you need to produce is a national identity card or a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.

Alongside a valid passport, non-E.U. citizens (US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK)  need to apply for a Schengen short-stay visa. In this case, you will need the Italian Tourist/Visitor.

You can get more information on this topic here: VISA requirements for entering Italy .

Top Ten Places to Visit in Sicily

Being the largest island on the Mediterranean Sea and one of Italy’s most beloved regions, Sicily is brimming with glorious places, incredible history, spectacular architecture, lush beaches, and the best street food…need I say more?

Without any further ado, here are some of the things that make Sicily so special!

• Discovering the vibrant capital – Palermo
• Pozzallo – A charming seaside town located on the south coast of Sicily
• Shopping in Catania
• Visiting Mount Etna
• Wining and Dining in Taormina
• Swimming in Isola Bella
• Pretty Seaside Villages like Marzamemi
• A historical tour of Syracuse
• Ragusa – The City of Two Souls
• Noto – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Mysterious Town of Modica

Malta-Sicily Day Tour

If you can’t stay in Sicily for at least three days or a week, don’t fret! Taking one of the popular day tours to Sicily from Malta on offer is the perfect option for visitors who have less time on their hands.

A knowledgeable tour guide will be with you all day whilst visiting some of the most fascinating places on the island, such as Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina and Syracuse .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the ferry ride from malta to sicily take.

The ferry ride from Malta to Sicily takes approximately 1h 45m. The distance between the two ports is 52.1 nautical miles.

How much is the ferry from Malta to Sicily?

The ferry from Malta to Sicily cost depends on the ferry company, if you’re travelling as a foot passenger or with a car and whether you’re going to Sicily during the summer or winter months.

Can I do a day trip from Malta to Sicily?

Yes, you can do a day trip from Malta to Sicily and there are several options to choose from. More on that topic here: Day Trips from Malta to Sicily .

Edward is the Founder and Editor of Malta Uncovered and author of two guidebooks on Malta and Valletta.

As a tourist-turned-expat with Maltese roots, he knows the islands inside out and helps thousands of visitors enjoy a memorable trip every year.

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1 day Sicily - Pozzallo, Mount Etna & Taormina Tour

• Travel on high speed Catamaran
• No Hidden Surcharges
• Sicily guided tour on luxury coach
• Optional transfers to/from port
• FLEXI Cancellation

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1 day Sicily - Marzamemi & Syracuse Tour

Booking Terms & Conditions

Saint John Paul II

M/V Saint John Paul II, delivered to Virtu Ferries in February 2019, by shipbuilders Incat Tasmania, has been selected for the prestigious notation “Significant Ship 2018”, by the highly respected Royal Institute of Naval Architects (RINA). The Institute was founded in London in 1860, with the aim of advancing “the art and science of ship design.” Members of the Institute occupy positions of high standing in the maritime industry worldwide, including universities and leading maritime institutions. RINA publishes a highly select annual list describing the most innovative and important commercial vessel designs delivered during the year by shipyards worldwide. Saint John Paul II was also awarded the “Ship of the Year 2020” in the High-Speed Ferry Category by the Cruise and Ferry Review pubblication.

The standard, well-tried, INCAT Wavepiercer Hull design was modified after extensive hydrodynamic model trials in the state-of-the-art UK Ministry of Defence Ocean Basin Research Facility in Gosport Hampshire. M/V Saint John Paul II complies with the International Maritime Organisation HSC Code 2000 rules, as amended, the Malta Flag Statutory Requirements, Italian Port State Rules and EU Directive 1999/35/EC.

Saint John Paul II started operating on the Malta-Sicily route in March 2019, in practical ever-day terms bringing Malta closer to Europe. The vessel carries 900 passengers and 167 vehicles, equivalent 490 Truck Lane Meters, allowing for 23 trailers, commercial and other heavy vehicles. At a cruising speed of 38 knots (70.4 km per hour) the Saint John Paul II makes the crossing in approximately 90 minutes.

Virtu have been operating a scheduled high speed ferry service between Malta and Sicily since 1988 and commissioned the Saint John Paul II specifically for the Malta Channel route. Passengers can look forward to travelling to our closest neighbour, Sicily, in six luxury lounges, with a design based on twenty eight years of surveyed passenger feedback. The Club Class lounge is on the Bridge Deck. The five other lounges are on the Main Deck, one forward and aft, another two amidships on the port and starboard sides, and a designated truckers lounge with additional facilities, after a hard day’s work. Outside seating is provided on both passenger decks.

Virtu is a 100% Maltese owned company and it is with pride that all Virtu vessels, including Saint John Paul II, fly the Malta Flag and are managed in-house by the company’s marine technical department.

New fast ferry service to Sicily

Ponte Ferries is announcing that it will operate a new, fast ferry catamaran service to Sicily from summer 2021 with a 96-metre passenger, vehicle and cargo-carrying, high-speed craft.

The ferry, which will shuttle every day between Malta and the Port of Augusta — located less than 30 minutes away from Catania — promises to bring the much-needed choice and competition with the entry of a second operator in the market.

The HSC Artemis will sail into the Grand Harbour in the coming days, where it will undergo internal upgrades to equip the vessel with the latest technologies and amenities, providing passengers with a number of firsts for this type of travel. She will also feature a club class lounge, among many other services.

The high-speed craft – which is fully classed and compliant with all international safety and navigation regulations, and registered under the Maltese flag – will be ready for the new ferry service operation between Malta and Sicily by summer 2021.

The vessel was operating in the Canary Islands and has recently been overhauled and refitted by Fred Olsen, a leading ferry operator in Spain that specialises in inter-island routes aboard high-speed vessels.

A Ponte Ferries spokesperson said: “We are thrilled and determined to offer a choice for hauliers and visitors to Sicily. We have researched the market for a few years now, and know that this is what people want.”

“ We believe there is space for another player in this market segment and we look forward to launch our new, customer-focused approach, matched with a user-friendly ticketing system in the coming months ,” the spokesperson said, adding that Ponte Ferries has been in talks with the Valletta Cruise Port and Port of Augusta authorities for at least two years.

Ponte Ferries is a joint venture between Magro Brothers Investments Ltd and Merill Invest Ltd, owned by entrepreneurs brothers Michael and Julian Zammit Tabona, and businessmen Mario Muscat and Fabio Muscat.

Magro Brothers, which had been previously involved in the the maritime industry, is now looking to re-enter the market through this investment, while the Zammit Tabona brothers have for more than four decades’ experience; having been active in this field through their holdings in Captain Morgan Cruises; iSeeMalta’s hop-on, hop-off concept; and the ferry transport service connecting Sliema, Valletta and The Three Cities.

The high-speed craft will be able to shuttle more than 717 passengers between Malta and Augusta and has the flexibility to carry 245 cars, or 15 road freight trailers plus 180 cars.

The trip between Malta and Augusta will offer clients a new opportunity to explore areas closer to Catania, Taormina and Syracuse with a reduction in transit time due to the close proximity of the autostrada which would give clients quicker and easier access to these areas.

• Telephone: (+356) 21 556 663
• Freephone: 8007 5533
• Customer Care: [email protected]
• Bookings: [email protected]
• GPS coordinates: 36.0364778, 14.2533928
• The Magro Food Village Xewkija Industrial Estate, Xewkija XWK 3000 Gozo, Malta
• Magro Brothers (Foods) Ltd
• Co Reg No: Malta C29020
• Vat No: MT1653 7725

• Yacht for Rent!   +356 7707 8270
• [email protected]

Navigating the Mediterranean Bliss: Catamaran Adventures from Malta to Sicily

Home » Navigating the Mediterranean Bliss: Catamaran Adventures from Malta to Sicily

Blue waters of the Mediterranean offer the dream of a luxurious sea-fare experience and this inspires the spirit of even the most seasoned sailors on catamarans. For those seeking such a soul-stirring experience, a journey by Catamaran Malta to Sicily is no less than a dream comes true. Whatever sailboat desert island adventure you’re envisioning, owning your catamaran, imagination is stretched right to the limit of the horizon.

Exploring Malta and Sicily by Catamaran:

Malta, a precious jewel in the middle of the Mediterranean, proves to be a true wonder, which becomes the perfect starting point for an exquisite boat journey. Upon a journey from this striking archipelago with its warm and gentle atmosphere, the glowing waters along the shoreline, and a soft sea breeze provided a shot of paradise for a lifetime.

A catamaran is in a special position due to its design which made it perfectly stable and spacious. This is why it is a preferred mode of transport for commuters who are used to crude rides. As you sail along the enchanting shores of Sicily you will have a great deal of space on deck where you can sit and read, have an aperitif while enjoying views of mountains, and have a meal outdoors.

Catamarans for Sale in Malta:

The thought of buying one is synonymous with great pleasure for the sailor who lives the yachting life and the passionate sailor or those considering a long-term investment in the yachting lifestyle will find great joy since. Today, Malta, which is popular for its fervent waterfront community as well, demonstrates a choice of catamarans suitable for several businesses and tastes

Catamarans are not only in style or shape, but they also differ in size as they have been designed to serve many purposes. Taking any assistance from experienced brokers and considering yachts in Malta both from new and used categories can ease you to own the boat that you will name yours.

Private Catamaran Escapes:

Think about owning your Private Catamaran in Malta , personalized as you may want it, always on standby waiting for you to board. The category of owning a Catamaran for Sale in Malta is not only due to the option to travel but rather an open door to countless experiences and incomparable tranquility.

Sailing your catamaran offers you personalization that is unavailable in a grouped group. Whether you pick different places to see or opt for a walking tour, the liberty of enjoying the Mediterranean in a style that fits you is a kind of luxury that the majority of people will never have.

Conclusion:

Embarking on a Catamaran from Malta to Sicily, regardless of whether you will be Renting a Catamaran for a week, buying your own or dreaming of a life spent on the biggest ocean luxury machine of your own, is a life-changing experience that you will never forget. Mediterranean waters, so ancient and wealthy in the cultural aspect, create a wonderful playground for you so you can feel something more than just a holiday when you sail after sunset. With each wave, the sunlight lightly rays in the serene ocean is as close to a guarantee as an unforgettable experience that you could ever have when sailing on the open ocean.

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Ferry from Malta to Sicily

Discover how you can travel to sicily from malta.

FerryGoGo » Ferry from Malta to Sicily

Pozzallo-Valletta

Catania-valletta, the malta-sicily ferry.

There is a very fast ferry from Malta to Sicily. You can get from Valletta to Pozzallo in just 1 hour and 45 minutes!!!

Thanks to this ferry, it is best to make a day trip from Malta to Sicily (or the other way around) or to combine the two islands in one holiday.

You can also book your ferry ticket to/from Catania but the ferry sails between Valletta and Pozzallo . If you book a Valletta-Catania ticket, a bus drive between Pozzallo and Catania is included.

You may also like:

• Ferries to Malta
• Ferries to Sicily
• Ferries to Comino and Blue Lagoon

Map with ferry route from Malta to Sicily

The only route to Malta is the Pozzalo-Valletta ferry. 

Malta-Sicily timetable, availability, and prices

Booking your ferry tickets has never been easier! With our online booking module, you can easily find and book your Malta-Sicily ferry tickets. Simply enter your travel dates, and the system will show you all available options. You can then choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. It’s that simple!

It’s best to book your ferry ticket as far in advance as possible

The price of ferry tickets increases as more passengers book their spots. So, if you want to save money and secure your desired crossing, booking your tickets as soon as possible is best. That way, you can take advantage of the lower prices and avoid the disappointment of a fully booked ferry.

Also on this page

From malta to sicily, day tours malta-sicily, frequently asked questions, ferry talk: share your questions and opinions.

There is only one operator active between Malta and Sicily. Virtu Ferries sails on the crossing: Pozzallo-Valletta . Tickets are quite easy to book with the Ferry booking website Direct Ferries .

• It is also possible to book this ferry to Catania . You will then be transported by bus on the route between Pozzallo and Catania. If you book via Direct Ferries, the bus tickets are included in the booking.

Looking for such a tour?

Tours often include Syracuse (the oldest city in Italy), Mount Etna, and Taormina. If this is a nice idea, you can consider the following tours: 

• Taormina and Mount Etna Full Day Excursion from Malta (Viator.com)
• One Day Sicily Tour from Malta (Viator.com)

If you travel by ferry from Malta to Sicily, the crossing takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.

The starting price is approximately €69. If you travel with 2 people and a car, this quickly rises to around €324 if you book in the summer (return).

The fast ferry that sails to Sicily from Malta sails in just 1 hour and 45 minutes between the island.

Ask, answer, and explore ferry routes with the community's expertise!

Do the Sicily to Malta ferry run in October, is so, When is the timetable available for booking tickets ? and is the sea crossing rough at that time of the year

We did the research for you: Yes, they are also running in October ( multiple sailings per day), they seem to run all year through (also November). In october the sea is more rough, and yes on this route especially things can get really rough. 90 minutes is quite ok though.. So even in bad weather 90 minutes is done before you know it. Check out more about seasickness on ferries here: https://ferrygogo.com/sailing-smoothly-proven-tips-to-beat-sea-sickness-on-ferries/

Hey,I want to go sicily from Malta on Saturday 15 July in the morning and returned back on Monday 17 July evening.so is there any offer tickets available for this roaster? Thanks, Adeel

There is currently a Sicily Summer offer – which is valid for July and August – you can find the details here; https://www.virtuferries.com/offers/sicily-special-offers/1

Good luck and have a nice trip!

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I am looking to ride the ferry end of March 2024 to Sicily. Does the Ferry run in march and do tours run in Marc h? or can I catch a local bus and tour myself. I speak Italian

I am planning a trip in Sicily in December this year and want to include a day trip to Malta. But I can't find any schedule for that month. I plan to take the ferry from Pozzallo. Is it possible to leave in the morning from Pozzallo and come back in the late evening? or I need to spend a night in Malta. thank you!

Yes it is possible to leave in the morning and arrive in the evening!

8:30 is earliest departure and latest departure from Malta is 18:00, here you can see the schedule . Make sure you book your tickets in advance!

Hi I’m planning to travel Malta with my husband from January 18-26 2024.I would like to visit Sicily for a day or two..would like to know your itenerary for so..

8:30 is earliest departure and latest departure from Malta is 18:00, here you can see the schedule . Make sure you book your tickets in advance!. Make sure you book your tickets in advance!

What are the ferry charges from Malta to Sicily

These are (more or less, things can change a bit) the prices for Malta to Sicily:

Normal Return – €109.00 One Way – €68.00

I want to go from Sicily to Malta on the 26 December and come back on the 14 january . Where can I book ?

Hey Pascale,

If you can't book the trip yet others also can't, just wait a bit until the 2024 schedule arrives. You can book here .

I want to take a rental car on the ferry from Malta to Sicily. I need to provide the registration number for the ferry booking but I won’t have it until I pick up the car. Is there any way to book a ticket without those details?

I would really advise you to talk with your car-rental company about this. I think you are not allowed to take your rental car from Malta to Sicily!

I would like to book 2 tickets for Valletta – Pozzallo on the 8th of October 2023 but it appears that I can not, are there any ferrys that work then?

When will the timetable for May2024 be available please?

Hi J Lapinskas,

It seems to some of the schedules for May 2024 are already available, you can find more information on the exact dates and times in this table: https://www.virtuferries.com/schedule/6

Let me know if you have any remaining questions!

I’m trying to find out if I can catch the ferry from Valetta to Catania in October? Specifically on 10 October 2024. It doesn’t seem to allow me to book in October.

We also checked, I think the sailing schedule for Q4 for the ferries still have to be made. When we check Virtu Ferries we can't use the booking engine from October onwards yet. Should be available shortly.

Best regards,

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sicily to malta ferry

The only boat travelling from malta to sicily.

The Sicily to Malta ferry does trips to both Sicily and Malta .  If you are going on a day trip or travelling by car, then you definitely have to catch a ferry. A flight daily is also available by a number of airlines from Malta International Airport.

In this page we will give you an insight on how to reach by boat from Malta to Sicily and back. All the information mentioned in this page are relevant for travellers travelling to Malta from Sicily and to Sicily from Malta.

What You Need to Know About the sicily to malta ferry

Virtu ferries service.

• Frequently Asked Questions About the Sicily to Malta Ferry

Disclaimer: On our website you will find affiliate links from which we make a small commission.

Virtu Ferries is one of the main companies that offers a ferry from Malta to Pozzallo and vice versa.

How long does it take to cross to each island?

• Each trip is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

What is the schedule of the Sicily to Malta ferry?

• There are 16 trips weekly to and from Sicily and Malta. For the exact ferry departure timings you could check them by checking their availability.

purchase virtu ferries tickets

Ferry to sicily from malta.

Using Direct Ferries you can purchase your tickets to and from Sicily or Malta. You can use their quick and easy search engine to find and book your ferry.

All tickets are purchased on a secure and user-friendly website.

catania to malta ferry

There is no direct ferry that goes to Catania from Malta , but you still take the ferry from Malta to Pozzallo then take a bus to Catania. Since there is a bus trip involved, the duration of the whole journey will take around 4 hours 15 minutes.

Do not worry about purchasing a ticket for a bus when arriving in Pozzallo, because using Direct Ferries you pay one price which includes the bus fare . It is a time saver method.

Note: Do not book the ferry to or from Catania if you are travelling with your own personal vehicle as you will not need the bus fare. In this case book the ferry to or from Pozzallo which is found above.

Virtu Ferries - Sicily to Malta ferry ports

Malta port: virtu ferries terminal valletta, travelling from sicily to malta.

• Virtu Ferries Terminal is located in Marsa around a kilometre from Valletta waterfront.
• Address:  Virtu Passenger Terminal, Xatt L-Ghassara Tal-Gheneb Marsa, MRS 1917 Malta

how to get to virtu ferries terminal

There is a bus stop  near the terminal called 'Hatab' .

• Route 130 -  The circular route leaves from Valletta bus terminal.

Those arriving from other parts of the island can take the bus from their villages to Valletta and then take the 130 directly to the terminal.

• You can opt to take a  taxi to the terminal which in our opinion is the best solution since ferries depart early in the morning.
• You can either drive down to Valletta and follow the signs to the port or enter 'Virtu Ferries Passenger Terminal' on your GPS.

sicily port: porto di pozzallo, sicily

• Porto Di Pozzallo is the largest of the Free municipal consortium of Ragusa in Sicily.
• Daily catamaran connections connect the island to Malta. Catania is about 120 kilometers away from Pozzallo.
• Address:  Via, 97016 Pozzallo Ragusa, Italy

how to get to porto di pozzallo

• There are no public transport buses that come to Pozzallo port.
• The best way to come is by taxi unless you are coming with your personal vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take a ferry from Sicily to Malta?

Yes there is a direct ferry that departs from the terminal in Valletta to the terminal in Pozzallo. Book your place now with Direct Ferries .

How long is the ferry ride from Malta to Sicily?

The trip takes around  1 hour and 45 minutes each way.

What is the distance from Sicily to Malta by ferry?

The distance is around 127 kilometers (78.9 miles).

What Is The Sicily To Malta Ferry Price?

The cost of a individual person depends if you are travelling with or without a vehicle. Travelling with a vehicle will be more pricy.

How Do I Book My Tickets?

Head over to Direct Ferries , enter your trip details and click search. Choose the relevant ferry time and book.

Is It Worth Coming To Malta From Sicily By Catamaran?

When you aren't bringing your car, we would recommend you come by plane, as the flight only takes 20 minutes , as opposed to the ferry which takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 3 hours.

Are there day trips to Sicily from Malta?

Yes , there are a few day trips that visit Sicily from Malta.

What Documents Do I Have To Bring On The Ferry To Malta From Sicily?

It is best to have all your identification with you when traveling by ferry, which includes an I.D. card as well as a passport . Be sure your documents are valid until you return back home.

How Do I Get The Ferry From Gozo Island?

We have a dedicated guide to this question. Check out how to get the ferry from Gozo to Sicily .

Can I Take My Pet Onboard?

Yes, your pet can embark on the ferry with you but you must register it while booking your tickets. While booking you will see a field to enter the number of pets you will be taking with you.

You are responsible for their safety and ensuring that your pet has all the require documentation to board and that you are covered by the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).

About Malta and Sicily

The distance of Malta to Sicily is only 93 kilometers. Many locals tend to go to Sicily on weekend breaks or for road trips on the island with their own car. Sicily is perfect for a one day trip by taking a tour and visiting some of their towns and villages.

The island of Malta

Malta is an open-air museum with amazing heritage that goes back over 5000 years. Since our island has been through so much change, you can witness that change in your very own eyes. You can visit very old cities, Valletta and Mdina , new and more developed places like Sliema and St. Julian's and also seaside villages such as Marsaxlokk , Xlendi , Marsalforn and more. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

The island of sicily

Surrounded by the beautiful Mediterranean sea is the island of Sicily, Italy's biggest island. This island brings some astonishing history, ancient ruins and archaeological sites. As you go through and wander the island you will witness extremely beautiful beaches and charming villages and towns.

book your ferry from malta to sicily

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One of the finest and unique experiences off the southern coast of Italy includes a trip to both Malta and Sicily, two incredibly unique locations with their own style, flare and culture. If you are starting your cultural tours of the Mediterranean Islands and countries in Malta, then a Malta to Sicily boat charter is the perfect way to make a quick trip to Sicily and experience the best of both worlds.

A Malta to Sicily boat charter on a high speed catamaran takes just 90 minutes, making the pair a perfect day trip combo for many tourists. The port at Valletta in Malta is approximately 51 miles across the Mediterranean Sea from the Sicilian port of Pozzallo. Those going between Malta and Sicily should be aware that there may be imposed a sea tax and a government levy to visit ports such as Pozzallo and Catania, which is just under double the distance from Valletta and is near the northern side of Sicily. Taking a Malta to Sicily boat charter will shock some tourists as they will be heading from the smallest island in the Mediterranean Sea to the largest with more than twice as many tourists roaming the historic sites and beaches during the peak season to take in the many influences of history, time and the rule of multiple cultures.

Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean Sea and was coveted by many different cultures throughout history. The influence of the Greeks can be seen at Agrigento, and the influence of the French Baroque period can be viewed in the religious architecture at Modica. Influence can also be seen around the Sicilian islands showing evidence of rule by the Arabs, Vandals, Romans, Byzantines, Ostrogoths, Aragon, Spain and the Normans. This unrest led to the birth of the Mafia in Sicily, an underground crime group still known throughout the world today. Visitors also flock to Sicily to see multiple world heritage sites such as the Necropolis of Pantalica, the Valley of the Temples, the Aeolian Islands and the Piazza Armerina and to witness the unruly nature of one of the worldís most active volcanoes, Mt. Etna.

Beaches and wineries also abound at locations such as Palermo and Catania, and tourists have also been known to spend many days at the Giardini Naxos seaside resort, which caters to the tastes and styles of visitors from around the world. If you are planning to visit Malta and want to add another dimension to your trip, the short, cost-effective hop over to Sicily on a Malta to Sicily boat charter will be the best decision you ever made regarding your holiday on the Mediterranean Sea.

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Valletta to Catania

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Ferry Valletta (Malta) - Catania

Ferry Malta Catania. Travel from Valletta (Malta) to Catania. Travel from island to island with GRIMALDI LINES! Book your tickets for an incredible sailing from Malta to Sicily. You will find that prices are very competitive, and the ferry-boats are comfortable and sophisticated.

Book your tickets now on our online system, there is nothing easier

In our real time online system for prices and reservations, you can check the availability and find the best price and make your reservation without any further delay.

Book your ferry ticket from Valletta to Catania with our price comparison system. All the ferry companies operating on the requested dates are sorted by price and you can either select the most reasonable price or your favorite company.

The search is done in real time and includes all the current ferry prices and routes of all the ferries operating the desired route.

Ports for the route Valletta – Catania

Do you need information on the port of Valletta and/or the port of Catania?

You will find all the information about ferries from Valletta to Catania, ferry companies and departure times on the following links:

• » Port - Ferry for Malta / Valletta
• » Port - Ferry for Catania

Ferry Malta Catania | Ferry routes

To go from Malta to Sicily, the itinerary Valletta – Catania is most solicited. Thus, GRIMALDI LINES has up to two sailings per day in the summertime.

GRIMALDI LINES operates the Valletta – Catania route.

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• Ferry Valetta (Malta) – Salerno

Ferries to Malta (MLA)

• Ferry Catania – Valletta (Malta)
• Ferry Salerno – Valletta (Malta)

Ferries from Catania (CTA)

• Ferry Catania – Salerno

Ferries to Catania (CTA)

• Ferry Salerno – Catania

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• Virtu Ferries Limited

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Virtu Ferries, a 100% owned subsidiary of Virtu Holdings, operates a scheduled High Speed Car/Passenger Ferry Service between Malta and Sicily. With a crossing time of 90 minutes to Pozzallo this daily, year-round, day return, service has eliminated the geographic divide between Malta and mainland Europe, making Malta truly part of the European Market.

The service, operational since 1988, now carries over 350,000 passengers and 70,000 private and commercial vehicles, annually, between Malta and our closest neighbour, Sicily. The route is currently operated by M/V Saint John Paul II, capacity 900 passengers and 167cars or 23 trailers and commercial vehicles and M/V Jean De La Valete, 800 passengers and 156 vehicles or 20 trailers and commercial vehicles.

The schedule of over 1000 round trips per year allows for year-round Day Return Excursions to Sicily from Malta and similar seasonal excursions to Malta from Sicily; these excursions, of ever-increasing popularity, have turned Malta and Sicily into two-point tourist destinations. Specifically, with user friendly timings, the schedule caters for family holidays as well as for niche commercial markets with a daily interchange of fresh agricultural and dairy products and fish between the two islands.

Saint John Paul II and Jean De La Valette before her have revolutionized transport, and consequently trade, between the two Mediterranean islands. A more recent, now an established market, is Maltese residents owning a family holiday home in Sicily as well as Sicilians commuting between their hometowns in Sicily and their workplace in Malta. There are a number of Sicilians restaurants scattered all over Malta and the Island is a second home to many of highly skilled Sicilians, essential to Malta’s economy.

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Malta to Sicily Ferry Options: Who Should You Travel With?

Update: may 15, 2022.

From the look of it, Grimaldi Lines is no longer operating a passenger service between Malta and Sicily. That said, you still have two ferry lines to choose from. Ponte ferries announced four days ago that they will be resuming their fast ferry service between Valletta and Augusta, Sicily this coming week. Ponte will start by running ferries four days a week (Sunday/Monday/Wednesday/Friday) in May and June. Departure hours vary depending on the day of the week, but the travel time is the same: 3 hours 15 minutes each way . Tickets for May and June sailings are on sale now and for foot passengers, there are 7 different levels of seating comfort you can choose from, including Ponte Plus , Ponte Premium , and Ponte Exclusive . Full details about the differences between each level are not currently available on the website, so check here before you book to see that has changed.

The company says it will announce their sailing schedule for July, August, and beyond within the next few weeks, so you cannot make reservations for those months yet.

For details on the sailing hours, ticket prices, and location of the new ferry terminal (it’s on the Valletta side of the Grand Harbour not too far from the City Gate – making it easier to get to than the remote Grimaldi terminal), check out the Ponte ferries website at https://ponteferries.com/ .

Update: October 17, 2021

As of Monday October 11, 2021, the island of Sicily is classified as a White Zone, which is the level with the least COVID restrictions in the Italian ranking system. According to the Virtu Ferries website, all passengers ages 6 and over traveling from Malta to Sicily must fill in a European Union-mandated Passenger Locator Form (PLF) and must provide one of the following certificates:

• a negative swab test result (PCR or rapid) taken 48 hours prior to arrival in Sicily.
• an EU Digital Covid vaccine certificate. *
• an EU Digital Covid-19 recovery certificate. *

*Until further notice, all passengers travelling to Sicily must also present a negative swab test result (PCR or rapid) taken 48 hours prior to arrival in Sicily. Passengers who are not in possession of a negative swab test result will be asked to do a swab test on arrival in Sicily.

Update: July 7, 2020

Ferry services have resumed between Malta and Sicily. However, if you are a U.S. citizen, you are not eligible to visit Malta or Sicily (and hence cannot get on the ferry to leave either one).

Here’s what the U.S. Embassy in Malta has posted on their website :

. . . U.S. citizens residing in the United States are banned from entering Malta for non-essential travel, which includes tourism, unless you have an EU passport or meet the very narrow exceptions detailed here . The EU Commission determines who may enter the EU based on epidemiological data.  At this time, there is no projected date when travelers from the United States will be permitted to enter Malta.

and here’s what the U.S. Embassy in Rome has posted on their website :

As of July 1, the European Union (known as the EU, which includes Italy) began lifting the restrictions on non-essential travel into the EU for residents of certain third countries.  This does not include United States residents, however the list will be reviewed every two weeks.  Please visit  https://reopen.europa.eu/en  for more information.

Update: June 10, 2020

On June 3, Virtu Ferries announced that they will resume ferry service between Malta and Sicily on July 1, 2020 .

On June 10, Grimaldi Lines also announced July 1 as the date they will resume ferry service , but provided no additional details.

Passenger fares for the Virtu Ferries catamaran will increase during the shoulder seasons (July 1-17 and all of September) by 12-15% for return passengers. Vehicle fares during the same time period will increase 17-30%. This is being done to offset some of the losses Virtu Ferries will incur due to the 40% reduction on the number of passengers they are allowed to transport on each run. Peak season fares (July 17- Aug 31) will remain unchanged.

Social distancing measures will be strictly observed.

The Virtu Ferries website contains very little information. For details, refer to the Times of Malta article, “ Increase in Catamaran Ticket Prices ” (June 3, 2020) or contact Virtu Ferries by via telephone + 356 22069022 or email [email protected] .

UPDATE: June 1, 2020

The Grimaldi Ferries website was updated this morning with the following note:

“it is reported that passenger transport is suspended until June 15, 2020.”

This is the third time they have moved the date in the past month, so you should not count on ferry service actually resuming in mid-June. OnTheGoSolo.com will monitor the site daily and post any updates here.

In addition, Virtu Ferries has posted the following message on their website:

Are you travelling with Virtu Ferries? Need information regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)? Email to: [email protected]

UPDATE: May 9, 2020

The Grimaldi Ferries website states the following: “…passenger transport is suspended until May 16th, 2020” which implies that it might be reopening as early as next week. The VirtuFerries website contains no information about when passenger travel will be allowed to resume.

U PDATE: March 10, 2020

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all passenger and non-commercial vehicle traffic on both ferry lines is prohibited. Only commercial vehicles and their drivers are able to travel between Malta and Sicily for the time being. Neither company’s website gives a specific end date for these restrictions. We’ll update this website when we learn more.

————————————————————————————————————

When traveling by ferry from Malta to Sicily and beyond, there are two companies from which to choose. And the one you end up selecting will likely have a lot to do with your budget and why you’re taking the ferry in the first place. It’ll also depend on how much inconvenience you’re willing to put up with.

This blog describes the benefits and drawbacks of the two ferry options available to you: Virtu Ferries and Grimaldi Lines .

If you’re thinking of going by ferry from Valletta all the way to Salerno (Italy) jump to the end of this article to see why that’s a very bad idea.

Malta to Sicily Ferry Comparison

Malta to Sicily Ferry Departure Locations

The two ferry companies heading to Sicily DO NOT depart from the same location.

Virtu Ferries

Virtu ferries depart from the Virtu Ferries Passenger Terminal , which is in the Marsa neighborhood on the north side of the Grand Harbour . If you’re staying in Valletta, the terminal is about a 5 minute taxi ride from the Triton Fountain. Most taxi drivers will know where it is, but just in case, the address is Xatt L-Ghassara Ta’ L-Gheneb. Marsa .

Grimaldi Lines ferries depart from Laboratory Wharf in the Paola neighborhood on the south side of the Grand Harbour . The wharf is more or less directly across the water from the Virtu Ferries Passenger Terminal. To get to it, you drive around the harbour and take Telgha Ta Ras Hanzir road until it dead ends at the docks. The trip takes about 10 minutes from the Triton Fountain, assuming your taxi driver knows where to go. The road leading to the terminal is dark and spooky and looks like a perfect place to be murdered, but trust that your driver’s GPS is leading you to the correct location.

Map courtesy of Google Maps, 2019

Option 1: Virtu Ferries from Valletta to Pozzallo/Catania

Virtu Ferries has a much more frequent sailing schedule throughout the year compared to its competitor Grimaldi Lines. Virtu Ferries operates a high-speed catamaran that crosses to and from Pozzallo, Sicily in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Once in Pozzallo, passengers wanting to go on to Catania must board coach buses for the 2 1/4 hour journey north.

Travel Season

Winter: From October 1 to April 30. Sailings from Valletta to Sicily most Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Same-day returns are possible. Check the Virtu Ferries website to confirm the day and time of departure for your trip.

Summer: From May 1 to September 30. Sailings daily. The specific hours and number of ferries per day varies by month and by day of the week. Consult the Virtu Ferries website for details.

Passenger (No Vehicle) Cost

• One-way ticket: 62 euros (Pozzallo) and 76 euros (Catania)
• Return ticket: 102 euros (Pozzallo) and 132 euros (Catania)
• Much faster than Grimaldi Lines
• Much more modern ship
• Same-day returns are possible
• A later departure time, so more daylight during the voyage
• More convenient departure location (Valletta side of the Grand Harbour)
• More ferry departure times and dates available year round
• Family- and tourist-oriented ferry service, versus the commercially-oriented Grimaldi ferry
• Much of the journey is done during daylight hours, so plenty of opportunities to take photos
• Significantly more expensive
• The Pozzallo – Catania leg of the journey is done by coach bus, not by ferry

Option 2: Grimaldi Lines from Valletta to Catania

Grimaldi Lines is, to be honest, a commercial ferry operation that happens to also take passengers. As such, it’s much cheaper than Virtu Ferries, but it’s not at all luxurious and kind of inconvenient.

Winter/Summer: Year-round, weekly sailings on Mondays from Valletta to Catania, Sicily. Check the Grimaldi Lines website to confirm the day and time of departure for your trip.

• One-way ticket: 28.50 euros
• Return ticket: 52 euros
• Significantly cheaper than Virtu Ferries
• Ferry travels directly to Catania. No coach bus travel is required.
• Much slower than Virtu Ferries
• Older, far less luxurious ships
• Not possible to do a same-day return
• Very early departure time, so few opportunities to take photos
• Inconvenient departure location (across the Grand Harbour from Valletta)
• Time and location of departure mean that you’ll have to take a taxi to get there, adding 10-15 euros onto the cost of your trip
• One ferry departure each week, year-round
• Commercially-oriented operation, so not intended to be family-friendly

Valletta to Salerno by ferry: A bad idea

If you’re planning to take the Grimaldi ferry from Valletta all the way to Salerno, Italy, I’d strongly recommend that you rethink that idea .

The ferry leaves Valletta at 4 a.m. and arrives seven hours later in Catania, Sicily at around 11 a.m. There is, however, a huge issue that Grimaldi doesn’t tell you when you book your ticket. And they don’t to tell you when you board, either. Or anywhere on the company’s website. Or anywhere on your ticket. What they fail to inform you is that if you are a through passenger to Salerno, you cannot disembark in Catania . In effect, during the ELEVEN HOUR LAYOVER in Catania, you’re confined to the ship.

Aside from a bar/lounge area that blasts Italian language chat shows all day long, there is nothing to do and nothing to see. During winter sailings, the onboard shop is also closed, so you won’t be able to buy reading materials, playing cards, or anything. The onboard bar sells alcohol, coffee, ice cream bars, a limited range of prepackaged food, and bottled drinks. And the ship’s galley serves a modestly priced lunch and dinner. So don’t worry, you won’t starve. But take it from someone who’s experienced it, it’s not an enjoyable way to spend a day.

Valletta to Salerno Workaround

If you’re determined to go by ferry from Malta to Salerno, I’d recommend the following simple workaround. It’ll cost more to travel this way, but it’ll save you the mind-numbing all-day wait onboard.

• Take the Virtu Ferry service from Valletta to Catania. That will get you to Catania at 10:45 a.m., about 45 minutes before the Grimaldi ferry even arrives.
• Spend the day looking around Catania, checking out Mt Etna, or just relaxing in one of the town’s plazas.
• Around 8 p.m., head to Catania’s port and board the Grimaldi ferry for the 10 p.m. departure to Salerno.

Valletta to Mainland Italy Workaround

If you want to take a ferry from Valletta and still end up on mainland Italy, there’s a second workaround you can resort to. Note that it’s not exactly a fast or cheap option, but it certainly is unique. And it gives you the option to travel anywhere in Italy, not just Salerno.

• Take the Virtu Ferry service from Valletta to Pozzallo .
• In Pozzallo, walk or cab it 1 1/4 miles from the ferry terminal to the train station.
• Catch the train from Pozzallo north to the town of Messina . The journey takes about 4 1/2 hours. Although Sicily is an island, Messina is connected to the Italian train network through the use of special ferries that the train cars are rolled onto and off of. Passengers stay on the train during the brief crossing of the Straits of Messina and arrive on mainland Italy in the town of Villa San Giovanni .
• Once the crossing is completed, the train is on its way again. High speed trains will get you from Villa San Giovanni to Rome in just over 4 1/2 hours. Regular trains take just over 10 hours to cover the same distance.

For a terrific description and pictures of this unusual rail option, check out the following blog post on the Eurail website: To Sicily By A Train On A Ferry .

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• Ferry from Malta to Catania

Tickets, Prices & Schedules

• Ferry Tickets
• Ferry routes

Attention: The Malta - Catania route is no longer active. At the moment, all ferry connections to Sicily from Malta arrive at the Sicilian port of Pozzallo (close to Ragusa).

Ferry schedules from Malta to Catania

The ferry connection from Malta to Catania has not been active for some time now. The latest info on this route dates back  2019 , and you can find it below:

Is there a ferry from Malta to Catania?

There were 2 ferry companies operating on the connection from the port of Valletta to the port of Catania: Virtu Ferries with 8 weekly sailings and Grimaldi Lines with 1 sailing per week.

How long is the ferry ride from Malta to Catania?

The ferry journey from the port of Malta to Catania used to last from 4 hr  to 7 hr , depending on the ferry route you choose.

What is the distance between Malta and Catania?

The island of Malta is approximately 100 nautical miles (186 km) south of Catania.

Ferry tickets from Malta to Catania: Cost

Ferry prices from Malta to Catania used to start at  €100 for a single passenger ticket, but the cost would vary depending on the season, seat type and vehicle selection.

Can I book ferry tickets from Malta to Catania?

The Malta - Catania route used to be very popular, but it's no longer active. But don't worry, because now you can get to Sicily thanks to the ferry connection from Valletta to the port of Pozzallo !

Find all you need to know about  Pozzallo - Malta ferries  and more ferry connections to Italy from Malta.

Useful tips for your ferry trip from Malta to Catania:

• It is highly recommended that you to get to the port at least  90 min before boarding , especially if you are bringing along your vehicle.
• A great way to explore of Malta is by car or motorcycle. We recommend bringing your own vehicle to get around the island at your own pace.
• The port of Valletta, a natural deep-water harbor with numerous coves, will surprise you!
• The port of Catania is very close to the city center, so you will be one step away from the most beautiful attractions.