Ferry from Sicily to Malta

With Virtu Ferries, infants and toddlers up to 3 years old travel for free on the boat from Sicily to Malta. Children up to 13 years old also enjoy discounts.

Virtu Ferries serves the Sicily - Malta ferry route with high-speed catamarans such as the Jean De La Valette and St John Paul II, which feature a range of amenities for a comfortable journey. On board, you can expect 

• Comfy seats in air-conditioned passenger lounges and spacious outer decks to enjoy the sea view
• Snack bars and cafés with light snacks and refreshments
• Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during the trip

Cabins and accommodation

Are there cabins on the ferry?

No, due to the short duration of the journey from Sicily to Malta, there are no cabins on the ferries.

Can I book business-class seats?

Yes,  Virtu Ferries offers business-class seats on the Sicily - Malta ferry route for a more comfortable journey. These are numbered reclining seats that typically have extra room and include priority disembarkation. Prices for business seats start at about €98.

Accessibility

The high-speed catamarans serving the Sicily - Malta ferry route are generally accessible to travelers with disabilities, featuring ramps and elevators, and accessible seating areas.

Boarding assistance is typically available upon request and prior notification to the ferry company before your journey.

Note: accessibility features vary from vessel to vessel, so it is recommended to contact the ferry company at the time of booking for further details.

Ferry luggage

When traveling with Virtu Ferries, you can to bring 1 piece of hand luggage (up to 5 kg in weight and 37x45x25 cm in size), and up to 3 pieces of luggage with a maximum size of 50x40x80 cm which must be stowed in the vessel's designated areas.

Traveling with pets

You can bring your pet on the ferry Sicily - Malta, provided you include it in your booking. Make sure you bring along your pet’s health and travel documents, as well as tickets and pet supplies you may need for the trip.

Where do pets stay on the ferry?

On Virtu Ferries, you can either keep your pet with you, in your vehicle, or you can book a place in the onboard kennels.

• If you keep your pet with you, smaller pets must be kept in a suitable carrier, while larger pets must wear a muzzle and be kept on a leash.
• if you are traveling with a vehicle, you can keep up to 3 pets can stay inside your vehicle during the crossing. It is recommended to leave window slightly open for ventilation.
• The air-conditioned kennels are located in the car deck area of the ferries and typically come in three sizes (60x80x60cm, 73x102x76.5cm and 105x115x90cm)

Important: animals are not allowed in the ship’s lounges, with the exception of guide dogs.

Here are some travel tips for your trip from Pozzallo in Sicily to Valletta in Mata:

• The port of Pozzallo in Sicily can get very busy, especially in the summer and the weekends, so it's best arrive at the Sicilian port at least 1 hr before departure. If you are traveling with a vehicle, it's recommended to be there 1.5-2 hr in advance.
• Although the trip is short, the sea can get a bit choppy, so if you are sensitive to the waves, consider taking seasickness medication for the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your pharmacist or doctor.
• Don’t forget to organize your return journey in advance. Check out the Malta to Sicily ferry route on Ferryhopper for more info.
• From the ports of Sicily, you can also travel by ferry to many destinations in mainland Italy, Sardinia, the Aeolian Islands and Tunisia. For more details on routes, ticket prices and companies, take a look at the Sicily ferry schedules.

Where to take the ferry from Sicily to Malta

Ferries to Malta normally depart from the port of Pozzallo, on the southern coast of Sicily. You can catch the ferry to Valletta from the pier located next to the Banchina di Riva. The port is situated on the western edge of town, approximately 1-2 km from the city center and 115 km from Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA).

At the port, you’ll find basic traveler services, including ticket offices, waiting lounges, snack bars and small shops.

How to get to the port of Pozzallo

• By car: the SS115 highway leads to Pozzallo and from there follow signs for Porto.
• By bus: direct buses operated by AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) run from Catania Airport and Syracuse to Pozzallo (Viale Europa). From the bus stop, a short taxi ride is recommended to reach the port.
• By train: the Pozzallo train station, with regional connections to Syracuse and Ragusa, is about 3 km from the port.
• By Taxi: local taxis are available throughout town, the ride from train station to the port takes about 5-10 min.

Where does the ferry arrive in Malta?

Ferries from Sicily typically arrive at the port of Valletta, in the main Grand Harbour of Malta. The port is just a few minutes south of the historic city center and the Valletta Waterfront, and around 8 km from Malta International Airport (MLA).

In the area around the port, you will find basic travel amenities, inclhding a tourist information desk, car rentals, as well as taxis and buses, while at the waterfront, you will find plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops.