Update: October 24, 2025

Bad news for ferry passengers heading to and from Malta: Both Grimaldi Lines and Ponte ferries have ceased operating passenger service to/from Malta. That leaves only Virtu Ferries to get around that part of the Mediterranean.

Rather than relying on internet searches and jumping from one ferry company to another, though, you can now find and book ferries between a wide range of European destinations, including Malta, Italy, France, and Spain, by clicking the following link: Direct Ferries Booking Page

Disclaimer: On The Go Solo makes a commission on any ferry journey booked through the link above, so by clicking it, you’re helping us out at no cost to yourself. Thanks!

When traveling by ferry from Malta to Sicily and beyond, the only option you currently have is Virtu Ferries.

Malta to Sicily Ferry Departure Location

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.

Travel from Valletta to Pozzallo/Catania

Virtu Ferries has a frequent sailing schedule throughout the year and operates a high-speed catamaran that crosses to and from Pozzallo, Sicily in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. On arriving in Pozzallo, passengers wanting to go on to Catania will 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. For the latest information, check the Direct 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. For the latest information, check the Direct Ferries website to confirm the day and time of departure for your trip.

Passenger (No Vehicle) Cost

One-way ticket prices vary widely depending on the day of the week, the season of the year, and the time of day you are sailing. Prices also depend on whether you are going one-way or round-trip and, for round-trip journeys, whether you plan to come back the same day or stay in Sicily for a few days before returning. Note that regardless of the price you pay for your ferry ticket, you will have to pay an additional 15 euros (adults) or 8 euros (children) for the bus that takes you from the port at Pozzallo north to Catania.