St John’s Co-Cathedral
See the ornate Knights of Malta interior and important paintings by Caravaggio.
Malta · Mediterranean
Valletta Ferry & Destination Guide
Explore Valletta’s fortified streets, Grand Harbour, museums and limestone architecture, then use the nearby Virtu passenger terminal for the fast ferry to Pozzallo in Sicily.
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Discover Valletta
Valletta is one of Europe’s most concentrated historic capitals, overlooking the Grand Harbour and offering a fast sea connection between Malta and Sicily.
Valletta’s grid of honey-coloured limestone streets occupies a narrow peninsula between two harbours. The city is compact enough to explore on foot, yet its steep streets, bastions and layers of history reward a full day rather than a quick transit.
St John’s Co-Cathedral is the essential interior sight, with richly decorated chapels and works by Caravaggio. Nearby, the Grandmaster’s Palace and National Museum of Archaeology add context to Malta’s long strategic history.
Upper Barrakka Gardens provide one of the best views across Grand Harbour towards the Three Cities. The waterfront lifts make it easy to combine the gardens with harbour-level attractions and ferries across to Vittoriosa.
Valletta also has a strong contemporary cultural life, with theatres, galleries, restaurants and bars occupying restored palazzi and old shopfronts. Evening walks are especially atmospheric once daytime excursion crowds have thinned.
The wider island is small enough for practical day trips to Mdina, the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk and the coast. Malta’s dense bus network makes car-free touring possible, while drivers can reach most areas in a relatively short distance.
Virtu Ferries operates the regular Malta–Pozzallo high-speed route from its dedicated passenger terminal in Marsa, a short transfer from Valletta. The service carries passengers and vehicles, making it useful for travellers combining Malta with a Sicily road trip.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Valletta
Valletta packs exceptional architecture, harbour views and museums into a small fortified peninsula.
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Take in sweeping views across Grand Harbour towards the Three Cities.
Grandmaster’s Palace
Explore one of Valletta’s defining historic buildings and ceremonial spaces.
Valletta waterfront
Walk the bastions, harbour edges and regenerated waterfront areas below the old city.
Three Cities
Cross the harbour to Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua for a different perspective on Malta’s history.
Mdina day trip
Add Malta’s silent old capital and central island landscapes to a longer stay.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Valletta
Browse Valletta walking tours, harbour cruises, Malta history experiences and island day trips to combine with your ferry journey.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Valletta Ferry Terminal
The Malta terminal opens two hours before departure. Travellers should allow extra road time around the harbour approaches and confirm passport or identity-document requirements before travelling between Malta and Italy.
Virtu Ferries operates the Malta–Pozzallo route to southeast Sicily with high-speed catamarans. Current 2026 bookings show regular sailings and the service accepts cars, motorcycles, campers and bicycles as well as foot passengers.
Virtu Ferries departs from its dedicated Malta passenger terminal at Xatt L-Ghassara Tal-Gheneb in Marsa. The terminal is close to Valletta and the Grand Harbour but is not inside the pedestrian old-city streets.
Passenger portVirtu Passenger Terminal, Xatt L-Ghassara Tal-Gheneb, Marsa MRS 1917, Malta
Main connectionsPozzallo, Sicily
OperatorsVirtu Ferries
VehiclesCars, motorcycles, campers, bicycles and foot passengers
Check-inThe terminal opens two hours before departure; follow the exact vehicle and passenger check-in time shown on your booking
Plan your stay
Getting around Valletta
Valletta is best explored on foot, with buses, harbour ferries and taxis providing straightforward connections to the rest of Malta and the Virtu terminal.
Explore Valletta on foot
The old city is compact, though its hills and steps can make some routes more strenuous than the map suggests.
Use buses and harbour ferries
Malta’s bus network connects Valletta with the wider island, while local ferries provide useful harbour and Sliema links.
Transfer to Marsa
Allow dedicated time for the short road transfer from Valletta to the Virtu Passenger Terminal, especially around busy harbour traffic periods.
Stay in Valletta
Find Valletta Accommodation
Stay inside Valletta or near the Grand Harbour
Valletta is ideal for atmosphere and sightseeing, while harbour-side accommodation in Floriana or the Three Cities can provide easier road access for ferry departures.
Common planning questions
Valletta ferry & destination FAQs
Where is Valletta Ferry Terminal?
Virtu Ferries uses its passenger terminal at Xatt L-Ghassara Tal-Gheneb in Marsa, close to Valletta and Grand Harbour.
Where can I sail from Malta in 2026?
Virtu Ferries operates the regular high-speed route between Malta and Pozzallo in Sicily.
Which operator runs the Malta–Pozzallo ferry?
Virtu Ferries operates the scheduled high-speed passenger and vehicle service.
Can I take a car on the Malta–Pozzallo ferry?
Yes. Current Virtu booking options include cars, motorbikes, campers and bicycles.
Is the Virtu terminal inside Valletta old city?
No. It is in nearby Marsa, so allow a short transfer from Valletta before check-in.
What are the best things to do in Valletta?
Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral, Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Grandmaster’s Palace and the harbourfront, then consider the Three Cities.
How early should I arrive for the Malta ferry?
The Virtu terminal opens two hours before departure. Follow the exact check-in deadline on your booking.
Should I book Malta–Sicily ferries in advance?
Yes, especially if travelling with a vehicle or during busy holiday and summer periods.
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