Ferry trips in Malta

Valetta, Malta, taken from the ferry

Malta is a tiny country made up of three islands south of Sicily in the Mediterranean. Because of their location, the Maltese have a rich seafaring tradition. Even today, Malta is known for its fine sailing and boating waters.

Luzzu boat, Malta

Fishing boats, St. Julian's, Malta

 The luzzu is the traditional Maltese fishing boat. This rugged boat is able to withstand the treacherous storms of the Mediterranean. Its design goes back to at least Phoenician times. Luzzas are painted bright colors and can be found all over Malta. Look for the characteristic eyes painted on the bow.

Yachts moored in Malta

 Even though there are huge yachts found all over Malta, you don't have to be rich to enjoy a ride on the sparkling water. 

Ferries transport folks between the islands and there's even a ferry to take you between Sliema and Valetta or between Valetta and 3 Cities on the Island of Malta. This ferry is cheap (only € 2.80 for a round trip), quick (15 minutes between Sliem and Valetta), and is great for taking pictures.

Malta as seen from the ferry

 In addition to being quick, cheap and scenic, the ferry around Malta is also very convenient.

Malta as seen from the ferry

 Just buy your ticket, line up, and get on the next available boat. Crossings are on a regular schedule, oftentimes as frequent as twice an hour. But, check the schedule because it can vary depending on the season and holidays.

Malta as seen from the ferry

I've also heard people say that there are water taxis to ferry you around the island of Malta, but we didn't take one on our visit and the website for the water taxi company appears to be expired.

Ferry to Gozo

 There's also a ferry to take you from Malta to the island of Gozo. It leaves from the ferry landing at Cirkewwa, Malta and crosses to Mgarr, Gozo. The trip takes about 25 minutes and costs € 4.65 one way. You can also bring your bike or your car, but that costs more, of course. The ferry schedule is posted on the company's website and crossings are frequent.

Mgarr, Gozo

 Two things to keep in mind if you're going to Gozo without a car. First, Cirkewwa is on the far northwest corner of the island. Even with a car, it takes 40 minutes to get there. We took a bus and it was over an hour. And, that was in low season. Malta is jammed with cars and I can only imagine what the roads are like in the summer.

A ferry headed to Gozo, another back to Malta

Second, once you get on Gozo, you'll need wheels. The towns aren't very close together. You could rent a car, but there are plenty of guides with cars that will pick you up at the ferry terminal. Or, they have the convenient Hop On-Hop Off bus with a stop at the terminal. It hits most of the spots in Gozo if you're only there for a day. 

Gozo is definitely more rural and laid-back than Malta (which can be quite chaotic, especially in Valetta and the tourist beach towns), and if you want to stay here, I'd suggest staying in a rural farmhouse. There are lots available for rent on Gozo, some on vineyards and some where you can actually participate in the work done on the farm and eat meals prepared with produce from the farm.

Finally, the third island of Malta is Comino. There is also a ferry that can take you there from Cirkewwa. It costs €15 round trip and takes you to the famous Blue Lagoon in about a half hour. 

Malta is one of my favorite countries to visit and is practically unknown to Americans. I've posted about it before, and you can check out one here. I've also posted some pictures of Malta and Gozo.

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