Day trips to Sicily from Malta: 6 options compared

The truth about Sicily day trips from Malta

Malta and Sicily are separated by just 93 km of open sea. That proximity makes Sicily the only international day trip genuinely possible from Malta — and it is genuinely possible, not just theoretically. The catamaran route from Marsa (south of Valletta) to Catania runs year-round on most days, and tour operators have built a small but efficient industry around the crossing.

But let’s be honest about the trade-off. You will spend roughly 8 hours on the water across the full day. You get between 4 and 5 hours actually in Sicily. Whether that is worth it depends entirely on what you want to see, how much you enjoy being on a boat, and whether you have a full week in Malta or just three days.

This guide covers every Sicily day-trip option currently running from Malta, gives you an honest take on each, and tells you who should skip the whole idea.

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The catamaran crossing: what to know

All Sicily day trips from Malta use the same high-speed catamaran service operated by Virtu Ferries, departing from the Marsa ferry terminal (a short bus ride or taxi from Valletta or Sliema).

Departure time: approximately 06:30 from Marsa
Arrival Catania: approximately 10:30–11:00
Return departure from Catania: approximately 15:30–16:00
Arrival back in Malta: approximately 19:30–20:00

The catamaran is a modern high-speed vessel and the crossing takes about 4 hours each way. The sea can be rough in winter (November–March). Most tour-based day trips include guides, coach transfers in Sicily, and sometimes lunch — these are typically much better value than buying the ferry ticket independently and winging it in Sicily without local transport.

Cost range: €100–160 per person for a guided day trip (catamaran + guide + transfers in Sicily). Independent crossing via Virtu Ferries direct is cheaper (~€70 return) but you lose the guide and ground transport.

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The 6 Sicily day-trip options from Malta

1. Mount Etna and Taormina

This is the most popular Sicily day trip from Malta, and the one that tends to sell out first in spring and autumn. The route combines two of Sicily’s headline attractions: a partial ascent of Europe’s largest active volcano, and the clifftop Greek theatre town of Taormina.

Realistically, you stop at about 1900m on Etna (not the summit crater rim at 3340m — that requires cable car and separate guided ascent, impossible in a day trip format). You walk around the Valle del Bove viewpoints, see recent lava flows, and often get a visit to a lava tube. Then you drop down to Taormina for 2 hours: the Greek Theatre (Teatro Greco, 3rd century BC), the corso, and the views of Etna smoking over the Ionian Sea.

Honest verdict: The Etna section is genuinely impressive even at 1900m. The lava landscapes are unlike anything in Malta. Taormina can feel rushed at 2 hours but you will at least see the theatre and the corso. This is the best all-rounder if you have never been to Sicily.

Mount Etna and Taormina day trip by catamaran from Malta

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2. Mount Etna and Syracuse

The second-most popular option swaps Taormina for Syracuse (Siracusa) — a completely different flavour. Syracuse is one of the most important Greek colonial cities in the Mediterranean: the island of Ortigia (the old city) is genuinely remarkable, with a Greek temple embedded inside a Norman cathedral, a baroque Piazza del Duomo, and a beautiful waterfront.

The Etna section on this route is typically shorter — often just a drive to a scenic viewpoint rather than a stop at 1900m — to allow more time in Syracuse. You get about 2.5 hours in Ortigia, which is enough for the cathedral, the fountain of Arethusa, and a quick lunch.

Honest verdict: If ancient Greek history is your thing, this edges out the Taormina option. Syracuse is more coherent as a walking destination. The Etna element is less impressive than on the dedicated Etna tour, but the combination works well.

Mount Etna and Syracuse day trip by catamaran from Malta

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3. Mount Etna and Catania

Catania does not have the romance of Taormina or the ancient weight of Syracuse, but it is an underrated city. The baroque city centre (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Piazza del Duomo with its elephant fountain, the fish market (Pescheria), and the proximity to Etna make it a solid day. Etna is the main draw; Catania serves as base rather than centrepiece.

This route spends the most time on Etna itself — often reaching the 1900m mark with a guided walk among the craters. Catania city gets roughly 1.5–2 hours.

Honest verdict: Best option for those who want to maximise time on Etna. Catania is a bonus. The fish market alone is worth a morning if you enjoy that kind of thing.

Mount Etna and Catania day trip by catamaran from Malta

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4. Taormina only (standalone)

Some operators run a Taormina-only day trip without the Etna component. This allows a longer stay in Taormina — 3 to 3.5 hours — and a more relaxed pace. You can walk from the Greek Theatre down to the corso, explore the side streets, have lunch with a view, and take the cable car down to Mazzarò beach if conditions allow.

Honest verdict: Taormina is beautiful and deserves more than 2 hours. If you are not interested in volcanoes and care more about Sicilian towns, this is your route. The downside is that you spend a full day of travel for one destination.

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5. Ragusa, Modica and Scicli (baroque Sicily)

This is the outlier among Sicily day trips from Malta — no Etna, no coast, just the baroque inland hill towns of southeastern Sicily. Ragusa Ibla (the lower old city, entirely rebuilt in ornate Sicilian baroque after the 1693 earthquake), Modica (famous for its chocolate), and sometimes Scicli make up a route that feels more like a road trip through southern Italy than a typical island excursion.

The distance from Catania to Ragusa Ibla is about 90 km, so this is a coach-heavy day. You lose perhaps 2 hours to driving. But the payoff is extraordinary if you care about architecture and food: Ragusa Ibla’s staircase up to the San Giorgio church is one of the great theatrical entrances in Sicilian urbanism.

Ragusa Ibla, Modica and Scicli day trip from Malta

Honest verdict: The best day trip for architecture lovers and slow-travel types. The longest in terms of coach time. Skip if you have back problems or need frequent breaks.

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6. DIY crossing (ferry only, no tour)

Virtu Ferries sells the crossing independently. You can arrive in Catania and do whatever you like: pick up a rental car, take a local bus, wander the city on foot. This is the cheapest option and the most flexible.

The practical problem is time. You arrive around 11:00 and must board for the return by about 15:30. That gives you roughly 4.5 hours on the ground. Without a guide and pre-arranged ground transport, you will spend a meaningful chunk of that time in transit. Catania city centre is walkable from the port; anywhere else requires planning.

Honest verdict: Works well if you know Sicily, speak Italian, and want to visit a specific place. Not recommended for first-timers who will spend too long figuring out buses.

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Who should do a Sicily day trip — and who should not

Do it if:

• You have 7+ days in Malta and have already seen the main Maltese sights
• You want to see active volcanic landscapes (nothing comparable in Malta)
• Taormina’s Greek theatre or Syracuse’s Ortigia are on your list
• You are not prone to seasickness (or have medication)
• The weather forecast shows light winds

Skip it if:

• You are in Malta for 3 days or fewer — your time is better spent in Malta
• You have children under 8 years old — the 8-hour travel day is genuinely hard
• You suffer from seasickness — the channel can be choppy, especially November–April
• Your trip falls in December, January, or February — reduced sailings, rough seas more likely
• You expect a relaxed Sicilian day — it is a full-on logistics exercise

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Practical tips

Book early. The catamaran has limited capacity. The Etna + Taormina and Etna + Syracuse routes sell out weeks in advance in April, May, September and October.

Bring sea-sickness medication. Even on calm days, the 4-hour crossing has noticeable swell at times. Take medication before boarding, not on the boat.

Wear layers. At 1900m on Etna, it is noticeably colder than Malta — often 10–15°C even in summer. The guides will tell you this, but people still arrive in flip-flops.

Carry cash (euros). Small Sicilian establishments rarely take cards. Modica chocolate shops are cash-only at most counters.

Check visa. Malta is in the EU and Schengen. Sicily is Italy, also Schengen. If you are a non-EU visitor, your Malta entry already covers Sicily. No additional paperwork needed.

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How Sicily day trips fit into a Malta itinerary

The best position for a Sicily day trip is day 5 or 6 of a 7-day Malta trip — after you have covered Valletta, Gozo, Mdina, and Comino. That way Sicily feels like a bonus, not a replacement for Malta itself.

If you are doing a 5-day Malta itinerary, consider whether you want Sicily at the cost of a half-day in Gozo or a full morning in Marsaxlokk. The honest answer for most first-timers: Malta itself is rich enough for 5 days without leaving.

For context on the comparison: see Malta vs Sicily — which should you choose?.

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Frequently asked questions about Sicily day trips from Malta

How long is the catamaran crossing from Malta to Sicily?

The crossing from Marsa (Malta) to Catania (Sicily) takes approximately 4 hours each way on the Virtu Ferries high-speed catamaran. The full day trip, including time in Sicily, is typically 13–14 hours door to door.

How much does a Sicily day trip from Malta cost?

Guided day trips with catamaran, guide, and ground transport in Sicily range from €100 to €160 per person depending on the destination and operator. The Virtu Ferries crossing booked independently is approximately €70 return (without guide or Sicilian ground transport).

Do you need a visa to go to Sicily from Malta?

No. Both Malta and Italy are in the Schengen Area. Your entry to Malta covers Sicily. Bring your passport or ID regardless for the ferry crossing.

Is the sea crossing rough?

It can be. The Sicilian Channel experiences regular swells, especially in the shoulder and winter months. Experienced sailors will find it manageable. Those prone to motion sickness should take medication before boarding (ideally the night before for patches).

Can children do the Sicily day trip?

Older children (10 and up) generally manage the day trip fine. Children under 8 typically struggle with the combination of early departure, long sea crossing, and limited time to move around at the destination. Families with young children may find Gozo or Comino a better day-trip choice.

Which Sicily day trip is best for first-timers?

The Mount Etna and Taormina combination is the most popular for good reason: it delivers two very different and impressive experiences in one day. For those more interested in history than volcanoes, the Etna and Syracuse route is the stronger option.

Can I cancel if the sea is too rough?

Most tour operators will cancel or reschedule if the crossing is unsafe. Check the cancellation policy before booking — reputable operators on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which gives you flexibility to watch the forecast.

Is there a direct ferry from Valletta to Sicily?

The catamaran departs from Marsa (south of Valletta), not from Valletta Waterfront itself. Marsa is about 2 km from Valletta and easily reached by bus (Route 3) or a short Bolt/taxi ride. The journey from most tourist areas in Malta to Marsa takes 15–30 minutes depending on your starting point.

Last reviewed: 2026-04-20