Gozo to Gubbio Road Trip Guide: Scenic Routes & Hidden Gems

The ferry from Gozo to Malta's main island is your first milestone, taking about 25 minutes from Mġarr to Ċirkewwa. From there, you'll drive to Gubbio, a medieval hill town in Umbria, about 1,100 km north. The trip requires crossing Italy via the A1 motorway, then winding up the Apennines to Gubbio's cobbled streets.

One unique fact: Gubbio's Piazza Grande is built on a Roman cistern, and the town's street layout follows the original Roman plan. This drive passes through multiple climate zones, from Mediterranean to subcontinental, and offers diverse landscapes from coastal plains to mountain passes.

The most efficient route is from Valletta to the A1 motorway at Naples, then north to Rome, then the E45 to Gubbio. Total drive time is about 12 hours without stops. Fuel costs will be around €120-150 for a gasoline car, based on Italian fuel prices (€1.80/L).

• Ferry cost: €15-25 per vehicle
• Toll fees: approximately €50-70 for A1 from Naples to Rome and Rome to Orte
• Parking in Gubbio: limited; use the parking lots outside the historic center (€1-2/hour)

For tips on finding hidden stops, refer to our guide on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Italian motorways are well-maintained, but speed cameras (Autovelox) are frequent. The A1 has variable speed limits (130 km/h, 110 in rain). In the Apennines, roads can be narrow and winding – take breaks in designated rest areas every 2 hours.

• Rest zones: Autogrill at Fabro and Chiusi have play areas and clean facilities
• Family stops: Etnaland theme park near Catania or the Oltremare Aquarium in Riccione (detour near Rimini)
• Pet-friendly: Many agriturismi accept dogs; pack a bowl and travel crate

For fatigue management, plan a stop in Rome overnight. The drive from Rome to Gubbio is scenic but requires attention on the E45 two-lane road. Hidden off-route gem: the town of Spello, known for its flower decorations (Infiorata) in June.

If you need a longer rest, consider stopping in Orvieto, a hill town with a stunning cathedral and underground caves. The detour adds only 20 minutes to the journey but offers a unique medieval atmosphere.

The drive from Malta to Sicily offers coastal views, then the Calabrian mountains, and finally the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria. Notable natural attractions include the Pollino National Park in Basilicata and the Marmore Falls near Terni, a 165m-high waterfall created by the Romans.

Local commerce thrives in roadside agriturismi, where you can buy olive oil, cheese, and wine. In Umbria, truffle hunting is a local tradition; you can join a guided hunt and purchase fresh truffles.

• Pollino National Park: hiking trails, canyoning, and views of the Ionian Sea
• Cascata delle Marmore: best viewed from the lower observation deck
• Agriturismo Il Casale: farm stay with cooking classes

UNESCO sites along the route include the Historic Centre of Naples, Assisi (Basilica of St. Francis), and the Etruscan necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia. Assisi, a detour from the A1, is only 30 km from Gubbio.