Gozo to Positano Road Trip Guide: Hidden Gems & Routes

Did you know that the ferry from Gozo to Malta is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, carrying over 5 million passengers annually? Your road trip from Gozo to Positano begins with this 25-minute crossing to Ċirkewwa, followed by a drive up the Maltese islands and a flight or ferry to Sicily. The total driving distance from Malta to Positano via Sicily is roughly 650 km, taking about 8 hours excluding stops. This guide covers everything from best stops Gozo to Positano to how long to drive Gozo to Positano, answering is it worth driving Gozo to Positano with a resounding yes if you love diverse landscapes. For tips on finding hidden gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The journey requires careful planning: from Gozo, drive to Mgarr Harbour for the ferry to Ċirkewwa on Malta. From Malta's main island, you'll typically fly to Catania or take a ferry to Pozzallo. If driving from Pozzallo, follow the A18/E45 highway towards Messina, then cross the Strait of Messina by ferry (20-40 minutes). Continue on the A2/E45 to Naples, then take the A3/E45 to Salerno, and eventually the SS163 coastal road to Positano. The SS163 is famous for its winding cliffside views. Total driving time from Pozzallo to Positano is about 6.5 hours, but expect delays.

• Ferry from Gozo to Malta: 25 minutes, 3-4 departures hourly.
• Flight Malta to Catania: 45 minutes, multiple daily.
• Ferry Villa San Giovanni to Messina: 20 minutes, frequent services.
• Tolls on A2/E45: approx 20 EUR total.
• Petrol stations every 30-50 km on main highways.

Road quality is excellent on toll roads, but the SS163 has sharp curves and limited guardrails. Drive defensively. For families, the town of Taormina offers a pedestrian-friendly center with a Greek theatre and ice cream. Pet-friendly stops include Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, where many cafes have water bowls. Fatigue management: take breaks every 2 hours at autogrills like the one near Rosarno on the A2, which has clean bathrooms and a kids' play area. Hidden off-route spots: the medieval village of Erice near Trapani, or the Saturnia hot springs in Tuscany if you detour north. For route planning, use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. Climate varies from Mediterranean on the coast to cooler Alpine conditions on Etna; pack layers. Culinary highlights include seafood at the port of Sciacca and pizza in Naples. Commerce: local markets in Catania sell fresh pistachios and cheeses. Safety tip: avoid driving at night on Amalfi roads. Overall, the route is worth every mile for its diversity and beauty.

• Recommended rest stop: Autogrill Sibari, km 380 on A2.
• Family tip: visit Etnaland theme park near Catania.
• Pet-friendly accommodation: B&B Casa di Pezza in Noto.

From the rugged coast of Gozo with its Azure Window remnants to the fertile plains of Sicily, the route showcases dramatic shifts. Mount Etna looms over Catania, often snow-capped even in spring. The Amalfi Coast's terraced lemon groves and pastel villages are a feast for the eyes. Local commerce thrives on roadside stalls selling arancini in Sicily and limoncello on the Amalfi Coast. In Agrigento, the Valley of the Temples offers a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved Greek ruins. The town of Ragusa is another Baroque gem, perfect for a morning stop. Between these, small ceramic workshops in Caltagirone invite spontaneous purchases.

• Must-see: Scala dei Turchi (white cliffs) near Realmonte.
• Local specialty: Cannoli from Pasticceria Cappello in Noto.
• UNESCO sites: Valley of the Temples, Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.