Matera to Valletta Road Trip: Italy to Malta via Ferry

This road trip begins in the ancient cave city of Matera (Basilicata, Italy) and ends in the fortified capital of Malta, Valletta. The drive covers roughly 450 kilometers of Italian highway before a connecting ferry from Sicily to Malta. A little-known fact: the route passes directly under the flight path of NATO jets from Gioia del Colle air base – you may hear a low roar overhead near the town of Laterza. The motorway sections include the A2 and A18, with a mandatory ferry crossing from Pozzallo (Sicily) to Valletta (Malta). Driving time is about 6 hours excluding the ferry; the crossing takes 90 minutes. This guide answers whether it is worth driving Matera to Valletta – yes, for the coastal views of Calabria and the chance to visit unspoiled hill towns.

Road quality on A2 is excellent (modern toll-free motorway). The SS106 is older, with sections lacking crash barriers – drive cautiously at night. In Sicily, A18 is well-lit near Catania but poorly illuminated between Rosolini and Pozzallo.

• Pet-friendly: In Matera, Parco della Murgia Materana (dog on leash) has trails overlooking the Sassi. In Sicily, Forza d’Agrò (village) has a dog-friendly café (Bar Centrale).
• Family: Stop at Oasi di Sant’Alessio (province of Reggio Calabria) – a fenced park with playground and picnic tables, ideal for kids.
• Fatigue management: Recommended rest spots – Punto Ristoro “La Sila” (A2, km 210, near Cosenza) has a quiet parking area with shaded benches. In Sicily, take a nap at the “Villasmundo” rest area (A18, near Catania).
• Safety tip: Never leave valuables visible inside the car when parked at rest stops; use under-seat storage.

The best stops Matera to Valletta depend on your pace. Fuel stations are plentiful along the A2 (Autostrada del Mediterraneo) every 30–40 km. In Sicily, the A18 Messina-Catania has service areas with 24h pumps. Estimated fuel cost (1.5-liter diesel car): around €70–€80 at current Italian prices. For fuel efficiency, maintain 110 km/h on highways; Calabria’s winding coastal SS106 demands lower speeds but saves fuel. The Pozzallo–Valletta ferry operates year-round (Virtu Ferries); book car ticket in advance. No tolls on Italian highways outside the A2 short section (€1.80 near Salerno).

• Highway code: Italy – A2 (Salerno-Reggio Calabria), then SS106 (coastal) or A2 all the way to Villa San Giovanni.
• Ferry 1: Villa San Giovanni – Messina (Bluferries or Caronte – €10–15, departs every 30 min).
• Ferry 2: Pozzallo – Valletta (Virtu Ferries – car + driver from €120; foot passenger €45).
• Alternative: Drive to Catania and fly to Malta (cheaper but less adventurous).

Geographical shifts: from Matera’s ravine (Gravina) down to the Ionian coast near Metaponto (olive groves), then into the Calabrian Apennine foothills – steep cliffs and tunnels. As you descend toward Villa San Giovanni, the Strait of Messina opens with views of Mount Etna on clear days. In Sicily, the landscape flattens into the Catania plain (volcanic soil, citrus orchards) and turns arid near Pozzallo.

• Best panorama: Scilla (Calabria) – turn off SS106 to the old town for a view of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the castle of Ruffo.
• UNESCO along route: Matera (Sassi is UNESCO since 1993). No other UNESCO sites directly on the route, but a short detour to the Trulli of Alberobello (1h north of Matera) is possible.
• Local market: Every Saturday morning in Matera’s Piazza Vittorio Veneto – sell handmade ceramics, pecorino cheese, and lucanica sausage.
• Sicilian roadside stalls: Along SS114 between Catania and Syracuse, look for signs saying “Cannoli Freschi” – buy ricotta-filled cannoli.