Mostar to Valletta Road Trip: Balkan to Malta by Ferry

The route from Mostar to Valletta is one of Europe's most unique overland-sea journeys. It connects the Ottoman-era bridge of Stari Most with the fortified baroque capital of Malta, spanning 1,200 km across Bosnia, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea. The final leg requires a ferry from Sicily to Malta, adding an extra layer of adventure.

A little-known fact: the E65 highway from Mostar to the Croatian coast passes through the Neretva River canyon, where the road clings to cliffs carved by the river. This section, part of the old Austro-Hungarian railway route, offers dramatic views but demands careful driving.

Road quality varies: Bosnia’s M17 is narrow with sharp curves, while Croatia’s A1 is excellent. Italy’s A2 is well-maintained but busy. General tips: drive defensively, expect sudden livestock on Bosnian roads, and use daytime running lights.

• Rest zones: Every 50 km on A1 Croatia (e.g., Lučko, Vrgorac) with toilets and cafes. On A2 Italy, rest areas every 30 km with food courts.
• Family stops: Dubrovnik’s beach at Lapad, or the Etna volcano in Sicily—a 2-hour detour with a cable car and lunar landscapes.
• Pet-friendly: most Croatian rest areas allow dogs on leash; Bosnian route has few designated areas.

Fatigue management is crucial: the total drive time (excluding ferries) is about 12 hours. Break the journey into two parts: overnight in Dubrovnik or Bari. Use the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide for planning micro-stops.

Note: No tables after this point.

Driving from Mostar to Valletta involves three countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Italy, plus a sea crossing to Malta. The route splits into three distinct phases: mountain canyon driving, coastal highways, and Italian autostrade.

Mostar to Dubrovnik uses the M17 and E65, a winding road through the Neretva valley with speed limits of 60-80 km/h. After crossing the border into Croatia, the road improves to A1 (dual carriageway) near Ploce. From Dubrovnik, a car ferry to Bari is essential—check Jadrolinija or GNV schedules in advance.

• Fuel costs: Bosnia €1.20/L, Croatia €1.45/L, Italy €1.80/L. Fill up in Mostar for cheaper fuel.
• Tolls: Croatia A1 Split-Dubrovnik segment costs ~€25. Italy A2 Salerno-Reggio Calabria costs ~€45.
• Border crossing: Bosnia-Croatia queues can be 20-40 min peak summer.

For an optimized stop plan, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Ferries from Dubrovnik to Bari run daily (April-October), duration 5 hours, car included ~€80. From Pozzallo (Sicily) to Valletta, catamarans take 1.5 hours, bookable at Virtu Ferries. Reserve 2 days before.

The landscape transitions from the rugged Dinaric Alps of Bosnia to the turquoise Adriatic coast. The Neretva canyon features vertical limestone cliffs and emerald river pools. Croatia’s coastline offers views of the Pelješac peninsula and the Elaphiti Islands.

• Natural attractions: Kravica Waterfalls (30 km south of Mostar), a 25-meter cascade with swimming allowed; Blagaj Tekke (Dervish monastery by the Buna River spring).
• Hidden spot: the village of Počitelj, an Ottoman hamlet with a 16th-century mosque and stone houses, perfect for a 30-min detour.

Local commerce thrives along the route: roadside stalls near Neum sell honey, olive oil, and homemade rakija. In Croatia, weavers in Ston offer salt from the ancient salt pans. In Sicily, stop at a panificio for arancini and cannoli before the Malta ferry.