Ultimate Road Trip Guide: Ohrid to Valletta via Ferry

Did you know that the stretch from Ohrid to Valletta crosses five countries and requires a ferry from mainland Italy to Malta? This route spans approximately 1,500 km (932 miles) and typically takes two to three days of driving plus a 10- to 16-hour overnight ferry from Pozzallo or Catania to Valletta.

Your journey begins on the A3 highway near Ohrid, passes through Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina (or a short coastal detour through Croatia), then into Italy via ferry from Bari or Ancona. The final leg from southern Italy to Malta is a sea crossing.

For tips on finding unique stops along the way, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Below is a summary table of the route segments:

Fuel prices vary significantly. In North Macedonia (Ohrid), gasoline costs around 1.20€/L. Crossing into Albania, expect cheaper fuel (~1.10€/L). Italy is the most expensive (1.60€/L). Plan to fill up in Albania.

• Vignette required in North Macedonia (€15 for 7 days) and Slovenia (€15 weekly).
• Italy uses tolls; budget ~€0.10 per km on motorways.
• Ferry booking: Durrës–Bari from €50–€100 per car; Pozzallo–Valletta from €150–€250.

Border crossings are generally smooth. Have Green Card insurance, passport, and vehicle documents ready. Kosovo border can slow you down; avoid peak hours.

Estimated total cost for fuel, tolls, and ferries: €400–€600 per vehicle, depending on driving style and ferry class.

Depart Ohrid along the shore of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO site with crystal clear waters. The road winds through mountains past Struga. As you cross into Albania, the landscape opens to rolling hills dotted with olive groves.

In central Albania, you'll skirt the Shkumbin River valley. Detour to Elbasan for its castle and bazaar. After Durrës, the coastal road to Vlora offers stunning Adriatic views.

• Best views: The Llogara Pass (Albania) at 1,027 m – a hairpin climb with sea panoramas.
• Hidden gem: The Blue Eye spring near Saranda – electric blue water, €3 entry.
• Local commerce: Stop at a roadside 'bakllava' stall in Berat or a cheese shop near Mavrovo.

Crossing into Italy via Bari, you land in Puglia – the heel of the boot. Drive through olive groves and whitewashed towns like Ostuni. Then head south through Calabria, with views of the Ionian Sea.

From Pozzallo, the ferry to Valletta takes you into the Grand Harbour, a natural amphitheatre. Malta's landscape is arid but rich in history; the entire capital is a UNESCO site.

Road quality is good on highways (A1 in Albania, A2 in Italy) but variable on secondary roads. Watch for potholes in Albania and Bosnia. Use daytime running lights mandatory in all countries.

• Rest zones: Sitë & Kafe in Albania every 30–50 km; Autogrill in Italy every 20 km.
• Family break: The 'Terrassa Mare' playground near Vlora, or 'Fiabilandia' amusement park in Rimini (detour).
• Pet-friendly: Most Italian hotels accept pets; in Albania, ask ahead. Ferry cabins allow pets for extra fee.

To manage fatigue, split the drive into four segments: Ohrid–Tirana (2.5 h), Tirana–Bari (3.5 h + ferry rest), Bari–Pozzallo (7 h with lunch stop in Reggio Calabria), ferry to Valletta. Avoid driving after dark in Albania due to stray animals.

Things to do between Ohrid and Valletta: visit the Old Town of Ohrid, taste Albanian byrek, explore Matera (UNESCO), and tour the Maltese capital.