Valletta to Gubbio Road Trip Guide: Scenic Italian Journey

Your journey begins at Malta's Grand Harbour in Valletta (35.8997°N, 14.5147°E) and ends at Gubbio's Roman amphitheater (43.3546°N, 12.5782°E). The direct overland distance is about 1,200 km, but the route demands a ferry crossing from Valletta to Pozzallo, Sicily (approx. 90 minutes).

The most efficient route uses the A1 Autostrada from Messina through Naples, then the A1 and E45 toward Umbria. Total driving time excluding ferry: roughly 12 hours. The ferry adds 2 hours including boarding. This is a long haul best spread over two days.

There are hidden gems between Valletta and Gubbio. Use this guide to plan your stops.

After leaving Pozzallo, you cross the Hyblaean Mountains (Monti Iblei) with limestone canyons and olive groves. Then the Calabrian coast, with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea at the A2 tunnel exits.

Near Naples, Vesuvius looms. Later, the Apennines offer winding roads through beech forests. Approaching Umbria, the landscape softens into rolling hills dotted with cypresses and hilltop villages like Assisi (UNESCO).

Local commerce: in Sicily, stop at a caseificio for fresh ricotta. In Campania, try buffalo mozzarella. In Umbria, black truffle and cured meats. Don't miss the how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Sicily: Noto (UNESCO) for Baroque architecture.
• Calabria: Scilla for a beach walk.
• Campania: Caserta Royal Palace.
• Umbria: Todi for medieval charm.

Italian autostradas have speed limits of 130 km/h. Drive on the right. Use headlights in tunnels. Sicily's SS114 is narrower; watch for local traffic. The A2 has many tunnels.

For families: stop at the Oasi di Sant'Angelo (A1 near Capua) with a playground and clean bathrooms. Or the Pasta Museum near Collecchio.

Fatigue management: take a break every 2 hours. Recommended rest zones: Autogrill Tevere (A1 near Orvieto) with panoramic views. Or the Monte Cimone area (A1 near Modena) for a short walk.

• Rest every 2 hours.
• Best stop for kids: Oasi di Sant'Angelo (A1, km 72).
• Pet-friendly: many rest stops allow dogs; check for shaded areas.
• Hidden off-route spot: the Ghost Town of Craco (Basilicata).

The Valletta to Gubbio ferry is Virtu Ferries from Valletta to Pozzallo. Check-in 1 hour before departure. Car cost: around €200 one-way. After landing, head north on SS114.

Fuel stations are plentiful on Italian autostradas. Expect €1.80/L for petrol (October 2023). Tolls from Salerno to Gubbio cost about €50. Use Telepass or pay with card.

• Ferry: Virtu Ferries, 2 crossings daily, 90 min.
• Fuel: Stations every 30 km on A1.
• Rest areas: Autogrill every 50 km on A1.
• Best stop between Valletta and Gubbio: Syracuse or Matera.