If you’re travelling to Malta then you can’t miss the incredible smaller island of Gozo. Explore hidden coves, swim in crystal clear waters, and visit the Blue Lagoon. The best way to do this is to take the Valletta to Gozo Ferry.
Key Takeaway: The high speed ferry from Valletta to Gozo is operated by Virtu Ferries and departs every hour from 6:45 am to 10:45 pm and takes just 45 minutes to make the crossing. Tickets cost €9 per person one-way. Click here to book with Direct Ferries.
I visited Mata on my whirlwind tour of Europe’s micronations and it is one of the most incredible places with amazing architecture, idyllic beaches, and year-round warm weather (and very hot in summer). So, make sure to take the Malta to Gozo ferry to get even more out of your trip.
Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Why Take the Fast Ferry Valletta to Gozo?
- Fastest way to travel between Mainland Malta and Gozo
- Cheap (just €9 one way)
- Amazing Views of Valletta Harbour
Taking the fast ferry from Valletta to Gozo is the best way to travel between these two incredible islands as it costs under 10 Euros and the trip is just 45 minutes. You’ll also get to see Valetta harbor and the city from a unique angle and it looks truly incredible from the water.
Gozo Ferry Timetable
The Gozo Highspeed ferry services are operated by Virtu Ferries (who I’ve sailed with before when coming from Sicily to Malta).
The first ferry from Valletta to Gozo departs at 6:45 am and then hourly until 10:45 pm. The trip takes just 45 minutes. See below for the full Gozo fast ferry schedule.
Valletta to Gozo Ferry Price
The Malta to Gozo ferry price is just €9 per person for a one-way ticket and €11 for a return ticket.
The price includes deck space and there are no private cabins or anything (not needed for such a short trip).
Check availability with Direct Ferries.
How to Book Gozo Ferry Tickets
You can book tickets for the Valletta to Gozo ferry at the terminal in Valletta but the best way is to book online and you can do this with Direct Ferries. Click here to book or use the widget below to check availability.
Ticket sales and boarding close two minutes before each departure (but you only have to wait an hour for the next one in case you miss it).
You can also book a tour which is another great way to get from Malta to Gozo. Another option is to charter your own boat.
How to Get to Malta
Malta is easily reachable from the rest of Europe by plane (see Trip.com for some of the cheapest air fares). However, it’s a lot more fun to reach the island nation from nearby Italy. I took the ferry from Sicily when I visited and there are multiple daily sailings from ports across Italy.
Getting to Valletta Ferry Terminal
Gozo Fast Ferry
It’s easy to reach Lascaris Wharf where the high-speed Gozo ferry departs from. You can walk via Upper Barrakka Gardens (which are well worth a visit anyway) and take the Barrakka lift down to the harbour.
Bus X133 departs Valletta Bus terminus and goes to the ferry port. If driving to the terminal there is no car park, but you can park on the street (but it’s limited parking, so check for signs).
Port Address: Xatt Lascaris, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta. Click here for directions.
Telephone: +356 234 66300
Email: [email protected]
Website: gozohighspeed.com
About the Fast Ferry Valletta to Gozo
The Valletta Gozo ferries are modern high-speed catamarans built in 2018. The vessels are 39 meters (128 feet) and can take up to 300 foot passengers. On board there is indoor seating, a VIP area, a small kiosk selling drinks and snacks, and toilets.
About the Valletta Gozo Ferry Route
The fast ferry crossing departs Lascaris Wharf in Valletta and sails (or motors) northwest along the coast before crossing the Gozo Channel before arriving at Mgarr Harbour on the island of Gozo. The views are incredible and keep your eyes peeled for sealief from turtles to dolphins.
Arrival at Gozo Ferry Terminal
The Gozo ferry terminal is located in the town of Mgarr on the southeast of the island.
Address: Triq Għajnsielem, Għajnsielem, Malta. Click here for directions.
Telephone: +356 234 66300
How to Get Around Gozo
Once you’ve arrived on the Gozo ferry from Valletta you’ll need to work out how you want to get around the island. Hiring a car is one of the best ways as it gives you the freedom to explore on your own.
What to do on Gozo
Some of the top things to do on Gozo include:
- Blue Lagoon
- Take a boat tour
- See the Wied Il-Mielah Sea Arch
- Have a day at Rama Bay Beach
If you want to know more, check out this fab guide on what to do on Gozo, or check out some of these excellent tours:
Where to Stay on Gozo
Going from Malta to Gozo makes a great day trip, but you can also stay on the island to get the most out of your visit. Below are a couple of excellent accommodation options to suit all budgets.
Valletta to Gozo Ferry FAQs
There are up to 12 direct ferries from Valletta to Gozo every day.
The ferry from Valletta to Gozo takes 45 minutes to travel between the two islands.
The Malta to Gozo ferry price is €9 one way and €11 return per person. Book with Direct Ferries.
The fast ferry from Valetta to Gozo is for foot passengers only. If you would like a vehicle to get around Gozo then renting a car is a great option.
Final Thoughts
Taking the Valletta to Gozo ferry is the perfect way to explore this incredible island paradise. I guarantee you’ll see the bluest waters, feel the softest sand and have an incredible time on this island paradise in the far south of Europe.
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About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲