Trying to figure out if you should book your next getaway to Sicily or Malta?
You are in the right place!
They are both stunning destinations- but which one is the right one for you?
To help you decide which one of these islands you should book for your next holiday, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Sicily V Malta.
So let’s get started and help you find the ultimate Island getaway in Europe!
Hopefully, this article will help you pick whether Malta or Sicily is for you.
But did you know you can visit both in one day?
I will always recommend travelling by ferry as it takes just under 2 hours and is such a stunning journey 😍
✅ Check The Ferry Prices And Availability For Malta And Sicily Departures Here!
The Best thing to do in Sicily
This 6 hour Food and Wine tour is a must for anyone visiting 🍷
✔️Private Tour
✔️Driver and guide
✔️All food & Wine
Must Do In Malta
This 5-star Private Sailing Boat Charter is really popular with anyone visiting Malta!
✔️Snorkelling Equipment
✔️Local guide
✔️Can fully personalise the itinerary
Planning A Trip? Use The Resources Below!
► Accommodation– I Recommend Booking.Com
► Local Tours– I Recommend Viator.Com
► Car Rental– I Always Use DiscoverCars.Com
Should you visit Sicily or Malta? The Quick Guide
I know what it’s like to be in a hurry and not have time to read a whole article. So let’s just skip to the good part and look at which Island you should consider for your getaway:
🏛 For History- Sicily
🏖 Beaches- Malta
$ Value For Money- Malta
🤩 For Families- Malta
💕 For Romantic Stays- Both Islands are equally good
What is the difference between Sicily and Malta?
Sicily and Malta are both beautiful Mediterranean Islands with lots of interesting things to do, but they have their differences too.
Sicily is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea and It’s known for its stunning beaches, ancient Greek Temples, rich culture and bustling cities like Palermo and Syracuse.
Malta is much smaller and more modern, but it has a lot of unique attractions and things to do such as the UNESCO megalithic temples – some of the oldest in the world.
So the difference between these two islands is that Sicily is bigger, and greener and offers visitors a chance to explore its vast history and culture.
While Malta still does this, it is also great for its beaches, swimming, nightlife and a more relaxing atmosphere. So depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for, Sicily or Malta could be the perfect destination.
Which is better Malta or Sicily?
Well, this depends on what type of trip you want!
But honestly, Malta is an incredible island!
It is a smaller island compared to Sicily with an eclectic mix of cultures and history. It’s great if you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches, and plenty of opportunities to explore ancient sites.
There are also some of the most amazing hotels you can stay at across Malta any time of year!
If you love exploring the waters and want a more relaxing trip, Malta is a fantastic option. It also helps that it has incredible weather all year round!
Sicily, on the other hand, has a bigger variety of activities and attractions because it is a bigger Island. It offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and outdoor adventures in its mountainous landscape.
So if you’re looking for an exciting island experience with lots to do then Sicily may be your best bet. But if you are looking for a relaxing destination with shark-free blue waters and welcoming locals, book Malta!
Can you do a day trip from Malta to Sicily?
If you are still trying to figure out Sicily V Malta, why not do both?
You can easily do a day trip from Malta to Sicily- or the other way around in one day!
✅ Book The Ferry To Visit Sicily & Malta Here!
Travelling by sea between the two islands will take just around two hours, allowing you to explore both in a small amount of time. This is the perfect way to see some of Europe’s most beautiful Islands and experience the very best of both!
But if you are like me and want someone to do all the planning for you and arrange your trip to Sicily from Malta, THIS is the tour for you!
The Malta to Sicily Tour is the ultimate way to see both Islands with your own transport and guide.
Best Sicilian Day Tour! 😍
-James (Read More Reviews)
✅ Check Out The 5 Star Malta To Sicily Trip Here!
If you want to see even more amazing Islands while you are in Malta, make your way to its other smaller Islands Gozo and Comino.
Gozo will always be my favourite as it’s so naturally beautiful and has some amazing places to stay!
Information about Malta to Sicily Ferry
If you’re looking for an exciting way to travel from Malta to Sicily, getting the ferry is a great option!
With Virtu Ferries offering 15 sailings per week, you have plenty of chances to hop onboard and experience the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
Virtu Ferries is currently the only ferry operator sailing from Malta to Sicily on a frequent basis- so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance!
And if you’re in a rush to make it to your destination, their fastest ferry departs from Valletta.
You can sail between Malta and Sicily from Valletta to Pozzallo or Catania. However, some routes are seasonal so make sure you take a look at the ferry availability before booking.
✅ Find Ferry Options & Prices With Virtu Ferries Here!
Is Malta better than Italy?
Malta and Italy are both amazing places to visit, so it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If you want to explore ancient ruins and art-filled cities, then Italy is the way to go; if you want to enjoy sunny beaches and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, then Malta is your best bet!
A question like this is always down to personal preference and these are both amazing destinations, especially in the summer.
But I will always think Malta is one of the best places to visit in Europe!
Is Malta or Sicily cheaper?
This is one of the most important questions to ask when you are trying to decide between Sicily and Malta. It depends a lot on your travel budget and what type of activities you plan to do while visiting.
Generally speaking, Malta tends to be slightly cheaper than Sicily when it comes to accommodation, food and transportation. Whenever I visit the Island I never feel like I have to be super tight with my budget because many things there are great value for money.
However, if you are looking for luxury experiences or high-end activities such as yacht charters, Malta may not be your best option. Not only are there more options in Sicily for these sorts of experiences, but they are usually better priced.
Frequently asked questions about Malta and Sicily
Before you decide if you should book a trip to Sicily or Malta I’m sure you still have a few more questions. To help you out, you can find the most frequently asked questions travellers have about visiting these destinations:
What is the nicest part of Malta to visit?
Malta is one of the most stunning Mediterranean islands so there are plenty of great places to visit on a trip there.
But like any destination, it does depend on what you are looking for. To help you out, these are the most popular places to visit in Malta:
✨ The Nicest area in Malta for history and shopping: Valetta
Recommended Hotel: Domus Zamittello
🌊 The Best place to visit in Malta for coastal views: St Pauls Bay
Recommended Hotel: Dolmen Hotel Malta
🏖️ The nicest place in Malta to relax: Mellieha
Recommended Hotel – Radisson Blue Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands
🐠 The nicest part of Malta for nature: Gozo Island
Recommended Hotel- The Duke Boutique Hotel
📸 The nicest area in Malta for sightseeing and views: Il-Gżira
Recommended Hotel- Azur Hotel By ST Hotels
How many days do you need in Malta?
Malta is a fairly small Island, so you can see a lot of the main highlights of the Island in 2-3 days if you plan it right!
However, If you want to get a taste of the culture, cuisine, and attractions, I recommend at least 5-7 days.
This will give you enough time to explore everything Malta and the other islands have to offer and spend some time at the beach too.
Which is nicer Sardinia or Malta?
It’s hard to pick a favourite between Sardinia and Malta – they both boast incredible landscapes and cultural attractions.
Both islands also offer great beaches, crystal-clear waters, delicious food, fascinating history, and plenty of activities for everyone.
However, if you want to pay less for your getaway, Malta usually comes out slightly cheaper.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference – both are amazing destinations worth exploring!
Why is Sicily so popular?
Sicily is a popular destination thanks to its incredible culture, history, and stunning landscapes!
Not only does it offer delicious food and great nightlife, but it also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe with crystal-clear waters.
Plus, Sicily’s rich cultural heritage makes it an ideal place for sightseeing and exploration!
Is Sicily better than Amalfi?
It depends on what you’re looking for!
Sicily is known for its wild, rugged landscape and stunning beaches, while Amalfi offers a more laid-back atmosphere with breathtakingly beautiful coastal towns.
Both destinations offer incredible experiences but the Amalfi coast is a super popular destination so you may find it more crowded!
Whichever you pick, beware of the summer heat, especially if you are driving.
What is the best Mediterranean island to visit?
The Mediterranean has some of the most stunning islands on the planet!
From Greek Islands to Italian gems, there are plenty of destinations of islands to pick from. The most popular to visit are Malta, Sicily, Sardina, Corfu and Ibiza.
But in terms of best, you cannot beat Corfu!
With fantastic food, blue waters and the most friendly locals, there is nothing more you could want from a Mediterranean holiday. It is also an amazing place to catch the ferry and explore other Islands!
I always love the endless places to see and do there that do not cost a fortune.
Sicily or Malta final thoughts
Both of these Islands offer their visitors the ultimate vacation in Europe, but which is better, Sicily or Malta?
Malta is best for a more relaxing getaway and is less crowded during the summer seasons. You can also reach other parts of Malta from the airport easily!
And Sicily is the ultimate European vacation for adventure and endless activities. Honestly, both are worth visiting, so if you can, get the ferry and visit both!
✅ Check Out Ferry Options For Visiting Sicily & Malta Here!
I hope you found this article useful! To help you make the most of your trip, here are some more helpful posts:
✔️Can You Drink Tap Water In Italy? The Complete Guide
✔️Is Milan Worth Visiting? Things to do & Reasons to visit
✔️The Best Time To Visit Europe
✔️The 21 Most Unique Places To Visit In Europe
✔️The Best Day Bags For All Types Of Travel
✔️ Best Lightweight Luggage For International Travel
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
