Visiting Comino Island

Here I am again to talk to you about a must-see: visiting Comino in Malta. If you’re in the middle of planning your trip, you’ve perhaps already seen the name Comino on a map, but especially that of the Blue Lagoon, the famous turquoise lagoon. You’re wondering what the connection is between the two? Well, it’s very simple!

Comino is the island where the Blue Lagoon is located. It’s often for this reason that travelers go there. To tell you a bit more, it is also the third largest island in the Maltese archipelago. It lies right between the islands of Malta and Gozo. You can clearly see it from the Gozo coast in the south or from the Ċirkewwa harbor in Malta. From a distance, especially from Malta, you might think it’s just a bit of land with nothing to offer, whereas in reality it hides superb wild landscapes. I would even say that it’s where you’ll find the most beautiful, most crystalline turquoise waters in the entire archipelago!

Personally, before going, I didn’t really know what to expect and I want to tell you that I was not disappointed! Since it’s an uninhabited island, I visited it for half a day. To discover it, I chose to take a guided boat excursion combining Comino and Gozo. As a result, I mostly discovered spots on Comino. It was perfect timing, since I stayed on Gozo for several days. As you might expect, I’ll tell you all about Comino throughout this article. You’ll see, Comino really is one of those things you absolutely must see and do in Malta! I could talk about it more, but I’ll move on!

As I mentioned, Comino is right between the islands of Malta and Gozo. However, it is much smaller than the other two islands: it covers only 3.5 km². What is striking is that, if you look at a map, you’ll see that it is really at the same distance from Malta and Gozo. It is tiny but full of beautiful surprises. It’s ideal for a wild getaway between nature and the Mediterranean Sea. For those prone to seasickness, you can only reach it by boat. But rest assured, the crossings are quick: between 15 and 25 minutes!

I think you’ve already understood that Comino is a calm, natural, and preserved island. In my eyes, if you travel to Malta, you can’t miss it! Again, even though you can circle the island quickly, it offers a magnificent setting, one of the most beautiful in the archipelago. Of course, I’m referring to its Blue Lagoon, but not only that… There is also the Crystal Lagoon, less well known but equally beautiful! Clearly, if you want to swim in crystal-clear, shallow waters, it’s THE paradise for that!
I’ve mostly talked about the water spots, coves, and beaches, but the rocks are also impressive, like Elephant Rock and Elephant Kiss. If you could see them, their names suit them perfectly!

In addition to postcard-worthy landscapes, Comino has a unique atmosphere. The island is completely preserved, with no traffic, no massive tourist developments. It’s already super pleasant for a stroll. It’s rare to feel truly alone in the world — and what a feeling! Well, I admit the Blue Lagoon does attract quite a crowd. But for the rest, you will explore coastal trails, small coves, and the Saint Mary Tower (an old fort offering an unbeatable view of the sea and Gozo!).

In a few words, Comino is the chance to disconnect for a day or more. Between nature and breathtaking scenery, it’s worth the detour, especially since it’s only a few minutes by boat from the islands of Malta and Gozo. So it would be a shame not to go, right?

Okay, let’s get down to business, haha! I now propose that you discover: what to do in Comino?

It’s no coincidence that I’m starting with the Blue Lagoon! It’s THE spot not to be missed in Comino. Given its reputation, I expected a lot from this blue lagoon! You may already have seen it in photos: it’s a true little slice of paradise. Already, just approaching the lagoon, the water becomes more and more transparent. When you arrive, it’s just wow. The water is an intense, almost neon blue: it looks like a huge pool that you want to dive straight into.

Even though I went in early April, off-season, there were still people! I dare not imagine what it must be like in summer. I recommend going early in the morning, before 10 a.m., or late in the afternoon, around 5 p.m. For my part, that didn’t stop me from enjoying it! I chose to swim around the boat from my excursion. I was right in the middle of the lagoon, I could swim and even snorkel in complete peace.

On the cove, between the sand and the rocks, it wasn’t the same atmosphere. Let’s say it was livelier! There were food stands, cocktail stalls, and quite a few tourists with their feet in the water. It’s true that the water was quite fresh! But, given the color, I really wanted to swim!

By the way, I should tell you that, to get there, I chose a guided boat excursion. It was great; I recommend it 100 %. It’s exactly what allowed me not to stop at the Blue Lagoon but to discover the spots I’m about to tell you about next!

To switch things up a bit and break from the swimming side, know that you can explore Comino on foot! As you will have understood, Comino is a wild island, ideal for strolling and hiking in nature. Since it is small, walking around it on foot is very doable! If you go at a good pace, while making stops for photos or a snack, count on between 2 and 3 hours to cover 6 to 7 km. Honestly, it’s a great way to discover the most preserved landscapes, with cliffs and coves, away from the crowds.

To tell you the truth, the path is not signposted, but it is still defined! Just note, since there are pebbles and rocks, go with good shoes anyway. To give you a few spots not to miss on your route, I would mention the Saint Mary Tower. It is visible from the other islands, it’s a good way to recognize it from afar. For a bit of history, it’s an old fort that served as a defense post in the 17th century, at the top of a cliff. Not forgetting the only real beach on Comino: Santa Marija Bay, as well as the coves like Crystal Bay and San Niklaw Bay.

Personally, what I loved while walking around the spots I just mentioned is the calm, with a little sense of adventure. What I recommend is to set off early in the morning with everything you need (water, a picnic, sunscreen, etc.), because on site there are no shops or shaded areas. Simply put, touring Comino is a full-fledged hike. Enough to take the time to discover Comino and appreciate it properly!

For those who love lounging or water activities, a tour of Comino’s beaches is a must! Well, actually, they are more like coves, except for Santa Marija Bay! Come on, I’ll give you all the ones not to miss!

• Blue Lagoon

Even though I’ve already talked about it, you really have to go! If you’re worried about the crowds, just go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Otherwise, you can go off-season. To swim, aim for the months of April-May and September-October.

• Crystal Lagoon

Much less known than the Blue Lagoon, I had a real crush on the Crystal Lagoon! It was my first stop during my boat excursion, and it was a great start! To set the scene, it’s a spot surrounded by cliffs, with transparent, crystalline water. The water is deeper than at the Blue Lagoon; you really feel like jumping in. What’s nice also is that there are trails all around to get different viewpoints of the cove: it’s magnificent. Because it is surrounded by cliffs, it gives it a rather secret vibe.

On the other hand, there isn’t a grain of sand, just flat rocks where you can lay your towel, if that’s your thing. Given the water’s color and transparency, you can put on a mask and snorkel for some great discoveries. Personally, I keep beautiful images in my mind of my stop there: I would have loved to stay longer!

• Santa Marija Bay

Completely on the other side of the island, but only a 25-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon, you find yourself at the ‘real’ beach of Comino. I say ‘real beach’ because it’s the only one with a good stretch of sand. However, it attracts far fewer people than the lagoons. That’s a good thing, because when I arrived, I was alone with my excursion group. The setting and atmosphere were completely different from the previous stops. It was so quiet all of a sudden!

It’s a wild white sand beach, surrounded by vegetation. The water is very beautiful, clear, ideal for swimming or snorkeling. Plus, the water is shallow: you’ll be able to stand several meters from the shore. It was my last stop of the day, a pleasant ending note. I really loved the place; it’s worth walking a bit!

• San Niklaw Bay

For even more peace, there is San Niklaw Bay right next door. It’s a very small bay, even more tranquil than Santa Marija, if you can believe it! Even fewer travelers know this spot. You will have a great chance of finding yourself there alone, even in high season. It’s ideal for a picnic break!

As for sand, there is only a small patch. For the rest, there are flat rocks: still accessible and practical for settling down.

Just next door, San Niklaw Bay is an even more peaceful mini-bay. Few people know it, so you can easily find yourself there alone, even during the high season. It’s a perfect place for a picnic or to read a book while listening to the waves. There isn’t really a beach, but a small sandy area and very accessible flat rocks.

To explore the seabed, Comino holds great underwater surprises for you! Whether it’s a first experience or a session for a certified diver, you’ll have plenty to see near the cliffs and in the coves with translucent waters. Comino’s real asset is the clarity of its water! If you dive in good weather, I’ve heard that there is excellent visibility, up to 30 meters deep!

Most diving centers in Malta and Gozo also offer diving excursions to Comino. One of the most famous spots is the Santa Marija cave: it comprises several luminous underwater cavities. It must be incredible to explore!

If you prefer to stay on the surface, I’ll share the best spots with you:

• Crystal Lagoon
• Santa Marija Bay
• Blue Lagoon: that’s where I did it; I was able to follow quite a few colorful fish! I didn’t notice the time passing, I was really in my bubble.

Little tip: if you go to Comino on your own and want to go snorkeling, bring your mask and snorkel, because on site there are few stalls selling them, or they are very expensive.

To add a bit of history to your Comino overview, why not stop at the Saint Mary Tower? As I mentioned earlier, it is located on the heights of Comino, and that is no accident. For your information, it was built to monitor the coasts in case of invasion. But today, it offers an unbeatable view of the islands of Gozo, Malta, and the Mediterranean Sea.

To get there, you need to count about a 20-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon. The path is a bit steep, but still completely doable. When you arrive at the tower, it’s really great: between the quiet, the panoramic view, and the history of the place. If you go on the weekend or in summer, you might be lucky enough to find the tower open. I recommend going up: from the ramparts, the setting is even more beautiful! I think it’s a nice change and allows you to break up the swimming moments.

Getting to Comino is very simple! You have several options depending on your departure point. The most common is to take a water taxi from the north of Malta, from Ċirkewwa or Marfa. The crossing time is express: between 15 and 20 minutes. Plus, departures are frequent, especially in high season (July-August). These two ports are often the starting points for guided excursions. I departed from Ċirkewwa, and from there, the island was within arm’s reach!

If you’re staying in Valletta or Sliema, rest assured, you don’t have to go all the way north. There are several operators offering organized tours from these areas. I admit, the crossings are longer: 1.5 to 2 hours. At least you’ll have time to enjoy the coastal scenery.

If you’re on the island of Gozo, there are also water taxis departing from the main port of Mgarr. Otherwise, there are also departures from Hondoq Bay beach. It is right across from the Blue Lagoon, which you can see in the distance. Here, there are fewer departures, but it’s more discreet and pleasant.

Whichever option you choose, you won’t need to book in advance, except for excursions. In fact, they are often fully booked! One last tip: if you don’t go in summer, check the weather. You’re never safe from it being capricious. Even in early April, I was lucky: it was bright sunshine! But one day earlier and I would have had cloudy weather… it would have been less nice. Not to mention the water temperature, which would have been even colder, haha.

Unfortunately, you cannot sleep in a hotel on Comino. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, some hotels have been abandoned. But good news: the Comino Hotel is currently under renovation. We don’t know exactly when it will reopen and, since it will be the only hotel on the island, you can expect very high prices! I’ll let you know when it opens its doors again!

For now, you can camp wild at Santa Marija Bay. You can sleep there for free, but you must bring all your equipment. On site, you will only have the pitches! It’s a bit rustic, but it’s great if you want to pitch your tent in the middle of nature and sleep under the stars.

If you still want some comfort, you can always stay north of Malta, near Ċirkewwa. Here are a few addresses with good feedback:

• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands
  On the coast of Mellieħa Bay, it’s an opportunity to treat yourself at this luxury hotel! Here, you will enjoy a private beach, a spa, three large pools, and high-end rooms. Enough to have a luxurious stay!
• Riviera Spa Resort – Adults Only
  Right in front of Marfa Bay, this 4-star hotel offers high-quality amenities: two swimming pools, a spa, a gym, three restaurants, and three bars. Honestly, you couldn’t be closer to Ċirkewwa (just 1.5 km away).
• Ambassador Hotel
  On the edge of Saint Paul’s Bay, it’s the hotel where I stayed for an entire week! Some rooms offer a view of the bay: it was beautiful! Not to mention the hotel breakfast and restaurant, which are excellent. In addition, it offers very good value for money. I recommend it!

For more accommodation options in Malta, I recommend checking our complete guide on where to sleep in Malta.

If you’re staying in Gozo, it’s better to choose the south for your accommodation! Here are a few places to stay:

• Grand Hotel Gozo
  Just a few hundred meters from Mgarr port, this establishment is ideal for a successful stay with family or friends! It offers a rooftop restaurant with a very beautiful view, as well as a pool overlooking the islands of Comino and Malta. In short, this hotel has everything to please!
• The Segond Hotel
  This time, you won’t be exactly in the south of Gozo, but since the island is small, the south is still quickly accessible. You will be very close to the red sand beach, Ramla Bay (it is just stunning, I loved it!). All the reviews agree: it’s a gem not to be missed!
• Hotel San Andrea
  This charming establishment is located on Xlendi Bay! It’s on the edge of this bay that I stayed and frankly, I could not have dreamed of better. The water is turquoise, surrounded by cliffs: it’s an exceptional view! Indeed, the hotel offers a superb view of the bay, while being just a few meters away. Just for the setting and value for money, you can go for it!

And to help you find the perfect haven, don’t hesitate to read our full article: where to stay in Gozo.

Well, I hope this article has given you the desire to visit Comino in Malta. As you have seen, there is much more to discover than the Blue Lagoon! I recommend dedicating one or two days to this island, depending on the pace at which you travel.

I’d also like to tell you that we have written a complete guide on the must-sees in Gozo. It’s still a much larger island than Comino, so it would be great to dedicate several days to it. I spent five days there in total, and I have very fond memories of it!

See you soon for more discoveries in Malta!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

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