Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Comino is the smallest island within the Maltese archipelago. Encompassing a mere 3.5 square kilometers, it stands as a car-free nature reserve and ornithological sanctuary. The island stands out as a quiet place since that is practically deserted: it is also characterized as being an uninhabited territory. Comino Island is an ideal setting for activities such as hiking and snorkeling, allowing visitors to bask in the sun while surrounded by natural landscapes, turquoise blue waters, with both sandy and rocky beaches. What are you waiting for to plan your trip there?
The Blue Lagoon
During my younger years, one of my closest friends embarked on a journey to Malta with the goal of improving her English skills, a popular pursuit among many youths in Malta. She thoughtfully sent me a postcard featuring a breathtaking location known as the «Blue Lagoon,» characterized by its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Instantly captivated, I knew I had to experience it for myself one day!
To me, and undoubtedly to many, the Blue Lagoon stands as one of the most exquisite destinations within the Maltese archipelago, its allure rooted in the mesmerizing clarity of its turquoise waters. This idyllic spot draws numerous visitors for activities like scuba diving and snorkeling, benefiting from the remarkable transparency and rich marine life of its waters. Be it for a refreshing swim or a leisurely boat excursion, the radiant sea, bathed in the embrace of the sun’s gentle rays, forms a striking contrast with Comino’s arid terrain.
Due to its rocky coastline, sunbathing on Comino has been a rather uncomfortable experience for me. Nevertheless, the option to rent sunbeds for approximately €5 per day provides a more comfortable alternative.
While the island does host a few modest pop-up eateries, where you can grab a sandwich or enjoy a beer, the limited dining and refreshment choices on Comino do tend to come with elevated price points. For those seeking to economize a bit, we suggest bringing your own provisions from home – rest assured, your wallet will thank you for the considerable savings.
Ultimately, considered one of Malta’s most popular attractions, the lagoon becomes an absolute hub of tourist activity during the summer months, making it a challenging task to secure a spot. Optimal times for a visit would be the months of April through June, as well as September. During these periods, tourist numbers are notably lower, and the weather remains still pleasant.
If you do not have any other option than going during the summer months, avoid the crowds and try to visit Comino in the morning or late afternoon.
Blue Lagoon Cruises
If the turquoise sea drives you crazy, you can book a day tour or hire a day-long tour of the entire Blue Lagoon area for a very affordable price. Make sure you have a great time on the cruise.
Hiking trails
If you are not thrilled to sunbathe on a crowded beach but want to know Comino, I would recommend going to the other side of the island. There, it would be easier to find small beaches and coves with a place to enjoy the sea.
You can enjoy an unforgettable adventure and admire the wonderful views that Comino offers on the Island of Gozo. There are a few hiking trails on Comino:
- The most popular one is the Comino Loop. It is a 6-kilometer trail that takes you around the island, past the Blue Lagoon, Santa Maria Bay, and Cominotto Island. The trail is mostly flat and easy to follow, making it a great option for hikers of all levels.
- A tour around the Bay of Santa María. This is a short and easy hike that takes you to the Santa Maria Tower, which offers stunning views of the Blue Lagoon. It will take you between 45 and 60 minutes.
- Comino Fort Hike is a moderate hike that takes you to the Comino Fort, which was built in the 17th century to protect the island from pirates.
Ta’ Cenc Cliffs Hike is a challenging hike that takes you to the Ta’ Cenc Cliffs, which offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Do not forget to bring food and drinks, since in summer it is very hot and there is little shade on the routes.
Scuba diving and diving
Embarking on multiple journeys to Comino Island granted me the chance of enjoying a diverse array of activities. Within this realm, a standout memory unfurls – my inaugural plunge into the depths of Maltese waters, an experience shared with two of my closest friends, one of whom expertly guided the dive as our monitor. The island, notably revered among aficionados of underwater exploration, exudes a magnetic pull for diving enthusiasts.
Embark on a boat excursion and dive into a series of caves along the coast. Comino Island boasts optimal diving conditions thanks to its crystalline waters and inviting temperatures. Further enhancing the allure, the island’s designation as a natural reserve contributes to a thriving marine ecosystem, replete with abundant aquatic treasures. The focal point of exploration for many divers lies in the exploration of the island’s captivating caverns. An unmissable highlight is the coral reef situated near the islet of Cominotto, a mere 100 meters distant from the enchanting Blue Lagoon and Comino itself.
How to get there?
From Malta, there are ferries going to Comino Island. They leave from the city of Cirkewwa, located in the northwest of the island. Ferries typically leave every 45 minutes from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm, and the round trip price is €13 for adults (and €5 for children aged 5-10). You can book tickets online or at the ferry terminal.
From Gozo Island, there is also a ferry that leaves the port of Mgarr, every hour from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. The price for a round trip is the same as from Malta.
From both ports, the journey takes between 20 and 25 minutes, and the regular ferry services are from March to December. If you decide to visit Comino Island, I would advise you to always double-check to see if the transport services are running, given that access to the island is only done by boat.
To get to Cirkewwa you can go on your own if you have decided to rent a car. Or they can go by bus:
- Buses 45 and 145 both travel from La Valletta to Cirkewwa. Bus 45 is a direct bus, while Bus 145 makes a few stops along the way.
- Bus 645 travels from Sliema to Cirkewwa. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
- Bus 48 travels from Bugibba to Cirkewwa.
When to go?
As previously noted, Comino becomes a bustling haven for tourists throughout the summer months. However, during the off-peak season, the island transforms into an idyllic sanctuary, tailor-made for seekers of serenity and avid hikers. This is a time when one can fully relish the tranquil atmosphere and hiking trails without the encumbrance of bustling crowds.
If you are planning on visiting Comino, I recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It can be very hot and sunny on the island, especially during summer.
Comino Island is like a beautiful painting made by nature, full of blue waters that tell stories of calmness and adventure. This special place is a getaway to a paradise where everything is pure and untouched. The famous Blue Lagoon and the island’s amazing land are always appealing. With sunny paths and clear waters, Comino invites you to make memories and feel connected to nature’s wild beauty.