Comino, Malta

Comino is an island located between the islands of Malta and Gozo, also known as Kemmuna. It is the third largest island in the Maltese archipelago. The island has a very modest area of only 3.5 km², approximately 2&nbspkm long and 1.7&nbspkm wide. It is also an almost uninhabited island, with only four residents responsible for its oversight.

The history of Comino appears to date back to prehistory, although archaeological evidence is less abundant compared to the neighboring islands of Malta and Gozo. In medieval times, Comino was mainly used as a hunting ground, notably by the Knights of the Order of Saint John, who, upon their arrival in Malta in 1530, used the island to hunt boar and rabbit, animals that were abundant at that time.

In 1618, the Knights of the Order of Saint John built the Santa María Tower as part of a coastal defense system. Located at a strategic point, it was used to monitor potential Ottoman and pirate incursions. It could communicate with other fortifications in Malta and Gozo through a system of smoke and fire signals.

In the 19th century, while the Maltese archipelago was under British rule, Comino primarily served as a quarantine station to prevent the spread of diseases to the main islands of Malta and Gozo. Travelers and ships wishing to reach Malta had to undergo an isolation period on the island lasting from a few days to several weeks.

In the 20th century, Comino began to gain popularity as a tourist destination thanks to its unspoiled landscapes and crystal-clear waters. Today, it is largely classified as a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, protecting its fauna and flora. Its tranquility, steep cliffs, and especially its famous Blue Lagoon attract thousands of visitors every year.

Getting to Comino is relatively easy from the main islands of Malta and Gozo. It should be noted that the means of transport to Comino and/or the Blue Lagoon are identical, as the latter is part of Comino. The main departure point for reaching Comino from Malta is the Cirkewwa jetty, located at the northern tip of the island. Boats run every 30 minutes to an hour during the summer, and less frequently in the off-season. The ferry crossing from Cirkewwa to Comino takes about 25 minutes. The round-trip ticket price from Malta is 15 euros for adults and 8 euros for children. Tickets can be purchased online from the Comino Ferry Service or directly at the Cirkewwa kiosk.

On the island of Gozo, ferries to Comino depart from Mgarr, the main port of Gozo. Boats leave every hour each day, depending on demand. The journey takes about 15 minutes. The round-trip ticket price from Gozo is 13 euros for adults and 6.5 euros for children.

Finally, a very popular option among travelers that allows you to discover Comino as well as the surrounding lagoons and caves: a boat excursion. Excursions generally depart from various tourist spots in Malta and Gozo, such as Sliema and Bugibba. They typically offer a comprehensive experience including stops for swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon, as well as visits to the sea caves around the island.

Comino is one of the must-see places in Malta. Although the island is small, it surprises with its landscapes, its Mediterranean Caribbean vibe, and its contrast with the other Maltese islands.

Located between Comino and Cominotto, this natural jewel is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and its idyllic setting. The clear and shallow waters of the Malta Blue Lagoon are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It is possible to observe a wide variety of fish and marine life while enjoying a safe aquatic environment. The Blue Lagoon has small sandy beach areas along its edges, but be warned: there are few spots to lay your towel.

During the summer months, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy the Lagoon. Additionally, as Comino has limited facilities, it is advisable to bring all necessary supplies for the day, including water, food, sunscreen, and your own diving equipment.

If you visit the “Blue Lagoon” in summer, we recommend exploring the small island of Cominotto (Kemmunett), located 100 meters from the Blue Lagoon beach. On this small island, you can enjoy nature and some of the clearest waters from its beaches.

The Santa María Tower (It-Torri ta’ Santa Marija) is a historic watchtower located on the island of Comino, Malta. Built in 1618 by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, this tower played a crucial role in the defense and communication of the Maltese archipelago. The Santa María Tower was an integral part of the defense chain and signaling structures linking the old fortifications of Mdina in Malta and the Citadel in Gozo. It was part of a network of defensive towers set up at strategic points along the coasts of the archipelago to monitor and protect against Ottoman and pirate incursions.

In 2000, the Maltese Maritime Authority signed an agreement with Din L-Art Ħelwa, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of heritage, to fund the complete restoration of the Santa María Tower. Thanks to this effort, the tower has been preserved and maintained, allowing visitors to discover this important historical monument.

The chapel “Our Lady of the Return from Egypt” is entirely built in limestone, constructed in the 17th century during the time of the Knights of the Order of Saint John. Located in an isolated area of Comino, it is not far from the Blue Lagoon and the Santa María Tower. Although modest in size, its architecture reflects the simplicity and beauty of the religious style of that era.

The Santa María Battery (Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija) was erected in 1715, at the same time as all the coastal fortifications of Malta. The fear of an Ottoman invasion of the Maltese islands prompted the Knights of Saint John to reinforce coastal defenses by constructing a series of batteries on the three main islands. It is a semi-circular structure with embrasures facing the sea, originally designed to accommodate four 6‑pound cannons. The battery has been restored by Din L-Art Ħelwa and is now open to the public.

It is possible to dine in Comino during the extended summer period (from April to the end of October) and only around the Blue Lagoon. Dozens of food truck-type kiosks offer fast food (snacks, sandwiches, salads, burgers) and drinks, a convenient option for those spending the day swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon.

When visiting the Blue Lagoon in Comino, you cannot miss the must-have Instagram photo of the cocktail served in a pineapple. Enjoying a Piña Colada or a refreshing pineapple Daiquiri while relaxing near the Blue Lagoon is an experience not to be missed.

Dining options in Comino are limited; there are no sit-down meals available and the food service is of the “fast food” type. Many visitors therefore choose to bring their own food and have a picnic. Several picturesque spots on the island allow you to enjoy an outdoor meal with breathtaking views, away from the crowd at the lagoon. When visiting Comino, especially if you venture inland, remember to bring water and sunscreen. No dining facilities exist outside the Blue Lagoon, and shaded areas are also scarce.

Comino is a small, peaceful island, ideal for those looking for a nature retreat. However, accommodation options are very limited. The former Comino Hotel is closed, and the new hotel and spa complex project, Hili’s Comino Hotel & Bungalows, has not yet started construction.

The only current possibility to stay on Comino itself is camping. There is an authorized camping area at Tal Ful. Spots are limited and basic facilities are restricted to toilets.

The hotels currently closest to Comino are those in Cirkewwa, near the ferries to Comino. Among the popular hotels, the Riviera Spa Resort and the Ramla Bay Resort are two establishments highly appreciated by travelers and offer their own transfer services to Comino.