Comino is the smallest inhabited island in the Maltese archipelago, sitting between Malta and Gozo. Most visitors only see the Blue Lagoon, but there is more to Comino than one bay: a 17th-century watchtower, quiet coves, walking trails and some of the clearest water in Malta. This is our guide to the whole island, here at Experiences Malta.
Size
About 3.5 km²
Permanent residents
Two (2023)
Getting there
Boat from Malta or Gozo
Protected
Nature reserve and bird sanctuary
About Comino
Comino covers about 3.5 square kilometres and, as of 2023, had just two permanent residents. There are no towns and no cars, only footpaths, scrub covered in wild thyme, a few historic buildings and the sea. In the Middle Ages its caves sheltered pirates who raided boats crossing between Malta and Gozo, and during the French occupation it was used as a quarantine island.
Today the whole island is a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, and its waters are part of a Natura 2000 marine protected area. It is an important breeding site for the yelkouan shearwater, a seabird that nests in the cliffs.
Things to Do on Comino
1. Swim in the Blue Lagoon
The shallow, turquoise channel between Comino and the islet of Cominotto is Malta’s most famous swimming spot. In summer you need a free time-slot booking. Everything you need is in our Blue Lagoon guide.
2. Climb to Santa Marija Tower
Built in 1618 by the Knights of St John under Grand Master Wignacourt, the tower stands about 12 metres tall on the cliffs. It guarded the channel between Malta and Gozo and starred as the Château d’If in the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo. It is about a 20-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon.
3. See St Mary’s Battery
A coastal battery built by the Knights in 1716, facing the South Comino Channel. It still has two of its iron cannons.
4. Swim at the Crystal Lagoon
A smaller bay with steep cliffs and deep, clear water. Boats anchor here for swimming and snorkelling, so it suits confident swimmers.
5. Walk the Island Trails
With no cars, Comino is made for walking. Footpaths cross the island between the Blue Lagoon, the tower and Santa Marija Bay. Go early or late in summer, as there is very little shade.
6. Explore the Sea Caves by Boat
Many boat trips stop at the caves along Comino’s cliffs, where the water glows bright blue in the sunlight.
7. Spot Film Locations
Comino’s coves and tower have appeared in films including Troy, The Count of Monte Cristo and Swept Away.
How to Get to Comino
Going to the Blue Lagoon? Our step-by-step guide covers how to get to the Blue Lagoon from Sliema, Valletta, Buġibba and Gozo, with ferry prices and bus numbers.
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ċirkewwa or Marfa (Malta) | Shuttle ferry | About 20 minutes |
| Mġarr (Gozo) | Shuttle ferry | About 15 minutes |
| Sliema or Buġibba (Malta) | Day cruise, often with stops at caves | Longer, a half or full day |
Compare all the options in our Malta boat trips guide. For every ferry time and price from Malta and Gozo, see our Comino ferry guide.
Do You Need to Book to Visit Comino?
If you land at the Blue Lagoon in summer, yes. The Malta Tourism Authority runs a free booking system with three time slots a day and a cap of 4,000 people at a time. You get a QR code to swap for a wristband when you arrive. Do not assume your boat ticket includes it.
Comino boat trips
Book your trip to Comino
Ferries and day cruises from Malta and Gozo.
- Live prices and availability
- Free cancellation on many tours
- Reviews from real travellers
Tips for Visiting Comino
- Bring water and sun protection: shade is scarce and the rocks get very hot.
- Wear water shoes for the rocky shore and sturdy shoes if you plan to walk.
- Take your rubbish home and stick to the paths: Comino is a protected nature reserve.
- Check the last boat back before you set off to explore.
- Go early in the morning for the calmest water and fewest people.
Comino FAQ
Can you stay overnight on Comino?
Options are very limited. The island’s only hotel has been closed for redevelopment, and the plans have not yet received full permission. Most visitors stay on Malta or Gozo and come over for the day.
How long do you need on Comino?
Half a day covers the Blue Lagoon and a swim. Allow a full day if you also want to walk to Santa Marija Tower and explore the coves.
Is Comino worth visiting?
Yes, especially early in the morning or outside July and August. The water is among the clearest in Malta, and a walk away from the Blue Lagoon shows a quieter side of the island.
Are there shops or restaurants on Comino?
There are a few kiosks near the Blue Lagoon selling snacks and drinks, but no shops. Bring water and anything else you need.
Keep Planning
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How we wrote this guideThis guide was researched and written by us at Experiences Malta, using the official and local sources listed below, and we review it through the year. Prices, timetables and opening hours change, so please check before you travel. More about Experiences Malta.
Sources: Comino (Wikipedia), Malta Tourism Authority: Blue Lagoon booking, Visit Malta.