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Christine Cassar
Are you thinking of taking an excursion to Comino while on your visit to Malta?
I’m here to help you with everything you need to know, with details ranging from getting there to a complete history about the little rock with an abundance of character and soul.
Whether you’re the stay-on-the-beach or the adventurous type there’s something for you on Comino. However, if you’re looking for more to do with your day you might want to read on and decide if this is the place for you.
Comino is part of the Maltese archipelago. Between Malta and Gozo, it is the tiniest inhabited island on the archipelago with just 2 permanent residents and only a handful of buildings.
So, you’re probably wondering how a family lives on an island with practically no civilisation. Well, here’s what we know so far.
The family have lived on the island for over 70 years and has successfully adapted to living remotely. In the past, they took care of the island and were held responsible for anything that happened there. However, they have been lifted of that responsibility and simply lead a peaceful life on a small island.
One particular resident, Salvu Vella, was also in the eye of the media when vlogger NasDaily met him on the island. He is a superhuman who engineers, takes care of his family and lives a life to its fullest potential.
Nowadays, people visit Comino because they’ve heard or read about the beautiful crystal-clear waters that are characteristic of the island. That said, rest assured there are other activities you can do when visiting Comino Malta. You can go there for a relaxed swim, a good snorkel, a cave visit, a hiking trail, a camping break or a sailing stop.
Although many locals and visitors visit Comino to swim in the Blue Lagoon and perhaps the nearby beaches, this isn’t the only thing the island offers.
Keep reading to get some ideas for your visit! (Looking for more ideas? Check out our guides on Things to do in Malta, and inspiration to plan your Malta itinerary.)
Generally speaking, you’ll probably spend around 5 or 6 hours on Comino Island if you get there via the ferry service. Fancy staying a few hours longer? No problem! In this case, you may want to explore the array of boat tour options.
And on that note, here are some of the best boat trips I have personally used and recommended to my family and friends.
€40
Sea Lovers, Groups & Families
3.5 hours + transfer
Marfa
This exciting Blue Lagoon and Comino Boat Cruise takes you around the best swimming spots and hidden gems in Comino and Gozo. Highlights in Comino include the famous Blue Lagoon and the Crystal Lagoon, the stunning Santa Marija Caves and the Elephant Rock (Santa Marija Tunnel). Once you arrive in Gozo, you will enjoy another swimming stop at Il-Ġebla tal-Ħalfa on the island’s southeastern coast.
The Yippee boat has a fully stocked bar, a toilet, a swimming platform, and a sound system playing great tunes throughout the tour. All adults receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, unlimited cold water is available, and snacks can be bought on board.
Would you rather take a boat trip in the afternoon? Check out the Yippee’s Sunset Blue Lagoon cruise! It’s pretty much the same tour as the morning one, with the only difference being that you get to enjoy a magical sunset on board the Yippee vessel.
N.B.
€289
Small Groups, Couples and Families
3 hours
Various locations
This half-day private tour to Comino gives you enough time to enjoy all the beautiful things the tiny island offers. You’ll swim in the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon and visit cave sites like the Lovers Cave and Popeye’s Cave. And that’s not all! You’ll also head to some of the most beautiful caves and coves in various southern parts of Gozo.
With the help of a knowledgeable skipper, you can also customise the itinerary to your liking. While a set route is always suggested, you can request more time at the Blue Lagoon or add more secluded beach spots only the locals would be familiar with.
Another perk that comes with booking a private tour is that you can beat the heavy crowds flocking to popular destinations like the Blue Lagoon. You won’t have to worry about arriving early to find a spot on the beach; you can enjoy the boat’s facilities in a more tranquil setting.
And on that note, here are other recommended private boat trips offered by this tour company:
From €30
Families & Small Groups
4-7 hours
St Paul’s Bay, Sirens Quay
Travellers can experience the beauty of Comino on this boat trip to the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and Sea Caves. Departing from Sliema, the boat will pass by St Paul’s Island, St Paul’s statue, sea caves, and rocky shores along the northernmost part of Malta. Once you arrive in Comino, the first stop is the Crystal Lagoon. Its azure waters and cliffs make it the perfect place for snorkelling and enjoying the boat’s water slides. You’ll then enjoy the rest of the day at the Blue Lagoon.
Would you rather book a tour in the afternoon? Apart from the morning times, you can also book a late afternoon slot and enjoy a Sunset Cruise instead.
€65
Couples and small groups
Approx. 5-6 hours
Sirens Quay, St Paul’s Bay
This Beaches and Bays Tour is aimed towards sea lovers who want nothing more than to swim and snorkel in some of Malta’s most spectacular beaches.
Departing from St. Paul’s Bay, the Sea Breeze catamaran will take you to some of the best spots, including Comino’s Blue Lagoon & Crystal Lagoon, Anchor Bay, Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, Ramla Bay Imgiebaħ Bay, and Half Rock.
Another good thing about this tour is that morning or late afternoon bookings are available. If you love sunsets, consider booking one of the sunset boat cruises instead.
€85
Couples and small groups
7 hours
Sliema Ferries
Staying or living close to Sliema? Departing from The Ferries, this full-day catamaran cruise takes you around the famous Blue Lagoon and other popular spots on the tiny island.
A cold buffet lunch is also included in the price. You’ll be treated to an assortment of cold cuts, cheeses, fresh salads, and seasonal fruit. An open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks and water will also be available.
€30
Groups and Families
Approx. 5-6 hours
Sliema Ferries, Buġibba, Blue Lagoon & Mġarr Harbour (Round Trip)
This cruise to the Blue Lagoon offers a fun day out for travellers who would like to visit Comino and other places along the way.
What’s great about this tour is that you can hop on or disembark the boat from different departure points throughout the day. Picturesque views of the whole island are guaranteed!
Both Maltese natives and tourists indulge in the limestone landscape hiking trails that Comino has to offer. An easy-paced walk around Comino won’t take you more than four hours and you can start anywhere you’d like!
Make sure you have a good pair of shoes and water handy, especially during the hot summer months!
Once you’ve got that settled, get ready for amazing views and a sense of serenity that is characteristic of the Mediterranean.
Many people also flock to Comino for an exciting camping trip at the Tal-Ful camping site.
If you’re going to attempt this camping trip, think of everything! Remember that you can’t simply get your car or catch a bus to buy something you’ve forgotten. Plan all your meals ahead of time and make sure you’ve got all your gear.
Don’t forget to take a good amount of mosquito repellent with you, especially during the summer months. Some citronella candles (a type of scented candle that keeps mosquitos away) won’t hurt either.
You must always keep your surroundings clean to protect the environment and to keep yourself rodent and insect-free.
If you enjoy sailing, you’ll certainly love Comino and its beautiful beaches.
I recommend taking a boat trip to explore the area without having previous knowledge for the wow effect that comes with discovering things yourself, or plan well and make sure to see all there is to see on and around the island.
If you’re tempted to take this option, consider being there for sunrise or sunset, since Comino offers an unparalleled scenario of both. You definitely won’t regret it!
Here’s an extra point of interest for the sailors. Near Comino, lies a smaller island that goes by the name Cominotto, which you might also want to visit!
Fancy a thrilling scuba diving experience? You’ll be delighted to know that Comino has a lot to offer in the department as well.
Known as the Chapel of the Return from Egypt, this chapel is dedicated to the Assumption of St. Mary, which then extended its name to the neighbouring cliffs, beaches and deep caves.
Interestingly, it was first identified on an old map dating back to 1296 (located in the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London). To this day, the location of the original chapel is unknown, however, many believe that this same chapel was built on the same site as its predecessor.
On Saturday nights and Sunday mornings, mass is still celebrated by the local priest.
Situated on the south-east of the island, is the Santa Marija Battery. Built by the Grand Prior of France, Philippe de Vendôme between 1715 and 1716, it was used as an early warning system to safeguard the South Comino Channel in conducted with the Marfa Bay defences.
Due to its remote location, it is one of the three surviving coastal batteries with two old iron cannons. Featuring features of the reign of the Knights of the Order of St. John, these cannons can be found all over Malta.
After it sustained substantial damage and was completely abandoned by 1770, Din l-Art Ħelwa worked tirelessly to restore it to its former glory.
The Santa Marija Tower is a historic square building built in 1618 by Grandmaster Alof de Wignacourt. It served its purpose as part of the 6 defensive towers to help safeguard the Maltese Islands. Furthermore, it was also the former leprosy colony during the British reign.
Interestingly, the Santa Marija Tower served another purpose. It was used as a prison fortress of Château d’If in the 2002 blockbuster film, The Count of Monte Cristo starring Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce.
Here lies one of Comino’s most secluded and beautiful secrets. Just below the Santa Maria Cliff lies a series of 10 caves:
If you dare venture inside, you’ll find three experiences.;
Now you’re probably hooked on the idea of visiting Comino and wondering how you can get there.
Well, here are all the routes you can take to get to the island if you’re staying in Malta.
The Comino ferry service offers a round trip from either Ċirkewwa or Marfa daily. Upon arrival at the terminal, you’ll find multiple small boats that carry out the crossing to Comino.
The journey takes 25 minutes to Comino and 35 minutes to Malta.
Tickets cost around €15 for Adults and €7 for children. These can be purchased at the ticket kiosk, located just by the terminal. Alternatively, you can also purchase them online for a cheaper rate.
You can easily buy your tickets at the kiosk (located near the Comino ferry terminal). Alternatively, the company offers lower rates if you opt for an online booking.
Whilst this is the cheapest option, you need to bear in mind a couple of things. Some of the ferry boats can get crowded, and you may also have to abide by a set time to get back to Malta.
NB: Whether you’re heading to Comino via private or commercial vessels and wish to set foot on shore, you need to pre-book your visit. You can find more information here: Blue Lagoon Malta 101: All You Need to Know.
Here are all the bus routes and journey times to Ċirkewwa from some of the main tourist places around Malta:
Bus tickets cost €2 and your stops are as follows: Ċirkewwa 1 (Ċirkewwa) of Aħrax (Marfa)
Once again, this is the cheapest option to get to the Comino ferry terminal; however, buses can get crowded, and they are not always reliable. If you don’t mind paying extra for convenience, you can always book a taxi with Uber or Bolt.
Planning on booking your base in Gozo? Not to worry! The Gozo to Comino ferry departs Mġarr Harbour for the Blue Lagoon daily during the high season.
With this in mind, two ferry operators are available:
As far as costs go, it’s €10 for a return trip (or €15 if you take a tour of the Comino caves).
Both operators depart from Mġarr harbour on the hour from 8 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. and take approximately 15 minutes to get to Comino.
While many visitors head to the tiny island to swim in the Blue Lagoon, did you know there are other spots worth visiting? Here’s a full list of all the beaches in Comino!
The famous Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly the main highlight of the entire island. Here, you can swim in the most beautiful turquoise water, as well as explore the surrounding beaches and caves.
Bear in mind that, the Blue Lagoon is guaranteed to be packed during the summer months since it’s one of the most popular attractions during summer.
Having said that, the Blue Lagoon is still worth visiting! Just know what to expect if you’re visiting during peak season!
Santa Marija Bay is a small picturesque bay just 15-20 minutes away from the Blue Lagoon in Comino.
Many locals enjoy swimming here since it’s a lot quieter than the Blue Lagoon Malta. Moreover, you’ll encounter several sea lovers who take the time to snorkel at the small bay to see the world beneath the surface of the sea.
San Niklaw Bay (St Nicholas Bay) is a small sandy beach located away from the hustle and bustle of the Blue Lagoon.
A few years ago, it used to be the closest bay to the now-abandoned Comino Hotel. Presently, it houses two small beaches less densely populated than the Blue Lagoon.
Located just around the corner from Blue Lagoon beach, is the spectacular Crystal Lagoon. Known for its azure waters and diverse wildlife beneath the surface, it’s a great place for snorkelling and diving.
Here, exclusivity is a famous factor. It’s known to be much less populated than other parts of the island, especially since you can only get there by boat or swimming.
The first inhabitants of Comino Island are thought to have been farmers during the reign of the Romans between 218 BC and 450 AD.
Historically, Comino served as a place for exile before being used properly again when the Knights arrived in Malta. One of the historic buildings constructed under their reign was the Santa Marija Tower, which served its purpose as a watchtower to protect the islands from piratical attacks.
The Knights of St. John also used Comino as a place to hunt wild boar and hares. However, they were against poaching and enforced harsh fines against anyone who dared cross this line. If caught, poachers would serve three years as a galley slave or were exiled to Comino to serve as guards and watchmen.
By 1926, the government leased the island to Zammit Cutajar who opened a farming company on the island and welcomed families from Malta and Gozo to go and work there. One of the families was related to Salvu Vella mentioned earlier on.
Fast-forward to 2015, the traditional Maltese feast was also brought back to Comino after being absent for 40 years, allowing the locals to feel that sense of religious peace and cultural happiness on the tiny island.
Over the years, the small island has also been used as a location for famous movies: The Count of Monte Cristo, Troy, Swept Away, Helen of Troy and The Emperor’s New Clothes.
Presently, Comino serves as an extension of the Maltese Islands, which features the Blue Lagoon, arguably one of the most beautiful beaches of the Maltese Archipelago.
Do you have any questions about Comino? Drop me a comment below and I’ll do my best to help out!
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