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Hoyo Azul: a hidden cenote in Cap Cana
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Holidays
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Situated between the islands of Malta and Gozo, Comino is the smallest inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago and one of the most spectacular natural corners of the Mediterranean. Strategically located in the channel separating Malta and Gozo, it has only a handful of permanent residents throughout the year, while in summer it welcomes thousands of day-trippers, divers, and nature lovers attracted by the transparency of its turquoise waters and its largely undeveloped landscapes.
Unlike other areas of Malta, when you look for what to see in Comino, you will quickly notice that this small limestone rock has barely any buildings. It is almost completely devoid of asphalt, motorized vehicles, large hotel complexes, or urban centers.
Its greatest appeal lies in the purity of its natural surroundings: hidden turquoise coves with white sand, marine caves, coastal trails, and some of the best places in the country for snorkeling or diving. Its clear waters and rich marine ecosystems make it one of the most appreciated areas in Malta for snorkeling and diving.
A place that is highly worth exploring, in this tourist guide to Comino I have gathered the main points of interest, hidden secrets, and the best experiences to help you make the most of your visit to this ecological gem of Malta.
Culture
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All-terrain writer specialising in tourism, fashion and trends. A curious soul, traveller, reader and sports enthusiast, keen to discover every corner of the world.
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Despite its small size of around 3.5 square kilometers, there are many things to do in Comino beyond a simple swim in the world-famous Blue Lagoon, the island's main tourist attraction.
One of the main advantages of tourism in Comino is that the island can be explored entirely on foot in just a few hours through a network of dirt and rock paths that connect dizzying cliffs, secluded coves, and ancient defensive buildings filled with legends of the Knights of St. John.
A true floating paradise, among the multiple activities in Comino that you can do, highlights include snorkeling, walking its natural paths, kayaking along the coast, discovering sea caves, or enjoying a quiet beach day far from the hustle and bustle of large cities.
Furthermore, during winter and spring, when the number of visitors drops significantly, Comino shows its most authentic side and becomes an ideal destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
The most important historical building on the island is St. Mary's Tower (Torre de Santa Marija), built in 1618 by the Knights of the Order of St. John to protect the channel separating Malta from Gozo. Located on a small hill, it offers magnificent panoramic views of the entire archipelago and stands as one of the main symbols of Comino.
As a curious fact for movie buffs, this tower was used to recreate the Château d'If prison in the well-known film The Count of Monte Cristo (2002). Currently, thanks to the meticulous restoration work carried out by the prestigious non-profit organization Din l-Art Ħelwa, the interior of the tower can be visited on certain dates during the high season, allowing visitors to climb to its roof to contemplate one of the most breathtaking views of the channel.
Very close to the tower lies St. Mary's Battery (Batería de Santa Marija), an ancient coastal fortification erected during the 18th century to reinforce the island's defense and prevent enemy fleets from landing in its natural coves. Its design allowed it to cross artillery fire with other batteries located on the coasts of Malta and Gozo.
St. Mary's Chapel (Santa Marija Chapel) is a small rural church whose origins date back several centuries and which has served the small local community of Comino. The chapel is dedicated to the Return of the Holy Family from Egypt.
The simplicity of its white-lined facade contrasts beautifully with the spectacular natural surroundings that frame it. The interior of the chapel, which opens to the public sporadically for special religious celebrations of the local community, preserves a rustic atmosphere of contemplation that invites silence.
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The Blue Lagoon is the main tourist draw of Comino and one of the most iconic and recognizable postcards of the Republic of Malta. Its turquoise waters, the extraordinary transparency of the sea, and the white sand floor create a landscape that brings the Caribbean to mind.
Although it tends to receive a high number of visitors, tour boats, and private yachts during the summer, it remains a mandatory stop for any traveler visiting Malta. My recommendation is to arrive on the first boats of the morning and stay until the late afternoon.
Situated just a tenminute walk along the cliffs to the south of the Blue Lagoon, you will find the wonderful Crystal Lagoon, which is much less crowded, boasting a spectacular beauty highlighted by its deep and completely transparent waters.
The seabed of Crystal Lagoon mixes patches of sand with rock formations and areas of Posidonia oceanica, hosting diverse marine life including schools of Mediterranean fish and other typical species of the Maltese waters.
On the north coast of the island, Santa Marija Bay is a small golden sand beach that offers a much quieter atmosphere than the Blue Lagoon. Its combination of sand and rocks, along with its proximity to St. Mary's Tower, makes this corner one of the best alternatives for those looking to relax far from the busiest areas.
The Santa Marija Caves are spectacular marine caves located along the southern coast of Comino and are one of the island's most popular boat excursions. Many organized tours departing from Malta or Gozo include a visit to these caves, where boats usually enter some of the larger grottoes depending on sea conditions.
If you want to know the true essence of Comino beyond its beaches, the best option is to put on a good pair of sneakers and walk its panoramic trails. Since there are no paved roads, a series of dirt tracks cross the island from north to south and east to west, allowing you to map out circular routes that can easily be completed in about three to four hours of moderate hiking.
Along the coastline and at the highest points of the hiking routes, elevated natural viewpoints appear from which to contemplate the immensity of the marine strait separating Malta from Gozo. These are ideal spaces to rest, hydrate, and take some of the best photographs of your trip.
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Thanks to its proximity, many travelers combine a visit to Comino with an excursion to the island of Gozo. Ferries allow you to travel easily between both islands and discover some of the main attractions of the Maltese archipelago.
Situated at the northernmost tip of the main island of Malta, Cirkewwa Harbour constitutes the main transport logistics hub and the most popular departure point for ferries, speedboats, and organized excursions heading to Comino and Gozo.
These are some of the best plans to do in Comino that I can recommend if you want to experience something different, memorable, and adventurous during your stay on the island that steers away from the conventional:
Since it is a practically uninhabited island, the gastronomic offer in Comino is very limited and is mainly concentrated during the high season via small food stalls next to the Blue Lagoon. Many travelers prefer to bring their own food or return to Malta or Gozo to enjoy the local cuisine.
Among the Maltese specialties worth trying during the trip, highlights include:
One of the most surprising and striking demographic and historical facts about Comino is that, according to recent official records, only two people live permanently on the entire island (members of the same family who look after the agricultural lands), making it one of the inhabited islands with the lowest population density on the planet.
Likewise, the spectacular beauty of its limestone and marine landscapes has served as a majestic natural setting for prestigious Hollywood film productions and high-budget international television series.
In addition to the previously mentioned The Count of Monte Cristo, the island and its lagoons have featured prominently in blockbusters such as Troy (2004) or the adventure film Swept Away (2002), starring Madonna.
Finally, during the 16th and 17th centuries, Comino's isolated position and natural caves made it a useful refuge area in the Mediterranean, a period when piracy and naval conflicts were common around the Maltese islands.
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The island of Comino is ideal for families to enjoy together, especially outside the high season. The shallow waters of the Blue Lagoon, boat rides, and easy trail routes allow for a highly entertaining excursion for all ages. However, as there are very few services, it is important to bring water, sun protection, and everything needed to spend the day.
The most common approach is to see Comino in 1 day through a day trip departing in the morning from Malta or Gozo. Here is an itinerary to help you organize your day:
📍 Use this map with all points of interest to easily locate Comino's main attractions and plan your visit around the island. It includes the most important beaches, coves, viewpoints, historical sites, and natural landmarks to help you make the most of your day trip.
Although the Blue Lagoon concentrates the vast majority of tourism, when putting together your list of things to see in Comino, my opinion is that it is highly worth spending a few hours exploring the rest of the island. It is enough to walk just a few minutes away from the main area to discover practically deserted trails, small cliffs, and coves where you can enjoy the landscape with much more peace.
My advice is that if you have date flexibility, do everything you can to visit Comino in spring or autumn. You will find pleasant temperatures, fewer visitors, and a much quieter island, perfect for exploring on foot and appreciating all the natural beauty that has made it one of the great icons of Malta
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