Complete Guide to Comino and Cominotto

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Malta’s smallest inhabited island transforms from a day-trip destination into an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure for those willing to explore beyond the famous Blue Lagoon. This 3.5 km² limestone paradise offers pristine waters, dramatic hiking trails, and centuries of fascinating history, all part of the broader allure of Holidays in Mediterranean Islands.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Size	3.5 km² (Comino), 0.25 km² (Cominotto)
Population	2 permanent residents
Best Visit Time	April-May, October-November (fewer crowds). See Weather in Malta by Month for detailed conditions.
Main Attractions	Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, St. Mary’s Tower
Water Temperature	16-18°C (winter) to 24-26°C (summer)
Walking Time	Full island loop: 2.5-3.5 hours
Wildlife Notes	Important Bird Area; be mindful of nesting seabirds (e.g., Yelkouan Shearwater), lizards. Rats present at campsite. Occasional jellyfish, especially in warmer months.
Accessibility	Very limited for those with mobility issues due to rugged, uneven terrain. Areas around Blue Lagoon jetty and hotel grounds may be slightly more manageable.
Drone Usage	Exercise caution. Check local regulations. Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially in bird nesting areas, or other visitors.

Swimming Spots Beyond Blue Lagoon

Hidden Gems Worth Finding

Crystal Lagoon ⭐ Most Spectacular

• Location: Western coast, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs
• Features: Popeye’s Cave from the 1980 film, 30-meter swimming tunnel connecting multiple sea caves
• Access: 700m cliff walk from Blue Lagoon or by boat
• Depth: 5-6 meters

Santa Marija Bay 🏖️ Family Friendly

• Largest sandy beach on the island with shallow waters. For a general overview of Maltese beaches, see the Map of Beaches in Malta.
• Natural tamarisk trees provide rare shade
• Facilities: Showers, public toilets (often basic), medieval chapel
• Access: 30-minute walk from Blue Lagoon

Additional Swimming Locations

• St. Nicholas Bay: Protected shallow waters, ideal for snorkeling
• Santa Marija Caves: 10+ interconnected sea caves with underwater tunnels; popular for snorkeling and diving. For dedicated scuba diving around Comino or Malta, see resources like Scuba Diving in Malta: A Primer to the Best Underwater Adventures, Scuba Diving Mistakes in Malta, and the Malta Shipwreck Diving Guide (many sites accessible via boat trips that may include Comino).
• Cominotto Beach: Featured in Troy movie, accessible by 200m swim (experienced swimmers only) or boat.

Seasonal Swimming Guide

Season	Water Temp	Crowds	Best For
Summer (Jun-Sep)	22-26°C	Very High	Warm water enthusiasts
Spring (Apr-May)	18-22°C	Moderate	Perfect balance
Autumn (Oct-Nov)	18-22°C	Low	Photography & solitude
Winter (Dec-Mar)	16-18°C	Minimal	Experienced cold-water swimmers

Understanding the Weather in Malta by Month can help fine-tune your visit.

Hiking Trails & Walking Routes

Comino Island Loop (8.8 km)

• Duration: 2.5-3.5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Terrain: Limestone rock, loose stones, dusty paths
• Key Points of Interest:
  • St. Mary’s Tower (1618) – 360° panoramic views
  • Santa Marija Battery (1715) – Western coast fortification. These structures reflect Fortress Malta: A History of Sieges and Survival.
  • Clifftop viewing points above sea caves
  • Sparse interior with endemic vegetation (do not pick wildflowers please)

Essential Hiking Information

• No official signage – bring offline maps/GPS
• No shade – start early or late afternoon
• Sturdy boots required – trainers insufficient
• No water sources – carry 2+ liters per person
• No medical facilities – helicopter evacuation only
• Stick to paths to prevent erosion and protect delicate flora

Getting There: Transportation Options

Ferry Services from Malta (Cirkewwa)

Operator	Price (Return)	Duration	Peak Season Schedule	Notes
Comino Ferries Co-Op	€15	25 min	Every 30 minutes	Often includes brief pass by sea caves
Ebsons Ferries	€13	25 min	Hourly departures	May offer similar brief cave views

• First ferry: 8:00 AM
• Last return: 6:00 PM (seasonal variations apply, always check)

Ferry Services from Gozo (Mgarr)

• Price: €7 return
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Frequency: Hourly in summer (check schedule for other seasons)
• Key Times: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00 (summer example)

Alternative Transport

• Private boats/Water Taxis: €10-€15/person return (flexible but confirm price beforehand). Learn about Traditional Boats of Malta like the Dgħajjes tal-Pass, though modern water taxis are typically used for Comino.
• Self-drive boats: No license required in designated areas (familiarize yourself with local boating rules).
• Charter boats: Customizable itineraries, can include diving trips
• Kayaks/SUPs: Limited or no direct rental on Comino. Arrange from Malta/Gozo for tours or personal equipment. Probably the most dangerous option.

Important: From May 1, 2025, Blue Lagoon access requires pre-booking via the official portal: https://blcomino.com/product/blue-lagoon/.

Accommodation Options

Camping at Tal-Ful

• The only legal camping area on Comino
• What’s Available:
  • Free designated camping area
  • Stone BBQ facilities (check fire restrictions, especially in summer)
  • Wind protection (planted trees & fencing)
  • Public toilets (approx. 400m away near Santa Marija Bay, condition varies; no toilets at Blue Lagoon jetty beyond kiosk offerings)
  • First-come, first-served basis
• What to Know:
  • Wild camping elsewhere is strictly prohibited (fines enforced)
  • No water sources – bring everything
  • Mice – seal all food containers meticulously
  • No shops or services nearby, but plenty at the blue lagoon
  • Minimal light pollution makes for great stargazing

Comino Hotel

• Season: May-October only
• Price: From €201/night
• Includes: Restaurant, pools, private beach access
• Note: Only hotel accommodation on the island

Historical Highlights

Delve into A Brief History of Malta to appreciate Comino’s place in the archipelago’s story.

Timeline of Notable Events

• 1285-1291: Abraham Abulafia (Jewish mystic) lives in exile, writes mystical works
• Medieval Era: Pirates use caves as hideouts for attacking ships. Explore the History of Piracy from Malta.
• 1618: The Knights of Malta build St. Mary’s Tower (cost: 18,628 scudi). See 10 Mind-Blowing Facts About The Knights of Malta.
• 1715-1716: Santa Marija Battery constructed by the Knights, reflecting their expertise in fortifications like those in Bormla’s Fortifications: A History of Strategic Defense.
• Until 1940s: “Flag Mass” tradition – following Gozo Mass via semaphore

Must-See Historical Sites

• St. Mary’s Tower: Square tower with corner turrets, best viewpoint. Its construction echoes Why the Knights of Malta Built the Three Fortress Cities.
• Chapel of the Holy Family: Continuous worship since 1296
• Għar il-Ħamrija: Cave chapel with carved Latin crosses
• Archaeological finds: Punic/Roman burial sites, ancient anchors. For context on early inhabitants, see Phoenician History Malta.

Practical Planning Tips

Refer to the Malta Travel Guide and Planning a Trip for broader advice.

What to Bring

Essential Items

• Water (2+ liters per person, more if camping/hiking extensively)
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF 50+ sunscreen)
• Sturdy hiking boots (essential for trails)
• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
• Water shoes for rocky sea entry
• Cash (no ATMs on island, most kiosks cash only)
• Small first-aid kit. See Build Your Own Travel First Aid Kit and Emergency Kit for Malta Part 2: Preparedness Made Simple.

For Swimming

• Bright swimwear (visibility to boats). See What to Wear on Maltese Beaches for general tips.
• Flotation device for cave swimming or if not a strong swimmer
• Waterproof bag for valuables
• Quick-dry towel

For Camping

• All camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, mat)
• Sealed food containers (rats!) & cool bag
• Cooking equipment & fuel (if cooking)
• Extra water supplies (for drinking, cooking, basic washing)
• Rubbish bags (pack everything out)
• Headlamp or torch

For additional ideas, see the Malta Packing List.

Food & Dining Reality Check

Location	Options	Notes
Blue Lagoon	Food trucks, kiosks	Overpriced, variable quality, primarily cash only
Comino Hotel	3 restaurants	May-Oct only, non-guests welcome (reservations may be needed)
Rest of Island	Nothing	Bring everything you need
Cominotto	Nothing	No facilities at all

Explore Food in Malta for the wider culinary scene on the main islands.

Cominotto Island Mini-Guide

Access Options

• 300m swim from Blue Lagoon (experienced swimmers only, check conditions)
• Private boat charter/kayak
• No direct ferry service

Key Features

• Pristine beach (featured in Troy)
• Dramatic swim-through cave
• Important Bird Area – respect wildlife, keep distance, do not disturb
• Zero facilities or shade

Safety Warnings

• Strong currents between islands – assess carefully
• Never swim caves alone or in poor conditions
• Check weather forecasts before attempting to access
• Bring flotation devices if swimming across
• JellyFish!

Smart Visit Strategies & Environmental Responsibility

Avoiding Crowds

• Arrive on first ferry (8:00-8:30 AM)
• Visit after 4:00 PM for sunset magic
• Choose shoulder seasons (April-May, Oct-Nov)
• Head to remote spots (e.g., Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay) immediately upon arrival

Leave No Trace – Protecting Comino

• Pack It In, Pack It Out: Limited/no public bins beyond Santa Marija Bay. Take ALL rubbish back to Malta/Gozo, including cigarette butts and organic waste.
• Protect Wildlife: Do not feed animals. Observe from a distance. Avoid disturbing nesting birds or other creatures.
• Stay on Trails: Stick to marked or clear paths to prevent erosion and protect fragile vegetation. Do not build rock cairns.
• Respect Marine Life: Avoid touching coral or marine organisms when swimming or snorkeling. Do not take souvenirs from the sea or land.
• Minimize Campfire Impact: Use designated BBQ facilities at Tal-Ful campsite only. Ensure fires are fully extinguished. Be aware of seasonal fire bans.
• Be Considerate of Others: Keep noise levels down to respect other visitors and the island’s tranquility.

Day Trip Timeline (Example)

• 8:00 AM: First ferry from Malta/Gozo
• 8:30 AM: Arrive, head to Crystal Lagoon before crowds or hike to a remote bay
• 10:00 AM: Explore Santa Marija Bay or continue hiking
• 12:00 PM: Lunch break (packed food to minimize waste and cost)
• 2:00 PM: Hike to St. Mary’s Tower for views
• 4:00 PM: Return to Blue Lagoon for a late afternoon swim as crowds thin
• 6:00 PM: Last ferry back (confirm timing)

Emergency Information & Communication

• No medical facilities on island
• Helicopter evacuation is the only option for serious emergencies. See Malta in an Emergency: The Island Nation’s Unique Situation for context.
• Mobile phone coverage is generally available around Blue Lagoon and higher points but can be spotty or non-existent in remote coves, caves, or inland areas. See Is Malta Safe? for general safety information.
• Public Wi-Fi: Not readily available. Do not expect reliable internet access outside the Comino Hotel (for guests).
• Nearest hospital: In Gozo (short ferry ride from Cirkewwa if evacuating from Malta side after return)
• Blue Lagoon Lockers: Limited lockers may be available near the Blue Lagoon jetty, operated by vendors. Availability, size, and cost vary; inquire on arrival.

Final Tips for Success

✨ Best Experiences

• Crystal Lagoon at sunrise or very early morning
• St. Mary’s Tower at golden hour for panoramic photos (consider a polarizing filter for water shots)
• Night camping under the stars at Tal-Ful (excellent for astrophotography due to low light pollution)
• Snorkeling or diving the Santa Marija Caves

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• Underestimating sun exposure and heat, especially mid-day
• Not bringing enough water or food
• Wearing inadequate footwear for rocky terrain
• Attempting Cominotto swim in unsuitable conditions or without assessing currents
• Leaving litter behind – take everything with you
• JellyFish awarness a pair of Googles to know what’s around you might save the day.

💡 Insider Knowledge

• The Comino Hotel restaurant and bar generally welcome non-guests (seasonal)
• Some ferry operators may include a quick cruise past the caves en route to/from Blue Lagoon – ask when booking
• Best photography of Blue Lagoon often involves getting higher up the cliffs or from Cominotto, looking back towards Comino. Use a polarizing filter to cut glare on the water and enhance colors.
• The old semaphore poles for the “Flag Mass” can still be seen near Tal-Ħmara if exploring inland

Comino rewards those who venture beyond the Blue Lagoon with pristine waters, fascinating history, and authentic Mediterranean adventure. Plan well, travel responsibly, respect the fragile environment, and discover Why Malta is Important through one of its most unique gems. Long after visitors return home, this tiny island captures hearts.