Complete Guide to Comino and Cominotto

Most people visit Comino the wrong way.

They arrive at Blue Lagoon, stay there too long, fight for space, buy an overpriced drink, then leave thinking the island is overrated. It is not. They just never made it past the first postcard.

Comino is Malta’s smallest inhabited island, a 3.5 km2 limestone outcrop between Malta and Gozo with only two permanent residents. Its smaller neighbour, Cominotto, adds another 0.25 km2 of raw rock, clear water, and one of the prettiest little beaches in the archipelago. Together they offer far more than a quick Blue Lagoon stop.

Yes, the lagoon is stunning. But the real magic of Comino is what happens once you leave the jetty behind: deep-water swimming in cave-fringed coves, clifftop walks, old fortifications, tiny beaches, and long quiet stretches where the island suddenly feels wild again.

If you are planning a Malta trip more broadly, start with the Malta Travel Guide, Planning a Trip, and Where to Stay in Malta. If Comino is already on your list, this guide will help you do it properly.

Quick Facts

Swimming Spots Beyond Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon deserves its fame, but it is not the only place worth swimming. In fact, some of the best water on Comino is elsewhere.

Crystal Lagoon

If you only go to one spot beyond Blue Lagoon, make it Crystal Lagoon.

This is the more dramatic side of Comino: steep limestone cliffs, deeper water, caves, and a more adventurous feel overall. It sits on the western coast and can be reached by a roughly 700 metre walk from Blue Lagoon or by boat.

• Best for: confident swimmers, snorkelers, and anyone who prefers scenery over crowds
• Depth: about 5 to 6 metres
• Highlights: Popeye’s Cave from the 1980 film and a swimming tunnel of about 30 metres connecting multiple sea caves

Santa Marija Bay

Santa Marija Bay is the gentler side of Comino and usually the best option for families or anyone who wants a calmer swim.

• The island’s largest sandy beach with shallower water
• Natural tamarisk trees provide some of the rare shade on Comino
• Facilities: showers, public toilets that can be basic, and a medieval chapel nearby
• Access: around a 30 minute walk from Blue Lagoon

If you want a wider look at sandy and rocky swimming spots across the islands, the Map of Beaches in Malta is a useful companion.

Other Great Swims

• St. Nicholas Bay: quieter, shallower, and good for snorkeling
• Santa Marija Caves: more than 10 interconnected sea caves with underwater tunnels, especially popular for snorkeling and diving. If that is your thing, read Scuba Diving in Malta, Scuba Diving Mistakes in Malta, and the Malta Shipwreck Diving Guide.
• Cominotto Beach: featured in Troy, with superb water and a more exposed feel. Reach it by boat or by a swim of about 200 to 300 metres depending on conditions. Only experienced swimmers should attempt the crossing.

Seasonal Swimming Guide

If you are deciding when to visit rather than just where to swim, Weather in Malta by Month will help you time the trip better.

Walking Comino: Small Island, Real Adventure

Comino is small enough to explore in a single outing, but it is not a soft walk. Once you leave Blue Lagoon, the island becomes rougher, quieter, and much more interesting.

Comino Island Loop

• Distance: about 8.8 km
• Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
• Difficulty: moderate
• Terrain: limestone, loose stones, dusty paths, and uneven footing

You are not hiking in the Alps here, but this is also not flip-flop territory if you want to explore properly. If walking Malta is part of your trip in general, Malta’s Big Five Multiday Hiking on Malta gives you the wider picture.

What You See on the Walk

• St. Mary’s Tower (1618): the island’s best viewpoint, with broad 360 degree views
• Santa Marija Battery (1715-1716): a reminder that Comino was strategic as well as scenic. For wider context, see Fortress Malta.
• Clifftop viewpoints above sea caves
• A sparse interior with hardy local vegetation. Please do not pick wildflowers.

Essential Hiking Information

• No reliable official signage, so bring offline maps or GPS
• Very little shade, so start early or later in the afternoon
• Sturdy shoes or boots are strongly recommended
• No water sources, so carry at least 2 litres per person
• No medical facilities on the island
• Stick to paths to avoid erosion and protect fragile flora

Getting There: Ferries, Boats, and Other Options

Most people reach Comino from either Cirkewwa in Malta or Mgarr in Gozo.

From Malta: Cirkewwa

• First ferry: usually around 8:00 AM
• Last return: usually around 6:00 PM, but always check seasonal changes

From Gozo: Mgarr

• Return price: about EUR 7
• Duration: about 15 minutes
• Frequency: usually hourly in summer, but check before you go
• Example summer departures: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00

Other Ways to Reach Comino

• Private boats or water taxis: usually about EUR 10 to EUR 15 per person return. Confirm the price first.
• Self-drive boats: possible in some designated areas and may not require a licence, but know the local boating rules first
• Charter boats: useful if you want a custom trip, cave stops, or diving
• Kayaks and SUPs: possible, but usually arranged from Malta or Gozo rather than Comino itself. Also the riskiest option in wind or heavy boat traffic

If you enjoy the maritime side of Malta, Traditional Boats of Malta adds some nice context. If you are deciding whether a car helps for this trip, your Honest Guide to Renting a Car in Malta is the right next read.

Important Blue Lagoon Access Update

From May 1, 2025, Blue Lagoon access requires pre-booking through the official portal. If you are heading straight there in peak season, do not leave this to the last minute.

If you want the detailed update, link here to your Blue Lagoon access article.

Can You Stay Overnight on Comino?

Yes, but only if you plan properly.

Camping at Tal-Ful

Tal-Ful is the only legal campsite on Comino.

• What is available: a free designated camping area, stone BBQ facilities, some wind protection from planted trees and fencing, and public toilets about 400 metres away near Santa Marija Bay
• How it works: first come, first served
• What matters: wild camping elsewhere is prohibited and fines can be enforced
• No water source: bring everything you need
• Rodents: seal all food carefully
• Nearby services: very little beyond what you find around Blue Lagoon
• Bonus: excellent stargazing thanks to low light pollution

Comino Hotel

• Season: usually May to October
• Price: from about EUR 201 per night
• Includes: restaurant, pools, and private beach access
• Note: the island’s only hotel accommodation

Most people still stay on Malta or Gozo and visit Comino as a day trip. If you are still deciding on your base, Where to Stay in Malta will help you choose between central Malta, the north, Valletta, or Gozo.

The History That Gives Comino More Depth

Comino is tiny, but it is not shallow. There is more history here than many people expect from what looks, at first glance, like a rocky swimming island.

• 1285-1291: Abraham Abulafia, the Jewish mystic, lived here in exile and wrote mystical works
• Medieval era: pirates are said to have used the caves as hideouts for attacking ships. For the bigger picture, see History of Piracy from Malta.
• 1618: the Knights of Malta built St. Mary’s Tower at a cost of 18,628 scudi
• 1715-1716: Santa Marija Battery was built as part of the islands’ defensive network
• Until the 1940s: the island had the curious “Flag Mass” tradition, following Gozo Mass by semaphore

Historical Sites Worth Seeing

• St. Mary’s Tower: the best-known landmark and one of the best viewpoints on the island
• Chapel of the Holy Family: continuous worship here goes back to 1296
• Ghar il-Hamrija: a cave chapel with carved Latin crosses
• Archaeological finds: Punic and Roman burial sites and ancient anchors

If you want the broader story before diving into Comino, A Brief History of Malta is the right supporting read.

Practical Planning Tips

What to Bring

Essentials

• At least 2 litres of water per person, more if you are hiking or camping
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and high SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Sturdy shoes or boots for rocky paths
• Snorkeling gear if you want to enjoy the water properly
• Water shoes for rocky entries
• Cash, because there are no ATMs and many kiosks still prefer it
• A small first-aid kit. Your travel first-aid kit guide fits naturally here.

If Swimming Is the Main Plan

• Bright swimwear so boats can spot you more easily
• A flotation aid if you are not a strong swimmer or plan to enter caves
• A waterproof bag for valuables
• A quick-dry towel
• Goggles or a mask to help you spot jellyfish and judge what is around you underwater

If you want to expand the beachwear advice without overdoing it, What to Wear on Maltese Beaches works well here.

If You Are Camping

• Tent, sleeping bag, and mat
• Sealed food containers and ideally a cool bag
• Cooking equipment and fuel if you are making food
• Extra water for drinking, cooking, and basic washing
• Rubbish bags so you can pack everything out
• A headlamp or torch

If you want a broader pre-trip checklist, this is where Malta Packing List makes sense.

Food and Dining Reality Check

This is not the island for leisurely food hunting. Pack what you need and you will have a better day. For the wider Maltese food scene, read Food in Malta.

Cominotto Mini-Guide

Cominotto is small, exposed, and easy to underestimate. It looks close. Sometimes it is. That does not make it harmless.

How to Reach Cominotto

• Swim from Blue Lagoon, roughly 200 to 300 metres depending on where you enter and the conditions
• Go by private boat or kayak
• There is no direct ferry service

Why People Go

• A pristine little beach with famously clear water
• A swim-through cave
• Important Bird Area status, so wildlife should be respected
• No shade and absolutely no facilities

Safety Warnings

• Currents between the islands can be strong
• Do not swim caves alone
• Do not attempt the crossing in poor conditions
• Bring a flotation aid if swimming across
• Watch for jellyfish, especially in warmer months

How to Avoid the Crowds

• Take the first ferry, around 8:00 to 8:30 AM
• Or go later and stay into the afternoon when things begin to thin out
• Visit in April, May, October, or November if you can
• Once you arrive, head straight to Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, or another quieter spot instead of lingering at the jetty

Leave No Trace on Comino

• Pack it in, pack it out: bin options are limited, so take all rubbish back with you, including cigarette butts and food waste
• Respect wildlife: do not feed animals and keep your distance from nesting birds
• Stay on paths: avoid damaging fragile vegetation and do not build rock cairns
• Respect marine life: do not touch or remove sea life, shells, or underwater features
• Camp responsibly: use designated BBQ facilities only and follow seasonal fire restrictions
• Be considerate: keep noise down and let the island sound like an island

A Smart Day Trip Timeline

• 8:00 AM: first ferry from Malta or Gozo
• 8:30 AM: arrive and head straight to Crystal Lagoon or a quieter bay
• 10:00 AM: swim at Santa Marija Bay or keep walking
• 12:00 PM: lunch, ideally food you brought yourself
• 2:00 PM: walk up to St. Mary’s Tower
• 4:00 PM: return toward Blue Lagoon for a later-afternoon swim as crowds ease
• 6:00 PM: last ferry back, after checking the exact schedule

Emergency Information and Communication

• No medical facilities on the island
• For a serious emergency, helicopter evacuation is the only real option
• Mobile coverage is generally available around Blue Lagoon and higher ground, but can be weak or absent in remote coves, caves, or inland areas
• Do not expect public Wi-Fi, apart from possible access around the Comino Hotel for guests
• The nearest hospital is in Gozo
• Limited lockers may be available near the Blue Lagoon jetty, usually run by vendors, but availability and prices vary

If you want supporting safety context without cluttering the article, Is Malta Safe? and Malta in an Emergency fit naturally here.

Final Tips for a Better Comino Trip

Best Experiences

• Crystal Lagoon very early in the day
• St. Mary’s Tower at golden hour for the view
• Camping at Tal-Ful under dark skies
• Snorkeling or diving in the Santa Marija Caves

If you shoot photos, a polarising filter can help cut glare and make the water look even better, especially from higher viewpoints.

Common Mistakes

• Underestimating the sun and heat
• Bringing too little water or food
• Wearing weak footwear on rocky ground
• Attempting the swim to Cominotto in poor conditions
• Leaving rubbish behind
• Ignoring jellyfish warnings or getting into the water without being able to see clearly around you

Useful Insider Details

• The Comino Hotel restaurant and bar often welcome non-guests during the open season
• Some ferry operators may include a quick cave pass on the way to or from the island, so ask when booking
• Some of the best Blue Lagoon photos come from higher ground or from Cominotto looking back toward Comino
• The old semaphore poles from the island’s “Flag Mass” tradition can still be spotted near Tal-Hmara if you explore inland

Is Comino Worth Visiting?

Yes, but not if you do it lazily.

If you arrive late, stay glued to Blue Lagoon, bring too little water, and expect full facilities, Comino can feel overrated fast.

If you arrive with a plan, move beyond the obvious, and give yourself time to explore, it becomes one of the most rewarding short adventures in Malta. You get clear water, real walking, a surprising amount of history, and the rare feeling that even a very famous place can still surprise you.

Comino is tiny. That part is true. But done well, it never feels small.

Last updated: March 1, 2026