The Island of Comino in Malta
The island of Comino, Malta
Comino is an island lying between the islands of Malta and Gozo, also known as Kemmuna. It ranks as the third-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. The island covers a very modest area of just 3.5 km², roughly 2 km long by 1.7 km wide. It is also an almost uninhabited island, with only four residents who keep watch over it.
Comino’s history appears to date back to prehistoric times, although the archaeological evidence is scarcer than on the two neighbouring islands of Malta and Gozo. In the medieval period, Comino was used mainly as hunting ground, notably by the Knights of the Order of Saint John, who, from their arrival in Malta in 1530, used the island to hunt wild boar and rabbit, animals that were plentiful at the time.
In 1618, the Knights of the Order of Saint John built the Santa María Tower as part of a coastal defence system. Positioned at a strategic point, it served to watch for possible Ottoman and pirate incursions. It could communicate with the other fortifications of Malta and Gozo through a system of smoke and fire signals.
In the 19th century, while the Maltese archipelago was under British rule, the island of Comino served chiefly as a quarantine station to prevent the spread of disease to the main islands of Malta and Gozo. Travellers and ships wishing to reach Malta had to spend a period of isolation on the island, lasting from a few days to several weeks.
In the 20th century, Comino began to grow in popularity as a tourist destination thanks to its landscapes untouched by urban development and its crystal-clear waters. Today it is largely classified as a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, to protect its flora and fauna. Its calm, its steep cliffs and above all its famous Blue Lagoon draw thousands of visitors every year.
How to get to Comino?
Getting to Comino is relatively easy from the main islands of Malta and Gozo. It is worth noting that the means of transport for reaching Comino and/or the Blue Lagoon are the same, the latter being part of Comino. The main departure point for reaching Comino from Malta is the Ċirkewwa landing stage, at the northern tip of the island. Boats run every 30 minutes to an hour during the summer, and less frequently out of season. The ferry crossing from Ċirkewwa to Comino takes about 25 minutes. A return ticket from Malta costs 15 euros for adults and 8 euros for children. You can buy your tickets online from the Comino Ferry Service or directly at the Ċirkewwa kiosk.
On the island of Gozo, ferries to Comino leave from Mġarr, Gozo’s main harbour. Boats depart every hour throughout the day, depending on demand. The trip takes about 15 minutes. A return ticket from Gozo costs 13 euros for adults and 6.5 euros for children.
Finally, the last option, hugely popular with travellers and one that lets you discover Comino as well as the surrounding lagoons and caves: the boat excursion. Trips set off from the main seaside resorts of Malta and Gozo, such as Sliema, Buġibba or Mġarr, with swimming and snorkelling stops in the Blue Lagoon and a visit to the island’s sea caves. To compare each option in detail (ferry, cruise, private boat, jet ski and the mandatory booking), see our dedicated guide: how to get to the Blue Lagoon in Comino.
The most popular cruises to Comino
| Option | Departure point | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Mellieħa (Marfa) | 30 € |
 | St Paul's Bay (Qawra) | 38 € |
 | St Paul's Bay (Buġibba) | 55 € |
 | Sliema | 35 € |
 | Valletta | 1 500 € |
Comino: a booking required to set foot ashore
Since 1 May 2025, with Comino being a protected natural area (part of the Natura 2000 network), landing on Comino requires a prior booking. One subtlety, though: swimming in the Blue Lagoon without setting foot on land requires no booking at all. The scheme, introduced by the Maltese authorities to curb overcrowding on Comino, is entirely free and is completed online on the official website blcomino.com.
The process takes two minutes: a few details and an email address are enough to receive a QR code, exchanged on arrival for a wristband valid for the chosen time slot. Three daily slots are offered: 08:00-13:00, 13:30-17:30 and 18:00-22:00. The number of visitors is now capped at 4,000 at any one time, compared with nearly 12,000 at some peaks in the summer of 2024.
This booking only concerns visitors who set foot on the island. Swimming from a boat that stays at anchor does not require one. Accessing the island without a valid booking, on the other hand, risks a fine.
What to see in Comino?
Comino is one of the must-see places to discover in Malta. Although the island is small, it surprises visitors with its scenery, its air of a Mediterranean Caribbean and the contrast with the other islands of Malta.
The Blue Lagoon
Set between Comino and Cominotto, this natural gem is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and its idyllic setting. The clear, shallow waters of the Blue Lagoon of Malta are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. You can observe a wide variety of fish and marine life while enjoying a safe aquatic environment. The Blue Lagoon has small sandy beach areas along its edges, but be warned: spots to lay down a towel are scarce.
During the summer months, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds and make the most of the lagoon. In addition, as Comino has limited facilities, it is best to bring everything you need for the day, including water, food, sunscreen and your own snorkelling gear. To learn all about the site, see our page dedicated to the Blue Lagoon of Malta.
If you visit the Blue Lagoon in summer, we recommend exploring the little island of Cominotto (Kemmunett), located 100 metres off the coast of the Blue Lagoon beach. On this small island, you can enjoy nature and some of the most turquoise waters from its beaches.
Santa María Tower (It-Torri ta’ Santa Marija)
The Santa María Tower (It-Torri ta’ Santa Marija) is a historic watchtower on the island of Comino, in Malta. Built in 1618 by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, this tower played a crucial role in the defence and communication of the Maltese archipelago. The Santa María Tower was an integral part of the chain of defence and signalling structures linking the old fortifications of Mdina in Malta and the Citadel in Gozo. It formed part of a network of defensive towers set up at strategic points along the archipelago’s coasts to watch for and guard against Ottoman and pirate incursions.
In 2000, the Malta Maritime Authority signed an agreement with Din L-Art Ħelwa, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and conservation of heritage, to fund the complete restoration of the Santa María Tower. Thanks to this effort, the tower has been preserved and maintained, allowing visitors to discover this important historic monument.
The Chapel of Our Lady’s Return from Egypt
The Chapel of Our Lady’s Return from Egypt is built entirely of limestone, constructed in the 17th century in the time of the Knights of the Order of Saint John. Set in a remote part of Comino, it stands not far from the Blue Lagoon and the Santa María Tower. Although modest in size, its architecture reflects the simplicity and beauty of the religious style of the period.
Santa María Battery (Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija)
The Santa María Battery (Il-Batterija ta’ Santa Marija) was built in 1715, at the same time as all the coastal fortifications of Malta. Fear of an Ottoman invasion of the Maltese islands prompted the Knights of Saint John to strengthen the coastal defence by building a series of batteries on the three main islands. It is a semicircular structure with embrasures facing the sea, originally designed to hold four 6-pounder cannons. The battery was restored by Din L-Art Ħelwa and is now open to the public.
Where to eat in Comino?
It is possible to grab a bite in Comino during the extended summer season (from April to the end of October) and only around the Blue Lagoon. Dozens of “food truck” style kiosks offer fast food (snacks, sandwiches, salads, burgers) and drinks, a handy option for those spending the day swimming and snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon.
While at the Blue Lagoon of Comino, you won’t be able to resist the unmissable Instagram photo of the cocktail served in a pineapple. Enjoying a refreshing Piña Colada or a pineapple Daiquiri while relaxing by the Blue Lagoon is an experience not to be missed.
Dining options in Comino are limited, there are no sit-down meals available and the food is of the fast-food variety. Many visitors therefore choose to bring their own meal and picnic. Several scenic spots on the island let you enjoy an outdoor meal with breathtaking views, well away from the lagoon crowds. When visiting Comino, especially if you venture into the island, remember to bring water and sunscreen. There is no food service outside the Blue Lagoon, and shaded areas are also scarce there.
Where to stay in Comino?
Comino is a small, peaceful island, ideal for those seeking a stay surrounded by nature. However, accommodation options are very limited. The former Comino Hotel is closed, and the planned new hotel and spa complex, the Hili’s Comino Hotel & Bungalows, has yet to break ground.
Camping in Comino
The only current option for staying on Comino itself is camping. There is an authorised camping area at Tal Ful. Places are limited and the basic facilities amount to no more than toilets.
Accommodation near Comino
The hotels currently closest to Comino are those at Ċirkewwa, near the ferries to the island. Among the establishments most appreciated by travellers, the Riviera Spa Resort and the Ramla Bay Resort also have their own transport services to Comino.
Where Comino is located
Comino occupies the northern tip of the Maltese archipelago, halfway between Malta and Gozo. The island has neither an airport nor roads: it can only be reached by sea, from Ċirkewwa and Marfa in the north of Malta or from Mġarr in Gozo.