Comino, a tiny pearl in the Mediterranean. A hiking paradise with idyllic paths. The Blue Lagoon Malta. A postcard landscape. And now? Now, I'll show you the bitter truth about the island of Comino here in my post, along with a few surprising facts you should be aware of before you lace up your hiking boots.
Ready for a little brutal honesty? Here are 7 harsh truths about Comino you absolutely need to know. About the culinary scene, the shopping experience, the nightlife, the solitude, and the wilderness of this vast 3.5 square kilometer island, which sits so picturesquely between Malta and Gozo. 😁
01. Arriving by ferry – FAIL!
The view of Comino is perfect. Once you've finally gotten your car onto the Gozo ferry. Since 2024, you have to get out of your car and go up on deck. This improves the view of Comino extremely. But you can't enjoy anything more than the view from the ferry.
No matter how many times you check in and travel from Gozo to Malta and back, the ferry won't take you to Comino. But how do you actually realize you've gone the wrong way?
If it looks like the next picture, then you didn't make it to Comino, but successfully landed in Gozo.
But now it's just getting started, because that's not entirely wrong. There are taxi boats in the harbor of Mgarr that go directly from Gozo to Comino. So, either you skip the ferry altogether and grab one of the smaller boats directly, or you book a taxi boat afterward.
By the way, a taxi boat for a few euros is enough to get to Comino. Most of the time, the smaller boats also dock in Comino. You don't need to book a day tour for 70 euros per person with a pool and restaurant on the boat. It's just a distraction in the end, and you'll be on the boat forever before you finally arrive at Comino and the Blue Lagoon, Malta.
By the way, departures to Comino are possible from Mgarr in Gozo, Hondoq Bay in Gozo (which we always use), and of course from Ċirkewwa and Mellieħa in Malta. From Gozo, it takes 5 minutes to Comino; from Malta, it's about 25 minutes.
Naturally, local providers also offer tours to Comino from everywhere (Sliema, St. Paul’s Bay, Valletta, Xlendi, etc.), but you’ll be on the go for correspondingly longer. I also advise against tours from Sicily and Greece, as they are not worth it for day trips. 😉
02. Public Transportation and Taxis on Comino
When I was on Comino for the first time, I immediately booked an Uber (a modern taxi hailed with an app instead of shouting and pointing) because I wanted to explore the island. I didn't have any hiking shoes with me, only flip-flops. (Editor's note: Please read between the lines.)
The taxi never came, and even at the tourist office on Comino, which was closed that day and had apparently departed with the building, no one could help me. So I set off on foot. Like in the old days. Back to basics, and how I like it best.
The hiking trails are great, sometimes passing over exposed sections 🤔 and basically, you're always „Back on Track“ everywhere on the island. Getting lost is practically impossible. All paths lead back to Blue Lagoon Malta, where your journey on Comino started. If you do get lost, look out for the St. Mary's Tower. It was built in the 15th century, which is absolutely irrelevant, but for an entrance fee of 2 EUR, you can go up to the roof and enjoy a wonderful view of the entire island. This is perfect to get your bearings again.
Free Bonus Special Tip
With the taxi boat, you're flexible because you can also call them at short notice and ask if you can return one or two hours later. You can't do that with the tour providers. I've done this a few times before, as there are always „new“ things on the island for me to discover, and I occasionally misjudge the time.
Since there are no roads on Comino, the large buses only run irregularly. So it's better to rely on your feet and enjoy your time on this wonderful island.
03. Comino – The fewest shady spots in the world
Sunbathing guaranteed! Even if you really don't feel like sunbathing at all, you'll still end up sunbathing when you're on Comino! Therefore, sunscreen and a hat are part of the basic equipment. Preferably one that won't fly away. The latter would be really stupid and should be avoided, because it can ruin all the fun and spoil the day and the entire vacation. 😁
There are a handful of trees in Comino that offer some shade for a breather. Shaded hiking paths – that would be pure luxury and you shouldn't expect that here. Instead, you have a clear 360 at all times.° Outlook. Clear advantage.
In the Blue Lagoon, there's also the option to rent a sunshade for cash. But you should arrive before breakfast for that, as the few that are available go quickly.
Apropos, a lot going on...
04. The Lonesome Island – for you and 2,000 others
From January 1st to December 31st Every year, the island is mostly very busy. In between, it's okay, and you're more or less alone on the island. When the weather is really great, which is the case 300 days a year, there are about 2,000 people on Comino.
The division is interesting, because 1,999 tourists are bathing in the Blue Lagoon, while I feel like I'm hiking alone. So, it's not crowded on this island. The majority are actually crowding in the Blue Lagoon and ignoring the actual island.
But even more interesting, I find the fact that Comino only has two inhabitants who live there year-round. This means there are 1,000 times more tourists on the island than residents.
Imagine that for the place where you come from. Let's say your town has 35,000 inhabitants. That would mean 35,000,000 million tourists a day. 🤪 Crazy, isn’t it?
But there's also a hidden gem on how you can be the only tourist on Comino and have peace and quiet. If there's a bit of swell on the Mediterranean Sea, neither the excursion boats from Malta and Gozo nor the water taxis will be running. If you manage to make it to Comino with your dinghy, then you're guaranteed to have the island all to yourself, or at least share it with the two locals. Challenge accepted?
Enough math and statistics, let's take a look at the hotels and accommodation options on Comino.
05. Luxurious overnight stay under the open sky
Well, there are a lot of hotels that don't have a location in Comino. First and foremost, the Radisson Blu, the Hilton, but you also won't find a cheaper Ibis in Comino. Do you know Glamping? That's the new trend. A campsite with fancy bungalows or tents covered in gold leaf. You won't find that in Comino EITHER.
Overnight stays are no longer permitted on Comino, except under the open sky, as camping is forbidden. Until the pandemic in the 2020s, there was actually a hotel on Comino. But since there were 1000 times fewer tourists on the island than usual, it was no longer profitable. The two locals probably also didn't use it enough for their staycations. Shame on you!
Therefore, enjoy your stay in Comino and choose one of the great hotels in Gozo or Malta. My personal recommendation, by the way, is Villa Serenity in Sannat, Gozo. A great Bed & Breakfast, family-run, and the owner Monica also gives you the best insider tips for excursions and restaurants.
06. Gastronomy and Shopping in Comino
Wait! What? So, what happens if you forget your hiking boots? Well, you can read that above, because then you'll continue on in flip-flops. A shopping mall in Comino? No chance. Tssss….
For this, there is Joseph Attard* from Malta, who at his stand snorkel sets from Temu sold directly on the beach. That's indeed practical, because snorkeling is pretty cool in the clear waters of the Blue Lagoon.
Shanelle Zammit* from Gozo has also opened her restaurant chain here, serving burgers and hot dogs with fries, called chips here, at all four stands in the only street. (Names changed, known to the editors)
At the stand next door, you can get the famous Maltese pineapple cocktails, which are classically served in a pineapple from Costa Rica. They are really delicious and you should definitely try them. As of today (2024), they cost 8 EUR, but a refill is only 5 EUR. Just bring your own empty pineapple with a straw. 🤑
Since the restaurant scene is very limited, we always bring a delicious picnic to the island. This is great and especially a highlight for the kids. Especially if you visit Comino with family, plan a delicious picnic in the open air. Some of the olive trees provide some shade. In the middle of the island is a small pond with trees all around. We love this spot.
So the trip to Comino will still be a culinary delight, without any American burger chain.
07. More Boats Than Fish – Comino Wildlife
This is how it is in 2024 and in the future. The fish population is decreasing, the boat population is increasing. There are many small, colorful native boats that appear in large schools, of the most diverse kinds. There is the huge excursion ship with a restaurant, pool, and water slide, the somewhat more luxurious Sea Adventure ship with a glass bottom, and then there's Kevin* from Germany with his yacht. He's brought a few friends and is snorkeling in the Blue Lagoon with snorkel sets from Joseph, whose real name is Matteo 🤫 (see item 6: Shopping and Gastronomy).
Nevertheless, it's exciting to snorkel between Kevin's yacht and the Sea Adventure (watch out, you'll be observed from above –> glass bottom), because the underwater world here is still very diverse. And there are also some animals to discover on land. Besides the Maltese Chameleon, some local snake species, and many, many lizards, there is a very species-rich bird diversity in Comino.
Bird hunting is forbidden here, and therefore the bird populations are even growing. So if you Ornithologist Be disguised and on the way, bring a camera and time, and you'll get your money's worth here.
Conclusion – Comino and the Blue Lagoon Malta
Of course, the title is ironic and sarcastic, of course, and a bit far-fetched even though the island is quite close to us. Comino is a fantastic island where you can experience a lot. I especially love going there with visitors or making a family outing.
The facts in my post are all correct, and there's always a spark of truth in every irony. Even though the island is mostly completely crowded in the Blue Lagoon, it is still a place of peace and relaxation. If you Malta or Gozo When you're on vacation, you should definitely plan a stop on the neighboring island. It's always worth it!
Following up, I've selected some great pictures from the past two years for you here. Pictures say more than the 1953 words this post has.
Have a lot of fun, a relaxing vacation, great trips, and see you next time!
Have you ever been to Comino? How did you like it? Let me know…
Photo Gallery Trip to the Blue Lagoon Malta
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On my travel blog Wandernotizen I'll take you along on our family trips around the globe. Between wanderlust and everyday chaos, you'll find honest travel reports, tips, and plenty of material to ignite your wanderlust. 🧭 ❤️ 🏝️
Regarding Hotel Comino... It was closed, not due to a lack of visitors, but because it was old and barely repairable.
It was supposed to be renovated, and some work was done in between, but ultimately the entire area, including the hotel, was sold. The hotel is still standing, but it's quite dilapidated. As soon as the permit for the new construction is approved, it will be demolished.
To the great regret of the many, many guests who loved it the way it was.
Thank you very much M. Yes, I can imagine many loved it. It's also located very beautifully, with the bungalows in Santa Marija Bay. It's a shame the renovation wasn't worth it back then. But we were in Comino last weekend and were shown the old bakery. Friends of the Earth Malta has already installed new doors there and is in the process of rebuilding it. Things are happening on Comino, especially in the area of sustainability.
Hello Dennis, we were also on the truly beautiful island of Comino quite some time ago (at least in 2007/2008). I was one of the 2000 tourists who weren't just there to dive/snorkel, but who wandered all over the island with flip-flops in African temperatures, each with a child on their shoulder. I thought it was great to walk to the tower, then to the cordoned-off area of some old buildings at the end of the island (which had nothing to do with the hotel) with old cannons. There were also wild snakes there.
I found the island and the hotel indescribably beautiful, also because it is exclusive and natural, without too much fuss.
Especially in the mornings and evenings, when the day-trippers had left, it was quieter and the poor, tormented island finally came to rest... and the food... was amazing to go with it.
Now that we might want to return to Comino in 2025, the search ad found the hotel, but there are no results.
Actually, it's clear after what I read online, although someone already wrote in 2019 that the hotel would be demolished. It's taking an incredibly long time if the old one is still standing now.
Actually, out of the multitude of accommodations on Gozo, I had already noted Serenity BB with Monika as my favorite, even before reading your report and recommendation ;-).
Hello Rita, wow, in 2007 things must have looked completely different. Well, maybe not Comino, but Malta and Gozo certainly did. Comino is a wonderful place. I deliberately wrote my post here with humor and a lot of irony, but of course also a lot of truth. Yes, the hotel is still there, closed and dilapidated. Unfortunately. I can well imagine how quiet the island is on a mild summer evening. Especially when the last boat has left the island. Monika's B&B is also similarly quiet and, above all, great with the Sanap Cliffs right behind the house. Another great spot with a view of Comino 🙂 I hope your travel plans for 2025 work out and you can have a great time here in Malta. Best regards from Gozo, Dennis
Camping on Comino is definitely possible. There is still a campsite there, but with increased regulations from the Maltese government, because some quasi-permanent campers had settled there at some point.
The Comino hotel was closed solely due to its unrenovatable condition, where maintenance costs had become too high. As a result, the pools were no longer available, and half of the bungalows could no longer be rented out. I was there last week. A very melancholic time. A beautiful island.
There are protests at the new hotel, and since it will be operated by a luxury hotel chain, it effectively means the end of Comino holidays being available to everyone without a lot of money (600 euros/night and up). Above all, however, one should be concerned about environmental protection.
You forgot the Comino battery. A great place with a beautiful rocky cove below for snorkeling and a cave for shade and rest.
Hi Harry, thanks for the info. I actually haven't been to Battery yet. I was on Comino again last week. Fortunately, we usually go to Santa Marija. You don't need a QR code there, as I found out last week. I'll have to revise my post here again soon. A lot has happened on the island since then. Starting with the new jetty, the checks, and bracelets =). Let's see if I like that. According to the news, 63% fewer people have been there since then. That's certainly a plus. Have a good time!! Regards, Dennis