{"id":16611,"date":"2024-06-29T11:08:10","date_gmt":"2024-06-29T09:08:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wandernotizen.com\/?p=16611"},"modified":"2024-06-29T14:40:43","modified_gmt":"2024-06-29T12:40:43","slug":"comino-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wandernotizen.com\/en\/insel-comino\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Bitter Truths About the Island of Comino You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

01. Arriving by ferry - FAIL!<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"How
The ferry in the Gozo Channel - It does NOT take you to Comino<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it looks like the next picture, then you didn't make it to Comino, but successfully landed in Gozo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Your trip to Comino doesn't have to end here =)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way, departures to Comino are possible from Mgarr in Gozo, Hondoq Bay in Gozo (which we always use), and of course from \u010airkewwa and Mellie\u0127a in Malta. From Gozo, it takes 5 minutes to Comino; from Malta, it's about 25 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, local providers also offer tours to Comino from everywhere (Sliema, St. Paul's Bay, Valletta, Xlendi, etc.), but you'll be on the road for correspondingly longer. I also advise against tours from Sicily and Greece, as they are not worth it for day trips. \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n\n\n\n

02. Public Transportation and Taxis on Comino<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hiking trails are great, sometimes passing by exposed sections \ud83e\udd14 and generally you're always \u201eBack on Track\u201c everywhere on the island. Getting lost is virtually impossible. All paths lead back to the Blue Lagoon Malta, where your journey on Comino started. Even if you do get lost, keep an eye out for the St. Mary's Tower<\/strong>. It was built in the 15th century, which is absolutely irrelevant, but for 2 EUR admission, you can go up to the roof and enjoy a wonderful view of the entire island. It's perfect for reorienting yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"St.
In the background - St. Mary's Tower<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Free Bonus Special Tip<\/strong>
With the taxi boat, you're flexible because you can call them at short notice and ask if you can return one or two hours later. You can't do that with tour operators. I've done this a few times now, as there are always \u201enew\u201c things on the island for me to discover, and I occasionally misjudge the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

03. Comino \u2013 The Least Shady Spots in the World<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Shady
Shady spots are a bit scarce, but therefore ideal for sunbathers.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. \ud83d\ude01<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a handful of trees in Comino that offer some shade for a breather. Shaded hiking paths \u2013 that would be pure luxury and you shouldn't expect that here. Instead, you have a clear 360 at all times.\u00b0<\/strong> Outlook. Clear advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lot going on...<\/p>\n\n\n\n

04. The Lonely Island - for you and 2,000 others<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Blue
Blue Lagoon Malta \u2013 Pure idyll \u2013 But just behind the Blue Lagoon you're alone<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From January 1st to December 31st<\/strong> Every year, the island is mostly very busy. In between, it's okay, and you'll be mostly 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 at all. The majority are actually lounging around in the Blue Lagoon and disregarding the actual island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even more interesting, however, is 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine that for the place you come from. Let's say your town has 35,000 inhabitants. That would mean 35,000,000 million tourists per day. \ud83e\udd2a Crazy, isn't it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enough math and statistics, let's take a look at the hotels and accommodation options on Comino.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

05. Luxurious overnight stay under the open sky<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Stay
Exclusive view if you stay overnight on the island<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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><\/strong>. A great Bed & Breakfast, family-run, and the owner Monica also gives you the best insider tips for excursions and restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

06. Gastronomy and Shopping in Comino<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wait! What? What actually happens if you forget your hiking boots? Well, you can read about that further up, because then we'll continue with flip-flops. A shopping mall in Comino? No chance. Tssss\u2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this, there is Joseph Attard* from Malta, who at his stand snorkel sets from Temu<\/a><\/strong> sold directly on the beach. That's indeed practical, because snorkeling is pretty cool in the clear waters of the Blue Lagoon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. \ud83e\udd11<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So the trip to Comino will still be a culinary delight, without any American burger chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

07. More Boats Than Fish \u2013 Comino Wildlife<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Cumin
Many boats, many people, but also a lot of wildlife. I love the contrast!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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 \ud83e\udd2b (see item 6: Shopping and Gastronomy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, it is exciting to snorkel between Kevin's yacht and the Sea Adventure (watch out, you will be observed from above \u2013> glass bottom), because the underwater world is still very varied here. And there are also some animals to discover on land. Besides the Malta chameleon, some native snake species, and also many, many lizards, there is a very species-rich bird diversity in Comino.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bird hunting is forbidden here, and therefore the bird populations are even growing. So if you Ornithologist<\/a><\/strong> Be disguised and on the way, bring a camera and time, and you'll get your money's worth here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion \u2013 Comino and the Blue Lagoon Malta<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/strong> When you're on vacation, you should definitely plan a stop on the neighboring island. It's always worth it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have a lot of fun, a relaxing vacation, great trips, and see you next time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever been to Comino? How did you like it? Let me know\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photo Gallery Trip to the Blue Lagoon Malta<\/h2>\n\n\n