{"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. Anreise mit der F\u00e4hre – FAIL!<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"How
Die F\u00e4hre im Gozo Kanal – Sie bringt dich NICHT nach 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

Nat\u00fcrlich bieten die lokalen Anbieter auch Touren von \u00fcberall aus nach Comino an (Sliema, St. Paul’s Bay, Valletta, Xlendi, etc.), aber entsprechend l\u00e4nger bist du unterwegs. Ich rate auch von Touren aus Sizilien und Griechenland ab, da sich das f\u00fcr Tagesausfl\u00fcge nicht lohnt. \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

Die Wanderwege sind toll, f\u00fchren manchmal an exponierten Stellen vorbei \ud83e\udd14 und grunds\u00e4tzlich bist du \u00fcberall auf der Insel immer „Back on Track“. Ein Verlaufen ist schier unm\u00f6glich. Alle Wege f\u00fchren zur\u00fcck zur Blauen Lagune Malta, dort wo deine Reise auf Comino gestartet ist. Solltest du dich dennoch verlaufen, halte Ausschau nach dem St. Mary's Tower<\/strong>. Dieser wurde im 15. Jahrhundert errichtet, was absolut irrrelevant ist, aber f\u00fcr 2 EUR Eintritt kannst du dort auf’s Dach steigen und hast eine wunderbare Aussicht \u00fcber die ganze Insel. Das ist perfekt, um dich nochmal neu orientieren zu k\u00f6nnen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"St.
Im Hintergrund – Der St. Mary’s Tower<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Free Bonus Special Tip<\/strong>
Mit dem Taxi Boot bist du flexibel, denn du kannst auch kurz dort anrufen und fragen, ob du eine oder zwei Stunden sp\u00e4ter zur\u00fcckfahren kannst. Das geht mit den Touranbietern nicht. Ich habe das bereits einige Male gemacht, da es immer „noch“ neue Sachen auf der Insel f\u00fcr mich zu entdecken gibt und ich mich in der Zeit ab und zu etwas versch\u00e4tze.<\/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 – Die wenigsten Schattenpl\u00e4tze der Welt<\/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

Apropos viel los…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

04. Die einsame Insel \u2013 f\u00fcr dich und 2’000 andere<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Blue
Blaue Lagune Malta – Idylle pur – Aber knapp hinter der Blue Lagoon bist du alleine<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From January 1st to December 31st<\/strong> eines jeden Jahres ist die Insel meistens sehr gut besucht. Dazwischen geht’s und du bist eher alleine auf der Insel. Wenn es richtig tolles Wetter ist, was an 300 Tagen im Jahr der Fall ist, sind auf Comino etwa 2’000 Menschen unterwegs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interessant ist die Aufteilung, denn 1’999 Touris sind in der Blue Lagoon am Baden, w\u00e4hrend ich gef\u00fchlt alleine am Wandern bin. Also es verl\u00e4uft sich quasi nicht auf dieser Insel. Die Mehrheit tummelt sich tats\u00e4chlich in der Blauen Lagune und l\u00e4sst die eigentliche Insel links liegen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Noch viel interessanter aber finde ich die Tatsache, dass Comino nur zwei Einwohner hat, die das ganze Jahr \u00fcber dort leben. Damit gibt es 1’000 mal mehr Touristen auf der Insel als Einwohner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stell dir das f\u00fcr den Ort vor, aus dem du kommst. Sagen wir mal, dein St\u00e4dtchen hat 35’000 Einwohner. Das w\u00fcrde 35’000’000 Mio. Touris am Tag bedeuten. \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? Wie sieht es eigentlich aus, wenn du mal deine Wanderschuhe vergessen hast? Nun, das liest du weiter oben, denn dann geht es mit Flip-Flops weiter. Eine Shoppingmall in Comino? Fehlanzeige. Tssss….<\/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. Mehr Boote als Fische – 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

Dennoch ist es aufregend zwischen Kevins Yacht und dem Sea Adventure zu schnorcheln (Achtung, du wirst von oben dann beobachtet –> Glasboden), denn die Unterwasserwelt ist hier immer noch sehr abwechselungsreich. Und auch an Land gibt es einige Tiere zu entdecken. Neben dem Malta Cham\u00e4leon, einigen einheimischen Schlangenarten und auch vielen vielen Eidechsen, gibt es eine sehr artenreiche Vogelvielfalt 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

Fazit – Comino und die Blaue Lagune 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

Warst du schon mal in Comino? Wie hat es dir gefallen? Lass es mich wissen…<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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