Comino Malta Travel Guide

Comino is a small island of roughly 3.5 square kilometres situated in the channel between Malta and Gozo. It is part of the Maltese archipelago and administered by Malta — not Italy, despite occasional geographic confusion. The island is largely car-free, has a permanent population of just a handful of people, and contains no town centre in any conventional sense.

The island is best known for the Blue Lagoon, a shallow inlet with intensely turquoise water that draws day-trippers from across Malta and Gozo, particularly in summer. Outside the lagoon area, Comino offers quiet walking trails, rocky coastline, and the remains of the historic 17th-century Comino Tower.

Because of its tiny scale, Comino is almost always visited as a day trip from Malta or Gozo. The island has very limited infrastructure — no permanent restaurants, no supermarkets, and only one hotel (which is seasonal and should be verified for current operation before booking). Visitors should plan accordingly and bring what they need.

Comino is part of Malta, which is a European Union member state and part of the Schengen Area. For visa information specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official website of the Maltese immigration authority.

Key things to know before you go:

• The island has minimal shade outside a few areas near the lagoon. Sun protection, hats, and plenty of water are essential, especially in July and August.
• There are no ATMs on Comino. Bring cash from Malta or Gozo if you plan to buy food or drinks from seasonal vendors on the island.
• The Blue Lagoon becomes extremely crowded in peak summer (July–August). Early morning ferries offer a quieter experience. Shoulder season visits are strongly recommended for those who prefer a calmer environment.
• There is no hospital or pharmacy on the island. Any serious medical need requires evacuation to Malta or Gozo.
• Bring your own snorkelling gear if you have it; rental may be available seasonally from vendors near the lagoon, but availability is not guaranteed — verify locally.

Most visitors reach Comino by ferry from Malta (typically departing from Cirkewwa) or from Gozo (typically from Mġarr). Ferry services are operated by several private companies and are seasonal, with the most frequent services running from spring through early autumn. Schedules and operators change; verify current timetables directly with ferry operators or at the departure points before travelling.

There is no airport on Comino. Malta International Airport (MLA), located near Valletta on the main island of Malta, is the standard international entry point for the archipelago. From the airport, travellers can reach Cirkewwa by bus or taxi to catch a ferry to Comino.

Private boat charters from Malta or Gozo are another option and can offer more flexibility in timing. Prices vary widely — confirm rates directly with operators.

Comino has no public transport and no roads open to private motor vehicles in any practical tourist sense. The island is navigated entirely on foot.

Most of the key points of interest — the Blue Lagoon, Comino Tower, St Mary's Battery, and the main walking trails — can be reached within a moderate walk from the main ferry landing. Trails are generally informal and rocky in places; comfortable, closed-toe shoes are advisable if you plan to explore beyond the lagoon area.

The island is small enough that a determined walker can cover its main sights in a single day. If you are visiting only the Blue Lagoon, the ferry landing deposits you close to the water.

Overnight accommodation on Comino is extremely limited. There has historically been one hotel on the island, which operates seasonally. Its current operational status, room availability, and pricing should be verified directly and well in advance, as it books out quickly and its season is not fixed year to year.

The vast majority of visitors to Comino stay in Malta (most commonly Valletta, Sliema, St Julian's, or Mellieħa) or Gozo and visit Comino as a day trip. Mellieħa, being closest to Cirkewwa ferry terminal, is a practical base if Comino is a priority.

There is no camping infrastructure on the island, and wild camping is not a sanctioned option.

Blue Lagoon

The lagoon's shallow, sheltered water makes it suitable for swimming and snorkelling over rocky seabed. It is most photogenic on calm, clear days. Arrive early if visiting in peak season to secure space on the small beaches and rocks.

Comino Tower (St Mary's Tower)

Built in 1618 under the Order of St John, this watchtower is one of the island's few historic structures. It has been restored and is visible from much of the surrounding water. Access to the interior may be limited — verify locally before making it the centrepiece of a visit.

Walking and Coastal Exploration

A network of informal paths crosses the island. The terrain is scrubby garrigue landscape with some endemic plants, and birdwatchers may find the island of interest during migration seasons (spring and autumn). The southern and eastern coasts offer quieter, rockier swimming spots away from the lagoon crowds.

St Mary's Battery

A small coastal fortification on the southern tip of the island, dating from the 18th century. It can be reached on foot and offers views across the channel toward Malta.

Comino has no permanent restaurants or cafés. In peak season, seasonal vendors and small kiosks typically operate near the Blue Lagoon area, selling drinks, snacks, and basic food. However, this provision is not guaranteed and varies year to year — do not rely on it as your sole food source.

The practical advice for most visitors is to bring a packed lunch and sufficient water from Malta or Gozo. Dehydration is a real risk in summer given the heat, the exposed environment, and the physical activity involved in walking the island.

If you are staying overnight at the island's hotel, meal arrangements should be confirmed directly with the property, as dining options are extremely limited outside of it.

Emergency services: Comino has no resident police station or hospital. In an emergency, contact the Maltese emergency services — the standard European emergency number 112 applies throughout Malta. Rescue coordination would involve evacuation by boat or helicopter to Malta or Gozo.

Connectivity: Mobile coverage on Comino depends on your network provider and may be patchy in parts of the island. Do not rely on internet connectivity for navigation — download offline maps before departing.

Toilets: Limited or seasonal toilet facilities may be available near the Blue Lagoon. Do not assume facilities will be open or clean; plan accordingly.

Litter and environment: Comino and the Blue Lagoon are protected natural areas. Visitors are expected to remove all rubbish. There are no municipal waste collection services across most of the island.

Comino is a low-crime environment, and personal safety concerns are minimal in the conventional sense. The more relevant risks are environmental.

Sea conditions in the channel between Malta and Gozo can change quickly. If you are arriving or departing by small boat in rough weather, follow the guidance of ferry operators — they may cancel or delay crossings. Do not attempt to swim between Comino and either Malta or Gozo.

Sun and heat pose real risks in summer. The island offers limited shade, and the reflective quality of the water can intensify UV exposure. Sunscreen, hats, and hydration are not optional precautions for a summer visit.

The rocky terrain on parts of the island can be uneven. Standard walking footwear rather than flip-flops is recommended for any exploration beyond the lagoon beach areas.