Comino – Tropical Island Paradise
Are you looking for the perfect island getaway? Ready your sunscreen because Comino is the perfect tropical paradise just for you!
In case you didn’t know, Comino is the smallest of the three inhabited islands of the Malta archipelago. well, actually, there are only three (3) permanent residents living on this tiny island! Sometimes they are accompanied by a policeman and a priest who commute to Comino from the nearby island of Gozo.
This fantastic paradise captivates tourists with its pristine bays, which are excellent for snorkelling, sea boarding, water-skiing, windsurfing and scuba diving. Here, you’ll indeed have the vacation of a lifetime with its stunning sea caves and landscapes.
Comino Blue Lagoon
If you’re up for a nice beach trip, then the Blue Lagoon is Comino’s most sought-after sweet spot, and for good reasons. This stunning inlet of turquoise waters surrounded by golden rocks and white sandy beaches is the best place to relax and unwind in Malta. Additionally, if you’re looking to dip in the sun, don’t worry; Comino’s sapphire blue waters have you covered!
See the wonderful aquatic life on this island by snorkelling in the pristine waters of Saint Mary’s Bay, Saint Nicholas Bay, or the Crystal Lagoon.
Don’t forget to bring your friends and family as you have a great time under the sun while exploring Comino’s waters.
Crystal Lagoon
The Crystal Lagoon is the other lagoon of Comino. This place is quieter than the Blue Lagoon. It’s also known to be one of the best places in Malta to do snorkelling. And if you’re up for a challenge, you can try cliff jumping from one of the few spots around the Lagoon.
Comino is also an amazing place to go diving! Its warm and extremely clear water is the perfect place to explore the underwater world and see the corals and different species of fish.
The best diving spots are The Crystal Lagoon, Santa Maria Cave, or the Cominotto Reef. You can also dive at the foot of Santa Maria tower to see the P31 wreck, a patrol boat used by the armed forces and now lying 20 meters underwater.
Kayaking is another great way to enjoy and explore Comino’s secluded bays and gorgeous sea caves.
Santa Maria Beach
Santa Maria Beach is another sandy beach with crystal clear water located 20 minutes from the Blue Lagoon. Tourists can also rent deckchairs and parasols here whenever they need to. There’s also San Niklaw beach, which is smaller but still as beautiful as the other beaches.
Besides those, make sure to pack your trail shoes because this beautiful island is also a hiking paradise. With a landmass of 3.5 square kilometres that can fit about 2-3 cars and its “no roads” aesthetic, this area is a safe place for hikers and bikers looking to explore around.
You can find scenic and historic places scattered around the area if you are the type who loves a good adventure. The first thing you can do is explore the trail, which can be easy and quick due to the island’s small area. You can also visit Saint Mary’s Tower and climb to the top to enjoy the stunning views and visit its interior when the flag is flying.
Are you curious about the island’s history? Here’s an overview of it. Comino wasn’t a significant place until the Romans once inhabited it. Back then, it had two different functions: it served as a hunting ground and a defensive outpost against the Ottoman Turks on the Maltese Islands.
Before the Romans arrived, the island was barren and desolate, which made it home to the wild boars and hares. When the Knights of Malta arrived in the 1530s, they turned it a space for the soldiers who needed shelter during the war. To ensure the integrity of their game on Comino, the Grandmasters did everything in their power to keep hunting prohibitions in place. Those who broke these laws were subjected to serving three years at sea on a galley.
Comino became an unpopular island after the second world war (WWII), but its people revived its tourism in the mid-1960s.
The Knights of St John in the 18th century built Saint Mary’s Battery, which is a perfect spot for history buffs. You may also stumble upon a British Isolation Hospital – a reminder from when Comino became a quarantine island in the past.
Other places in Comino you must see
Some of the go-to places in the area include the island’s only chapel, Saint Mary’s, which celebrates mass every Saturday evening and Sunday morning. There’s also an old bakery where you can grab delicious treats in this tiny paradise. And we do not forget the Comino Hotel (the only hotel in the area). This place offers affordable, bright, airy rooms and bungalows matched with decent facilities, making it perfect for those who don’t expect a 5-star resort.
What are you waiting for? Book a trip to Comino now!
If you’re curious about how the blue lagoon looks from above, check out this drone video to see more of what’s waiting for you in this paradise.