Comino island

Comino also called Kemmuna is the third largest island in size in the Maltese archipelago and is sandwiched between them.
The island is a paradise for snorkelers, divers, windsurfers, hikers and ideal for camping.
The most visited areas are the Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay which is the biggest sandy beach in Comino and San Niklaw bay which is adjacent to the hotel.
During the hot months the change is visible and the pulse of this tiny island quickens considerably with the scores of people crowding on its shores and swimming in the surrounding sea.
Comino remains always the best gem in the archipelago.

The History Of Comino Island

For many centuries, Comino Island remained uninhabited as people were probably afraid to live there due to the frequent attacks and hostile landings from pirates, smugglers, corsairs and Turks. When the Knights of St. John arrived in Malta it became important for them in various other ways.

Today it is very popular for the Blue Lagoon, with numerous cruises all through the year. But what about the history of the island! Did it ever cross your mind that a history trail could also be interesting to read about!

Comino Hotel
The hotel and bungalows are both located on the other side of the island at St. Nicholas and St. Mary’s bays. The hotel is open for around April to October where it is very busy with tourists and Maltese. It is the occasion to come to a quiet location beautiful location away from all the noise of every day life.

Cominotto Island
Cominotto is sometimes also referred to as Cominetto. Also in Maltese as Kemmunett. This little island is totally uninhabited and is very easily accessible by swimming over the very short distance from the shore of Comino to Cominotto sandy beach which is very small and the ideal location to land on this little island.

How To Get To Comino Island

The only way to visit the island is by sea. You can either take a day cruise from three different locations or by a 15 minute boat trip from Cirkewwa beside the Gozo Channel.
The most popular locations for cruises organised everyday are from Sliema Ferry, Bugibba Jetty and Mellieha Bay.
There are also other options to Comino through hotels and tourist companies from various parts of the island. This can be arranged individually but probably it will cost you more as it will be tailored for your requirements.

Which Depart From Bugbba

Four cruise companies operate from the Bugibba Jetty, namely Sea Adventure Excursions, Hornblower Cruises, Seahorse Cruises and Mermaid Cruises.
The distance from here to the Blue Lagoon is much shorter than from Sliema.

The Sea Adventure Excursion Tours

We took the Sea Adventure excursions cruise to Blue Lagoon and we highly recommend it.
We have sailed on one of their tours and this is what we thought.

The Sea Adventure excursions offers two tour options to Comino:
A full day cruise to Blue Lagoon.
A combined cruise to Gozo & Comino.

How To Get To Comino From Sliema

Sliema is the most popular location of departures. They depart from the Sliema Ferry promenade.
From here four main operators have their moorings: Captain Morgan Cruises, Hello Malta (Supreme Travel), Luzzu Cruises and Hera Cruises. Each one of them have a pier location along the Ferries promenade.

How To Get To Comino From Valletta

From Valletta one does not find any cruises or sea transport to take you to Comino. The best options are by taking a bus to Sliema Ferries or to Bugibba jetty from where the cruises leave always in the morning around 9:30 to 11:00. The trip to Bugibba is much longer as there are several bus stops along the way.

How To Get To Comino From St. Julian's

From St. Julian’s there are no boat trips or cruises. Along St. Julian’s promenade there are usually sales persons to sell cruises and mostly Hop-on Hop-off tickets.
The closest location to St. Julian’s to buy tickets and to embark for cruises, is by going to Sliema either by walk around 25 minutes, or taking a bus which passes along the seafront promenade, duration around 10 minutes. Several bus numbers pass use this route.

Boat Transportation From Malta

The various boat trips depart from Malta at Marfa (Opposite Labranda Riviera Hote and Spa), Cirkewwa ferry terminal and from Mgarr harbour in Gozo.

The Gozo Ferry Boats

Although the Gozo ferry makes continuous trips between Malta and Gozo, it does not have a mooring point in Comino. It can never do such trips as there are no facilities on the island for such big boats.

Tips And Recommendation About Visiting Comino

Why should we come here? Is it worth coming during our holiday in Malta?
We answer your question with various recommendations and ideas.
A definite yes and it all depends on your interests and time available. We try to touch your different likings in our suggestions list.
Depending on your time available, Comino deserves some time for a much detailed visit.
We recommend visiting Gozo apart from Comino as there is much to be appreciated. Many people try and do both in one visit. It all depends on your time and your priorities.
During summer visiting the blue lagoon with a day cruise. In the high season the lagoon will be packed and you might like it like many other people.
You can either come early, great sun and great sea for yourself. Or can come during the low season depending on the weather where there will be many days when you can be alone
If you love diving dedicate time for such an incredible experience. Various dives are available especially the Santa Maria coves and the P31.
The most historical location which will make you spark is the historical tower. It will be wise to check from before if it will be open so that you can go up on the roof for the great view and photos as memory of your visit. You can check on the Din l'art Helwa site for opening hours and mobile number.
During the high season when the hotel is open you can hire canoes and paddle along the coast and to the Santa Maria caves.
If you are a trecker, during the winter months it will be great to hike around and coast. Great views, landscape, history and fauna.
During the high season he hotel is great if you come with a tour you can always walk here to the air conditioned reception to have a snack and drink.

Practical Things To See And To Get When Coming Here During Summer

To spend a whole day at Comino Island, especially during the high season, it is advisable to arrive with an early boat and not take a tour. Arriving early gives you an advantage as the sun will still be fairly mild and Blue Lagoon will not be crowded.
There is not much that you can do on the island apart from walking around and see the few sites along the island. Comino is pretty much nearly inhabited so you will not find any commercial shops.

Things To See

If you wish to explore the island, it will be tough with high temperatures. To do so you have to be organized with water, hats, sunblock, and sunglasses. Even if you do not intend exploring around, do take what has been suggested. A mobile is always handy for photos but especially for safety reasons as you will be walking around in a new environment.
One can wander around and visit the Santa Maria watch tower which is 35 minutes on foot from the Blue Lagoon, the Knights of Malta battery on the seashore located facing Malta.

Blue Lagoon will be very crowded during these months especially during July and August.

If Blue Lagoon is too crowded, you can decide to go to one of the other bays on the island.

Santa Marija Bay is small beautiful bay where you can sunbathe on the sand, stay under the trees for shade, swim or have a snack at the kiosk.

St. Nicholas Bay is the other bay on the side of the hotel, which is the only built up area.

Walking to the hotel from the Blue Lagoon takes around 10 minutes. At the hotel you can make use of the bar and reception seating area all air-conditioned. Outside table for eating and drinks are available.
There is not much that you can do but you can walk up to the Santa Maria tower which will take you around 35 minutes, then the barracks, walk along the seashore cliffs, walking to the hotel on the other side of the island.
A further walk of 10 minutes to Santa Maria Bay.
During summer period the island is very active so meeting people around the mentioned area is very possible.
Waling on the rugged landscape surely requires a closed shoes not a filflop.

Things To Get:

Sunblock - +50 UV
Bathing suits
Water
Hat
Towels
Clothes - This is for whom will be sleeping at the hotel.
Comfortable shoes if you decide to go hiking.
Sunglasses
Mobile Phone

What To Do In Comino

St. Nicholas Bay
St. Nicholas Bay is adjacent to the Comino hotel a fairly large inlet where at far inside there are two small bays. Crystal clear beautiful water which goes from very shallow sand to deep sea ideal for snorkelling. In summer this area is reserved for the hotel facilities with sunbeds and umbrellas for visitors.

St. Mary's Tower
The Santa Maria tower is located on a high vintage point purposely built by the Knights of St. John in 1618 for defence and to provide communication between the Cittadella Gozo and Mdina.
Today it is restored and can be visited on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays April to October. Opening hours 10.30 to 15.00 subject that the flag is flying and this will indicate that it is open for visitors.

Santa Maria Batteries
Saint Mary's Battery is located on the far end side to protect the channel between Malta and Comino. Built by the Knights of St. John between 1715 to 1716 as an artillery battery as part of the coastal fortifications. Today it is restored and is open to the public all year round. It is a long walk for those wish to visit especially during summer.

St. Mary's Chapel
The small chapel is dedicated to the Return of the Holy Family from Egypt. It is located adjacent to Santa Maria Bay. It used to serve the local community but today it is still used for Sunday mass. It is a small chapel. It was built in 1618 during the same time when the tower was built.

Comino Barracks
Comino Barracks are located just north of Santa Maria Tower. They were built by the Knights of St. John some time after the tower in 1618. During emergencies the garrison manning the tower counted up to 60 soldiers. The barracks located in such an isolated area, were subsequently used by the British as an isolation hospital. Later on also during WWI and WWII.