Located between the islands of Malta and Gozo, the island of Comino is practically uninhabited. Only two people live on this island that extends for 3.5 kilometres from top-to-bottom. These residents are two cousins who are responsible for all the maintenance work that is carried out on the handful of buildings that stand on the island. Comino also has one hotel and one police officer. A priest also visits the island to deliver mass for these residents, bring them food and make sure that everything is in order.
So, if you’re coming to the Maltese archipelago and want to visit a secluded spot that is bathed by turquoise waters and home to caves, coves and limestone cliffs that is totally detached from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism, Comino might be right up your street. It is also a popular birdwatching destination.
Just like Gozo, the island of Comino is a good place to go diving, snorkelling and hiking. Various famous films including Troy, The Count of Monte Cristo and Popeye have also been filmed here.
You can see everything that Comino has to offer in a single day, although you can also stay the night at the island’s hotel or campsite if you wish. To get to the island, you need to take a ferry from the neighbouring island of Malta.
- St. Mary’s Bay
- St. Mary’s Caves
- St. Mary’s Tower
- Cominotto
- Crystal Lagoon
- Tunnel Cave
- Popeye Cave
- Lovers Cave
- How can I get to Comino
St. Mary’s Bay
St. Mary’s Bay is a white sandy beach located in a small cove that is bathed by the turquoise waters that are characteristic of the Maltese island of Comino. This relatively quiet beach is located just two kilometres from the Blue Lagoon, which is probably Comino’s most famous landmark.
St. Mary’s Caves
You can reach these five caves, which are considered to be some of the island’s top spots for diving and snorkelling, by heading east from St. Mary’s Bay across some rocky plains.
To access these natural cavities carved into the rock, you’ll need to take a boat that is narrow enough to pass through the small openings. Alternatively, you could swim there with the proper equipment. Once inside the cave, you may encounter octopus, moray eels or other marine species. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore some corals. There is a small sandy area inside the fifth cave, so be sure to bring a waterproof torch!
St. Mary’s Tower
Built in the 17th century by the Knights Hospitaller (now known as the Order of Malta) who ruled Malta at the time, St. Mary’s Tower once formed part of an ancient defensive structure comprised by various towers. This structure had a square floor plan with a small tower in each of the four corners.
It is located in south-west Comino, standing at the highest point on the island.
Cominotto
When departing from the Blue Lagoon, it is possible to access the small Maltese islet of Cominotto. This uninhabited island is much smaller than Comino.
Cominotto is another of the main attractions for diving enthusiasts visiting Malta. It is home to coral reefs, exotic submarine species and impressive cracks and cavities in the rocks, which were brought about by the erosion of the waves and the impact of the wind.
It also has a sandy beach where boats can moor up.
While we don’t recommend swimming to Cominotto from Comino, it is possible to get across the water by boat, kayak or stand-up paddle board.
Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon is one of the most beautiful and spectacular lagoons on the island of Comino. However, much of the terrain is rocky and it is difficult to access.
It is another popular attraction for divers and snorkellers. Following an initial five-metre descent, divers can access a thirty-metre-long tunnel. This structure forms part of a network of underwater tunnels that extend throughout the lagoon, which is home to rays, eels and octopus among other impressive species.
Tunnel Cave
Tunnel Cave is another of the caves found along the limestone coastline of Comino, which can be accessed by small boat or kayak.
It is a large natural tunnel that connects the Blue Lagoon with the Crystal Lagoon.
Popeye Cave
This cave was named after the film of the same name (1980) in which Robin Williams played the role of the famous spinach-loving cartoon character, Popeye.
Popeye Cave is located to the east of the Crystal Lagoon. It is an enormous cavern with a collapsed roof.
Lovers Cave
Although not as well known as the two aforementioned caves, Lovers Cave is also well worth visiting during your time on the island of Comino. Located to the south-east of Popeye Cave, this natural structure is also accessed by water.
After passing through a tunnel which extends for more than 60 metres, you’ll reach a cavern with a small beach. It is a hidden treasure that is sure to delight any true adventurer.
How can I get to Comino
If you’re travelling from the island of Malta, you’ll need to take a ferry from Ċirkewwa Port on the north-west coastline. Ferries depart at regular intervals throughout the day. Both outbound and inbound trips take roughly half an hour.
If you’re travelling from Gozo island, you’ll need to take a ferry from Mġarr Port.
