Last reviewed: October 2026 · key facts checked against Wikidata

Comino Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

Comino is a 3.5 square kilometre island in the Maltese archipelago, sitting between Malta and Gozo in the Mediterranean Sea at 75 metres above sea level. With a permanent population of just 3 residents, it is one of the least inhabited islands in Europe and is best known for the vivid turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon. The island is car-free, largely uninhabited, and forms part of the municipality of Għajnsielem in southeastern Gozo.

Three Things Not to Miss in Comino

• Blue Lagoon — Comino’s famous turquoise inlet draws thousands daily in summer — arrive before 9 a.m. to beat the crowds.
• Santa Marija Bay — A quieter sandy cove on Comino’s eastern shore, reachable on foot in under 15 minutes from the Blue Lagoon.
• St Mary’s Tower — A 17th-century watchtower built in 1618 overlooking the channel, offering panoramic views of Malta and Gozo.

Scroll down for our complete travel guide with tips on getting there, where to stay, costs and more.

Reaching Comino

How do I get to Comino — by flight or ferry?

Ferry is the only way to reach Comino — there is no airport on the island. Scheduled ferry services run from Ċirkewwa on the northwestern tip of Malta and from Mġarr Harbour on Gozo. Crossings from Ċirkewwa take approximately 25 minutes; from Mġarr roughly 15 minutes. The nearest international airport is Malta International Airport (MLA) in Luqa, about 35 km by road from Ċirkewwa. Worth knowing: no vehicles are permitted on Comino, so everything you bring must be carried by hand from the ferry pier.

Which ferry port is the best starting point for Comino?

Ċirkewwa on Malta’s northwest coast is the most convenient departure point for most visitors flying into Malta International Airport (MLA). The port is about 35 km from Luqa and reachable by bus route 223 from Valletta, which takes roughly 75 minutes. If you are already staying on Gozo, departing from Mġarr Harbour saves time — the crossing is only about 15 minutes. Tip: ferry operators such as Comino Ferries and Elena Ferries run scheduled services; check their websites for exact timetables and seasonal changes, as winter frequencies drop significantly.

How long does the ferry crossing to Comino take?

The crossing from Ċirkewwa to Comino takes approximately 25 minutes, and from Mġarr Harbour on Gozo roughly 15 minutes. Both routes are operated by private ferry companies including Comino Ferries and Elena Ferries, which run multiple departures daily during summer peak season (June–September). In the shoulder months of May and October, services are reduced. Worth knowing: rough weather in winter can cancel crossings entirely, and Comino has no sheltered harbour, so embarkation can be choppy. Always check the return schedule before departing — the last ferry back typically runs in late afternoon.

What does a ferry ticket to Comino cost?

A return ferry ticket to Comino costs approximately €15–€20 per adult as of 2025; verify current fares directly with Comino Ferries or Elena Ferries before travel, as prices are adjusted seasonally. Children’s fares are generally reduced by around 50%. Day-trip boat excursions from Sliema or Valletta that include the Blue Lagoon often bundle the crossing with a guided coastal tour at roughly €25–€35 per person, which can offer better value if you also want to see Comino’s sea caves. Tip: booking online in advance during July and August avoids long queues at the pier.

Are overnight ferries to Comino worth it?

No overnight ferry service to Comino exists — the island has a single hotel (the Comino Hotel, which operates seasonally) and no other substantial accommodation infrastructure. The ferry crossings are short daytime services only. If you want to experience Comino at dawn before day-trippers arrive, the practical solution is to stay at the Comino Hotel itself, which reopens each spring. Alternatively, basing yourself in Mellieħa on Malta or Victoria (Rabat) on Gozo — both within 30 minutes of a ferry departure — allows very early morning crossings to beat the Blue Lagoon crowds.

Do I need a rental car or scooter on Comino?

No — Comino is entirely car-free and no motorised vehicles are permitted on the island. All movement is on foot along gravel tracks. The island is small enough (3.5 km²) that you can walk from the ferry pier at the Blue Lagoon to Santa Marija Bay in about 15 minutes and to St Mary’s Tower in under 30 minutes. There are no scooter rentals on the island. What you do need, however, is a reliable car or taxi transfer to reach Ċirkewwa from Malta — renting a car or booking a taxi for the mainland portion of the journey is genuinely useful.

Transport on Comino

Are there buses between different parts of Comino?

There are no buses on Comino — the island has no public transport of any kind. All movement is on foot. The main footpath network connects the ferry pier at the Blue Lagoon, Santa Marija Bay, St Mary’s Tower, and the Comino Hotel area. The longest walk across the full island takes under 45 minutes at a relaxed pace. Worth knowing: there are no taxis, golf carts, or any motorised transport available for hire on the island, so visitors with mobility limitations should be aware that terrain is uneven gravel and rocky coastal path rather than paved walkways.

What does accommodation on Comino cost per night — and where do I book?

The only accommodation on Comino is the seasonal Comino Hotel, which typically charges around €150–€300 per room per night depending on sea-view category and season; verify current rates on the hotel’s official website or via Booking.com. The hotel operates from approximately April to November and closes in winter. Budget-conscious travellers almost universally visit as a day trip from Malta or Gozo, where accommodation is far cheaper — a mid-range guesthouse in Mellieħa or Victoria on Gozo runs roughly €60–€120 per night. Tip: the hotel’s all-inclusive packages include pool and beach access that eases the crowds.

How far in advance should I book accommodation on Comino?

Book the Comino Hotel at least 3–4 months before arrival for July and August dates. The hotel has a limited number of rooms and fills rapidly once the summer calendar opens. For shoulder months — May, June, September, or October — 6–8 weeks in advance is generally sufficient, though we recommend booking earlier given Comino’s unique status as the only overnight option on the island. If the hotel is full, your fallback is Mellieħa on Malta (roughly 8 km from Ċirkewwa) or Marsalforn on Gozo, both of which offer more accommodation variety at competitive prices.

When is the best time to visit Comino?

May, June, September, and October offer the best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds. Sea temperatures in May reach around 20°C, climbing to a peak of roughly 27°C in August. July and August are peak season — the Blue Lagoon can see thousands of day-trippers simultaneously, making it difficult to find swimming space. The shoulder months deliver warm, calm Mediterranean weather ideal for snorkelling and walking. November is still mild at around 18°C on average and sees very few tourists. Winter months (December–March) bring choppy seas and irregular ferry services, and the Comino Hotel closes entirely.

How does Comino’s weather affect activities throughout the year?

Calm, sunny conditions from May through October make Comino ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and walking. The Blue Lagoon’s waters are clearest and warmest between June and September, with visibility often exceeding 15 metres underwater. Wind is the main variable — the Gregale north-easterly can arrive abruptly in autumn and spring, disrupting ferry schedules and making the open-water swim between the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon unsafe. In winter, the Comino Hotel closes, ferry services become irregular, and walking trails can be slippery after rain. Tip: check wind forecasts on Windy.com before booking a day trip in April or November.

Are there local festivals or events worth attending on Comino?

Comino itself hosts no regular festivals, but the feast of Santa Marija on 15 August draws a small celebration at the island’s tiny chapel — one of the rare occasions a religious ceremony takes place on the island. The chapel is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and is attended by residents and a handful of pilgrims arriving by boat from Gozo. Worth knowing: the broader Maltese festival calendar is packed in summer — the Isle of MTV concert in Floriana and village festas across Malta and Gozo run June through September and can be combined with a Comino day trip as part of a longer Malta itinerary.

Accommodation on Comino

When does Comino get dangerously overcrowded?

July and August see the Blue Lagoon overwhelmed — peak days bring thousands of visitors to an island of 3.5 km². Anchored charter boats, commercial ferries, and inflatable loungers crowd the lagoon between roughly 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily in high summer. We recommend arriving before 8:30 a.m. on the first ferry or visiting in the early evening when day-trippers leave. For a genuinely quieter experience, Gozo — just 15 minutes by ferry from Mġarr — offers comparable coastal scenery at Reqqa Point and Wied il-Għasri without the same density of visitors. May and October remain the most comfortable months for the Blue Lagoon.

What is a realistic daily budget for a day trip to Comino?

A comfortable day trip to Comino costs approximately €40–€70 per person all-in. Budget breakdown: return ferry roughly €15–€20, food and drinks from the beach kiosks around €15–€25, and optional snorkelling equipment hire around €10–€15 from vendors near the Blue Lagoon pier. Sunbeds with umbrella hire on the beach costs approximately €10–€15 per set. Comino has no supermarkets or budget dining options — everything is kiosk-priced. Tip: bring your own snacks, a reusable water bottle, and reef-safe sunscreen to reduce on-island costs and avoid the premium pricing that applies to water and food sold at the beach.

Is Comino more expensive than visiting mainland Malta?

Yes — Comino is noticeably more expensive for food and drink than mainland Malta, due to the absence of competition and the logistics of supplying a nearly uninhabited island. A bottle of water at the Blue Lagoon kiosks costs roughly €2–€3, compared to under €1 in a Valletta supermarket. A basic snack or sandwich runs €5–€8. By contrast, a sit-down lunch in Valletta’s Strait Street area or St Julian’s typically costs €12–€18 for a full meal with a drink. The ferry crossing is an additional cost that mainland beach destinations like Golden Bay or Mellieħa Bay do not require.

What unavoidable expenses should I budget for when visiting Comino?

The ferry crossing (approximately €15–€20 return) is a non-negotiable cost for every Comino visitor. Beyond that, drinking water is essential — temperatures exceed 32°C in July and August, and the island has no natural freshwater sources or public drinking fountains. Budget at least €5–€10 for water and snacks even if you pack your own supplies. Sun protection is critical: medical facilities are entirely absent on the island, and the nearest clinic is in Gozo or Malta. Worth knowing: there are no ATMs on Comino, so carry sufficient euro cash before boarding the ferry, as card payment is not always available at beach kiosks.

What are the best beaches on Comino?

The Blue Lagoon is Comino’s headline beach — a sheltered inlet between Comino and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto with shallow, turquoise water rarely exceeding 2 metres deep near the shore. It is ideal for families and non-swimmers. Santa Marija Bay on the eastern side of the island is a sandy cove that receives significantly fewer visitors and suits those wanting calmer conditions. Crystal Lagoon, accessible only by boat or a rocky scramble, offers exceptional snorkelling with coral and sea grass beds. Worth knowing: the Blue Lagoon has no shade from natural vegetation — the sandy area is entirely sun-exposed, making a parasol essential.

What sights on Comino are worth seeing beyond the beaches?

St Mary’s Tower is Comino’s main historical landmark — a Knights of St John watchtower completed in 1618 that stands on the island’s southern plateau and offers clear sightlines across to both Malta and Gozo. The Santa Marija Chapel, one of Malta’s oldest chapels, sits near the Comino Hotel and is still occasionally used for services. The Blue Lagoon cave (accessible by swimming or kayak) is a sea cave carved into the cliff face on Cominotto. Walking Comino’s full perimeter trail takes roughly 2 hours and reveals dramatic coastal cliffs on the northern side that most day-trippers never reach.

Comino Season by Season

What watersports activities are available on Comino?

Snorkelling, kayaking, and paddleboarding are the main watersports available on Comino. Equipment hire operates from the Blue Lagoon beach area during the summer season — snorkelling sets rent for approximately €10–€15 and kayaks for around €15–€20 per hour; verify current rates with operators on arrival. The waters around Crystal Lagoon and the sea caves near Cominotto are popular with scuba divers, and dive operators based in Mellieħa on Malta or Marsalforn on Gozo run guided dive excursions to Comino’s reefs. Worth knowing: jet skis and motorised watersports are prohibited in the lagoon to protect the water quality.

What is the culinary highlight of a visit to Comino?

Comino has no restaurants — the only food available on the island comes from seasonal beach kiosks at the Blue Lagoon selling burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks at tourist prices. The Comino Hotel restaurant serves meals but is generally reserved for hotel guests during busy periods. For authentic Maltese food, you need to travel off-island: Mġarr on Gozo — the closest ferry port, just 15 minutes away — has seafood restaurants serving lampuki (dolphin fish), a Maltese seasonal delicacy available September through November. We recommend timing a post-Comino dinner in Mġarr or Victoria on Gozo for a genuine culinary experience.

Which parts of Comino are still off the beaten track?

Comino’s northern cliffs and the full perimeter walking trail see a fraction of Blue Lagoon visitor numbers. The trail along the island’s north-facing coastline — roughly 2.5 km of rocky path — passes through Santa Marija Battery, a 18th-century fortification, and reaches viewpoints over open sea with no facilities and very few people even in peak season. Crystal Lagoon on the western side of Cominotto is accessible only by swimming around the islet or via private boat, making it inherently uncrowded. Tip: pack a lunch and walk the full perimeter in the morning before ferry crowds arrive — you will have the clifftop trails almost entirely to yourself.

How many days do I need to see Comino properly?

One full day is sufficient to see everything Comino offers — the island is only 3.5 km² and can be walked in its entirety in under 2.5 hours. A typical day-trip schedule: arrive on the first ferry before 9 a.m., swim the Blue Lagoon, walk to St Mary’s Tower and the northern cliffs, visit Santa Marija Bay in the afternoon, and return on a late-afternoon ferry. Staying overnight at the Comino Hotel adds the unique experience of the island at dawn and dusk when it is nearly deserted, but it is not necessary to cover the sights. For context, nearby Gozo warrants at least 2–3 days given its archaeological sites, diving, and inland villages.

How do I get from Malta International Airport to Comino?

The journey from Malta International Airport (MLA) to the Comino ferry at Ċirkewwa takes roughly 75–90 minutes by public transport. Take bus route X1 or 222 from the airport to Valletta (25 minutes), then connect to bus route 223 from Valletta to Ċirkewwa (75 minutes). A direct taxi or private transfer from the airport to Ċirkewwa costs approximately €35–€50 and takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic. Worth knowing: the airport bus stop is directly outside the terminal arrivals hall, and the Malta Public Transport app shows live timetables. Rental cars from operators at MLA give flexibility but are not usable on Comino itself.

Is Comino accessible year-round?

**Comino is effectively a seasonal destination — accessible year-round in theory, but practically limited from November through March. The Comino Hotel** closes for winter, ferry frequencies drop sharply, and rough Gregale winds can suspend crossings entirely for days at a time. The island’s kiosks and watersports operators shut down by late October. In winter, only the 3 permanent residents and occasional birdwatchers visit the island. For year-round Mediterranean island travel, Gozo — just 15 minutes by ferry from Comino and accessible via a 25-minute Gozo Channel Line crossing from Ċirkewwa — offers full services, restaurants, and accommodation throughout the year.

Budgeting for Comino

Do I need a visa to visit Comino as part of a Malta trip?

Comino is part of Malta, an EU Schengen member state — so standard Schengen visa rules apply. Citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and roughly 60 other countries can enter Malta visa-free for stays up to 90 days. UK passport holders travel visa-free post-Brexit under Malta’s bilateral arrangement. Travellers from countries requiring a Schengen visa should apply through the Maltese Embassy or Consulate in their home country, typically at least 3–4 weeks before travel. Worth knowing: Malta is not part of the Schengen Area for air travel passport checks — you clear immigration at Malta International Airport (MLA), and no further checks apply for island-hopping to Comino or Gozo.

What languages are spoken on Comino and across the Maltese islands?

English is an official language of Malta and universally spoken across all three Maltese islands, including Comino. All ferry operators, hotel staff, and beach vendors communicate in fluent English. Maltese (Malti) is the national language — a unique Semitic language with Arabic roots and heavy Italian and English influence. Learning a few Maltese phrases such as “grazzi” (thank you) or “bonġu” (good morning) is appreciated but entirely optional. Italian is understood by a large portion of the older population due to historical proximity. There are no language barriers for English-speaking travellers at any point in the Comino visitor experience.

What cultural rules or etiquette should I know before visiting Comino?

Swimwear must be covered when entering the Santa Marija Chapel — a small but still-used Catholic place of worship on the island. The chapel sees occasional services, particularly around the 15 August feast of Santa Marija, and visitors are expected to dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) inside. Environmental etiquette is equally important: Comino is a nature reserve and removing shells, marine life, or rocks is prohibited under Maltese law. Single-use plastic bags are banned in Malta. Worth knowing: anchoring boats directly in the Blue Lagoon seagrass beds is subject to fines — a regulated mooring system operates in peak season to protect Posidonia oceanica meadows.

How safe is Comino for visitors?

Comino is an exceptionally safe destination — petty crime is virtually non-existent on an island with only 3 permanent residents and no road traffic. The primary safety considerations are environmental: drowning risk in the Blue Lagoon increases when boat traffic is heavy and swimmers share the water with vessels. Swim within the marked zones and avoid the boat channel. Sun exposure is a serious risk — there is no natural shade at the Blue Lagoon, temperatures exceed 33°C in July, and sunstroke cases are common. There are no medical facilities on Comino; the nearest clinic is in Victoria (Rabat) on Gozo or Mellieħa on Malta.

What health precautions should I take before visiting Comino?

Bring all medications and a basic first-aid kit — there are no pharmacies, clinics, or emergency services on Comino. The nearest hospital is Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, Malta, approximately 45 km from Ċirkewwa. Sun protection (SPF 50+), a hat, and at least 2 litres of water per person per day are essential in summer — the island has no freshwater sources. Reef-safe sunscreen is strongly encouraged to protect the Blue Lagoon’s marine ecosystem. Travel insurance covering emergency medical evacuation by sea or helicopter is advisable. EU citizens should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to Maltese public healthcare.

Which apps are most useful for visiting Comino?

Malta Public Transport’s official app gives live bus timetables for reaching Ċirkewwa from anywhere on Malta — essential for planning the ferry connection. Windy.com is valuable for checking wind and wave forecasts before committing to a crossing, particularly in shoulder season. Google Maps has reasonable offline coverage of Comino’s footpaths. Komoot has user-uploaded walking routes for the full island perimeter trail. For booking excursions from Sliema or St Julian’s that include Comino, operators such as Captain Morgan Cruises have their own booking apps or websites. Worth knowing: mobile signal on Comino is serviceable with Maltese SIM cards (major operator: Epic or GO Malta) but can be patchy on the northern cliffs.

What to Do on Comino

What mistakes do first-time visitors make when visiting Comino?

The most common mistake is arriving mid-morning in July or August — by 10:30 a.m. the Blue Lagoon is packed, and finding a swimming spot becomes genuinely difficult. Arriving on the first ferry (often around 8–8:30 a.m.) or visiting in May, June, September, or October solves this. Second most common error: not bringing cash — several kiosk vendors on the island do not accept cards, and there is no ATM. A third frequent mistake is underestimating sun exposure — the Blue Lagoon shoreline has zero natural shade and visitors regularly suffer sunstroke. Finally, many visitors miss Comino’s northern cliffs and the St Mary’s Tower by spending the entire day at the lagoon, which covers only a fraction of the island.

Comino at a Glance

Population	3
Currency	EUR (€)
Official language	Maltese, English
Time zone	UTC+01:00

Source: Wikidata, retrieved October 2026.

Malta › Comino

More Destinations in Gozo Region (Għawdex)

• Gozo

Essential Resources for Planning Your Trip to Comino

• Wikivoyage: Comino — community travel guide & practical tips
• Wikipedia: Comino — history, geography & background
• Malta International Airport — how to get there and around
• https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/?Routes&type=cultur…

Data Sources

Key facts on this page (population, currency, language, time zone) come from Wikidata, climate figures from Open-Meteo. The retrieval date is shown next to the facts table.