Overview
Comino is a small island — roughly 3.5 square kilometres — situated in the channel between Malta and Gozo. It is part of the Maltese archipelago and falls under Maltese jurisdiction; it is not part of Italy. If you have seen a destination listed as 'Comino, Malta, Italy,' that is a data error: Comino is firmly within the Republic of Malta.
The island is almost entirely uninhabited year-round, home to only a handful of permanent residents and a single hotel (which operates seasonally). There are no cars, no roads in the conventional sense, and very limited infrastructure. That austerity is precisely the appeal: Comino offers one of the clearest stretches of water in the Mediterranean, most famously at the Blue Lagoon on its northwest tip.
Beyond the Blue Lagoon, Comino has a small 17th-century watchtower — St Mary's Tower — built by the Knights of St John, a modest chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and several walking trails that traverse scrubland and coastal cliffs. During peak summer months the Blue Lagoon attracts large numbers of day-trippers; visiting in shoulder season (late April to early June, or September to October) gives a noticeably quieter experience.
Before You Go
Jurisdiction and Visas
Comino is part of Malta, a member state of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Entry requirements are therefore those of Malta and the Schengen zone. For accurate, up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality, visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official website of the Maltese immigration authority or your nearest Maltese embassy.
What to Bring
Because Comino has minimal facilities, especially outside peak season, come prepared:
- Sun protection: High-factor sunscreen, a hat, and UV-protective swimwear. Shade is scarce at the Blue Lagoon.
- Water and snacks: Kiosks operate near the Blue Lagoon in summer, but their hours and stock vary. Bringing your own water is strongly recommended.
- Cash: Card acceptance on the island is limited. Bring euros in small denominations.
- Snorkeling gear: Rentals may be available from boats or kiosks seasonally, but bringing your own guarantees availability.
- A light layer: Evenings and early mornings can be cool, particularly in spring and autumn.
Getting There
Comino has no airport. The nearest international airport is Malta International Airport (MLA) near Luqa on the main island of Malta. From there, most visitors travel to one of the ferry departure points.
Ferries
Regular ferry and water-taxi services operate to Comino from two main points: Ċirkewwa in the north of Malta and Mġarr Harbour in Gozo. Multiple operators run these routes, particularly between April and October. Crossing times are short — typically around 25 minutes from Ċirkewwa. Schedules and pricing vary by operator and season; verify current timetables and book directly with operators or through the Gozo Channel or private ferry companies before travel.
Out of season, services are significantly reduced and may require advance arrangement. If you plan to stay overnight, confirm ferry availability for your return journey before you arrive.
Getting Around
There are no motor vehicles permitted on Comino (except for essential service vehicles). Movement around the island is entirely on foot. The island is small enough that most points of interest — the Blue Lagoon, St Mary's Tower, Santa Marija Bay, and the chapel — can be reached by walking, though some paths are uneven and can be slippery near the water.
Water taxis occasionally ferry visitors between the Blue Lagoon and other coves around the island; availability depends on demand and season. If you arrive by a tour boat, check whether the operator circles the island or offers drop-offs at multiple points before booking.
Where to Stay
Accommodation on Comino is extremely limited. There is one hotel on the island — the Comino Hotel — which operates seasonally, typically from spring to autumn. Rooms book up well in advance during peak summer months. Verify current opening dates, rates, and availability directly with the property before planning your trip.
Camping on Comino is technically possible but requires advance permits; rules and permissions should be confirmed with Maltese authorities before attempting to stay overnight this way.
Most visitors to Comino stay in accommodation on the main island of Malta or on Gozo and make day trips. Both islands offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments at various price points.
Things to See & Do
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is Comino's defining attraction: a shallow, sheltered channel between Comino and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto, filled with water that ranges from pale aquamarine to deep turquoise depending on the light. Swimming, snorkeling, and simply floating are the main activities. The seabed is visible in clear conditions even at depth, and marine life including fish and occasional octopus can be spotted.
Arriving early in the morning — or visiting in shoulder season — makes a meaningful difference to crowd levels. By midday in July and August, the lagoon can be very busy with day-trip boats.
St Mary's Tower
Built in 1618 by the Knights of St John, this square watchtower stands on the island's southern coast and is one of Malta's best-preserved coastal towers. Access is sometimes possible on organised tours; verify locally for current arrangements.
Walking and Nature
Comino supports low scrubland vegetation and a resident population of rabbits. Several informal coastal paths offer views of the sea cliffs and across to Malta and Gozo. Birdwatching can be rewarding during spring and autumn migration. The island is officially a nature reserve, so flora and fauna should be left undisturbed.
Diving
The waters around Comino offer several recognized dive sites with good visibility, caves, and reef structures. Dive operators based in Malta and Gozo run excursions to Comino; verify current operators and certifications locally or through the Malta Tourism Authority.
Food & Drink
Food and drink options on Comino itself are very limited. During summer, floating pontoon kiosks and a small beach bar near the Blue Lagoon typically sell snacks, cold drinks, and basic food items. Opening hours and seasonal operation vary; do not rely on these as your sole source of food or water.
The hotel restaurant serves guests and sometimes day visitors during its operating season, but capacity is limited. For a wider range of Maltese cuisine — including fresh seafood, pastizzi (savoury pastries), rabbit stew (fenek), and local wines — visitors will find far more choice in the towns and villages of Malta and Gozo.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Malta's general emergency number is 112, which connects to police, ambulance, and fire services. Medical facilities on Comino itself are nonexistent; any serious emergency would require evacuation by boat to Malta or Gozo.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (from Maltese networks) generally extends to Comino, though it can be patchy. Wi-Fi is not reliably available outside the hotel.
Money
The currency is the euro. ATMs do not exist on Comino. Withdraw cash on the main island before departing.
Environment
Comino is a nature reserve. Visitors are expected to take all litter off the island, avoid disturbing wildlife, and not remove any natural materials. Anchoring on seagrass beds (Posidonia) is prohibited under Maltese law.
Safety
Comino is generally a safe destination. The main risks are environmental rather than security-related: sun exposure and dehydration are real concerns in summer when temperatures can exceed 35°C; sea conditions around the island's exposed coasts can become rough quickly, particularly in wind; and the rocky coastline requires careful footing.
Swim within designated areas where possible, particularly if you are not a confident swimmer. The Blue Lagoon can become congested with boat traffic in peak season, so be aware of vessel movement if swimming at its edges.
There is no resident medical service on the island. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is advisable.