Comino Malta Guide: Things to Do, Blue Lagoon Tips & 2026 Advice

Comino is the tiny island between Malta and Gozo, famous for the Blue Lagoon's clear turquoise water and white rock shelves. For most visitors it's a day-trip destination, but there is more to Comino than a single crowded bay.

This honest Comino guide for 2026 walks through things to do in Comino beyond the Blue Lagoon, how to get there from Malta or Gozo, when to go for fewer crowds, and what to expect once you're actually on the island.

Quick overview of Comino

Comino (Kemmuna in Maltese) is just a few square kilometres in size, with no real towns and only a handful of permanent residents. There are no regular cars or buses – you get around on foot or by boat, which is part of the appeal.

Most people experience Comino as:

A half-day or full-day trip from Malta or Gozo
A combination of Blue Lagoon swim stops, boat tours, and short walks around the island
A chance to see a wilder, more minimal side of the Maltese islands

It's beautiful, but also busy in peak season, so managing expectations and timing makes a big difference.

Best things to do in Comino

If you're skimming, here are the top things to do in Comino:

Swim and snorkel in the Blue Lagoon's clear water.
Explore the Crystal Lagoon and nearby coves by boat, if sea conditions allow.
Walk to Santa Marija Bay for a quieter, more relaxed beach.
Follow coastal paths and viewpoints around the island for cliff and sea views.
Visit Santa Marija Tower, the square watchtower overlooking the channel.
Take a boat tour that includes sea caves and rock formations along Comino's coast.

For most visitors, a well-planned Comino day trip mixes one or two busy "headline" spots with some quieter corners.

Blue Lagoon: what to expect

The Blue Lagoon is the reason Comino is on so many Malta itineraries. It's a narrow stretch of water between Comino and the small islet of Cominotto, with pale sand and rock underneath that creates the bright turquoise colour in photos.

A few key points:

In high season, Blue Lagoon gets very crowded, especially from late morning to mid-afternoon. Expect boats, pontoons, kiosks, and sunbeds packed together on the main rock platforms.
There is only a small patch of actual sand; most people sit or lie on rocks, rented sunbeds, or their towels.
The water is shallow and clear near the shore and deepens towards Cominotto, making it excellent for swimming and snorkelling on calm days.

To experience the Blue Lagoon at its best, aim for early-morning arrivals or later-afternoon stays when many day-trippers are leaving.

Crystal Lagoon and other swim spots

Just around the coast from the Blue Lagoon is the Crystal Lagoon, a sheltered bay framed by cliffs. Many boat trips include a swim stop here, often with the boat anchoring and people entering the water via ladders or slides.

Other small coves and inlets around Comino may be accessible by:

Joining a boat tour that circles the island and stops where conditions allow
Walking along the coastal paths and climbing down to rock ledges where it's safe to enter the water

Sea conditions matter here – on windy or rough days, some spots become unsafe or are skipped by captains. On calmer days, these less famous corners can feel more relaxed than the Blue Lagoon itself.

Santa Marija Bay and quieter Comino

If you're looking for a more chilled Comino experience, Santa Marija Bay is usually quieter than the Blue Lagoon. It's a sandy, tree-backed bay on the northern side of the island, with a more low-key, "beach day" feel.

You can typically reach Santa Marija Bay by:

Boat: some tours drop you there directly or shuttle between bays
Foot: following signed or obvious paths from the Blue Lagoon area, usually 20–30 minutes' walk depending on route and heat

It's still popular in summer, but the smaller numbers and shaded areas make it a good option if you want part of your Comino day to feel more like a normal beach visit.

Walking and exploring Comino on foot

One of the most underrated things to do in Comino is simply walk the island. The landscape is rocky and low-lying, with scrub, cliffs, and open sea views everywhere.

There are informal paths heading towards Santa Marija Bay, Santa Marija Tower, and various viewpoints.
Surfaces are rough and exposed, so wear proper shoes or sturdy sandals, bring water, and use sun protection.
In summer, plan walks for morning or late afternoon; mid-day heat, with little shade, can feel intense.

A classic lightweight loop: arrive at Blue Lagoon, walk via Santa Marija Tower and Bay, then return or meet your boat at a different point, depending on your tour operator.

Santa Marija Tower

The square Santa Marija Tower stands above Comino's cliffs and has watched over the channel between Malta and Gozo since the 17th century. You may recognise it from films and Malta photography feeds.

The walk up to the tower gives you wide views over Comino, Gozo and northern Malta.
Opening hours to go inside or onto the terrace vary by season and volunteer schedules, so consider it a bonus if it's open during your visit rather than a guaranteed activity.

Even if you can't go inside, the area around the tower is worth the detour for photos and an overview of the island.

How to get to Comino from Malta or Gozo

Comino is reachable only by boat. You can get there from both the main island of Malta and from Gozo.

From Malta:

Regular boat services and day cruises run from locations such as Ċirkewwa, Sliema, and St Paul's Bay/Bugibba.
You can choose between larger tour boats (often including lunch and commentary) and smaller speedboats focused on quick transfers and swim stops.

From Gozo:

Boats run from Mġarr Harbour and sometimes from Ħondoq ir-Rummien, offering Blue Lagoon and Comino-focused trips.
This is convenient if you're staying in Gozo and want Comino as a shorter detour rather than a full Malta-day-cruise experience.

When booking, check whether your ticket includes time on Comino island itself, multiple swim stops, or just a drop-and-collect at the lagoon.

When to visit Comino (and crowd tips)

Comino and the Blue Lagoon are highly seasonal.

June–September: warmest water and busiest crowds; boats arrive from mid-morning and it can feel extremely full at peak times.
Shoulder months (late spring and early autumn): often the sweet spot – swimming is still pleasant, but there's more space.
Winter: fewer boats and limited services; the island feels more rugged and is better suited to walking and photography than swimming-only trips.

For a better experience in high season:

Aim for first boats in the morning or plan to stay later into the afternoon as day cruises leave.
Consider smaller-group or semi-private tours if you want more flexibility on timing and swim spots.

Food, facilities and what to bring to Comino

Comino is wild compared to Malta or Gozo, so it helps to arrive prepared.

At the Blue Lagoon area, expect kiosks, snack bars, and drinks stands, especially in peak season. Prices are often higher than on the main islands.
Outside the main bay, facilities are limited – public toilets, bins, and shade can be sparse.

Pack:

Water and snacks (even if you plan to buy some on the island)
Reef shoes or sturdy sandals for rocky entry points
Sun protection: hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and maybe a light cover-up
A dry bag if you'll be hopping on and off boats often

Treat Comino as a small, mostly undeveloped island with pop-up services, not a full resort beach setup.

Is Comino worth visiting?

If you've seen photos of the Blue Lagoon, it's natural to worry that the reality won't match the hype. The truth in 2026 is somewhere in the middle: Comino is genuinely beautiful, but also genuinely busy in peak season.

Comino is worth visiting if:

You plan your timing (early/late) and don't expect empty-lagoon photos in August
You're happy to mix the headline spots with quieter bays and walks
You come prepared for sun, rocks, and a more "raw" island feel

Handled right, a Comino day trip can be one of the most memorable things you do in Malta – a bright-blue contrast to Valletta's stone streets and Gozo's countryside.