Things to do in Comino: 7 incredible places you can’t miss in 2026

If you’re wondering about things to do in Comino, the short answer is: more than you imagine. This small island in Malta—barely 3.5 km²—hides crystal-clear water beaches, secret spots, and a calm that is hard to find in other Mediterranean destinations. We visited it on a day trip on our own from St. Paul’s Bay, where we lived for almost a month, and it was one of the best days of our nearly two months in Malta.

Comino is not just the famous Blue Lagoon. There is much more to explore if you know where to go. In this guide, we tell you everything we saw, how we got there, and the secrets we discovered while walking around the island.

Summary: things to do in Comino

Malta’s Comino Island: everything you need to know before you go

Comino island in Malta is the third inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago, although it actually has very few permanent residents. Its name comes from the cumin plant that used to grow in abundance on the island. Today, what makes it famous worldwide is its turquoise lagoon, although the rest of the island also has its charm.

Comino has no cars and practically no heavy tourist infrastructure. There are no operating hotels (the historic Comino Hotel has been closed for years), no supermarkets, or formal restaurants. That bareness is exactly what makes it special: it is an almost pristine island right in the middle of the Mediterranean.

The terrain is arid, rocky, and covered with low-lying vegetation typical of the Mediterranean. The cliffs that surround part of the island create spectacular natural viewpoints over the sea. If you like nature without artifice, you will fall in love with Comino.

How to get to Comino island from Malta

To get to Comino island, the only thing you can do is take a boat. There is no other access. There are two main ways to do it:

Ferry from Marfa Jetty (Ramla Bay Resort)

This is the option we chose and the one we recommend most if you are staying in the north of Malta. We took a small boat at Marfa Jetty, near the Ramla Bay Resort, in Marfa Bay.
The trip takes about 20-25 minutes, and the round-trip ticket is very accessible, much cheaper than hiring an organized excursion. If you can, buy it directly at the pier to avoid intermediaries.

Ferry from Ċirkewwa (north of Malta) or from Gozo

From the north of Malta, at the Ċirkewwa harbor, there are also regular boats to Comino. It is the most popular option for those coming from Valletta or the south of the island. There are also direct connections from Gozo, which are ideal if you combine the visit with a day on the neighboring island.

Organized excursions

There are many agencies that offer excursions to Comino with a guide included. The price is considerably higher than going on your own. If you are already in Malta and want to organize everything easily, a combined excursion may be convenient, but honestly, we don’t consider it necessary: the island is small and very easy to get around on your own.

Things to do in Comino: 7 places you can’t miss

1. Blue Lagoon: Malta’s icon

The Blue Lagoon is, without a doubt, the main reason people visit Comino. And it is well-deserved. Its waters are an unreal turquoise, as calm as a natural pool, with visibility for several meters. The sandy, shallow bottom in some areas gives it that magical color that makes photos look edited.

You can walk almost all the way to the other side at Cominotto Beach. Or swim the last stretch, depending on the tide.

What you should know is that it is one of the most touristy places in Malta. We went in late October, already out of peak season, and there were still quite a few people. In summer, the crowding is even greater: boats, jet skis, sun loungers, and food stalls fill the lagoon. Even so, the place is so beautiful that it is worth going. The photos speak for themselves.

Tip: arrive early. The first boats of the morning carry fewer tourists and the light is better for photos.

2. Santa Maria Bay: For us, the best private ‘Blue Lagoon’

This was the great discovery of the day. Santa Maria Bay is less than a 30-minute walk from the Blue Lagoon, following a signposted path across the island. You can also take the small vans that act as taxis between the two beaches, but we preferred to walk to enjoy the scenery.

The difference with the Blue Lagoon is notable: many fewer people, more nature around, equally crystal-clear waters, and a calm that is hard to describe.

We stayed for a while on the small sandy beach and then continued walking a bit more along the rocky coast. That’s where we found our spot: a natural rock platform over the bay, with the sea all to ourselves.

Literally our private Blue Lagoon. It was one of those travel moments that stay with you forever.

If you go to Comino, don’t just stay at the Blue Lagoon. The effort to walk to Santa Maria is ten times worth it.

3. Crystal Lagoon

Less known than its big sister, the Crystal Lagoon is adjacent to the Blue Lagoon and is usually much less crowded. The waters are just as transparent and the atmosphere is calmer. It is a good place for swimming or snorkeling without the typical crowd of the Blue Lagoon.

4. Saint Mary’s Tower

The Santa Marija Battery is located at the highest point of the island. Here you will find this watchtower built by the Knights of Malta in the 17th century. It is one of the few historical buildings still standing on Comino. From above, the panoramic views over the channel between Malta and Gozo are spectacular. The path to the tower is also a good excuse to get away from the beaches and explore the island’s arid interior.

5. The northern cliffs

The north side of Comino is made up of white and ochre cliffs that drop directly into the sea. They are perfect for photography and for appreciating the contrast between the light rock and the intense blue of the Mediterranean. There are no formal trails, but you can walk carefully along the shore. The silence in this part of the island is absolute.

6. Santa Maria Cave

Near Santa Maria Bay is this small sea cave accessible by kayak or swimming from the coast (be careful with the tides). We didn’t get to see it, but people say the play of light inside the cave is impressive at midday. If you have the chance to rent a kayak at the Blue Lagoon, use it to explore this corner.

7. The inland landscape: scrubland and silence

Comino is not just beaches. The interior of the island has an austere beauty that also deserves exploration. Dirt paths between bushes of thyme, rosemary, and, of course, cumin, lead to spontaneous viewpoints and a feeling of authentic Mediterranean solitude. If you have the time and energy, crossing the island on foot from coast to coast takes less than an hour and is a memorable experience.

Where to eat and what to bring to Comino

In high season there are some bars and food stalls near the Blue Lagoon, but prices are high and the offering is limited. In low season they may be closed altogether. Our recommendation is to bring everything from Malta: plenty of water (the Mediterranean sun dehydrates you more than you think), snacks, sandwiches, and sunscreen.

There are no ATMs on the island. Bring cash or pay for the ferry by card before boarding.

When to go to Comino: the best time of year

The best time to visit Comino is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). In summer, from June to August, the island is packed with tourists and the heat can be overwhelming. In winter, many ferry services reduce their frequency or are suspended.

We went in late October and it was a very wise choice: the water was still warm enough for swimming, there were many fewer people than in summer, and prices in Malta in general were lower. If you can avoid July and August, do it.

Comino vs other islands in Malta: is it worth it?

Malta is an archipelago with three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Gozo is the second largest and has its own identity: medieval villages, prehistoric temples, the famous Azure Window (now collapsed), and a more rural quality of life. Comino, on the other hand, has no local life to explore: it is pure natural landscape and beaches.

Is it worth dedicating a full day to it? Absolutely yes, but with clear expectations: you are going for the nature and the water, not for culture or gastronomy.
For more ideas on how to get around the archipelago, you can see our complete guide to Malta.

Practical tips for visiting Comino

• Arrive early: the first boats of the morning avoid the crowds.
• Walk to Santa Maria Bay: it is the island’s best-kept secret.
• Bring everything you need: water, food, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear.
• Appropriate footwear: the rocks on some beaches are sharp. Water shoes or trekking sandals are ideal.
• Avoid July and August: overcrowding takes away much of the charm.
• Get travel insurance: Malta and Comino are safe destinations, but it never hurts to be covered. We always travel with IATI Insurance, which also has a 5% exclusive discount for blog readers.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Comino

How much time do you need to visit Comino?

With a full day you have more than enough to see the Blue Lagoon, walk to Santa Maria Bay, and explore some of the island’s interior. If you arrive early (first boats of the morning) and take the last ferry back, you can enjoy the day well without rushing.

Can you sleep in Comino?

Practically no. The Comino Hotel, which was the only historic accommodation on the island, has been closed for several years. There are no operating accommodation options. Comino is a full-day destination, not an overnight one.

How much does the ferry to Comino cost?

The ferry price varies according to the boarding point and the time of year, but in general, the round-trip ticket is quite accessible, around 15eu (depending on the season). From Marfa Jetty, where we took it, the price is competitive. Organized excursions are more expensive but include transfers and sometimes a guide.

Is there snorkeling in Comino?

Yes, and it is excellent. The waters of the Blue Lagoon and Santa Maria Bay are crystal clear and have good visibility. You can also explore the Santa Maria Cave by kayak or swimming. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you can; there are rentals on the island but it is more expensive.

Is the Blue Lagoon safe for children?

In general yes, because the water in the lagoon is calm and shallow in some areas. But it depends on the exact spot: there are areas where it gets deep quickly and where boats are moving around. Always with adult supervision and a life vest if the kids don’t swim well.

What is the difference between the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon in Comino?

They are two adjacent bodies of water. The Blue Lagoon is the largest, most famous, and most crowded. The Crystal Lagoon is right next door, it is somewhat smaller, and it is usually much less crowded. The waters of both are equally transparent and turquoise. If you are looking for more tranquility, the Crystal Lagoon is a good alternative.

What is special about Santa Maria Bay compared to the Blue Lagoon?

Santa Maria Bay is much less known and visited, which means fewer tourists, more nature, and the possibility of finding spots almost to yourself. The water is just as crystal clear. The atmosphere is wilder and more authentic. For us, it was the most special point of the entire visit to Comino.

Conclusion: things to do in Comino is worth the trip a hundred times over

Knowing things to do in Comino is the first step to making the most of this little jewel of the Mediterranean. The Blue Lagoon deserves all its fame, but the real secret of the island is a bit further away: at Santa Maria Bay, on the northern cliffs, in the medieval tower with views of the channel. Comino is an island to explore slowly, with comfortable shoes and no rush.

We returned to Malta in love with Comino. If you are planning your trip through the archipelago, don’t leave it off the itinerary. And if you want to keep discovering Malta, don’t miss Ramla Bay on the island of Gozo or the complete guide to Malta with everything we saw during our nearly two months in the country.

Have you been to Comino? Did you make it to Santa Maria Bay? Tell us in the comments.

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