The Blue Lagoon on the island of Comino is one of Malta’s main tourist attractions. It’s so overdone that you’ll find it as the cover photo of most travel books. I couldn’t pass up a visit to Comino Island, and the reputation of the Blue Lagoon really didn’t disappoint. Blue Lagoon at Comino and Gozo:
How to get to the Blue Lagoon
If you prefer independence, take the ferry from Malta to Cirkewa, with a ferry station to Gozo. About 100 metres next to the main terminal by the harbour is a small booth offering a shuttle service via the caves to Comino. A one-way ticket with a transfer at the Blue Lagoon to Gozo costs €13. Return by ferry for €4.50 from Gozo. They’ll also transport your bike if you pay an extra €5. There is also a similar ferry from Gozo to Comino. It is a round trip and cheaper.
If you prefer organised hiking and security, choose any excursions at the kiosks in Valletta. They’ll be happy to ride you around the blue lagoon for 20 – 50 euros, with varying levels of service.
If you are coming to Gozo by ferry from Malta, there is no charge in the direction of Malta. You just get on board. The ticket is only paid on the return journey.
Who wouldn’t succumb to a lonely romance by the waterfalls with a beauty in a hand-stitched bikini from the movie Blue Lagoon? But the reality of the Blue Lagoon in Malta will quickly snap you out of that daydream.
“Are we at Main Station?” was my first reaction upon landing.
The locals grabbed the opportunity to sell this natural gem by the scruff of the neck. Before we landed, we had to wait for the pier to become available at all.
Even from a distance, the hill above the harbour was lit up with stalls selling pizza, cola, beer, souvenirs, towels, towels, magnets, cups, books, and everything else an exotic-craving tourist might need on the Blue Lagoon.
Deckchair for 25€
I also used my acrobatic skills when performing. Where to put my foot among the umbrellas, towels and deck chairs? Finding a place for my foot honed my trail skills more than the Qarrraba trail. And I visited the lagoon in the mornings, during the week, and often in the off-season.
There was noise, shouting, jiving, cans, pizza trays and endless sea everywhere. Indeed an endless sea of experience and swimming-obsessed tourists. If you want to enjoy the Blue Lagoon, go early, preferably as early as 8.00am, during the week and out of season.
Swimming in the Blue Lagoon is the last thing that attracts me. The challenge was clear: get out of here as soon as possible.
Comino
Fortunately, Comino offers much more besides the Blue Lagoon. It is the smallest island of Malta, only 2 kilometres long and 1.7 kilometres wide. It is permanently inhabited by only three people.
Comino is a nature reserve; its inland and rocky cliffs are much more interesting than the Blue Lagoon. The Maltese name for this small island is Kemmuna, which means cumin (pepper) in Maltese and is precisely what it is named after. The air is said to be filled with its scent. And I like cumin.
Rock caves around the Blue Lagoon
The whole island is a nature reserve, but only when you hike up the cliffs towards Sant Marija Tower do you realise the splendour of this part of the island. The trail along the edges of the cliffs is definitely better fun than lounging in the Blue Lagoon.
Although the Blue Lagoon is usually why people head to Comino, there are other places to see. There are plenty of trails that run around the island. Exploring other beaches like San Niklaw Bay or Santa Maria Bay is essential. You’ll also find the only hotel and campground on the island. And few people.
St. Mary’s Tower
One of the few buildings on Comino that is easily visible is the Santa Maria Watchtower. If you take the trail around the caves, you will pass it. It dates back to the 17th century. It was part of the defensive towers that served as a fortification and warning system in case of pirate invasion of the island. St. Mary’s Tower also has Oscar-winning ambitions. It starred in the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo.
If you climb to the top of the stairs, the view of the whole area will reward you. As long as your camera batteries are charged.
Blue Lagoon at Comino and Gozo
After two hours of trails and a short swim, I escaped to the next island Gozo. Since there was plenty of time, I decided to explore the local Ir Rabat (the island’s centre) and the Citadel.
The coxswain was taking a bit of a beating or just bored. However, he decided to show us what his engines could do, and I have to admit that the ride was (apart from one aunt who got wonderfully sick) the best gliding experience of the day. 🙂
Gozo
The Citadel in Gozo promised change and a cultural bonus. There was enough sea, rocks and caves for today.
With its distinctive skyline, the ancient walled city of the Citadel stands out as Gozo’s prominent landmark, a beacon visible from all over the island.
Like Mdina Malta, only a few families live within the Citadel walls today. In the square, you will find the magnificent Baroque Gozo Cathedral dedicated to St Mary, like the tower on Comino.
Citadel in Gozo
Gozo was once a privileged Roman territory independent of Malta. The Citadel was the centre of its administrative, military and religious life. The Citadel’s importance dates back to Gozo’s darkest period when marauding Turks and Berber corsairs plundered the Maltese islands in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Until 1637, all Gozitans were legally obliged to spend the night in the Citadel for their safety. The Citadel was then besieged and eventually razed by the Ottomans. Except for only 40 elderly and handicapped citizens, the island’s entire population was then handcuffed and taken into slavery by the Turks. It took almost 50 years for the island to be repopulated and the Citadel rebuilt in its present form.
I definitely recommend you climb the Citadel all the way to the top. It provides spectacular views around the island, especially with partial cloud cover. There were plenty of galleries too. Enjoy the views from the upper platform.
Garb
You can’t discover Gozo in one day. I’m going to Garb, the ferry port that will take me to Malta. Many people are waiting for the ferry, but I am not bored. Even in the waiting room, one discovers beautiful views. Anyway. Blue Lagoon at Comino and Gozo is worth a visit.
