Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Comino is a small, largely car-free island between Malta and Gozo, about 20 km in a straight line from Valletta, best known for the shallow turquoise water of the Blue Lagoon. There is no ferry to Comino from Valletta or Sliema; the usual route is Malta Public Transport bus 41 or 42 from Valletta Bus Terminus to Cirkewwa, about 75 minutes, then a ferry of about 20 minutes. Comino Ferries Co-Op charges EUR 15.00 (USD 17.25) return and Ebsons Comino Ferries EUR 13.00 (USD 14.95) return, with sailings running roughly from 09:10 to 16:10. At the island, the Blue Lagoon is the main draw for swimming and snorkelling over pale sand, with the neighbouring islet of Cominotto visible across the water. Beyond the lagoon, walking paths cross the island's low, rocky scrubland toward St Mary's Tower, a watchtower built by the Knights of St John, and to quieter coves with clearer, less crowded water. Visitors can walk the island in a few hours, but there is very little shade. A sensible one-day arc is to take an early morning sailing so that the lagoon is reached before the busiest hours, swim and snorkel through the late morning, then walk toward the tower or the other bays in the afternoon before catching a return ferry. Food and drink on the island is limited to small kiosks near the lagoon, so many visitors bring water, snacks and sun protection from Malta; refreshments at Cirkewwa or in nearby Mellieha are useful before and after the crossing. May to October offers the warm sea and full ferry schedule, with July and August being the busiest and hottest. Late September and early October combine warm water with smaller crowds. Footwear with grip is helpful for rocky entry points, and a hat and high-factor sunscreen are important given the exposed landscape. The last ferry back should be checked on arrival, since missing it leaves no easy alternative.