While most travelers visit Comino solely to swim in the shallow, turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon, this 3.5-square-kilometer car-free island holds a rich history and dramatic coastal geography.
If you step away from the main shoreline, you’ll find quiet coves, historic watchtowers, hidden sea caves, and clifftop walking paths. This guide reveals the top 7 things to do on Comino when you need a break from the crowds at the Blue Lagoon.
Quick Map of Comino Attractions
All of Comino’s main sights are within an easy walk of the Blue Lagoon landing area. Here is roughly how long it takes to get around on foot.
| Route on foot | Approx. walking time |
|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon to Crystal Lagoon | 10 minutes |
| Crystal Lagoon to Santa Marija Tower | 15 minutes |
| Santa Marija Tower to Santa Marija Battery | 15 minutes |
| Blue Lagoon to Santa Maria Bay and Caves | 20 minutes |
1. Snorkel in the Deep Waters of the Crystal Lagoon
Located just a 10-minute walk south of the Blue Lagoon, the Crystal Lagoon is framed by sheer 30-meter limestone cliffs.
- The Experience: Unlike the sandy, shallow seabed of the Blue Lagoon, the Crystal Lagoon features deeper, emerald-green waters with rocky overhangs and underwater caves.
- Why Visit: It is significantly less crowded for swimmers. Most full-day Hello Malta boat trips include a dedicated swim stop here, allowing you to jump directly into the sea from the boat’s ladder.
2. Walk to the Historic Santa Marija Tower
Dominating Comino’s southern horizon is Saint Mary’s Tower (Santa Marija Tower), built in 1618 by the Knights of Malta under Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt. Movie fans might recognize it as the prison Château d’If from the 2002 film The Count of Monte Cristo.
- The Walk: From the Blue Lagoon landing area, follow the dirt trail uphill towards the south for about 20 minutes.
- The Reward: When open (indicated by the Maltese flag flying from the roof), you can climb up to the roof deck for panoramic views across the channel toward Malta and Gozo.
3. Escape to Santa Maria Bay (Santa Marija)
If you prefer a calm, sandy beach without the bustling crowd of tour boats, cross the island to Santa Maria Bay.
- The Vibe: A quiet, shallow bay backed by tamarix trees and a small chapel built in 1618.
- How to Get There: A pleasant, flat 20-minute walk northeast from the Blue Lagoon along Comino’s main dirt track.
4. Explore the Santa Maria Sea Caves
Positioned on the northeastern coast beyond Santa Maria Bay, the Santa Maria Caves are a network of natural sea tunnels, arches, and underwater chambers.
- For Divers & Snorkelers: Renowned as one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Maltese archipelago due to the abundance of marine life and underwater light tunnels.
- By Boat: Small speedboats and coastal tours navigate through the larger archways, offering incredible photo opportunities against the limestone formations.
5. Hike the Full Comino Coastal Loop
Because Comino is entirely car-free with minimal elevation gain, hiking around the perimeter of the island is one of the best ways to spend a morning or afternoon during shoulder season.
- Distance: about 7.5 km (4.6 miles)
- Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Difficulty: easy to moderate on rocky trails
- Highlights: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Santa Marija Tower, Battery, Sea Caves
Safety Tip: Comino has very little shade. If hiking between May and September, wear sturdy walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and carry at least 1.5 liters of water. Read our full Comino packing guide before setting off.