Why Comino
Comino is a small Mediterranean island spanning 3.5 square kilometres within the Maltese archipelago, situated between the larger islands of Malta and Gozo. Named after the cumin seed, this quiet landform is administered under the municipality of Għajnsielem in southeastern Gozo. Its landscape is characterized by rugged karst terrain, sclerophyllous shrubland, steep limestone cliffs, and coastal caves. Designated as a nature reserve, bird sanctuary, and Natura 2000 marine protected area, Comino features native sand-dune vegetation at Santa Maria Bay and provides a crucial breeding site for yelkouan shearwaters.
Historically known as Ephaestia, the island was farmed during Roman times but spent long periods sparsely inhabited or deserted. In the late thirteenth century, it served as a refuge for exiled Jewish mystic Abraham Abulafia. The Knights of Malta later used Comino as hunting grounds and a site of exile or imprisonment for errant knights, while medieval pirates utilized its secluded sea caves to launch raids on passing vessels. Following periods of French military occupation and British administration, a local farming community established itself in the early twentieth century, cultivating crops such as barley, onions, and figs. Today, the island retains a tiny permanent population of just two residents, supported by a visiting priest and police officer.
Several historic structures dot Comino's landscape. Prominently positioned on the southern coast stands St. Mary's Tower, a square stone fortress with four corner turrets erected by the Knights of Malta in 1618 to guard the channel against invaders and pirates. Nearby, St. Mary's Battery, constructed in 1716, features a semi-circular wall housing historic iron cannon. Above Santa Marija Bay sits a centuries-old Roman Catholic chapel dedicated to the Holy Family, built on a site with religious history dating back to at least the twelfth century. The island also contains a police station, former military barracks, and the Comino Hotel complex overlooking San Niklaw and Santa Marija Bays.
Comino's primary highlight is the Blue Lagoon, a scenic bay nestled between Comino and the adjacent islet of Cominotto. Famous for its clear cyan waters, white seabed, and marine life, it is a favored destination for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Other popular coastal locations include Santa Maria Bay and St. Nicholas Bay. Visitors can reach the island via scheduled ferries operating from Ċirkewwa in Malta or Mġarr in Gozo, as well as seasonal group excursion cruises departing from harbors such as Sliema and Bugibba, or private boat tours exploring the island's coastal coves.
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