🇲🇹 Comino — Family Travel Guide
Country: Malta
Last Updated: May 2026
Overview
Comino is Malta’s tiny, almost car-free island between Malta and Gozo — famous for the Blue Lagoon, clear water, sea caves, coastal walking and a much wilder feel than the main resort towns. For families it is not a normal beach resort and it should not be treated like one: there are limited facilities, little shade, no proper town centre and summer crowds can turn the Blue Lagoon into a floating party by late morning.
Done well, though, Comino is magical. Go early, bring water shoes and shade, use a boat operator that gives you flexibility, and build the day around swimming, snorkelling, short walks and scenery rather than ticking off indoor attractions. Confident swimmers and older children get the most from it; toddlers can enjoy the shallow water at the Blue Lagoon or Santa Marija Bay, but only with serious sun planning.
Why families love it:
- Malta’s clearest, most turquoise water in a compact island setting
- Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are unforgettable on calm days
- Boat trips often include caves, swimming stops and Gozo add-ons
- Santa Marija Bay gives a quieter, sandier reset away from the Blue Lagoon crush
- Older kids can snorkel, kayak, walk the island loop and explore the tower/battery viewpoints
⏰ Best Time to Visit with Kids
| Season | Conditions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Apr–Jun | Warm, clear water improving, manageable crowds | ⭐ Best overall |
| Jul–Aug | Hot, packed, peak boat traffic | 🔴 Go very early or skip with toddlers |
| Sep–Oct | Warm sea, still busy but softer light | ⭐ Excellent |
| Nov–Mar | Quiet, breezy, not always swimmable | ✅ Good for walking, weather-dependent |
Pro tip: If you want the Blue Lagoon to feel like the photos, aim for the first ferry/boat of the morning or a late-afternoon swim outside peak summer. Midday in August is when Comino is least family-friendly.
🚤 Getting Around
From Malta: The classic independent route is to Cirkewwa/Marfa in the north, then a small ferry to Comino. From Sliema/St Julian’s/Valletta, many families prefer a full-day boat trip because it removes the long bus/taxi transfer and often includes shaded deck space.
From Gozo: Mgarr Harbour ferries are convenient if you are staying on Gozo. This can be the easiest family option: shorter crossings, less road time and good restaurants after you return.
On Comino: There are no useful family transport options on the island. You walk, swim or move by boat. Paths are rocky and exposed; a lightweight carrier beats a stroller.
What to bring: Water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, hats, more water than you think, snacks, snorkels, a dry bag and a small first-aid kit. Do not rely on island kiosks for everything.
🏝️ Best Things to Do with Kids
1. Blue Lagoon ⭐
The Blue Lagoon is the headline: a shallow, bright-turquoise channel between Comino and Cominotto. On a calm morning it is genuinely spectacular, with clear water, pale sand patches and easy snorkelling close to shore.
- Age suitability: All ages with supervision; best for confident water-loving kids
- Cost: Free once on the island; ferry/boat trip costs vary
- Time needed: 1–3 hours
- Honest note: It gets extremely crowded in summer and shade is scarce. Do not arrive at noon and expect serenity.
- Pro tip: Wear water shoes — the best family base spots are often rocky rather than sandy.
2. Crystal Lagoon
Crystal Lagoon sits south-east of the Blue Lagoon and is often reached by boat rather than on foot. The water is deeper, clearer and more dramatic, with cliffs and caves around the bay. It is better for older kids who can swim from a boat platform.
- Age suitability: Best for 7+ and confident swimmers
- Cost: Included on many boat tours
- Time needed: 30–90 minutes
- Safety note: Deep water and boat traffic mean constant supervision.
3. Santa Marija Bay
A calmer sandy/rocky bay on Comino’s north side, with a more low-key feel than the Blue Lagoon. Families with younger children often prefer it once the Blue Lagoon gets too hectic.
- Age suitability: All ages
- Cost: Free
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
- Pro tip: This is the best place to decompress if your Blue Lagoon plan turns into crowd management.
4. Santa Marija Caves
The sea caves along Comino’s north-east coast are a boat-trip highlight. Kids love the echoey cave entrances, blue water and dramatic rock walls; parents love that it adds adventure without needing a long hike.
- Age suitability: Best for 4+ on a stable boat
- Cost: Usually included in Comino ferry/boat routes
- Time needed: 15–30 minutes as part of a boat trip
- Honest note: Cave access depends on sea conditions.
5. Santa Marija Tower
The 17th-century watchtower is Comino’s most visible landmark, sitting above the south coast with big views over Malta, Gozo and the channels. It gives older kids a pirate-watchtower hook and breaks up a swim-only day.
- Age suitability: Best for 6+
- Cost: Exterior free; interior access varies
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes from nearby landing points
- Pro tip: Walk early or late. The path is exposed and punishing at midday.
6. St Mary’s Battery
A small coastal battery near the south-eastern shore, useful as a short history-and-viewpoint stop for families walking the island loop. It is less famous than the tower but gives a better sense of Comino’s defensive role.
- Age suitability: Best for 7+
- Cost: Free exterior
- Time needed: 20–40 minutes
- Honest note: Not worth dragging tired toddlers to in summer heat.
7. Comino Chapel
The tiny Chapel of the Return from Egypt sits near Santa Marija Bay and gives the island a human-scale pause between beaches and paths. It is a quick cultural stop, not a destination on its own.
- Age suitability: All ages
- Cost: Free exterior
- Time needed: 10–15 minutes
8. Cominotto Viewpoint & Swim Channel
Cominotto is the small islet opposite the Blue Lagoon. Most families view it from the water or a boat rather than landing, but the channel views are the classic Comino postcard.
- Age suitability: All ages from the shoreline/boat; strong swimmers only if crossing with supervision
- Cost: Free
- Time needed: 20–45 minutes
- Safety note: Do not let children swim across the channel without checking currents and boat movement.
9. Comino Coastal Loop Walk
Outside peak heat, the rough loop around Comino is a lovely mini-adventure: scrubland, cliffs, views to Gozo and Malta, and quiet coves away from the boat crowds.
- Age suitability: Best for 8+
- Cost: Free
- Time needed: 2–3 hours for a fuller loop; shorter out-and-back sections are easier
- Pro tip: Start with the Tower or Santa Marija Bay section rather than trying to march the whole island with tired swimmers.
10. Snorkelling Around the Blue Lagoon
Bring simple snorkels for older kids. You do not need to go far: small fish, bright water and rocky edges make even a short snorkel memorable.
- Age suitability: Best for 6+
- Cost: Free if you bring gear; rentals may be seasonal
- Time needed: 30–60 minutes
- Safety note: Use a bright swim buoy or stay close to shore in busy boat zones.
11. Kayak or Paddleboard Session
In settled weather, kayak and paddleboard rentals can turn Comino from a passive beach stop into a real adventure. Short, sheltered paddles around the lagoon area suit active older kids.
- Age suitability: Best for 8+ with adults
- Cost: Rental prices vary by season
- Time needed: 30–90 minutes
- Honest note: Skip if wind rises; Comino channels can change quickly.
12. Gozo Add-On via Mgarr Harbour
If your boat returns via Gozo, Mgarr Harbour is an easy food-and-ferry add-on. It is not Comino itself, but it solves the biggest family problem: where to eat properly after a salty swim day.
- Age suitability: All ages
- Cost: Food/ferry costs vary
- Time needed: 1–2 hours
🍽️ Where to Eat with Kids
Comino itself is not a restaurant island. In summer you will usually find Blue Lagoon kiosks and boat snacks, but families should plan proper meals around the ferry points: Mgarr on Gozo, or Mellieħa/Marfa/Cirkewwa on Malta. Bring snacks regardless.
Best family-friendly picks around the Comino day:
- Ta’ Philip, Mgarr Gozo — excellent Gozitan cooking near the ferry, best for a proper sit-down meal after Comino.
- Tmun, Mgarr Gozo — polished harbour restaurant; better for older kids or a calmer family lunch.
- Rexy, Mgarr Gozo — casual Gozitan option when you want something easier than fine dining.
- Munchies Mellieħa Bay — useful Malta-side fallback with beach views, pasta, burgers and kids-friendly basics.
- Blu Beach Club, Mellieħa Bay — convenient seaside choice if you return to the Malta north coast.
- Amami, Mellieħa Bay — more grown-up Asian/Japanese option, still manageable for families with older children.
- Il Pirata, Mellieħa Bay — casual Italian/pizza-pasta safety net near the bay.
- Apple’s Eye, Għajn Tuffieħa — not beside the ferry, but a strong family option if you combine Comino with west-coast sunset.
Pro tip: Do not gamble on hungry children and kiosk queues at the Blue Lagoon. Pack a picnic breakfast/snack and book a real meal at Mgarr or Mellieħa after the swim.
🧒 Family Logistics
Shade: The single biggest issue. Bring hats, rash vests and a compact shade solution if your boat does not provide a shaded base.
Toilets: Limited and seasonal. Boat trips with onboard toilets can be much easier with young children.
Strollers: Not recommended. Paths are rocky, ramps are limited and ferries/boats can be awkward.
Swimming safety: The water is clear, but there are rocks, ladders, boat traffic and deep sections. Treat Comino as a wild-water day, not a lifeguarded resort pool.
Crowds: July, August and cruise-ship/party-boat peaks can overwhelm the small shoreline. Families who dislike crowds should go shoulder season or take an early/late boat.
Best base: Most families should sleep in Malta or Gozo, not Comino. Mellieħa, Sliema, Valletta and Gozo all work depending on the wider itinerary.
Suggested Family Itinerary
Easy Swim Day
- First ferry/boat to the Blue Lagoon
- Swim and snorkel before the crowds peak
- Short walk/view toward Cominotto or Santa Marija Tower
- Move to Santa Marija Bay for a calmer reset
- Return to Mgarr or Mellieħa for a proper late lunch
Active Older-Kids Day
- Early boat with Crystal Lagoon and caves included
- Blue Lagoon swim
- Walk to Santa Marija Tower and St Mary’s Battery
- Snorkel or kayak if conditions are calm
- Dinner at Mgarr Harbour before returning to Malta/Gozo
📋 Quick Reference: Activities at a Glance
| Activity | Best Ages | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon | All ages | 1–3h | Go early; no shade |
| Crystal Lagoon | 7+ | 30–90m | Deep-water boat swim |
| Santa Marija Bay | All ages | 1–2h | Calmer family reset |
| Santa Marija Caves | 4+ | 15–30m | Sea-condition dependent |
| Santa Marija Tower | 6+ | 30–60m | Exposed walk |
| St Mary’s Battery | 7+ | 20–40m | History/viewpoint stop |
| Comino Chapel | All ages | 10–15m | Quick cultural pause |
| Coastal loop walk | 8+ | 2–3h | Avoid midday heat |
| Snorkelling | 6+ | 30–60m | Bring gear |
| Kayak/paddleboard | 8+ | 30–90m | Calm weather only |
✈️ Getting to Comino
Comino has no airport. Fly into Malta International Airport (MLA), then reach the island by boat from Malta’s north coast or from Gozo.
From Malta airport to Cirkewwa/Marfa: Allow roughly 50–75 minutes by car/taxi depending on traffic, longer by bus. From Sliema/St Julian’s/Valletta, many organised boat trips save logistics even if they cost more.
From Gozo: Ferries/boats from Mgarr Harbour are short and family-friendly, making Gozo the easiest base for a relaxed Comino day.
Final verdict: Comino is a brilliant family day if you respect its limits: early start, serious sun planning, water confidence and a real food plan. Treat it like a wild island swim adventure, not a resort beach, and it becomes one of Malta’s most memorable kid days.