Gozo and Comino Complete travel guide – Daytrip from Malta

If you are visiting Malta, you must consider a short break in the peaceful islands of Gozo and Comino. Gozo and Comino are the other two main islands that make up the Maltese archipelago. The relaxed island of Gozo and the remote island of Comino are some of the best places you should visit while in Malta. To help you make the most out of your vacation, this is the ultimate travel guide to Gozo and Comino.

How many days do you need to visit Gozo and Comino:

Since Gozo is the second biggest island of Maltese archipelago it needs more time than Comino to visit. You will need up to 2 days to see everything and chill out on the best beaches on the island.
As for my suggestion, half a day in Gozo is still enough to see all the main attractions.

Instead, you will need just a few hours to visit Comino. Comino is a very small island with several attractions worth visiting.

In my opinion, a well-organized day trip from Malta to Gozo and Comino is a good idea. Head first to Comino for a couple of hours, and then go to Gozo for lunch and stay till the sunset.

How to travel between Malta, Gozo, and Comino:

Boat trip from Malta or Gozo to Comino – You can find many boat tour operators that depart from Malta: Sliema or Buġibba/St. Paul’s Bay to Gozo and Comino and vice versa.

Hop On – Hop Off ferry from Malta to Gozo and Comino- You can choose to combine a few hours in Comino with another stop in Gozo, by catching a hop on – hop off ferry from Sliema, Buġibba and Gozo.
For example, I started the day at 6 AM and combined 3 hours in Comino and then I went to Gozo for lunch and stayed there till sunset time.

Tip: You can take a full-day boat tour to visit Comino only, a sunset cruise in Comino, or a full-day tour to Comino and Gozo from Malta.

Small ferry operations – There are a lot of small ferries in Marfa Bay and Ċirkewwa (the Northernmost tip of Malta) and from Mġarr Harbour (on Gozo) that connect the three islands to each other.

Tip: If you are staying in Valletta you will have to catch the number 45 bus that will take you to Cikewwa in about one hour, and then the boat to Comino or Gozo.

Best things to do in Comino:

Comino is the smallest island of the archipelago and is visited only as a day trip from Malta’s main island or Gozo, not only by tourists but the Maltese themselves as well. It is inhabited only by a handful of people and there is only one hotel with a restaurant, no other restaurants, only some street food tents where you can buy sandwiches, fruits, and cold drinks. This small island is such a gem and is home to the most beautiful beach in Malta. That’s the main reason why you will find Comino always full of people, especially in the high season. Here are the best things not to miss in Comino:

Blue Lagoon

– Considered as one of the best beaches in Malta, the Blue Lagoon is the main attraction of Comino, and the most beautiful one. To fully enjoy this small beach you must visit Comino in May or September, in the high season expect it to be very crowded.

Saint Mary’s Tower

– Also known as the Comino Tower, this is a large bastioned watchtower on Comino Island in Malta. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking adventure, a visit to Saint Mary’s Tower is a must-do on Comino Island

Saint Mary’s Bay

– Located 15 min walk from Blue Lagoon, this bay is not nearly as nice as Blue Lagoon, however, it is far less overcrowded. If you are going to spend a whole day in Comino you must consider Saint Mary’s Bay to relax on a more private beach.

Crystal Lagoon

-A short walking track from the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon is another attraction in Comino. It’s a bit rockier than Blue Lagoon, and the water is not as intensely blue but it’s still a beautiful place to visit when in Comino and the remoteness of it makes it feel special.

Saint Mary’s Caves

– When in Comino you must visit some of the caves and rock formations near Comino. Elephant rock formation is a famous one that you can’t miss.
When you book the beat tour to Comino, make sure it includes the tour of the caves too. 

Tip: Start your day as early as possible, the best time to visit Comino is 6/7 AM or late in the afternoon.

Best things to do in Gozo:

Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago. It has history, architecture, old cities, beautiful nature, and very kind people. In Gozo, you may find a lot of hotels and restaurants as well as many attractions. Here is what not to miss when in Gozo:

Victoria (Rabat)

– This beautiful fortified city is characterized by a red-domed cathedral, ancient narrow streets, old limestone houses, and beautiful gardens. Walk to the Citadel offers you fabulous views across the whole island and neighboring Comino and Malta itself. Outside of the citadel you may choose a direction and enjoy wandering around, discovering beautiful squares and al-leys along your way, eating Pastizzi, and getting that island summer vibe.
The entrance to the citadel is free.

Ramla Bay

– The only natural beach on Gozo – therefore the red sand. This beautiful beach is suitable for basking in the sun, swimming, climbing up the cliffs, and enjoying the amazing view. So if you want to relax and enjoy the Gozo’s turquoise water, this is the place to be.

Tal-Mixta Cave

– Located a 15-minute hike from Ramla Beach this is a beautiful spot to visit for a breathtaking view. The rock creates a natural frame that provides some spectacular views over the island. It is even more worthy to be there during the sunset.

The Ggantija Temples

– Definitely the ancient people did know how to pick the location, some well-preserved thousands of years old ruins are built in these panoramic views in Gozo! If you love historical sites and ruins this temple is great to visit. Known as one of the world’s oldest temples, the Ggantija Temples is also a UNESCO site.
Take the 307 bus from Xaghra, if you’re using public transport.

Ta’ Kola Windmill

– Located close to The Ggantija Temple, this is a Windmill that dates back to 1725. Well restored historical building with some cool artifacts, and interesting history that nowadays is used as a museum. It has a pretty easy climb to the top which makes the site worth visiting.
Ticket to Ggantija Temples gives access to this as well.

Salt Pans

– One of the most photogenic sites in Gozo is located on the North coast of the Island. The salt pans are still used and it’s interesting to watch the farmers preparing the pans for the harvest. The stunning landscape makes you feel like you are on another planet. There is no fee to see the Salt Pans and if you walk along the coast there’s a lot of information and curiosities about it.

You can get there on the 310 bus from Victoria/Rabat bus station to Marsalforn. The bus will drop you off just 50 meters from the Salt Pans.

Tip: From the Salt pans you can walk to Marsalforn Beach which is just 12 minutes away, first along the pavement. At Marsalforn Beach you can chill out at a bar, swim, have a bite, and still be in time to catch the bus 310 back to Victoria.

How to get around in Gozo:

Rent a Car – This is the fastest and most comfortable way to visit Gozo.

Cycling – Cycling is the best way to visit the island too, but since Gozo is an island with a lot of hills and valleys this may be a difficult way for some people.

Public Transport – The most convenient way to visit Gozo. Visiting Gozo by public transportation may take more time, but it will save you more money. The Public transportation Is good, and this is the way I visited Gozo.
Consider using a taxi if needed.

Tip: Remember that the bus tickets last 2 hours, so you can use them more than one time.