| Comino | |
 | |
| State | Malta |
|---|---|
| Surface | 3.5 km² |
| Inhabitants | 4 (2006) |
Comino (Kemmuna) is the third largest island in the archipelago of Malta located between Gozo and theIsland of Malta.
To know
Comino is known for its tranquility and isolation (compromised by the many tourists in the summer months). A hotel was built there, but the resident population is only four. A priest and a policeman go back and forth from the neighboring island of Gozo for the needs of the inhabitants and summer tourists. Today Comino is a wildlife reserve for birds.
It owes its name to cumin, the wild fennel called kemmuna in Maltese, one of the few plants that once managed to grow on arid soil. According to other sources, however, the name derives from the Arabic kimeni, which means adjacent, given its position between Malta and Gozo. In ancient times it was known as Ephestia and some authors also call it with the name of Lampas.
Territories and tourist destinations
Comino: full screen map.Cominotto is an islet located 100/200 meters from the Comino shore that can be easily reached by swimming or with a simple mattress. Although expressly forbidden, it is not unusual to see fearless young people diving from the ten-meter-high cliffs (it is extremely dangerous!).
Between Comino and Cominotto is the blue Lagoon (Bejn il-kmiemen or Blue Lagoon), one of the main tourist attractions of the island; the small bay is in fact renowned for its transparent water of a deep blue color and for the rich marine fauna that makes it very popular for scuba diving.
How to get
By plane
Comino has fewer than ten inhabitants and therefore does not have its own airport.
There are numerous tourist services that shuttle from Ċirkewwa to get to the beautiful Blue Lagoon (€ 10 return - August 2013). It is also possible to arrive here from the port of Sliema and from Gozo.
How to get around
Strictly on foot given the tiny extension of the island.
What see
- Tower of Santa Maria. Built by the Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt of the Knights Hospitaller in 1618, the Tower of Santa Maria is still located in the south-east of the island, in sight of Ċirkewwa. It was built, together with the other towers, as an observation point in case of invasions.
Events and parties
What to do
- Diving and snorkeling.
Shopping
- Inflatable mattresses. For those without it there is a kiosk that sells inflatable mattresses and similar items from the sea.
- Umbrella and deck chairs.
Daily rent 4 € per piece (August 2013). On the island of Comino the shade is scarce (not to say that it is completely absent), so those who want some shelter from the sun either bring the necessary "from home" or rent it on site. You can rent just the umbrella by deciding independently where to place it, or you can rent an umbrella and two deck chairs directly on the pier next to the various kiosks. Sports enthusiasts who want to avoid this expense can carry their things on a mat in nearby Cominotto, where there are more shaded areas.
Daily rent 4 € per piece (August 2013). On the island of Comino the shade is scarce (not to say that it is completely absent), so those who want some shelter from the sun either bring the necessary "from home" or rent it on site. You can rent just the umbrella by deciding independently where to place it, or you can rent an umbrella and two deck chairs directly on the pier next to the various kiosks. Sports enthusiasts who want to avoid this expense can carry their things on a mat in nearby Cominotto, where there are more shaded areas.How to have fun
- Marine sports. Various prices. Arriving at the Blue Lagoon there is a kiosk that rents a mask and snorkel (5 € - August 2013) to those without one and also offers other marine entertainment on inflatables pulled by motor boats.
Where to eat
Moderate prices
- Kiosks. There are some kiosks on the Blue Lagoon that sell snacks, sandwiches, ice cream etc ...
Average prices
- Comino Hotel. Even those who do not stay in this hotel can take advantage of the restaurant service.
Where stay
Moderate prices
- Curtain. It is possible to camp at the Santa Maria campsite.
Average prices
- Comino Hotel, ☎ 356 2152 9821, fax: 356 2152 9826. It is the only hotel on the island. Those who stay there have the advantage of being able to enjoy the Blue Lagoon before the arrival of the horde of tourists and after their departure.
Safety
