Comino and the uninhabited islet of Cominotto, lie midway in the Gozo-Malta channel.  The name comino is derived from “cumin”, a plant whose seeds are widely used a condiment in Mediterranean and Eastern countries.  A reference to the island is first encountered in 2nd century AD writing by the geographer Ptolemy.

Comino Watchtower

Comino was haven for pirates and corsairs.  Its many hidden inlets and coves sheltered their craft and make it an ideal base for their regular forays on Gozo.

In 1618, the Knights of St. John determined to be rid of the intruders and financed St. Mary’s Tower to defend the Gozo channel and repel the enemy from shipping and finding shelter in comino’s caverns.  The Tower houses a small army unit to this day.  In the same year, a chapel dedicated to the Return of the Blessed Virgin Mary from Egypt was built.  It has uninterruptedly served the spiritual needs of the guardsmen at the tower and the small farming community that still lives on the island.

Blue Lagoon, Comino

There are no cars on comino as it is still very rural.  It is best known for the stretch of sea between the two islets, know as the Blue Lagoon.  The clear turquoise waters here are unique.  crowds descend on comino every summer when  its bays are filled with pleasure boats and yachts. 

The island hosts a police station and two hotels.  It is also an excellent dive site and ideal for water sports.

The view of comino, cominotto and Malta in the distance as seen from the heights of Qala and Nadur, are undoubtedly an unforgettable experience.