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Comino
Comino is an island that forms part of the country of Malta. It is by far the smallest inhabited island of the Maltese islands with a grand total of 8 permanent inhabitants, as well as an hotel which caters mostly for overseas visitors on all-inclusive package tours. Comino is famed for it's Blue Lagoon which offers crystal clear waters for swimming in.
Understand
Comino was for a long time uninhabited and was used by corsair pirates as a resting place until in the 17th century the Knights of St. John constructed the Santa Maria Tower to secure the island. This tower is in use by the Maltese military until this very day. It's set in a very impressive location on a clifftop and seems more like a midsize fortress until you approach it and realise it's rather small. Like many other locations in Malta it can be seen in the recent film The Count of Monte Christo. During the British reign a leprosy colony was established on Comino because of its remote location; it was abandoned and its building is now used by the locals as convenient housing.
For more information, visit the VisitMalta tourist information site for Comino and Gozo .
Get in
Comino is located in between Malta and Gozo and can be reached by a small ferry leaving from Ċirkewwa (on the north-western tip of Malta - the same place that the much larger ferries to Gozo depart from) or from Mgarr in Gozo. Sailings are irregular - check with the Comino Hotel.
Many tourist boats from both Malta and Gozo head for the Blue Lagoon on a daily basis.
Get around
There are thankfully only 2 or 3 cars on Comino, belonging to the hotel and locals, if you're staying at the bungalows there is a minivan to shuttle you back and forth to the hotel itself. One can rent mountainbikes if one is staying at the hotel, this is a pleasant way to explore but not entirely cheap. Otherwise, Comino is only 2.5km by 1.5km in size, so you can hike around the whole island in an hour or two.
See
The island only has a few structures on it, the Santa Maria Tower, the former leprosy colony building which is now used by the locals to live in, the chapel, the police station, and a medium size hotel and a group of small bungalows belonging to it. The only sights are the Blue Lagoon and the Tower.
Do
The main reason for visiting the island for by far the most people is the so called Blue Lagoon, a stunning lagoon located on the northwest side of the island which has exceedingly clear azure-blue water. Unfortunately between 10 and 4 in the high season several hundred people swamp it each day, snackbars are set up on the pristine waterfront, deckchairs are rented out and all kinds of different craft go in and out of the lagoon ferrying visitors back and forth. The best time therefore to come is early in the...
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Hotels in Comino
 | The Crown Hotel  |
Score 6.5 from 6 reviews | | St Aristarkus Street |  |
| Hotel is situated in a quiet area of Bugibba, yet only a few metres away from the lively promenade where one can find the shopping centre, restaurants and bars. Rocky beach is only a few metres away whilst the lovely sandy beaches can be reached by public bus/bus stop within walking distance. Hotel has a tastefully decorated restaurant, bar, internet cafe, tv lounge, games room. There is a large rooftop pool with sundeck/pool bar; indoor heated pool, sauna, fitness room. O'Connor's Irish Pub!! ... more | | |
 | Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz  |
Score 7.825 from 6 reviews | | Triq ir-Rokon | |
| The KEMPINSKI HOTEL SAN LAWRENZ is more than just an exclusive hideaway resort with all the comforts 5 stars can offer. Surrounded by 30,000 sqm of gardens, the hideaway resort complex has been built to blend into the yellow limestone in a traditional style.
It provides space for 122 airy rooms consisting of Suites, Junior Suites, Premium and deluxe rooms, as well as 2 Presidential Suites made out of limestone, each of which is elegantly decorated. Besides the rustic atmosphere in the lobby with natural stone floors, palm trees, flower beds, local woods and Mediterranean colours ranging from golden yellow to full orange, clay red, to warm brown, guests find surroundings to relax the mind and body.
... more | | |
 | 115 The Strand Aparthotel  |
Score 6.65 from 50 reviews | | 115 The Strand | |
| Enjoy a visit to the hotel's own lobby and roof bars, along with a restaurant (table d’hôte menu) and coffee shop. There is also a games room to keep you entertained, and a bookshop on site where you can buy something to keep you occupied while you lounge in the sun. ... more | | |
 | Bella Vista Hotel |
Score 7.2 from 12 reviews | | Qawra Road Qawra | |
| A modern newly built hotel with 157 rooms. All rooms are well appointed with balcony, bathroom en suite and most of the rooms have picturesque countryside views and pool views. ... more | | |
 | Panorama Hotel |
Score 6.575 from 7 reviews | | Triq Dun Belin Azzopardi | |
| The restaurant - with its fine sea view - is known for its cuisine which includes Maltese dishes. The comfortable little bar is the ideal place to make new friends. The cooked and continental breakfast, as well as the evening meals are served in a buffet style. Light snacks are served at lunch time. ... more | | |
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| | | More hotels in Comino |
| Gozo Highlights - Ggantija Prehistoric Temples, Ta' Pinu Shrine, Azure Window |
8 hours |
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Drive to the northernmost point of Malta, where you will board the Gozo ferry for a 20 minute crossing.
The first stop will be at the Ggantija Prehistoric Temples - Ggantija Temples in Xaghra, Gozo, are one of the most important archaeological sites in Malta. The origins of Ggantija date back to the Ggantija phase (3600 - 3200 BC). The gigantic dimensions of the megaliths have always struck a chord with popular imagination. In centuries past, some locals even believed that the Islands' temples, in particular those of Ggantija, were the work of giants.
Your next stop will be at the Basilica of Ta Pinu - one of the most outstanding churches in the Maltese Islands. The most popular Shrine on Gozo, where it is profoundly believed that back in 1883, Our Lady has spoken to a devotee from Gharb named Karmni Grima. Ta' Pinu Sanctuary is a place of great devotion and is of national importance. Numerous pilgrims, both locals and tourists visit Ta' Pinu Shrine all year round.
From here the tour will continue to the picturesque fishing village of Xlendi where lunch will be served in a 4 star hotel on the bay.
Following lunch, proceed to Dwejra to enjoy some of Gozo's geological wonders like the Azure window and inland sea. Next is a short stop at the Old Citadel or Kastell, which lies upon the likeliest strategic vantage point of Victoria. It defiantly dominates the town's skyline as intended by military architects of the day.
Time permitting there will be a panoramic drive along Qala Heights - imposing cliffs with grand views of the Mediterranean on the way back to the ferry.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Mdina Morning Tour including Mdina Experience Show |
3.5 - 4 hours |
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This tour will aquaint you with Malta's ancient capital perched on a hill overlooking fields and countryside. You will be met at your hotel before beginning a drive up to Mdina.
From the main gate and together with our guide, you will walk through this unique medieval city with it's typical winding streets and hidden alleys that suddenly give way to imposing and prime examples of Norman and Baroque architecture.
You will have a guided tour of the St Paul's Cathedral - the original medieval cathedral dedicated to St Paul was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. The present edifice was completed and consecrated in 1702 and is the work of Lorenzo Gafa (1638-1703). It is traditionally believed to be standing on the site of the house of Publius, the Roman governor at the time of St Paul's stay on the island. the next point of interest will be the fortifications which totally enclose this city.
Finally, enjoy the "Mdina Experience Show" - an audio visual experience on Mdina's checkered history intended to inform and entertain.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Maltese Dinner and Show in Mosta |
4 hours |
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This tour will immerse you in the traditional Maltese hospitality!
You will be taken to the Ta' Maria Restaurant in Mosta, with attendants and waiters dressed in authentic period costumes. This restaurant specializes in traditional Maltese food and presents the participants with mouth watering selection of menus which for hundreds of years has been on the table of the typical Maltese family.
Enjoy your meal in accompaniment of traditional Maltese folk music and dancing. Some of the dishes you may be feasting on include Fenek (Rabbit) , Bragioli, (stuffed beef olives) and Kusksu bil-ful (a delicious stew enriched with broad beans).
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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Hagar Qim Temples
The prehistoric temple complex Hagar Qim was discovered in 1839. It dates from about 3,800 BC, and it is the oldest
known man-made structures in the world.
It stands on a hilltop overlooking the sea and the islet
of Fifla and lies some 2 km south-west of the village of Qrendi.
Just 500 m away from Hagar Qim, further towards the cliff
face, lies another remarkable temple site, Mnajdra set in
a hollow above the Southern cliffs. The surrounding area,
which is typical of Mediterranean garigue and spectacular
in its starkness and isolation, is designated a Heritage
Park.
To go there use bus 38 from Valletta (every hour), or go from Valletta to Qrendi (bus 35) and then go by foot.
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