The Short on the Tranquil Maltese island of Comino
Comino is the picturesque smaller sister island of Malta and Gozo, which together make up the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. Although Malta and Gozo are not particularly large themselves, they completely dwarf Comino, which is a mere 3.5 km² resting between the two larger islands. However, beauty and allure are definitely not measured in size, and Comino remains an elusive gem to many tourists. This article pays tribute to the splendour of Comino, outlines major historical events and lists its most popular tourist attractions.
Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta by Simon
A Short History of Comino
The name Comino derives from the cumin seed, which was once prolific on the small island. Most notably, from today’s age to centuries ago, Malta has always been best known for its isolation and tranquillity. For prolonged sections of its history, Comino has either been sparsely populated, privately owned or been completely vacant. During the Roman Times, it was mostly inhabited by farmers, but in the Middle Ages and with the rise in sea faring vessels, Comino became a popular hideout for pirates and looters. This was due to Comino’s rugged coastline, which ran jagged with sheer limestone cliffs, providing the ideal coverage for rouge ships. Comino’s many caves and coves were also used by pirates to ambush unsuspecting ships sailing between the islands of Malta and Gozo.
Comino’s early history is also linked to knights. It was used as the hunting ground for the Knights of Malta and in the 16th and 17th century, it became a place of exile for wayward knights, who were given the tedious task of guarding St. Mary’s tower. The tower was built in the 15th century to help spot invasions and to also deter pirates from hiding on the island.
Comino Caves, Malta by Simon
Tourist Attractions
Malta only has a handful of permanent residents and the majority of people on the island are just temporary visitors, who stay over at one of the Comino hotels. Large sections of the island are cornered off as a bird sanctuary and nature reserve, making Comino a haven for wildlife. Because of its tranquillity and crystal clear waters, Comino is an excellent diving spot, although some of the waters are restricted. The most popular attraction is the Blue Lagoon, a postcard bay that boasts crystal clear waters and a stretch of smooth, white sand. It’s visited by tourists on a daily basis and is popular with swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Because of its spectacular beauty, Comino has appeared in many films, notably Troy and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Penny Munroe is an avid writer in travel news and tips. Articles include travelling safety tips to outlining the beautiful holidays Malta offer.
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