Contents
How Comino Is Fighting to Reclaim Its Natural Beauty
Once hailed as a Mediterranean gem, Comino — the tiny Maltese island known for its iconic Blue Lagoon — was long considered paradise. Crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful isolation made it a dream for travelers and locals alike.
But in recent years, Comino became a cautionary tale of overtourism, with headlines branding it “Hell on Earth” during peak season. Overcrowded, polluted, and commercialized, the island’s serenity was shattered.
Now, in 2025, the tide is turning. Comino is being given a second chance — and Malta’s government, environmentalists, and the local community are coming together to protect what’s left of this precious island sanctuary.
Comino is the smallest inhabited island in the Maltese archipelago, located between Malta and Gozo. It spans just 3.5 square kilometers and has a population of only two official residents.
So why the global attention?
Two words: Blue Lagoon.
With shallow, bright turquoise waters surrounded by white limestone, it became one of Europe’s most Instagrammed spots. By 2019, Comino was seeing over 600,000 tourists a year, often crammed onto the island’s limited beach areas — many arriving via day trips, party boats, and commercial ferries.
Comino’s troubles began when its popularity exploded:
Plastic pollution from food stalls and boat parties
Unregulated tourism operators bringing thousands of daily visitors
Noise, sewage, and littering, overwhelming the island’s fragile ecosystem
Food trucks and sunbed monopolies taking over natural beaches
Local news outlets and tourists alike began describing it as “a nightmare of umbrellas, generators, and burger wrappers.” Even environmental NGOs warned that the Blue Lagoon was becoming a victim of its own fame.
After years of complaints, petitions, and environmental studies, Maltese authorities finally responded in 2023. The government, in collaboration with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and NGOs like Din l-Art Ħelwa, introduced a new conservation plan to reclaim Comino’s soul.
Key changes announced:
Strict caps on the number of day-trippers allowed on Comino — especially at the Blue Lagoon.
All unlicensed food trucks, deck chair vendors, and loudspeakers were banned from protected coastal areas.
Reforestation programs, beach clean-ups, and biodiversity surveys were launched to assess damage and repair habitats.
Tour operators are now encouraged to run smaller, eco-conscious tours during spring and autumn, avoiding the overcrowded summer months.
Today, if you visit Comino, you’ll notice the difference immediately. The beaches are quieter, the water cleaner, and the natural sounds of waves and birds have returned.
Locals and long-time visitors say it finally feels like the Comino of 20 years ago — simple, wild, and raw.
Travelers can now:
Hike Comino’s coastal trails with unobstructed views
Swim in the Blue Lagoon without battling hundreds of tourists
Visit the historic St. Mary’s Tower and old military batteries in peace
Enjoy picnics and sunsets in silence, not surrounded by generators or crowds
Eco-tourism initiatives are also growing, offering snorkeling tours, kayak safaris, and birdwatching excursions led by conservationists.
Comino’s downfall and resurrection reflect a global tourism dilemma:
How do we balance discovery and preservation? How do we let people experience beauty without destroying it?
The answer lies in conscious travel — a shift from fast, crowded consumption to slow, intentional exploration.
By choosing destinations like Comino during off-peak seasons, supporting local guides, and respecting environmental rules, we become part of the solution.
Here’s how to enjoy the island responsibly:
April–June and September–October offer perfect weather with fewer crowds.
No need to rely on plastic-heavy vendors — pack snacks, refillable water bottles, and reusable cutlery.
Choose licensed eco-operators offering small group experiences.
Stay on designated trails, don’t leave trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
From Malta (Cirkewwa): Ferries and small boats run daily
From Gozo: Local charters and guided tours available
Best time of day: Early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience
🚤 Book ethical boat tours through Viator, GetYourGuide, or local Malta eco-operators.
The story of Comino proves that paradise doesn’t need to be perfect — it needs to be protected.
With clear rules, community involvement, and traveler responsibility, it’s possible for natural wonders to recover from exploitation. Comino is a blueprint for other overtouristed destinations fighting for their soul.
So, if you want to experience a reborn paradise, visit Comino. Not for the hashtags — but for the silence, the wild sea, and the rare privilege of seeing a place saved, not spoiled.
✈️ Flights to Malta → https://flights.flyvoye.com/
🛏️ Eco-friendly stays nearby → https://hotels.flyvoye.com/
🎒 Sustainable travel gear → https://shoppytown.flyvoye.com/
Adventure Tourism: Water Sports, Wildlife Safaris, and Mountain Adventures Dive into the world of adventure…
Asia’s Nightlife Cities That Come Alive After Sundown Discover Asia’s most vibrant after-dark cities—from neon-lit…
Where Locals Escape the Heat: Asia’s Coolest Hidden Getaways Beat the heat like a…
No Electricity, No Problem: The Candlelit Villages Living in the Past Where sunsets mean bedtime—and…
The Villages That Disappear with the Tide: Where Water Comes and Goes with Life Imagine…