A Malta paradise islands travel guide is the simplest way to turn Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Gozo’s rocky coves into a trip that feels spectacular rather than rushed. The key is to treat Malta, Comino and Gozo as three different experiences: historic cities on the main island, a carefully timed swimming day on Comino, and slower coastal exploring on Gozo. Below, you will find the boat options, the best periods for swimming, current verified transport costs, practical places to base yourself and a realistic day-by-day route.
What Michelle Thielen’s journey shows
- She begins on Malta’s main island in Mdina, entering through the famous city gate and walking its honey-coloured medieval lanes.
- Her visit highlights Mdina’s quiet atmosphere, historic walls and viewpoints over the Maltese landscape.
- The journey then shifts from history to the Mediterranean, showing why Malta is known for exceptionally clear water and limestone coastlines.
- Comino and the Blue Lagoon provide the classic turquoise-water stop: a place for swimming, sunbathing and seeing the tiny island from the sea.
- The wider island-hopping idea connects Malta’s cultural sights with Gozo and Comino’s beaches, caves and quieter coastal scenery.
Watch Michelle Thielen’s Malta journey before planning your own route:
How to reach Comino and Gozo
Most international visitors land at Malta International Airport and stay first in Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s or Mellieħa. For Gozo, travel north to Ċirkewwa and take the regular Gozo Channel ferry to Mġarr Harbour. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and daytime sailings can run as often as every 30 minutes, although seasonal timetables apply.
For Comino, the most straightforward independent option is a passenger ferry from Marfa or Ċirkewwa to the Blue Lagoon. Comino Ferries states that the crossing takes around 20 minutes each way and offers a Malta–Blue Lagoon–Gozo connection, useful if you want to continue to Gozo rather than return directly to Malta.
Another practical plan is to sleep in Gozo, then take a short local boat ride from Mġarr Harbour to Comino. Visit Gozo estimates this crossing at around 15 minutes. This is especially useful for travellers who want to see Comino early, before the largest day-trip boats arrive.
Best time to visit the Malta paradise islands
For the best balance of warm water, long daylight and manageable crowds, aim for late May, June, September or early October. July and August are ideal for swimming but are the busiest months, particularly at Blue Lagoon. If you travel then, take the earliest available boat, bring water and leave the lagoon by early afternoon for a quieter walk towards Santa Marija Bay.
Comino is no longer a place to visit without planning. Malta introduced a free online booking system for Blue Lagoon visitors, with morning, afternoon and evening time slots. Visitor numbers are capped at 4,000 people in the lagoon area at one time, so reserve your slot before arranging transport.
For a less crowded sea day, do not make Blue Lagoon your only stop. Santa Marija Bay has shallow water and a sandy beach, while boat trips can also reach Comino’s sea caves and Crystal Lagoon. Visit Gozo specifically recommends Santa Marija Bay as the calmer alternative to Blue Lagoon.
Best swimming spots and activities
Blue Lagoon is the headline attraction, with pale sand beneath clear, shallow water between Comino and Cominotto. It is beautiful, but it is not a secret beach. Go early, avoid relying on the limited shade, and do not expect a quiet experience in high summer.
For a better full-day experience, swim at Blue Lagoon first, then walk inland or follow the coast towards Santa Marija Bay. Confident walkers can explore more of Comino’s trails, although there are very limited facilities away from seasonal kiosks. Visit Gozo notes that the island has no roads or towns and advises bringing water, snacks and sun protection.
On Gozo, build time around Victoria’s citadel, Xlendi Bay, Marsalforn and the wilder western coastline near Dwejra. A boat trip is worthwhile for seeing caves and cliffs that are difficult to appreciate from land; official Gozo tourism information also highlights Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon and Comino’s caves as key sea-based sights.
If Blue Lagoon is the centrepiece of your trip, also read our detailed Blue Lagoon, Malta guide for arrival timing and practical beach-day planning.
What it costs in 2026
Malta can be approached on a modest budget when you use public transport and standard ferry services. Accommodation, food, car hire and organised cruises vary widely by season, so compare live rates before booking rather than relying on a fixed estimate.
| Item | Verified 2026 price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Lagoon visitor time slot | Free | Advance online booking is required for the Blue Lagoon area. |
| Comino Ferries adult round trip | €15 | Marfa or Ċirkewwa to Blue Lagoon; the operator also lists the Malta–Blue Lagoon–Gozo connection at the same adult price. |
| Comino Ferries child round trip, under 10 | €7 | Operator fare for children under 10. |
| Malta public bus, summer daytime single journey | €2.50 | Valid for two hours when paid by cash or contactless card. |
| Malta public transport 12-journey card | €19 | Shareable card, valid for six months from first use. |
| National Museum of Natural History, Mdina adult entry | €5 | An optional Mdina stop before or after the island portion of the trip. |
Where to stay
For a first Malta visit, choose Valletta if you want history, restaurants and ferry access; Sliema if you prefer a more modern waterfront base; or Mellieħa if Comino and Ċirkewwa departures are the priority. Mellieħa reduces the early-morning journey to the north, but Valletta makes a better base for Mdina and city sightseeing.
For a slower itinerary, spend at least one night in Gozo. Stay around Victoria for buses and restaurants, or choose Xlendi, Marsalforn or Għajnsielem for a more coastal feel. Sleeping on Gozo lets you visit Comino from Mġarr Harbour and enjoy the island after Malta-based day visitors have gone home.
Safety and practical tips
Blue Lagoon is a natural swimming area, not a resort pool. Check wind and sea conditions before boarding, wear water shoes for rocky entries, and never jump from cliffs unless a safe access point is clearly established. Bring a reef-safe sun product, a refillable bottle, cash or card for small purchases, and a dry bag for phones and documents.
Do not leave your Blue Lagoon booking until the last minute in summer. Keep a screenshot of the confirmation and follow directions from wardens on arrival. On Gozo and Comino, buses and boats are practical but not always fast, so leave buffer time for your return connection. For another Mediterranean island comparison, see our Santorini travel guide.
Day-by-day (how to travel it yourself)
Day 1: Malta and Mdina. Arrive, settle into Valletta, Sliema or Mellieħa, then visit Mdina in the late afternoon when the light softens on its limestone buildings. Walk the gate, narrow lanes and bastions, then have dinner in Rabat or back in Valletta.
Day 2: Comino and Blue Lagoon. Take the earliest possible ferry from Marfa or Ċirkewwa. Swim at Blue Lagoon during your reserved slot, then walk to Santa Marija Bay or join a boat trip that includes caves and Crystal Lagoon. Return to Malta, or use the three-island connection to continue to Gozo.
Day 3: Gozo. Start in Victoria and the Citadel, then choose one coast: Xlendi for an easy bay-and-lunch stop, or Dwejra for dramatic scenery. Finish at Mġarr Harbour and take the ferry back to Malta, or stay another night for a more relaxed pace. Travellers combining several European cities can also use our first time in Rome guide to plan a Malta-and-Italy itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Blue Lagoon in advance?
Yes. Visitors to the Blue Lagoon area must reserve a free time slot online before arriving. Book as early as possible for summer dates.
Can I visit Comino and Gozo in one day?
Yes, but it will be a full day. The Malta–Blue Lagoon–Gozo ferry connection is a practical option, although an overnight stay on Gozo gives you more time for its towns and coastline.
Is Blue Lagoon suitable for children?
It can be, because much of the water is shallow, but the area gets crowded and exposed to strong sun. Choose an early slot, supervise children closely and consider Santa Marija Bay for a calmer beach break.
Is it better to stay in Malta or Gozo?
Stay on Malta for city sightseeing, restaurants and easier airport logistics. Stay on Gozo if your priority is a slower coastal escape, early access to Comino and more time beyond Blue Lagoon.
Facts and prices verified in August 2026. Travel with Influencers is an independent fan/editorial guide, not affiliated with or endorsed by the creators featured. Watch and support the original creator: Michelle Thielen on YouTube.
