A second chance for Malta's paradise island: Comino fights back
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 5
- 7 min read
Comino, a tiny Mediterranean island nestled between Malta and Gozo, has long captivated visitors with its turquoise waters, peaceful coves, and iconic Blue Lagoon.
But while tourism brought fame, it also brought pressure—turning this idyllic refuge into a battleground between preservation and exploitation. Now, thanks to a combination of environmental activism, government restoration programs, and renewed community involvement, Comino may finally be getting the second chance it deserves. This is according to Themajor.eu.
A fragile gem in the Mediterranean
Only 3.5 square kilometers in size, Comino has no permanent population and just one hotel. Its rugged terrain, cliffs, and hidden caves have made it a haven for migratory birds and endemic plants. Historically, it served as a refuge from pirates and later as farmland during the Knights of St. John era.
The jewel in Comino’s crown is the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered bay with almost unreal shades of blue. But the same lagoon became a symbol of overtourism in recent years. At the height of summer, thousands of day-trippers crowded its shores daily, leaving behind waste, trampling vegetation, and straining the island’s fragile ecosystem.
The heavy cost of overcrowding
During peak season, Comino often sees as many as 6,000 tourists a day. For an island without basic infrastructure, that level of traffic has been overwhelming.
«The island simply cannot handle it,» said a local conservationist. «We’re talking about an area with no sewage system, limited waste disposal, and barely any shade. You can feel the stress on the land.»
Overcrowding has caused multiple issues: garbage left behind by beachgoers, illegal camping, soil erosion from foot traffic, and even damage to the shallow marine ecosystems due to boats dropping anchor directly on seagrass meadows.
Visitors themselves have started to notice the change. «It was beautiful, but the number of people made it feel like a theme park,» one tourist commented after a visit last summer. «We struggled to find a spot to sit down, and there was trash everywhere.»
A victim of its own fame
The explosion of Instagram and TikTok tourism has turned Comino into a must-see stop for travelers chasing the perfect photo. The Blue Lagoon, with its surreal turquoise waters, is now one of the most photographed places in Malta. Images tagged with #BlueLagoonMalta have racked up millions of views, making the tiny island go viral—often without any mention of the environmental impact or overcrowding.
«People see the photos online and think it's a hidden paradise,» said a local boat operator. «What they don't see is the reality: queues to get off the boat, no space on the beach, and piles of rubbish left behind.»
The problem is made worse by influencers who geotag the location and post highly edited images, creating unrealistic expectations. Many arrive early just to capture content before the crowds flood in—then leave without spending much time or money, but still adding to the environmental strain.
«There’s nothing wrong with people sharing beautiful places,» said one environmental advocate. «But we need to move from ‘take the shot and go’ to ‘visit responsibly and protect.’ Otherwise, we’re just destroying the places we claim to love.»
Comino on the big screen
Comino’s fame isn’t just thanks to social media—its cinematic landscape has drawn filmmakers for decades. As a local tourism website notes:
«Very popular in the summer, Comino attracts many tourists and tour boats, particularly around the Blue Lagoon. Comino is popular with divers, snorkelers and swimmers. The island has also been a location for a number of films.» (cometocomino.com/tourismfilm)
In 2002, the island’s iconic Santa Marija Tower became the Château d’If in The Count of Monte Cristo. Two years later, Santa Marija Bay and the Blue Lagoon appeared in the epic film Troy, starring Brad Pitt as Achilles. Other productions filmed on Comino include Swept Away (2002), The Emperor’s New Clothes (2001), and the mini-series Helen of Troy (2003).
The island’s raw, unspoiled appearance—steep cliffs, crystal waters, and historic fortifications—makes it a natural backdrop for epic storytelling. But ironically, the very beauty that draws filmmakers and tourists alike is now in urgent need of protection.
Nature bites back
Starting in 2017, Malta’s Environment and Resources Authority according to Malta Environment Foundation launched a habitat restoration project that tackled the damage head-on. Invasive species like prickly pear and tree-of-heaven were removed. Native plants such as Mediterranean thyme, carob, and Aleppo pine were reintroduced. Over 13,000 trees have been planted.
«We're not just planting trees—we're rebuilding an ecosystem,» said one of the environmental officers involved in the project. «Comino has suffered under the weight of its own popularity. But we're determined to bring it back.»
Restoration work also included rebuilding traditional rubble walls, essential for controlling erosion, and revitalizing marshland areas that support rare amphibians and birds.
The community steps in
Alongside government action, NGOs and grassroots campaigns have helped reshape the future of the island. Friends of the Earth Malta, for example, has been restoring Comino’s historic bakery, converting it into an environmental education hub.
«This isn't just about protecting one island,» said one volunteer. «It's about changing the way we think about tourism and the environment in Malta.»
Another major campaign, «Ditch the Waste – Save Comino,» focused on reducing single-use plastics and cleaning up the Blue Lagoon after the summer crowds had departed. Bins were placed strategically, and awareness campaigns reminded visitors to leave no trace.
Controversies and concerns
Despite these efforts, the future of Comino remains uncertain. Plans to redevelop the Comino Hotel complex—which has stood vacant for years—have triggered widespread protests. Environmental groups argue that increasing commercial infrastructure could undo years of restoration.
Moviment Graffitti, a Maltese activist group, has been vocal in their opposition. «Comino is not for sale,» they declared at a protest in Valletta. «We refuse to let private interests destroy one of Malta’s last wild places.»
Andre Callus from Moviment Graffitti highlighted the overwhelming influx of tourists, stating, «It's an unbearable situation. Operators recruit tourists in places like Sliema and bring them to Comino in massive boats.»
Similarly, Mark Sultana, CEO of BirdLife Malta, has been vocal about the environmental degradation, mentioning issues like rat infestations due to waste left by tourists. He noted, «There's now a rodent infestation. The rats go down the burrows of birds like shearwaters and eat the eggs.»
A path forward?
For now, the island seems to be breathing again. Seasonal limits on concessions, reduced beach furniture, and stronger enforcement of littering rules have been introduced. The number of food trucks and kiosks near the Blue Lagoon is also being reviewed.
Comino’s revival is still a work in progress, but its story offers a powerful lesson for other overtouristed destinations around the world: that nature can recover, but only if given a chance.
As one local environmentalist put it: «We can’t keep treating places like Comino as disposable. They’re rare, they’re sacred—and they’re irreplaceable.»
Facts about Comino
Size: Comino covers just 3.5 square kilometers, making it Malta’s smallest inhabited island (though it has no permanent residents today).
Population: Historically home to a few farmers and herders, the island currently has no full-time residents, only seasonal staff.
Name origin: The name Comino comes from the cumin plant, which once grew in abundance on the island.
Geography: It lies between the islands of Malta and Gozo, surrounded by steep cliffs, caves, and crystal-clear waters.
Wildlife: Comino is a protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary, home to migratory birds, lizards, and rare wildflowers.
Historical landmarks: It has a 17th-century watchtower (St. Mary’s Tower), a small chapel, and remnants of a Napoleonic-era hospital.
Transport: Accessible only by boat, typically from Ċirkewwa (Malta) or Mġarr (Gozo), via water taxis or tour boats.
Facts about the Blue Lagoon
Location: Situated on the northwest coast of Comino, between Comino and the small islet of Cominotto.
Famous for: Shallow, turquoise waters with white sand seabed—ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and photography.
Popularity: One of the most visited natural sites in the Maltese Islands—can see over 6,000 visitors a day during peak summer.
Film appearances: Featured in movies like The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) and Swept Away (2002).
Overcrowding issues: Due to its beauty and viral popularity, it has become a symbol of overtourism, with environmental concerns mounting in recent years.
Limited facilities: No restrooms, hotels, or permanent infrastructure on site—just a few temporary kiosks and boat operators.
