Did You Know? Fun and Fascinating Facts About Comino
Comino, the smallest inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago, is a sun-soaked paradise that seems almost too good to be true. While most visitors come for the dazzling Blue Lagoon, this tiny piece of land is packed with history, quirky facts, and natural beauty. Here’s a collection of fun tidbits!
First things first, let’s talk about Comino’s biggest claim to fame: the Blue Lagoon. If you’ve ever Googled Malta, you’ve definitely seen pictures of this impossibly turquoise stretch of water. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to quit your job, buy a snorkel, and live off the grid forever. The water is so clear it looks Photoshopped, and on a sunny day (which, let’s be honest, is most days in Malta), it sparkles like something out of a dream. Just be prepared for crowds in peak season, this place is no secret!
When it comes to the past, despite its miniature size of just 3.5 square kilometres, Comino has a surprisingly rich history. The island’s name comes from the cumin plant, which once grew in abundance here. Though you won’t find much cumin these days, you will find wild thyme, capers, and an assortment of hardy Mediterranean shrubs that thrive in the island’s dry climate.
For centuries, Comino was a bit of a no-man’s land, used mainly as a hunting ground by the Knights of St. John. They introduced rabbits to the island and strictly controlled hunting, ensuring that only the nobility could partake. Anyone caught sneaking a rabbit or two risked severe punishment, though whether that deterred hungry locals is another question entirely!
The island has seen its fair share of action. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was a hotspot for pirate raids, with corsairs using its caves as hiding spots. To keep an eye on things, the Knights built St. Mary’s Tower in 1618. This imposing structure still stands today and has served various roles over the centuries, including a military outpost, a quarantine station during the plague, and, more recently, a film set.
Speaking of film, if parts of Comino look strangely familiar, you might have seen them on the big screen. The island has played host to several Hollywood productions, including The Count of Monte Cristo and Troy. Some of the dramatic sea caves and limestone cliffs make for a truly cinematic backdrop.
While Comino is now almost entirely uninhabited, it once had a small but thriving community. In the 19th century, a handful of families lived here, farming what little land they could and fishing for a living. Even the local hotel, which once provided a peaceful retreat, has closed its doors, leaving Comino as a true escape from modern life.
Nature lovers will be pleased to know that Comino is a designated bird sanctuary and nature reserve. If you’re lucky, you might spot the rare Yelkouan shearwater, a seabird that nests in the island’s cliffs. The surrounding waters are also teeming with marine life, making Comino a top destination for snorkelling and diving. There’s even an underwater statue of the Virgin Mary near the Santa Marija Caves, placed there by divers as a tribute to the sea’s beauty and power.
Whether you’re here for the stunning views, the crystal-clear waters, or a brush with history, Comino is a magical place that offers far more than just a pretty beach. So next time you visit, take a moment to soak up its fascinating past, explore its hidden corners, and enjoy its wild, untouched beauty.
