WATCH: Team Blue Lagoon and Mizzi Studio Launch Proposals for Ecological Rehabilitation at the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon on Comino is one of Malta’s most iconic treasures, world-renowned for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and unspoiled beauty. To safeguard this natural gem for future generations while enhancing the experience of those who visit, the Malta Tourism Authority, together with Team Blue Lagoon and internationally acclaimed architects Mizzi Studio, has unveiled the Blue Lagoon Rehabilitation – Balancing Nature and Experience proposal. This ambitious project combines ecological restoration with the sensitive repurposing of degraded areas, ensuring that the Blue Lagoon remains both a thriving ecosystem and a world-class visitor attraction.
At the heart of the proposal is a vision to restore and protect nature while improving accessibility and comfort. Existing kiosks will be removed from the main shoreline, opening up space for a stunning 200-metre scenic walkway that will provide uninterrupted views across the lagoon. More than 35,000 square metres of garigue landscapes will be rehabilitated and protected using traditional rubble walls and conservation methods, safeguarding Comino’s delicate biodiversity. Vessel operations will be reorganised, moving boat docking away from the swimming zone, which itself will be enlarged by 5,600 square metres—giving visitors safer, more spacious access to the lagoon’s turquoise waters.
To enhance the visitor experience, existing disturbed sites and degraded areas will be repurposed into low-lying, eco-sensitive structures, providing essential facilities such as information points, shaded seating areas, food and beverage outlets, sanitation services, and waste management. These new facilities will be covered with 840 square metres of green roofs, helping them blend seamlessly into the natural environment. At the same time, 880 square metres of unsafe concrete platforms will be removed, restoring the shoreline’s natural character. Visitors will also enjoy a refreshed food and beverage offering, featuring locally-sourced produce, reusable cups, and biodegradable packaging, further aligning with the project’s sustainability goals.
Sustainability is central to this transformation. Traditional and innovative materials, including natural limestone, reed (qasab), and locally-engineered composites, will be used throughout. Together, these measures will not only heal past ecological damage but also ensure long-term protection for Comino’s unique marine habitats, birdlife, and terrestrial ecosystems.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Hon. Ian Borg, emphasised that the project is the result of months of collaboration with national entities, environmental NGOs, business organisations, and other stakeholders, underlining the importance of collective responsibility in protecting the Blue Lagoon. Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef highlighted that this project represents a decisive step in positioning Malta as a destination where sustainability and excellence in tourism go hand in hand. Architect Jonathan Mizzi described the initiative as a holistic set of solutions that balance nature with experience, creating harmony between visitors and the environment.
The proposal will now proceed through the planning and environmental permitting process, which includes formal public consultation. In the meantime, Team Blue Lagoon continues to improve day-to-day operations in the area. A new free booking system reduced overcrowding by 68% during peak hours this summer, while additional resources were introduced for cleaning, enforcement, and safety on land and at sea.
Through these combined efforts, the Blue Lagoon will continue to evolve as a destination that respects its environment while offering visitors a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable experience. By restoring Comino’s landscapes and waters while providing modern, sustainable facilities, Malta is ensuring that the Blue Lagoon remains a natural jewel for generations to come.
