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Comino Bird Sanctuary

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Animal habitat
—°10
Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)

Weather…

The island of Comino, situated between Malta and Gozo, is designated as a bird sanctuary and a Natura 2000 site in its entirety. Spanning just 3.5 square kilometers, this largely uninhabited island provides a crucial refuge for migratory birds crossing the Mediterranean. The landscape is dominated by aromatic Mediterranean garrigue, phrygana, and small pockets of Aleppo pines and holm oaks. Comino is a key breeding site for the Blue Rock Thrush, Malta's national bird, and several species of shearwaters that nest in its rugged cliffs. The absence of heavy urbanization and major infrastructure has preserved its ecological integrity, making it one of the few places in Malta where biodiversity remains relatively undisturbed. Extensive sand dunes and rocky shores also support rare coastal flora. Environmental management on the island focuses on protecting these habitats while balancing the impact of seasonal tourism, particularly around the famous Blue Lagoon. Comino's status as a sanctuary is vital for the long-term conservation of the region's avian life.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Spring and autumn are the main migration periods for birds, making Comino an important stopover. Summer has fewer migrants but the island is quieter. Winter brings some overwintering species.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning is the best time to observe migratory birds as they become active after resting. Dusk also gives good sightings. Midday heat is less suitable.
📜
Etiquette
The entire island of Comino is a bird sanctuary - do not disturb the birds and keep your distance. Drones are prohibited as they scare the birds. Leave no litter and stay on paths.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars are essential for observing birds from a distance without disturbing them. Comfortable walking shoes are important for exploring the rocky island. Sun protection and water are necessary due to lack of shade.
🧭
Getting there
Comino is only accessible by boat from Malta or Gozo. Regular ferries operate during the season. The island has no harbour, so passengers are dropped off at a bay.
🦌
What to expect
Birds can be distant, especially if they are on the sea or on the cliffs. A spotting scope can be useful. Take your time and enjoy the wild beauty of the island.

Geography

Coordinates
36.01200, 14.33100

Facts

  • Comino is named after the cumin seed ("kemmuna"), which once grew wild there.
  • The island has a permanent population of only a few individuals.
  • St. Mary's Tower, built in 1618, was part of a coastal defense system.
  • It is the fourth smallest island of the Maltese archipelago.
  • In the Roman period, the island was likely inhabited by farmers.
  • Large parts of the island are designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Explore nearby

Notable places around

CominoComino<1 km · EExplore →
Cominotto IslandCominotto Island1 km · WExplore →
St. Anthony's BatterySt. Anthony's Battery2 km · NExplore →
Cirkewwa Ferry TerminalCirkewwa Ferry Terminal3 km · SExplore →
Fort ChambrayFort Chambray3 km · WExplore →
Coral Lagoon (Malta)Coral Lagoon (Malta)4 km · SEExplore →
QalaQala4 km · NWExplore →
Qammieh PointQammieh Point5 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Comino Bird Sanctuary (10)

Blue Lagoon Tunnel Dive Site

Dive site at the tunnel of the Blue Lagoon on Comino.

Chapel of Our Lady's Return from Egypt

Church on Comino, Malta, dedicated to the return from Egypt.

Saint Mary Tower🗼 tower

Wignacourt Tower, a watchtower on Comino.

Blue Lagoon

Lagoon in Malta with turquoise water, popular for swimming.

P31 - Patrol Boat

Former patrol boat of the Maltese armed forces.

Saint Mary's Gun Battery

18th-century gun battery on Comino.

Ħondoq ir-Rummien

Beach and coastline with salt pans and caves, popular for snorkeling.

Saint Anthony's Battery

Gun battery built 1731-1732 to guard the channel between Gozo and Comino.

Immaculate Conception Chapel

Chapel in Malta, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

Paradise Bay Resort Beach

Private beach of Paradise Bay Resort on the north coast.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the bird sanctuary on Comino?
Almost the entire island is a protected area, with the cliff areas being particularly important for birds.
Which birds can be seen on Comino?
It is an important resting place for migratory birds and a breeding ground for Cory's Shearwaters.
Can you stay overnight on Comino?
There is a designated campsite at Tal-Ful Bay; other wild camping is prohibited.
Is Comino only good for bird watching?
No, the Blue Lagoon is world-famous for swimming, but in winter it's good for nature lovers.
Are there cars on Comino?
No, the island is almost car-free, making it very quiet and safe for hiking.
Comino Bird Sanctuary: where is it located?
Comino Bird Sanctuary is located in Malta.
Comino Bird Sanctuary: what is there to see?
Highlights include Blue Lagoon Tunnel Dive Site, Chapel of Our Lady's Return from Egypt, Saint Mary Tower.
Comino Bird Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Comino Bird Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
The island of Comino, situated between Malta and Gozo, is designated as a bird sanctuary and a Natura 2000 site in its entirety.
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Nature

Blue Lagoon (Comino) — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Blue Lagoon (Comino)
Famous for its crystal clear, turquoise water.
Coral Lagoon (Malta) — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Qammieh Point — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.
🗺️
Mistra Bay
A sheltered bay near St.
Golden Bay — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Golden Bay
One of Malta's most popular sandy beaches.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay
A beautiful sandy beach surrounded by clay slopes and cliffs.
Ta&#39; Duna Hill — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Ta' Duna Hill
A small hill on Gozo near Xagħra.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Blue Lagoon Ferry Point (Comino) — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Blue Lagoon Ferry Point (Comino)
The main drop-off point for ferries and tourist boats bringing visitors to the Blue Lagoon.
Cominotto Island — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Cominotto Island
A small uninhabited island opposite the Blue Lagoon.
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal
The ferry terminal on the northernmost point of Malta for services to Gozo.
L-Rdum tal-Madonna — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
L-Rdum tal-Madonna
A protected area known for its colony of Yelkouan shearwaters.
Marfa Ridge — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
Marfa Ridge
A ridge at the north-western end of Malta, overlooking Comino and Gozo.
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa — Comino Bird Sanctuary (Malta)
L-Aħrax tal-Mellieħa
A woodland area that provides a habitat for various species and is popular with campers.