St. Mary's Tower Comino
Historic 17th-century watchtower on Comino, offering commanding ocean views and a peaceful escape from the Blue Lagoon crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
St. Mary's Tower Comino
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 17th-century watchtower on Comino, offering commanding ocean views and a peaceful escape from the Blue Lagoon crowds.
"The astonishing views we enjoyed were worth the effort, even if the tower was closed.
"Check Tower Flag Status
A raised flag means the tower is open! Always check before your visit. :informationdeskperson:
Bring Cash for Donation
Entry to the tower is by donation (around 2€). Cash is preferred. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Mary's Tower Views
Top of the tower
Panoramic ocean vistas and stunning coastal scenery from this historic watchtower's summit.

Peaceful Comino Escape
Surrounding area
A tranquil spot away from Blue Lagoon crowds, perfect for a serene walk and enjoying nature.

Scenic Island Hike
Comino Island trails
Enjoy a rewarding trek across the island, leading to breathtaking viewpoints and hidden coves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Landing Pass for Blue Lagoon
Accessing St. Mary's Tower
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tower Flag Status
A raised flag means the tower is open! Always check before your visit.
:informationdeskperson:Bring Cash for Donation
Entry to the tower is by donation (around 2€). Cash is preferred.
:moneywithwings:Tourists who recently visited Malta, did you visit Comino? If yes, did it meet your expectations?
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the tower and around the island requires sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:
Book Blue Lagoon Pass
Essential for Blue Lagoon access from May 2025. Book online at blcamino.com.
:ticket:Visiting Crystal Lagoon on your own?
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tower Flag Status
A raised flag means the tower is open! Always check before your visit.
:informationdeskperson:Bring Cash for Donation
Entry to the tower is by donation (around 2€). Cash is preferred.
:moneywithwings:Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike to the tower and around the island requires sturdy footwear. :athletic_shoe:
Book Blue Lagoon Pass
Essential for Blue Lagoon access from May 2025. Book online at blcamino.com.
:ticket:Combine with Boat Tour
Full-day boat tours often include Comino, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon for great value.
:ferry:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St. Mary's Tower for its breathtaking panoramic views and its peaceful atmosphere, offering a welcome respite from the crowds of the Blue Lagoon. While access can sometimes be limited due to closures or refurbishment, the surrounding scenery and the rewarding hike are consistently highlighted as worthwhile experiences.
"Quite a trek to the other side of the island, but you’re presented with great views of Malta from near to the tower, the stairs were closed when we visited in April 25 , heading back down the island to the north there’s a great view of a little bay (the one with the boat parked in it)"
Mzazi
"Possibly located in the most scenic spot of Malta’s 17th-century defensive towers."
John Quist
"Didnt get to see it open. Still really pretty despite scafolding and worth the hike
Would be cool for more information to be provided about the refurbishment"
jezzaftw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Tower is located on Comino Island. The most common way to reach Comino is by taking a boat tour from Malta or Gozo. Many tours include stops at the Blue Lagoon and offer opportunities to explore the island, including the area around the tower.
Some visitors also opt for water taxis or private boat rentals. The hike from the Blue Lagoon area to the tower is manageable but requires comfortable shoes.Comino is a small island, and walking is the primary way to explore. There are paths leading to various viewpoints and bays. While generally accessible, some terrain can be rocky.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for navigating the island.No, private vehicles are not permitted on Comino Island. Access is exclusively by sea. Boat tours are the most popular and convenient method for tourists to reach the island and its attractions.
Many travelers recommend a full-day boat tour that covers Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and often Gozo. These tours provide a comprehensive experience, including swimming, snorkeling, and exploring sea caves.
Ensure your chosen tour allows time to disembark and explore Comino's quieter spots, like the area around St. Mary's Tower.As of May 1st, 2025, a free online landing pass is required to visit the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island. You can obtain this pass at blcamino.com and should select your desired visit time in advance.
This pass is crucial for entry to the Blue Lagoon area.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. Mary's Tower is typically by donation, with a suggested amount of around 2€. It's advisable to bring cash, as card payments may not be available.
The tower's opening hours can be variable. A good indicator of whether it's open is to look for a raised flag outside the tower.
It may also be closed for refurbishment or due to weather conditions.While the tower has a general schedule, it's not always open on specific days like Mondays.
The best approach is to check for the raised flag or inquire with boat tour operators.There is no general entrance fee for Comino Island. However, access to the Blue Lagoon area requires a free landing pass, which must be booked online in advance as of May 1st, 2025.
Even if the tower itself is closed, the surrounding area offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors find the hike and the scenery worthwhile even without entering the tower.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around St. Mary's Tower offers incredible photo opportunities. Capture the tower against the blue sea, the panoramic ocean views from its perch, and the scenic bays on the island.
The hike to the tower also provides vantage points for dramatic coastal shots.Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for photography.
Mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.Yes, from the top of St. Mary's Tower, you get commanding 360-degree views of the surrounding sea, neighboring islands, and the Maltese coastline.
This is an ideal spot for sweeping landscape photography.A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the distant coastline. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the water and sky.
Drone regulations can vary, and it's essential to check current rules for Comino and Malta before flying. Always prioritize safety and respect for the environment and other visitors.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Comino offers more than just the Blue Lagoon. You can hike to St. Mary's Tower for incredible views, explore other smaller bays, and enjoy the peaceful, less crowded parts of the island.
Some boat tours also include stops at sea caves.The hike is generally considered moderate. It involves walking on uneven terrain and some inclines. Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
The distance from the Blue Lagoon is manageable for most visitors.Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to enter the tower, bring cash for the donation.
Facilities are limited on Comino. Restrooms and some basic refreshments might be available near the Blue Lagoon during peak season, but it's best to come prepared.
The Blue Lagoon can get extremely crowded, especially during peak season. The areas around St. Mary's Tower and other parts of Comino are generally much more peaceful and less crowded.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Comino's History and Defense
Visitors can often access the interior of the tower, which provides a glimpse into its past. Information about the tower's history and its restoration is usually available in multiple languages. The strategic location offers commanding views, allowing for early detection of approaching vessels. The surrounding landscape, though rugged, adds to the tower's imposing presence and historical narrative.
While the tower itself is a focal point, its presence on Comino is part of a larger story of coastal defense. The island's isolation and natural beauty make it a unique setting for such a historical structure. Travelers often appreciate the blend of natural scenery and historical significance that St. Mary's Tower provides, offering a quieter alternative to the bustling Blue Lagoon.
Navigating Comino: Boat Tours and Access
Many tours include swimming stops, snorkeling opportunities, and sometimes even food and drinks. The duration and itinerary can vary, so it's wise to choose a tour that allows ample time for exploration on Comino itself, rather than just a brief stop at the Blue Lagoon. Some tours might offer a guided walk towards St. Mary's Tower, while others allow independent exploration.
It's crucial to be aware of the landing pass requirement for the Blue Lagoon, which became mandatory from May 1st, 2025. This free pass must be booked online in advance via blcamino.com for a specific time slot. While this primarily affects the Blue Lagoon, it's an essential piece of information for anyone planning a trip to Comino. For those seeking a more private experience, private boat rentals or water taxis are also options, though typically more expensive.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit