From Sliema: Best of Gozo & Comino (CMO)

Getting a taste of Malta’s lesser-known islands can be a highlight of any trip, and the “Best of Gozo & Comino” tour from Sliema offers a convenient way to see two of the most scenic spots in a single day. This experience packs in ferry rides, a visit to the historic Cittadella in Gozo, and a relaxing swim at the famous Blue Lagoon on Comino. It’s designed for travelers eager to combine natural beauty, cultural sites, and some solid beach time without logistical fuss.

What I particularly like about this tour are two things: first, the seamless transportation arrangements—the included ferries and shuttles make the day relaxed and easy, avoiding the hassle of figuring out public transport or ferry schedules on your own. Second, the Blue Lagoon’s crystal-clear waters are truly striking and provide a memorable swim, especially if you enjoy snorkeling or simply lounging in picture-perfect scenery.

However, a potential drawback is the lack of detailed guidance during the visit—the tour includes self-guided exploration in Gozo and a boat trip that might feel somewhat rushed. Plus, the reviews point out some issues with guides not always being as informative as travelers hope, with one reviewer noting that their guide, despite being in Italian, didn’t provide much commentary beyond ticket sales. So, if you’re after in-depth local stories or a guided historical tour, this might not fully meet your expectations.

Key points / Takeaways

• All-in-One Day Trip: Combines ferry rides, a historic site visit, and beach time, making it a rundown of Malta’s nearby islands.
• Scenic Boat Trips: The boat to Blue Lagoon offers stunning views and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Historic Cittadella: Provides a glimpse into Gozo’s past, with a shuttle from Mgarr port allowing for a manageable self-guided exploration.
• Flexible and Hassle-Free: Includes transportation and timing that suit travelers looking for a well-organized day without worrying about logistics.
• Timing and Duration: The tour lasts about 1 day, with specific stops totaling roughly 6 hours of activities, leaving plenty of time for relaxation.
• Limited Guided Commentary: Some reviews suggest that guides may not always provide detailed explanations, especially if language barriers exist.

If you’re visiting Malta and want a full day that hits the major highlights of its sister islands, this tour packs quite a punch. It’s a structured yet flexible way to experience the famed Blue Lagoon, stroll through Gozo’s historic Cittadella, and enjoy the turquoise waters of Comino—all without the headache of planning multiple ferry trips or finding transportation.

How the Day Unfolds

The adventure begins bright and early from Sliema Ferries, where you’ll board a ferry heading to Gozo. The scenic ride alone is worth it, offering views of Malta’s coastline and the open sea. Once in Mgarr Port, a shuttle service whisks you off to Rabat to visit the Cittadella, a hilltop fortress that’s been a strategic site for centuries. Here, you can wander at your own pace, soaking in the views and architecture for about three hours—a good chance to explore Gozitan streets, peek into local shops, or simply relax in a scenic setting.

Afterward, a second ferry takes you from Mgarr back across the waters, but this time to the highlight for many—the Blue Lagoon. This spot is often cited as the star attraction, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning backdrop. You’ll spend about 100 minutes swimming, snorkeling, or just soaking up the sun. It’s a picture-perfect stop, especially if you love to see nature’s more dazzling displays.

Next, the tour continues to Comino, a tiny island famous for its breathtaking waters and peaceful atmosphere. You get about an hour here to swim and relax before heading back to Sliema, with all transportation included. The entire trip is designed to keep things straightforward, so you don’t need to worry about ticketing or timing—just enjoy the ride and the views.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Blue Lagoon’s stunning waters are undeniably the star attraction. I love how accessible this natural wonder is, with a dedicated boat cruise included that maximizes your time in the water. If you’re a swimmer or snorkeler, this is a real highlight.

The combination of historic and natural sights offers a well-rounded experience. The visit to the Cittadella provides a peek into Gozo’s past, with panoramic views of the island that are worth the trip alone. The shuttle from Mgarr makes the visit manageable, especially if you prefer self-guided exploration over a guided tour.

Transportation logistics are streamlined—ferries, shuttles, and boat trips are included, reducing the stress of coordinating multiple tickets or schedules. This makes it ideal for travelers who want to focus on enjoying the scenery rather than fussing over logistics.

But it’s worth noting that guidance during the stops can be limited. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, despite speaking Italian, did not offer much commentary beyond ticket sales, which could be disappointing if you’re hoping for local stories or insights. The tour is more about the scenery and the experience than detailed guiding.

The Itinerary in Detail

Sliema to Mgarr Ferries

The day kicks off early from Sliema Ferries, where a comfortable boat transports you across the channel to Gozo’s main port. The ferry ride is smooth and offers lovely views of the Maltese coastline, setting the tone for a relaxing day. It’s an efficient way to get from the mainland to the islands, and worth considering if you want to skip the hassle of multiple independent ferry trips.

Visiting the Cittadella in Gozo

Once in Mgarr, you hop on a shuttle that takes you to Rabat in Gozo, where the Cittadella stands as a reminder of the island’s strategic importance. The fortress has a history dating back centuries, and wandering its ramparts provides excellent photo opportunities and a sense of stepping back in time. While the tour doesn’t include guided commentary, you’ll have plenty of time to explore on your own and enjoy the views over Gozo’s landscape.

The Boat to Blue Lagoon

Next, the boat cruise to Blue Lagoon is the centerpiece for many. The waters are extraordinarily clear—the kind of blue that photographs beautifully. If you enjoy swimming or snorkeling, you’ll love the chance to dip into these tranquil waters, and the 100-minute window is enough to relax and take in the surroundings.

Time at Comino

Finally, the brief stop at Comino offers a peaceful escape. With only about an hour here, it’s a chance to stretch your legs, snap a few photos, or take another quick swim in the waters. The quiet beauty of Comino contrasts with the busier Blue Lagoon, making it a lovely, calm conclusion to the day.

Return Journey

The trip wraps up with a shuttle back to Mgarr and a ferry ride returning you to Sliema. The entire schedule is designed to maximize your time in the key spots without feeling rushed, though some travelers might wish for a little more guide-developed context.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you want a comprehensive snapshot of Malta’s nearby islands without the hassle of arranging separate transport and tickets. It’s perfect for active travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, tranquil waters, and a bit of history, all packed into one day. If you’re comfortable exploring on your own and prefer a flexible itinerary, the self-guided elements are a plus.

However, if you’re looking for a highly guided, commentary-rich tour, this might fall a little short. The lack of detailed explanation from guides means you’ll want to do some pre-reading about the sites if you’re craving historical or cultural insights.

Price and Value Analysis

For the price, you’re getting a full day of activities—ferry rides, boat trips, and transfers—combined with the stunning scenery of the Blue Lagoon and a quick look at Gozo’s historic Cittadella. If you compare this to booking each element independently, it probably offers good value, especially considering the convenience.

That said, the experience does have some limitations—mainly in guided storytelling—so if you’re after a deeper understanding of the sites, you might want to supplement this tour with your own research or guided options.

Final Thoughts

In all, the “Best of Gozo & Comino” tour from Sliema offers a well-organized day that showcases some of Malta’s most iconic sights and natural wonders. The combination of scenic boat rides, swimming in the Blue Lagoon, and a peek into Gozo’s history makes for a memorable experience, especially if you enjoy a mix of nature and heritage. It’s a good choice for active travelers who appreciate hassle-free logistics and stunning views, but those seeking in-depth historical guidance might find it a bit light on commentary.

For the budget-conscious traveler, it provides a solid value, given the included transportation and activities, making it an efficient way to see Malta’s neighboring islands in a single day. Just remember to bring your swim gear, sun protection, and a spirit ready for a day of exploration and relaxation.

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts approximately one day, with specific stops totaling around 6 hours of activity time, plus transportation.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during your free time in Gozo or at the stops.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

Do I need to book tickets for Comino separately?
Yes, due to new regulations effective from May 2025, you must secure a Comino access ticket through the official booking website. The tour includes a stop at Comino, but access is regulated.

What should I bring with me?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes for walking. You might also want a waterproof camera or phone for photos.

Is guide commentary provided during the stops?
Guides speak English and Italian, but some reviews mention that commentary may be limited or not very detailed, especially if the guide is not fluent in your preferred language.

What is the best time of day to take this tour?
Check the availability for starting times; generally, morning departures are common, giving you ample time to enjoy each stop.

How crowded is the Blue Lagoon?
It can get busy, especially in peak season, but the boat trip and limited time help manage crowds. Early morning or late afternoon visits might be quieter.

Can I swim at the Blue Lagoon?
Absolutely. The waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and about 100 minutes are allocated for this relaxing activity.

This tour offers a solid, scenic introduction to Malta’s nearby islands, blending natural beauty with a dash of history. Whether you’re after picture-perfect waters or a quick historical snapshot, it’s worth considering for an active, memorable day out.