An island with two mountains and the deep, wide sea... That or something like that must be what the three inhabitants of the island of Comino near Malta sing every day as they stroll across the three-square-kilometer island. After all, Comino houses a hotel and has probably the smallest sandy beach in the world - at least from my point of view.
In historic Mdina live only 253 inhabitants
I am still on the picturesque island of Malta and visit the former capital, Mdina. Only 253 inhabitants live in this historic city. Nevertheless, at certain times of the day you feel as if you were standing in the middle of the Hamburg train station. Crowds of people stream through the narrow streets or occasionally get chauffeured in horse-drawn carriages through the winding streets. Cars are strictly forbidden here. Fortunately, because already the coachmen drive some visitors by their typical ringing to the house walls. The ringing means: "Make way!" And this is meant quite seriously... In Mdina, a visit to the impressive Carmelite Priory is also worthwhile.
Adventurous boat trip from Malta to Comino
From Mdina to Gozo: A breath of adventure is in the air when you take a boat from Malta to Comino. The crossing sparks pure joie de vivre, as the boats have impressive power and glide from Malta to the islands of Comino or Gozo in just 20 minutes. The latter is another island that is in close proximity to Malta, but more on that later.
The video about my stay in Malta
Malta, Gozo and Comino are rocky islands, characterized by two different types of rock: hard and soft. The hard stone is used as building material for the houses on the islands, which therefore almost all shine in a uniform light brown. The softer rock, on the other hand, is responsible for the numerous caves and grottos along the coastline. Through erosion, the water has created these impressive formations and offers vacationers fascinating insights. In many cases it is even possible to go directly into the caves by boat.
Backdrop for "The Count of Monte Cristo
The film industry has also discovered the picturesque caves for itself and filmed there, among other things, parts of the movie "Popeye". In addition, the breathtaking scenery also served as the setting for some scenes in "The Count of Monte Cristo".
Comino offers about 30 meters of sandy beach
The picturesque, small beach of Comino can only be reached by boat and offers its visitors a whimsical panorama. On a manageable sandy area of about 30 meters, numerous people crowd, while the coastal area is densely occupied with deck chairs. These can be rented for 4 euros per day - a recommendable investment, unless you are an amateur fakir who prefers the pointed rocks as a sun lounger. In any case, you should pack bathing shoes to avoid cuts on your feet.
Fortunately, basic amenities such as toilets are available on Comino, and the physical well-being of beachgoers is not neglected either. Three colorful vending carts welcome guests right at the pier and provide them with refreshments such as ice cream, chips or drinks.
Just a stone's throw from Comino is the slightly larger island of Gozo, home to around 30,000 people. Visitors should definitely explore the west coast of the island, as there are numerous impressive sights to discover. A real insider tip is the inland lake, which consists of salt water and is only connected to the Mediterranean Sea by a tunnel through which boats can pass.
Just a few meters from the inland lake, the next highlight awaits visitors: the Azure Window, a naturally formed rock gate that captivates with its impressive beauty.
There is a reliable ferry service between Malta and Gozo, operated by car ferries. The crossing takes about 40 minutes and is a breathtaking sight, especially in the evening hours. Malta shines in a fascinating play of light in the darkness.
Conclusion: Malta - a real alternative for sun worshippers
Malta offers itself as an attractive destination for all sun-seekers. While one should not expect long sandy beaches here, visitors can expect crystal clear waters, a fascinating history, charming towns, impressive houses, delicious cuisine and extremely friendly inhabitants.
Another plus point is the short flight time from Germany: Air Malta serves numerous German airports, and many other airlines also fly to the island. From Hamburg, for example, you can reach your destination in just under three hours. That alone makes a trip to Malta worthwhile.
Note on our own behalf: This article was partly supported by tour operators, restaurants, hotels, airlines and/or tourism agencies. We attach great importance to independent and neutral reporting; therefore, the opinions, impressions and experiences of the respective authors correspond to their personal views.
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