When I started planning a trip to Malta with a friend, one destination kept popping up time and time again… the Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino. With its crystal-clear turquoise water, white-sand seabed and endless photos online making it look like a slice of the Caribbean in Europe, it was hard to resist. But like any popular tourist hotspot, we couldn’t help but wonder… is the Blue Lagoon really worth the hype?
Here’s an honest review of our visit. Read all about what we loved, what we found a bit frustrating, and whether we’d go back.
What is the Blue Lagoon and where is it?
The Blue Lagoon is a sheltered stretch of shallow, dazzlingly clear water tucked between Comino and the smaller island of Comino. It’s part of the Maltese archipelago and sits between Malta and Gozo, reachable only by boat. It’s famous for its vivid blue colour, calm waters and snorkelling opportunities, and is a go-to for boat trips, swimming, and anyone wanting a taste of island paradise.
How we got there
We booked a full-day boat trip from Malta which included time at the Blue Lagoon and a cruise around the coast of Comino. Our day started at around 9:30am but we didn’t get to the Blue Lagoon until after lunch time due to other stops along the way.
When we did arrive, our boat docked at the side of the Blue Lagoon, along with many others. You’ll end up walking off the boat onto rocks most of the time, and the area is very narrow. You’ll have a short walk up to the actual Blue Lagoon area, or, you can usually jump off your boat straight into the water.
Our first impressions
There’s no denying it, the Blue Lagoon is absolutely stunning. That first glimpse of the water really does take your breath away. The water is extremely clear and you can see the fish swimming around everywhere. Add in the edges of the island, and you have a perfect picture… nearly.
That said, it was extremely busy. Even getting off the boat was hard, as there were so many people. Paths are narrow and there’s not much regard for personal space or safety.
At 1pm, the Blue Lagoon was absolutely packed. From 2025, there are 4,000 people allowed at the Blue Lagoon at any one time, which has gone down considerably down considerably from the 10,000 it used to be. As we walked along the paths, we realised quickly that there was no way for us to get to the beach or the water, because it was so packed. Visiting in mid-June made no difference to how busy the area was. It’s definitely not a hidden gem and that’s something to keep in mind.
Food and drink
Something you can get easily at the Blue Lagoon is food and drink. Along the paths you’ll find so many different food trucks and stalls serving drinks. If you want a pretty cocktail served in a pineapple, no problem. Chips, kebabs and burgers? There’s loads of places selling these. Although there’s a lot available, and the prices are reasonable (I paid about £4 for large chips), it’s all a bit samey.
What we loved
The water is beautiful
It really is as clear and inviting as it looks. Perfect for swimming, floating, and relaxing in the sunshine.
Snorkelling
If you want to jump in from your boat, it’s a great place to go snorkelling. Some boats hire them out if you don’t want to buy one yourself before the trip.
A good base for exploring
There are coves, caves and even a few walking paths around Comino. Some boat tours also include stops at nearby lagoons or caves. I loved the journey to the Blue Lagoon, and the view from the water is fantastic.
What wasn’t so great
Very limited shade
It became clear quite quickly that there wasn’t going to be much shade at the Blue Lagoon. The swimming zone was in the open, and the beach offered no shade. As the beach space is so small, there wasn’t space for sun loungers! Some food stalls might have an umbrella outside but even then, there will be a lot of pepole trying to stand there.
Food is limited
Although there are lots of food and drink stalls, they all sold the same things. You can get burgers, chips, kebabs and wraps as well as pots of fruit (you’re not allowed to take pineapple on the island). Prices are reasonable but the food wasn’t very imaginative.
Rocky ground
The sandy bits are small and most of the area is rocky or uneven. Even getting off the boat and walking to the main area felt very small and unsafe, with people having little regard for anyone other than themselves. Make sure you wear proper shoes as flip flops could be dangerous.
The crowds
It’s probably my own fault for not researching properly but I was not expecting the crowds. The sandy beach was heaving and there was thousands of visitors, with people everywhere. As with many tourist destinations, they don’t stay quiet for long and if crowds aren’t for you, I would advise maybe not going.
Top tips for visiting
- Arrive early – it gets very crowded by late morning.
- Bring water shoes – rocky patches and slippery surfaces are common.
- Don’t forget sun protection – there’s minimal shade and lots of reflected light from the water.
- Consider a short visit – unless you’re sunbathing, a shorter stay may be more enjoyable.
- Hire a private charter – although we didn’t do this, I’ve been told that private charters can arrive early compared to scheduled boat tours and can maybe take you to other areas that aren’t as busy.
So… Is the Blue Lagoon worth the hype?
Visually, the Blue Lagoon really does live up to expectations. The water is some of the clearest I’ve ever seen, and the colour is genuinely mesmerising. I could have sat and watched the fish for hours.
But in terms of experience, it’s not quite the peaceful, relaxing escape you might be imagining. The crowds and limited facilities take away from the magic a little – especially if you prefer quieter spots. The crowds were unlike anything I’ve ever seen and I felt uneasy and unsafe the whole time.
If you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth ticking off the list but time your visit wisely, be prepared, and know that it’s not going to be a hidden paradise.
Would I go back?
Probably not to the Blue Lagoon itself. Next time, I’d be tempted to book a private boat tour that stops in quieter spots around Comino, or explore beaches on Gozo instead.
Final thoughts
The Blue Lagoon is undeniably beautiful, and it’s easy to see why it attracts so much attention. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling and soaking up the views – but don’t expect solitude or luxury. With the right expectations and a bit of planning, it can still be an incredible place to visit.