Quote from Alex bobby on March 26, 2025, 4:50 AM

Comino’s Battle Against Overtourism: Can the Mediterranean Paradise Be Saved?

For decades, the tiny Mediterranean island of Comino was an idyllic escape, its crystal-clear waters and rugged limestone cliffs offering a haven of tranquility. However, in recent years, the islet has become synonymous with overtourism, as hordes of visitors—lured by social media posts showcasing the famous Blue Lagoon—flock to its shores. Now, with environmental concerns mounting and local activists taking a stand, Comino is fighting back.

From Hidden Gem to Tourist Hotspot

Comino, nestled between Malta and Gozo, spans just 3km by 5km. Once a near-empty retreat visited by only a handful of travelers, the island’s profile skyrocketed after its Blue Lagoon became a viral sensation. The bay’s vivid turquoise waters, caused by sunlight reflecting off the seabed’s white limestone, create a dreamlike setting that traveler’s can’t resist capturing on camera.

Social media has undoubtedly fueled the tourism boom. Images of the Blue Lagoon have made it one of the most recognizable Mediterranean landmarks, drawing thousands of visitors eager to experience its beauty firsthand. But this newfound fame has come at a cost.

The Downside of Mass Tourism

While the Blue Lagoon appears pristine in photos, reality tells a different story. In peak season, up to 10,000 tourists arrive daily, overwhelming the small island. Crowds jostle for limited space on the narrow shores, litter piles up, and boats churn out pollution while blasting loud music. The once-tranquil paradise now resembles a theme park, leaving many visitors disillusioned.

Longtime Malta resident Colin Backhouse recalls a very different Comino from decades past. “I first visited in 1980, and back then, you could have the whole place to yourself,” he says. “Now, it’s unbearable in summer. You couldn’t pay me to go there.”

Many share his frustration. Online reviews frequently describe the day-trip experience as a “scam,” citing overcrowded ferries, overpriced amenities, and an overall lack of regulation. For environmentalists and locals, the situation has reached a tipping point.

Activists Take a Stand

In 2022, local activist group Movimenti Graffiti took matters into their own hands, staging a bold protest by removing commercial deckchairs and sunbeds from Comino’s shores. Their goal? To reclaim public space from private operators profiting at the expense of both visitors and the environment. Their activism sent a powerful message: Comino is not just a tourist attraction—it’s a natural treasure that deserves protection.

Government officials have taken notice. Starting this year, authorities have implemented a daily cap on visitors, reducing the number of day-trippers from 10,000 to 5,000. The move aims to alleviate the pressure on Comino’s fragile ecosystem and restore some of its lost serenity. But for environmentalists like BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana, this is just the beginning.

“Limiting numbers is a good start,” Sultana says, “but we need a long-term sustainability plan. Comino should have a proper ticket control system with a capped number of daily passes to regulate visitors more effectively.”

Comino’s Struggles Reflect a Larger Trend

Comino is not alone in its fight against overtourism. Across the Mediterranean, popular destinations are implementing stricter policies to curb the negative effects of mass tourism. Venice has introduced entry fees for day-trippers, while Athens has capped daily visitor numbers to the Acropolis. These measures reflect a growing awareness that unchecked tourism can do irreparable harm.

Tour guide Joanne Gatt has heard numerous complaints from visitors expecting paradise and finding chaos instead. “People see these beautiful Instagram photos and think they’re going to experience something magical. But they get there and realise it’s overcrowded, noisy, and disappointing.”

Gatt is hopeful that the new regulations will improve the experience for visitors while preserving Comino’s beauty for future generations. But some wonder if the damage has already been done. “With so many people wearing it down year after year, I just hope there’s something left for those who come after us,” she reflects.

Can Comino Regain Its Charm?

The challenge now lies in balancing tourism with conservation. While visitors bring economic benefits to the region, the environmental and social costs of overtourism cannot be ignored. The new visitor cap is a step in the right direction, but will it be enough?

If Comino is to reclaim its status as a peaceful retreat rather than an overrun tourist trap, sustainable tourism policies must continue to evolve. For traveler’s, this means making conscious choices—visiting during the off-season, respecting nature, and supporting local conservation efforts.

As Comino embarks on its journey toward a more sustainable future, one thing is certain: the battle to save this Mediterranean paradise is far from over.