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Santa Marija Bay

A small sand beach on Comino's northern shore, quieter than the Blue Lagoon and shaded by tamarisks.

Updated 2 September 2026

Typebeach
WhereComino
Nearest cityMellieha
Best seasonMay to October
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereOn Comino's northern coast; walk across the island from the ferry landing
EntryFree

Santa Marija is a small bay of sand on the northern side of Comino, reached by walking across the island from the ferry landing at the Blue Lagoon, about twenty minutes over open ground. A stand of tamarisk trees behind the beach gives the only real shade on the island, and there is a chapel, a police post and the old isolation hospital nearby. It is markedly quieter than the Blue Lagoon and the water is just as clear.

Highlights

  • The tamarisk shade - the only substantial shade on Comino, behind the beach.
  • The quiet - a bay far less crowded than the Blue Lagoon a walk away.
  • The chapel - the small church of Santa Marija above the bay.
  • The clear water - swimming as good as the Blue Lagoon without the boats.

When to go

May to October when the ferries run. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. The island is nearly deserted outside the summer season.

Good to know

There are no facilities at all beyond a seasonal kiosk. The walk across the island is exposed with no shade. Ferries do not run in winter and camping needs a permit.

Nearby

The Blue Lagoon is southwest, and St Mary's Tower is south.

What to pack for Santa Marija Bay

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
  • Shelter suited to the place - Tent, tarp or hut booking - match it to the terrain and rules. Find on Amazon
  • Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
  • A warm sleeping bag + mat - Rated a little colder than you expect the nights to be. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

Where to start if Santa Marija Bay is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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