From serenity to chaos: Maltese Comino’s battle against overtourism

Proceeding from a fresh article, BBC describes that the once-tranquil Mediterranean island of Comino has long been a favorite destination for tourists, particularly those eager to snap a photo of its iconic Blue Lagoon. But as social media posts fueled an influx of visitors, the island has become overcrowded, and now it's fighting back.

Colin Backhouse, who runs the popular Facebook page Malta Holiday Experiences, recalls his first visit to the 3km-by-5km islet back in 1980. "Back then, you could have the whole place to yourself. Unfortunately, I've seen first-hand the destruction over the decades," he says, expressing frustration over how the island has transformed into one of the most heavily visited spots in the Maltese archipelago.

Comino’s Blue Lagoon, a striking bay known for its iridescent waters, draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. The sparkling turquoise water, created by sunlight reflecting off the white limestone seabed, has made it one of the most photographed destinations in the Mediterranean. However, the once serene space is now overrun by tourists, with crowded boats, overflowing bins, and environmental damage marring the beauty of the place.

Backhouse, who no longer recommends visiting the island during peak summer months, points to the strain on local resources. "In summer? You couldn’t pay me to go near it. It’s hell on Earth," he says.

In response to the growing concerns over overtourism, the Maltese government is implementing a daily visitor cap for Comino, reducing the number of tour boat day-trippers from 10,000 to 5,000. While many see this as a step in the right direction, environmental advocates like Mark Sultana, CEO of BirdLife Malta, insist that a more comprehensive sustainability plan is needed to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem.

Local tour guide Joanne Gatt frequently hears disappointed tourists complain about their experience on Comino. "They go to Comino expecting paradise and leave disappointed," she says, hoping the new visitor cap will help improve the situation.

As Comino takes its first steps toward managing tourism more sustainably, there’s hope that future generations can still experience the island’s natural beauty. However, some fear that the damage already done may be irreversible.

By Naila Huseynova