The best cycling routes in Comino

Comino offers a unique cycling experience characterized by rugged, gravelly, and unpaved paths. While not ideal for traditional road touring bikes with thin tires, the island is excellent for mountain biking or electric mountain bikes. A significant advantage is the absence of car traffic, providing a peaceful environment to explore its rocky coastline and diverse natural landscapes.

The cycling routes in Comino cater to various skill levels. Out of over 30 available routes, you'll find options ranging from 3 easy routes, 16 moderate routes, to 13 difficult routes. This variety ensures there's a suitable path whether you're looking for a relaxed ride or a more challenging adventure with significant elevation changes.

Comino, a protected natural reserve, boasts numerous natural wonders and historical sites. You can explore the iconic View of the Blue Lagoon (Comino), famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. Other notable landmarks include the historic St Mary's Tower (Comino Tower), offering panoramic views, and the Santa Marija Battery. The island's rugged coastline also features numerous coves and sea caves.

Yes, many of Comino's touring cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, you could try the Xwejni Salt Pans – Ta' Pinu Basilica loop from Nadur, a challenging 35.4 km route, or the Dwejra Bay – Gozo: Dwejra Bay loop from Għajnsielem, which is 25.3 km and offers scenic bay views.

The touring cycling routes in Comino are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an impressive average rating of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. More than 650 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the island, often praising its traffic-free environment, stunning coastal views, and the adventurous nature of its unpaved paths.

Comino is an island accessible by ferry. You can take a ferry from Malta (Cirkewwa) or Gozo (Mgarr) to Comino. Most ferry services are bike-friendly, allowing you to bring your bicycle onboard. It's advisable to check the specific ferry operator's policy and schedule in advance, especially during peak season.

The best time to cycle in Comino is typically during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) months. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild, and the island is less crowded than in the peak summer season. Summer can be very hot, making longer rides more challenging, while winter might bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

While Comino's terrain is generally rugged, there are a few easier routes that might be suitable for families with older children or those comfortable with off-road cycling. The island's car-free environment makes it safer for families to explore. It's recommended to choose one of the 3 easy routes available and ensure your bikes are suitable for gravelly paths.

Comino is a small island with limited facilities. There are a few seasonal kiosks and snack bars, particularly around the Blue Lagoon, offering refreshments. For more substantial meals or accommodation, options are very limited on the island itself. Many visitors choose to stay on Malta or Gozo and visit Comino for day trips. For more information on excursions, you can visit visitcominoisland.com.

One of the longer and more challenging touring cycling routes is the Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs – Mgarr Harbour loop from Nadur. This difficult route spans 36.2 km and involves significant elevation changes, taking approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes to complete. It offers extensive exploration of the island's varied landscapes.

Absolutely! Many routes in Comino offer stunning coastal vistas. For example, the Armier Bay Beach Cafe loop from Mellieha is a moderate 21.8 km route that provides beautiful views, often including opportunities to see picturesque bays and the surrounding sea.