Santa Marija Bay

The Island's Only Sandy Beach

On all of Comino — an island of just 3.5 km² — there is only one true sandy beach. Santa Marija Bay, nestled in the northern cove, is soft sand surrounded by ancient tamarisk trees that provide natural shade even on the hottest days.

Heart of the Community

For centuries, Santa Marija Bay was the centre of life on Comino. In the 18th and 19th centuries, 20 to 40 families lived here — fishing, farming, solitary. The bay was the only place where small boats could safely moor. The nearby Santa Marija Chapel (1296) — the oldest structure on the island — was built right here, because this is where the entire community gathered.

The cemetery on the hill above the bay bears witness to generations who lived and died here. When the last permanent residents left Comino in the 1960s, the beach briefly fell silent.

Tamarisks — Trees of Survival

The tamarisks growing around the beach are no accident. These remarkably resilient trees withstand salty sea breezes, extreme heat, and minimal rainfall. On Comino, where annual rainfall doesn't exceed 500 mm, they're among the few trees capable of survival. Their tiny, needle-like leaves minimise evaporation — an evolutionary masterpiece.

A Family Paradise

Today Santa Marija Bay is the best beach on Comino for families with children. Shallow water, natural shade, and a gentle entry into the sea mean even toddlers can safely splash in the Mediterranean.