A day in Malta between Gozo and Comino, the review of Luzzu Cruises, a cruise between the two islands to see the best of the two locations without spending a fortune, read the review.
Very often it happens that, due to budget or time requirements, it is necessary to give up visiting some attractions by excluding them from our travel itinerary. This is what happened to me during my recent stay in Malta: I had only 48 hours to share between the Maltese capital Valletta and a bit of the sea. However, for those who want to visit Malta in 48 hours, know that it is possible to dedicate 24 hours to Valletta and half a day to Gozo, Comino and Blue Lagoon thanks to an efficient organized boat tour.
I was keen to visit Gozo, the island where Calypso held Ulysses prisoner and admire the Azure Window, a wonderful location that appeared in the first season of the Throne of Swords.
The mini cruise is operated by Luzzu Cruises, a family-run company that organizes various tours throughout Malta based on the bustling Sliema seafront, located just opposite the northern part of Valletta.
To get there I do not recommend buses as it is easier and faster by sea: in 10 minutes you will be ferried directly from Valletta to Sliema, literally 5 meters from the daily departures for Gozo tours.
The day in the company of Luzzu Cruises starts at 10:00. Leave the wide mirror of Marsamxett Harbor with the most beautiful and evocative skyline of Valletta behind you and continue on a navigation of about 1 hour and a half along the entire east coast of Malta. The voice of an audio guide will explain in different languages ​​all the points of interest encountered during the cruise: from the watchtowers to the salt flats, from the most beautiful bays frequented by young vacationers, to the caves or the most particular rock formations. On board you can take advantage of toilets and bar service with free and unlimited cold drinks.
Arrive in Gozo, in the characteristic port of Mgarr, get off the motor yacht “Kataleya” and board small air-conditioned minibuses for a three-hour shore tour.
It's about noon: we literally cross the island of Gozo from one end to the other, admiring breathtaking landscapes with dry stone walls and buildings with the typical Maltese yellow stone from the window.
The first stop is right there Azure Window, a window on the blue sea that does not exist!
In the same location it is possible to admire another marvel of Maltese nature: the InLand Sea, a sort of natural indoor pool, separated from the open sea by a rocky wall, which can only be accessed through a door / cave.
Time to take a few shots and off to the next stop: Victoria.
Victoria is the capital of Gozo, a perched and fortified citadel to cope with the numerous raids of pirates and Saracens that have taken place throughout the history of the ancient Mediterranean.
Among characteristic alleys, little doors, gallarijas (the typical Maltese balconies) it is possible to have a delicious lunch break based on pastizzi. The rule is no more than two, otherwise the addiction is triggered and, considering that the next stop involves swimming in the spectacular waters of Blue Lagoon, it would be wise not to exceed!
In fact, having left the minibuses, the Maltese guide takes us back to the port where we take the boat back to Comino, another marvel of the “Calipsee Islands” archipelago.
In Comino only 4 people live permanently including a priest and a policeman but, during the day, the islet touches points of absurd crowds.
My advice is to get ready for the swim directly on board. Once ashore, the bathing area can be reached in a few minutes via a path lined with kiosks, safety boxes for personal belongings and toilets. The waters of Blue Lagoon they are an authentic spectacle: a transparency that turns into emerald that fades in turn into a beautiful blue, towards the open sea.
The departure from this paradise is unfortunately scheduled for 16:00. During the return navigation, the captain of the Kataleya, John Paul, usually runs along the eastern profile of Comino allowing passengers to photograph the entrances of the most beautiful caves.
The return, on time at 17:30 on the Sliema seafront, allows all in all to take advantage of the remaining evening hours to enjoy the fantastic Maltese sunsets.
The cost of the cruise is 40 euro per person but, by purchasing the tour online on the Luzzu Cruises website, you will be entitled to a discount on the free ticket plus a cruise of the ports of Valletta aboard the "Luzzu”The traditional and colorful Maltese boat. For those, however, not interested in seeing Gozo, the Comino-BlueLagoon option allows you to spend the whole day in the beautiful waters of this Maltese islet.
