The Three Islands of Malta: Malta, Gozo, and Comino

When holidaymakers say they are vacationing in Malta, they usually mean they are staying in St. Julian's. Similarly, when I hear from entrepreneurs that they have relocated their business location to Malta for tax optimization, their offices are almost invariably located in one of the larger towns on the main island.

What often gets forgotten in the process is that the Republic of Malta isn't just one island. It's an archipelago consisting of Malta, Gozo, and Comino.

The Geography: Malta, Gozo, and Comino

The naming convention can be a bit confusing for newcomers. The country itself is called Malta, but it consists of three inhabited islands: Comino, Gozo, and the main island, which is also geographically named Malta.

Malta: The Hub of Life and Business

The fact that Gozo and Comino often live in the shadow of their big brother is, of course, due to the nature of the islands themselves. Comino is tiny and, apart from the famous Blue Lagoon, doesn't have much infrastructure to offer. Gozo is also much more rural and natural.

Malta, on the other hand, is the largest island and home to the vast majority of the population. This is where you'll find St. Julian's with Paceville and the best bars in Malta, and it's where tourists flock to the casinos.

I have to be honest: from a business perspective, the main island is far more attractive. This is where you find the necessary infrastructure, you can literally feel the business climate during working hours, and the government authorities are never far away.

Comino and Gozo: Nature and the Azure Window

However, if you think Gozo or Comino have nothing to offer, think again. Gozo, in particular, is an excellent choice for tourists looking for a quiet summer holiday surrounded by nature.

Fun fact: one of Malta's most famous landmarks, the Azure Window, was located here. Countless calendars, wallpapers, and posters have featured this massive limestone arch created by natural forces on the coast of Gozo. You have likely seen the Azure Window before, as shown in the image above (though visitors should note that the arch sadly collapsed into the sea during a storm in 2017, leaving a still-beautiful diving site in its wake).

Gozo and Comino offer raw nature and scenic spectacles rather than the hectic lifestyle found on the main island of Malta. Which one is "better" really depends on what you are looking for.