Blue Lagoon

Comino’s Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular beaches with tourists, visited by thousands every year.

The small beach is usually taken up by sunbeds, deckchairs and umbrellas, set up by operators, who leave no space for those who do not wish to hire any beach equipment. A tender was issued in February by the Malta Tourism Authority earlier this year to regulate the activity. It was for a concession to hire out umbrellas and deckchairs at Blue Lagoon in summer. It also specified that the concession to operate “will be granted by way of an encroachment permit issued by the Commissioner of Land”. The entitlement is for not more than 35 deckchairs and umbrellas.

They are supposed to work from June until October. This is not the case: they have already begun operating. When the MTA and planning authority enforcement officers come to the lagoon, the operator hides all the deck chairs and umbrellas. They know when they are coming and when the inspectors are done, the concession operators take them back to Malta on their boat.

Why is this happening to our islands? Why is no one taking responsibilty? I hope the authorities take action.