Maldives

Maldives: general info for travelers

The Maldives is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, south of India and Sri Lanka. It is made up of a double chain of 26 atolls, which are groups of coral islands. The Maldives is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life, including colorful fish and coral reefs. It is a popular destination for honeymooners, divers, and anyone looking for a luxurious tropical escape. The capital city is Male, which is a bustling hub of commerce and tourism. The Maldives is also home to a vibrant culture, with a mix of Islamic and South Asian influences. The official language is Maldivian Dhivehi, although English is widely spoken.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Maldives, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Maldives: places to visit

Sure, here are some of the main places to visit in Maldives along with a brief description of each: 1. Male: Male is the capital city of Maldives and is a great place to start your trip. The city is a hub for shopping, traditional handicrafts, and is also home to some beautiful mosques and historic buildings.
2. Hulhumale Island: Hulhumale is a man-made island that was built to help relieve the population pressure on Male. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and breathtaking sunsets.
3. Maafushi Island: Maafushi is a popular tourist destination that's known for its sandy beaches, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. The island is also home to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
4. Sun Island: Sun Island is a simply beautiful island that's located in the South Ari Atoll. It's known for its stunning white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and a wide range of water-based activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
5. Banana Reef: Banana Reef is considered to be one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Maldives. The reef is home to a wide variety of tropical fish, coral, and other marine creatures. Visitors can enjoy diving or snorkeling and see the marine wildlife up close.
6. Alimatha Island: Alimatha is a small island that is located near the Felidhoo Atoll. It's a great place to enjoy some peace and tranquility in a natural setting. The island has a beautiful blue lagoon and a pristine sandy beach, and it's also a popular spot for divers.
These are just a few of the many beautiful places to visit in the Maldives. Each of these destinations has its own unique charm and features, and there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise.
There is more to see and do in Maldives: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Maldives: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Maldives, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
The Maldives has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season (northeast monsoon) from December to April, and a wet season (southwest monsoon) from May to November. The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season when the weather is sunny and the sea is calmer. The months of December to April offer the best weather with minimal rainfall and low humidity. The temperatures during this time range from 25°C to 30°C. However, these months are also the busiest and expensive for tourists. If you prefer to travel during the low season, then May to November might be a good time to visit. Although the weather can be unpredictable with intermittent rains and rough seas, you may enjoy lower prices and experience fewer crowds.

Maldives: activities and what to do

Maldives offers plenty of activities and sports that tourists can enjoy during their holiday. Here are a few options you might want to consider: 1. Scuba diving and snorkeling to admire the stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life.
2. Parasailing to enjoy a bird's eye view of the stunning turquoise blue waters.
3. Jet Skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding to enjoy the crystal clear waters at your pace.
4. Surfing off the many reef breaks the Maldives has to offer.
5. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and catamaran sailing for an adventurous experience.
6. Island hopping to marvel at the varied beauty of different islands and experience the culture and traditions.
7. Sunset fishing for an unforgettable fishing experience as you catch various tropical fishes.
8. Beach soccer and volleyball games with your family and friends.
9. Taking a luxury yacht and cruises to explore the Indian Ocean's treasure. These are only some of the many activities and sports that tourists can choose to enjoy in Maldives to make their trip memorable and fun-filled.

Maldives: few words on history and culture

Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean. The history of Maldives is closely tied to the history of India and Sri Lanka, which have had a profound influence on Maldives' culture, language and religion. The earliest known inscriptions in the Maldives date back to the 3rd century BCE, but the island nation only began to emerge as an important center of trade in the 12th century CE.
The unique culture of Maldives is a blend of South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African influences, shaped by its isolation from mainland Asia. The local language is Dhivehi, which is closely related to Sinhalese, the language spoken in Sri Lanka. Islam is the official religion of Maldives and has a significant influence on the culture and way of life of the Maldivian people.
The Maldives is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, colorful festivals, exquisite handicrafts, and mouthwatering cuisine. The traditional occupation of the Maldivian people has been fishing and boat building, which continues to this day. The coral reefs surrounding the islands of Maldives are also a major source of tourism in the country, attracting millions of people every year.

Maldives: how to move around on holiday

The best means of transport to reach the Maldives is by air. You can reach the Maldives by booking a flight to Velana International Airport in Hulhulé Island, which is the main gateway to the Maldives. Once you arrive at the airport, you can easily transfer to your resort by speedboat, seaplane or ferry, depending on the location of your resort. If you are already in the Maldives and want to explore the islands, the best transport options are speedboats or ferries which are the most common mode of transportation between inhabited islands. Some resorts also provide their own transfer options which could include seaplane transfers or private yachts. To hire a car to visit Maldives, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Maldives: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Maldives with a full stomach:D
1. Fish: Being an island nation, fish is an integral part of Maldivian cuisine. The most commonly used fish in the Maldives is tuna (locally called "mas"), which is used to prepare a variety of dishes like mas huni, a breakfast dish made with shredded tuna, coconut, and onion, and mas riha, a curry made with canned or fresh tuna, coconut milk, and spices.
2. Garudhiya: This is a clear fish broth made with tuna, onion, curry leaves, and other spices. It is typically served with rice, lime, and chili.
3. Masroshi: This is a deep-fried pastry made with fish, coconut, and onion filling. It is usually served as a snack or appetizer.
4. Fihunu Mas: This is grilled fish marinated in spices and herbs. It is a popular dish served in almost every restaurant in the Maldives.
5. Saagu Bondibai: This is a dessert made with saagu (sago pearls), coconut milk, and sugar. It is usually chilled and served as a refreshing dessert after a meal.
Overall, Maldivian cuisine is known for its use of coconut, fish, and spices. The dishes are flavorful, vibrant, and unique to the Maldives.

Maldives: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Yes, Maldives is generally considered an expensive destination for tourists. The cost of hotels and resorts can be quite high, and many activities and tours can also be expensive. However, there are ways to save money while still enjoying a trip to the Maldives. For example, you can look for budget-friendly accommodations, eat at local restaurants, and choose free or low-cost activities such as snorkeling or beachcombing. Additionally, traveling during the off-season can often result in lower prices for flights and accommodations.

Maldives: where to find accodation

You can look for accommodation in Maldives through various online travel agencies, such as Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Airbnb, and TripAdvisor. You can filter your search based on the dates of your stay, location, price range, star ratings, and type of accommodation (such as hotels, resorts, guesthouses, or villas). It is important to read reviews and compare prices before booking your accommodation to ensure that you are getting the best deal and the right kind of experience for your trip.
You can check hotel prices in Maldives here:
Booking.com

Maldives: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
Maldives is a popular tourist destination and usually receives over 1.5 million visitors annually. The tourist arrivals in Maldives have been increasing steadily in recent years. There are some periods during the year when Maldives can be quite crowded, such as during the peak season which runs from November to April. During this time, prices for accommodations and activities tend to be higher and it can be more difficult to find available rooms. The rainy season, which is from around May to October, tends to be less crowded but it is important to note that the weather can be unpredictable during this time.
Maldives is considered a safe country for tourists. The crime rate is relatively low, and violent crime against tourists is rare. However, it's still important to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.
There are no places in Maldives that are off-limits for tourists. However, it's recommended to stay away from the North Malé Atoll and Malé city at night, as petty crime does occur there.
It's also important to respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting local islands, and avoiding public displays of affection. Alcohol is prohibited in public places in Maldives, except at licensed resorts and hotels.
Overall, if you take necessary precautions and respect local customs, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip to Maldives.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Maldives on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Maldives: events for tourists

Maldives is known for its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs. There are various interesting events for tourists that take place throughout the year in Maldives. Some of the most important events for tourists in Maldives are: 1. Maldives Independence Day (26 July) - This day is celebrated as the Independence Day of Maldives, marking the end of British rule in 1965. The day is marked by a parade, cultural shows and fireworks display.
2. Eid-Al-Fitr - This festival marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country. The day begins with prayers followed by feasting and spending time with family and friends.
3. Maldives Whale Shark Festival (July-August) - This festival is organized to celebrate the rare sighting of whale sharks in Maldives. The festival features traditional dance performances, food, music, beach games and guided snorkeling tours.
4. Maldives Surfing Season (April-October) - Maldives is a popular surfing destination and the surfing season starts in April and lasts until October. Many international surfers visit the country during this time to experience some of the best surfing spots in the world.
5. Maldives Food Festival - This festival is organized to promote the rich food culture of Maldives. The festival offers visitors with an opportunity to taste local delicacies that include traditional Maldivian cuisine and popular street food.
These are just a few examples of the many events that take place in Maldives throughout the year. Keep in mind that events are subject to change, so it's always worth checking with the local tourist board or embassy for an updated calendar of events before planning a trip.

Maldives: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Maldives, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Certainly! Here is a suggested two-week itinerary for a typical tourist in the Maldives: Day 1-4: MALE' - Start your trip in the capital, Male' - Explore the city's markets, mosques and museums - Visit attractions like the National Museum and the Islamic Centre Day 5-8: NORTHERN ATOLLS - Take a domestic flight to the Northern Atolls - Enjoy water sports such as diving, snorkeling or surfing - Take a day trip to the nearby island resorts Day 9-11: SOUTHERN ATOLLS - Take a domestic flight to the Southern Atolls - Go on a guided island tour and learn about the local culture and traditional ways of living - Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Addu City Day 12-14: LUXURY BEACH RESORT - Spend a few days relaxing on the beach in a luxury beach resort - Take a sunset cruise and enjoy the beautiful views of the Indian Ocean - Indulge in spa treatments, fine dining, and other luxury amenities This itinerary can be customized based on your interests, travel style, and budget. The Maldives is a beautiful country, and I'm sure you'll have a great time exploring its culture and natural beauty.

Maldives: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Maldives described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Biyadhoo is a beautiful tropical island located in the South Malé Atoll of the Maldives. It's approximately 18 miles from the capital of Maldives, Male. Biyadhoo Island is famous for its clear blue wa... CONTINUE here for a trip to Biyadhoo
- Dhangethi is a small island located in the Alif Dhaal Atoll of the Maldives. It is home to a population of around 1,200 people and is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and diverse ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dhangethi
- Dhiffushi is a local island located in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives. It is about 45 minutes away by speedboat from the Velana International Airport in Male, the capital of the Maldives. This i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dhiffushi
- Dhigufinolhu is a small island in the South Male Atoll of the Maldives, located about 35 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport. It is a popular tourist destination known for its luxurio... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dhigufinolhu
- Dhigurah is a beautiful island located in the Alif Dhaal Atoll of the Maldives. It is approximately 20 km long and is known for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and diverse mari... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dhigurah
- Dhonakulhi is a beautiful island located in the northernmost area of the Maldives. It is part of the Haa Alif Atoll and is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and abundant... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dhonakulhi
- Dhonveli is a small island located in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives. It is known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning coral reefs, providing the perfect destination f... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dhonveli
- Embudu is a small island in the Maldives, located just 8 kilometers south of Male the capital city. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibra... CONTINUE here for a trip to Embudu
- Filitheyo is a beautiful island resort located in the Maldives, a tropical country consisting of thousands of coral islands located in the Indian Ocean. The island is known for its pristine beaches, c... CONTINUE here for a trip to Filitheyo
- Finolhu is a beautiful island located in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters. The island is surrounded by a coral reef, making... CONTINUE here for a trip to Finolhu
- Fulidhoo is a small local island located in the Vaavu Atoll of the Maldives. It has a population of around 500 people and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and excel... CONTINUE here for a trip to Fulidhoo
- Gulhi is a small local island in the Maldives, located in the South Malé Atoll. It is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and colorful marine life, making it a popular destination... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gulhi
- Himmafushi is a local island in the Maldives, located in the North Male Atoll, about 17 kilometers away from Male, the capital city. The island has a population of around 1,500 people and is known for... CONTINUE here for a trip to Himmafushi
- Hulhumalé is a planned city located in the southern part of North Malé Atoll, Maldives. It was constructed to address the housing and living needs of the country’s rapidly growing population, and serv... CONTINUE here for a trip to Hulhumalé
- Huraa is a local island located in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives. It is approximately 16 kilometers and a 30-minute speedboat ride away from the capital city of Male. It is a beautiful island w... CONTINUE here for a trip to Huraa
- Innahura is a stunning island resort located in the Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives. It is a small and intimate island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. The resort offers a ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Innahura
- Kanifinolhu is a small island located in the Lhaviyani Atoll of the Maldives. It is known for its pristine beaches, clear blue waters, and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for snor... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kanifinolhu
- Kanuhura is a private island resort located in the Maldives that features luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and a wide range of activities. The resort is situated on a secluded island in t... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kanuhura
- Komandoo is a small island located in the Lhaviyani Atoll of the Maldives. It is known as a popular honeymoon destination due to its romantic and secluded atmosphere. The island is surrounded by turqu... CONTINUE here for a trip to Komandoo
- Kudafushi is a beautiful island located in the Raa Atoll region of the Maldives, which is known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island has a serene and peaceful envir... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kudafushi
- Kunfunadhoo is a small island in the Maldives, located in the Baa Atoll region of the country. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich mari... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kunfunadhoo
- Kuramathi is a beautiful island resort located in the Rasdhoo Atoll of Maldives, which is just around 56 kilometers away from the Male International Airport. It is the perfect destination for anyone s... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kuramathi
- Kuredu is a beautiful island located in the northern part of Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives. It is known for its stunning clear waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life. The island is ap... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kuredu
- Lhohifushi is a small island located in North Male Atoll in the Maldives. It's only about 3 kilometers long and 660 meters wide, but it's renowned for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. T... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lhohifushi
- Maafushi is a popular island in the Maldives known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. It is located in the Kaafu Atoll, just a short distance from the capital city ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Maafushi
- Maalhos is a small island located in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The island is about 1 kilometer long and 100 meters wide, with a population of around 500 peopl... CONTINUE here for a trip to Maalhos
- Maamigili is an inhabited island in the Alif Dhaal Atoll of the Maldives. It is located in the southern part of the country and is known for its beautiful beaches and clear turquoise waters. The islan... CONTINUE here for a trip to Maamigili
- Malé is the capital and most populous city of the Maldives, a tropical island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is located on the southern edge of North Malé Atoll, and is home to roughly one-third of th... CONTINUE here for a trip to Malé
- Mathiveri is a local island located in the Alif Alif Atoll region of the Maldives. It is approximately 85 kilometers from Velana International Airport, the main airport in the Maldives. Mathiveri has ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mathiveri
- Meedhupparu is a small private island, located in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives. It is an idyllic tropical paradise offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and a peaceful environment, m... CONTINUE here for a trip to Meedhupparu
- Mirihi is a small island located in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives. It measures only 350 meters long and 50 meters wide, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and intim... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mirihi
- Nika Island is a beautiful private island resort located in the North Ari Atoll of the Maldives. It is a 25-minute seaplane ride away from the capital, Malé. The island covers an area of 4.8 hectares ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Nika
- Olhugiri is a small local island located in the Maldives, specifically in the North Ari Atoll. It is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters that offer great opportunities for swimmin... CONTINUE here for a trip to Olhugiri
- Olhuveli is a small island in the South Male Atoll of the Maldives, located about 34 km south of the capital city of Male. It is a popular tourist destination renowned for its pristine beaches, crysta... CONTINUE here for a trip to Olhuveli
- Reethi Beach is a private island resort located in the Baa Atoll region of the Maldives. It is situated on a tiny island surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush tropical foliage. ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Reethi Beach
- Thoddoo is a beautiful island located in the North Ari Atoll of Maldives. It is known for its peaceful and calm ambiance, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The island is famous for its agric... CONTINUE here for a trip to Thoddoo
- Thulusdhoo is a small island in the Maldives, located in the central Kaafu Atoll. It is approximately 27 kilometers or 45 minutes by speedboat from Male, the capital city of the Maldives. Thulusdhoo i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Thulusdhoo
- Ukulhas is a picturesque island located in the North Ari Atoll of the Maldives. With its clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning coral reefs, it's a popular destination for tourists seeki... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ukulhas
- Vabbinfaru is a small island located in the North Malé Atoll of the Maldives. It is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Vabbinfaru
- Vakarufalhi is a beautiful island resort located in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives. It boasts pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters and stunning coral reefs. The resort offers a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Vakarufalhi
- Veligandu is a popular holiday destination located in the Maldives, which is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. This island is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and... CONTINUE here for a trip to Veligandu
- Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is a beautiful and secluded island in the South Ari Atoll of the Maldives. It is located approximately 25 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport in Male,... CONTINUE here for a trip to Vilamendhoo


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