Where to go in the Maldives

The question of where to go on vacation in the Maldives is simple - in every atoll open to tourists, the islands are equipped for beach recreation. In fact, there is nothing else to go to the Maldives for. In each region of the Maldives, city, resort you will be offered water activities: surfing, diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, and so on. Rare islands can boast one or two attractions. They are mostly located in the capital of the country, Male, where it is easy to organize excursions from any hotel. Therefore, deciding where to go to the Maldives, you need to start from your financial capabilities and preferences in terms of water entertainment.

Popular Sightseeing Cities in the Maldives

The only city worth taking a sightseeing tour of the Maldives is the country's capital, Male. It stands in stark contrast to the rest of the atolls, which are made up of small, sparsely populated or uninhabited islands with bungalows and beaches.

Male has virtually no natural beaches, but skyscrapers and highways - all in a mere six square kilometers! In the capital, you can visit old mosques, the National Museum, the Islamic Center, the Presidential Palace, and the Sultan's Park. One day is all you need to see these sights.

For the sake of interest, it's worth visiting Maradu Island in Addu Atoll, where the ruins of British naval bases and Bondoge, a former British prison, remain. Haa Alif Atoll includes Matirah Island, famous for its ancient mausoleum, whose tomb is still visited by Sufi pilgrims.

For more information on excursions in the Maldives, see the relevant section.

Best Beach Resorts in the Maldives

The peculiarity of Maldives beach resorts is that they are all located on small islands that are part of atolls. The islands are so small that they often house just one hotel. Not only that, sometimes its territory covers several islets. Which one to stay on depends on your budget.

The most expensive island is Wabbinfaru, located in Kaafu Atoll. Here you'll find a five-star hotel from Asia's Banyan Tree chain. Kuda Hura in North Malé Atoll offers the same level of vacationing, with the Four Seasons Resort, a traditional Maldivian village but with a high level of service.

The same principle is applied to Oluwelly Island in South Male Atoll, where the Japanese like to relax. The same atoll also includes the resort of Kanduma, which is particularly revered by surfers.

Wedding Travel

Wedding ceremonies go to Velassaru Island in South Male'. Although in principle these symbolic weddings are held in all the resorts in the country, it is Velassaru where they are said to be the most fabulous. International culinary competitions are also often held here, where you can sample some of the amazing dishes that characterize countries from around the world.

Close to civilization

If you want to be closer to civilization, you can stay not only in Male', but also on the island of Hitadu in Siinu Atoll. This is the second most densely populated island in the Maldives, so you'll find the benefits of civilization like high-rise buildings and highways here too.

Youth vacation spots

For a youth vacation go to Baros Island in North Male' atoll, where Germans and British prefer to go. Although you will not find nightlife here, as on other islands, but in general the atmosphere is consistent with youth life.

Golf, Spa and Diving

Golf enthusiasts should settle on Kuredu Island in Laviyani Atoll, where nine golf courses are organized.

For spa services, head to Raa Atoll, where the only hotel, Meedhupparu, offers the ultimate spa experience.

Diving enthusiasts head to Baa Atoll, which has three of the Maldives' most famous hotels: Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Sonevafushi Resort & Spa, and Reethi Beach Resort. Alavelli, Elliadu, Batala, although in principle, any resort offers such services.

We also have an article on how to choose a live reef hotel in the Maldives.