Places to Visit in the Maldives

The country has so much to offer that it will be a hard task to pick what beaches you need to visit, the islands offering the best experience and what to do there. While you're busy planning your itinerary, don't forget to look up some of the best Maldives travel insurance plans to secure your trip.

List of Places to Visit in the Maldives

The land of islands consists of 26 atolls and over a thousand coral islands beautiful enough to attract divers from everywhere. From sun-kissed beaches to private resort islands, you can pick any place to have a great time in the Maldives.

The country offers some of the most happening city tours and exciting nightlife. If you want to get away from the bustling city life, then too there is no shortage of comfortable chick resorts.

While there are several places to visit in this archipelago, here’s a list of a few places you should visit for sure:

• Male Atoll
• Biyadhoo Island
• Banana Reef
• Maafushi Island
• Baros Island
• Nalaguraidhoo Island
• Hulhumale Island
• Utheemu Island
• Fihalohi Island

While the country is pretty safe for tourists, don’t forget to buy travel insurance plan for the Maldives once you’ve finalized your itinerary. Don’t forget to check the required entry requirements including a visa for the Maldives, so that you can have all the important documents prepared for your trip.

Male Atoll

The largest city of Maldives, Male Atoll is an important stop for anyone visiting the Maldives. The place offers several fun activities and perfect weather despite the tropical climate. Though a small city, Male is full of adventures and offers great shopping, dining and sightseeing.

It can be easily explored in a day if you're short on time; there are some Islamic and pre-Islamic monuments flavoured with local insights. The beaches here are spectacular too, with interesting water activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walks and submarine rides always available.

Must Visit: Don't forget to visit the Hukuru Miskiy, Sinamale Bridge, the National Museum, Sultan Park and Mulee Aage.

Biyadhoo Island

This island is a scuba diver’s dream thanks to its full access, making it one of the best places to visit in the Maldives. The island has great tropical vegetation and offers perfect hydration in between several water sports including windsurfing, canoeing, surf ski paddling and more.

Spread over an area of 10 acres, this island is around 29 km far from the Male international airport.

Located between thousands of small coral islands, Biyadhoo Island is the ultimate spot for both families and adventure seekers. The place is also popular among couples and those going on their honeymoon, thanks to its turquoise waters and luxurious hospitality.

Also known as the Scuba-Diving Island, there are spectacular sites like Kandooma Thila and the Guraidhoo Kandu.

Must Try: Stand up paddling, surf ski paddling, windsurfing and snorkelling.

Banana Reef

Shaped like a banana, this reef is located in the North Male Atoll and is among the oldest reefs in the country. It is popular for its exquisite marine life and attracts divers from all over the world. The reef is rich with breathtaking sights including cliffs, spectacular caves and overhangs. The small island is packed with colourful and vibrant marine ecosystems that can be best explored while diving.

The site is perfect for expert divers who can explore underwater as deep as 30 meters underwater. The water temperature is pretty comfortable between 24 and 29°C.

While you're here, check out Hulhumal, Manta Point and Maldive Victory.

Maafushi Island

Probably one of the most popular islands in the Maldives, Maafushi Island has everything for that perfect beach holiday- exquisite food, water sports and fancy grainy, golden beaches. The island is very famous for shark diving, where you can meet Manta Rays and sharks while you dive on one of their beaches. There are also dolphins to watch out for!

If you're in for something more relaxing, try sunset fishing and later having a barbecue with the fresh catch.

Must Do: Visit the Bikini Beach, Arena Dive Club, Dolphin watching, Gulhi Island, Shipwreck snorkelling, Arena Beach restaurant

Baros Island

One of Maldives best and most crowded islands, and for good reason. This island offers azure waters and some of the best attractions in Kaafu Atoll. The island is pretty much uninhabited but has been developed into a resort island perfect for tourists looking to put their hair down.

You can also take up an introductory dive course here to start your diving journey, which makes it one of the great places to visit in the Maldives for beginners. Don't forget to take a tour of the Marine Centre's beautiful coral reefs and other water sports like wakeboarding, windsurfing and snorkelling.

Nalaguraidhoo (Sun) Island

A part of the charming Nalaguraidhoo Island, Sun Island is located in the South Ari Atoll. This lovely private island is set in a beautiful tropical paradise with remarkably blue waters. The island is a luxurious resort and is a charming choice among couples and honeymooners.

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway among various places to visit in the Maldives, then this can be a great option. The island has options for relaxation including a spa and saunas where you can destress after a fun day filled with water sports.

(Hulhumale) Artificial Island

Located near the capital, Hulhumal is an artificial island that was reclaimed to decongest Male. While it's not very beautiful, it has a very pretty coastline and is not teeming with tourists. There are plenty of places to stay nearby and popular restaurants to have some great seafood. You can opt for a walking tour or try sandbank snorkelling.

You should also try the sunset cruise if you're looking for a memorable backdrop for your photos! Like every island, this place also offers some water sports including snorkelling. Don't forget to visit the Hulhumale Central Park and the Hulhumale Mosque while you're there!

Utheemu Island

If history is important to you, then this is among the most significant places to visit in the Maldives and should be on your must-visit list. Located in the Haa Alif Atoll, this place is a hidden gem for both history buffs and nature lovers. With a pleasant climate for a major part of the year, you can go here for a solo trip or with your loved ones.

Don't forget to visit the Utheemu Ganduvaru, the abode of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, the hero who ward off the Portuguese invasions during the 16th century. The monument is a 500-year-old wooden palace in which the country's hero grew up. There is also the 'Badi Fasgandu' where you can get a better taste of local culture.

Fihalohi Island

If you love aesthetics, then Fihalhohi Island Resort is the ultimate destination. Located in the South Male Atoll, this island resort offers everything from water sports activities to exquisite food and luxury treatment.

Be it for your Instagram reels or just for a grand time, this island has some of the clearest waters lined with beautiful palm trees. The island boasts of a spectacular spa making it a perfect way to end your day after exhaustion caused by water activities. You can go beach hopping for Rannalhi which is located very close to this place.

With so many beaches to pick from, we’re sure you have some idea of places to visit in the Maldives. Just make sure you have enough sunscreen and shades, wherever you decide to go!

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