When it comes to organize a trip to the Maldives, one always wonders which are the best islands and atolls in the Maldives where to stay and go on vacation. In fact, for those who do not know them it is not easy choose among the 1.200 between atolls and islands largest that make up the archipelago.
The Maldives archipelago is a set of tropical islands located in the Indian Ocean southwest of India. The country is known for three main reasons: for its own lively tourism, For fabulous beaches, and for the always mild and sunny climate, so much so as to make this destination one of the main dream destinations and a paradise for lovers of beach holidays.
Best islands in the Maldives
No wonder the Maldives are one of the most popular destinations in the world. The Maldives has dozens of beautiful tourist spots for lovers of heavenly beaches and crystal clear waters.
Check availability and rates for hotels and resorts in the Maldives
If you have decided to go on vacation to the Maldives and visit them, we reveal what they are the 5 best islands to stay according to your preferences and needs.
Male: the most comfortable place to sleep
Malé is a small island that is one kilometer long combines tourism and urban life. The island is the capital of the Maldives and is located in the central part of the archipelago. The island it is also home to the main airport and commercial marina.
Since most of the inhabitants are Muslims, Malé boasts numerous mosques and museums, art centers, parks and many other attractions. This is the best place to start visiting the Maldives, for visitors who love art and nightlife, as well as the most comfortable place to stay.
Malé is home to the great national museum, a landmark in the Sultan's Park. The museum houses hundreds of ancient artifacts that present the cultural heritage of the Maldives. Another point of interest in Male is the Huskuru Miskiiy, una gold-domed mosque built in the 17th century.
Find accommodation in MaleAddu Atoll: for water sports
Addu Atoll, formerly called Seenu Atoll, is regarded as the "second city" of the Maldives. Is situated 41 kilometers south of Malé and is the southernmost atoll of the Republic of Maldives as well one of the most touristic and popular places in the archipelago.
Addu Atoll boasts beautiful white sand beaches and stunning views of the sparkling Indian Ocean. It is a fabulous destination especially for those who love water sports.
The region is renowned for its teeming marine life, therefore for divers it is a snorkeling paradise. For those who love water sports, we recommend making a visit to Makunda and Muduka. These areas are rich in rare green turtles, manta rays, gray reef sharks and white tip sharks.
Find accommodation in Addu AtollNaifaru: for couples and families with children
Naifaru is part of a group of islands 142 kilometers north of Malé. The region is the main destination for honeymoons, romantic vacations and family vacations. Naifaru is surrounded by crystal clear waters and fine white sand beaches.
Five-star hotels, shopping malls and restaurants dot Naifaru's shores. Unlike Malé, Naifaru has a rather slow life, a relaxed atmosphere and is therefore the ideal place for romantic trips, for families with children and for honeymoons.
Find accommodation in Naifaru
Thinadhoo: the most beautiful beaches
Thinadhoo also known as the "Emerald City", is located 78 kilometers from Malé. This island is important for its mesmerizing green landscapes, fabulous beaches and many diving spots. The whole area is unspoiled, so the lovers of nature and adventure they will literally fall in love with Thinadhoo.
Rare trees, plants and exotic fruit trees grow in abundance throughout the island. Thinadhoo appears to be free from pollution and the climate is very mild. Activities that can be done in Thinadhoo include snorkeling, diving, hiking and swimming.
Find accommodation in ThinadhooAlimathà: for tranquility and nature
Alimathà Island is an island in the Vaavu Atoll. Is situated on the eastern side of the Maldives and is appreciated for its colorful marine fauna. The waters teem with tropical fish, several miles of coral reefs and exotic marine life.
The relaxed atmosphere and the very pleasant mild summer climate makes Alimathà a perfect place for divers, hikers, nature and water sports lovers. Although distant, the island of Alimathà has many hotels and restaurants.
How to get to the Maldives
There are no flights to the Maldives. In any case you can easily reach Male 'airport from Spain making a stopover with the numerous flights departing from various airports.
Very often a holiday in the Maldives is combined with a short one vacation in the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the stop over offered for free in Dubai or Abu Dhabi by some airlines.
How to get around the Maldives
Once you land in Malè, if your destination is not the capital, but one of the other paradisiacal islands, you can choose between various means of transport. The most used are the ferry, speedboat, seaplane and domestic flights.
Among the means of transport the cheapest is the Maldives Water Taxi, while the most exclusive is the transfer with a luxury yacht.
There are internal flights towards Gan, Thimarafushi, Dharavandhoo, Fuvahmulah, Kooddoo, Maamingili, Ifuru, Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, Kaadedhdhoo and Fuvahmulah. These islands have small airports where small aircraft can land.
