Top 11 Places to Visit in the Maldives

The Maldives: islands in the Indian Ocean

The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean: about 1,200 coral islands in 26 atolls, known for white beaches, clear water and overwater villas. Beyond resort life, there is plenty to see. Here are 11 places worth adding to your itinerary.

11 places to visit in the Maldives

1. Utheemu Ganduvaru

A wooden palace on Utheemu island in Haa Alif Atoll in the north of the country. It is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who freed the Maldives from the Portuguese in the 16th century. The palace is open to visitors and shows how the rulers of that time lived.

Utheemu Ganduvaru palace in the Maldives

2. Feydhoo Island

A local island in Addu Atoll in the south of the Maldives. Causeways link it to the neighbouring islands of Gan and Maradhoo, so it is easy to cycle around, see everyday Maldivian life and try home cooking.

3. Maafushi Island

One of the most popular local islands in Kaafu Atoll, about an hour by speedboat from Male. It has many guesthouses, a dedicated beach for tourists and snorkelling trips, which makes Maafushi a choice for budget holidays.

4. Banana Reef

The reef is named after its curved, banana-like shape. It is one of the first dive sites in the Maldives, in North Male Atoll, where you can meet Napoleon wrasse, moray eels and schools of tropical fish.

5. Alimatha Island

An island in Vaavu Atoll with lush vegetation and lagoons. Alimatha is known for night dives with nurse sharks, and there is a resort on the island.

6. HP Reef

A protected dive site in North Male Atoll with bright soft corals, caves and rich marine life.

7. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

A restaurant on Rangali island, about 5 metres below the surface. Guests dine in a glass tunnel while fish and rays swim around them.

Ithaa undersea restaurant in the Maldives

8. Kuramathi Island

An island in Rasdhoo Atoll with coconut groves, a long sandbank and beaches. Here you can try traditional Maldivian food with fish and coconut.

9. Male

The capital of the Maldives. Worth seeing are the 17th-century Old Friday Mosque built of coral stone, the fish and fruit markets, the Islamic Centre and the waterfront. Male shows how Maldivians live away from the resorts.

10. Moofushi Island and South Ari Atoll

The waters around Moofushi and the southern part of Ari Atoll are known for whale shark encounters all year round. Resort dive centres offer guided dives and snorkelling.

11. Bioluminescent Beach on Vaadhoo Island

On Vaadhoo island in Raa Atoll the waves glow blue at night thanks to plankton that emits light when it moves. The effect is best seen on dark, moonless nights.