Maldives is a dazzling archipelago of more than a thousand islands that are so beautiful; it feels as if a wizard sprinkled magic white dust on a perfect painting and made it real.
So let’s jump ahead and look at some of the best places to visit in Maldives.
Male City
One of the world's smallest national capitals, Male is known for its ancient mosque and colourful buildings. With its beauty and progressiveness being talked about the island today has grown into one of the most visited places in the Maldives.
How to Reach: You can go from Maldives International Airport to Male by ferry, by bus or by car.
COMO Cocoa Island
COMO Cocoa Island is hands-down one of the prettiest and best places to visit in the Maldives. If you’re on a honeymoon, the island offers amazing resorts and plush water villas for a perfect romantic stay.
How to Reach: You can take a 40-minute speedboat transfer from the international airport on Malé (the main island).
Banana Reef
Banana Reef, one of the oldest reefs discovered in the Maldives, is adorned with stunning caves, majestic cliffs, beautiful coral growths and powerful overhangs. Banana Reef is also populated by sharks, barracudas, and groupers, making Banana Reef one of the world's most popular dive sites.
How to Reach: Banana Reef is nearly 7 km away from Hukhumale beach in Male Island. You can take a ferry or boat ride to reach Banana Reef.
Vaadhoo Island
This spectacular island may have roughly 500 inhabitants but the natural phenomenon occurring here - known as Sea of Stars - is one that captures the attention of people all around the world and leads them straight to the shores of Vaadhoo which delightfully serves them with one of the most memorable sights.
How to Reach: The island Vaadhoo is situated around 8 km away from Male International airport. You can take a speedboat that will make you reach this place in just 15 minutes.
Maafushi Island
It is a large island when compared to the rest of the islands situated in the atoll. Every year, this vacation spot welcomes a larger number of tourists, and to cater to their needs, Maafushi is dotted with cosy guesthouses and hostels which are not only affordable but are also extremely comfortable.
How to Reach: The most convenient way to go to Maafushi Island is by taking a speedboat directly from Male Airport to Maafushi Island.
Fulhadhoo Island
The small island of Fulhadhoo located in the southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll and two hours away from the capital city of Male is fairly uninhabited and is one of the most stunning islands in the Indian Ocean.
How to Reach: You can take a speedboat or ferry to reach Fulhadhoo Island from Male Airport.
Baros Island
One of the most popular islands in Maldives, Baros Island is yet another place in Maldives that is trying to one-up the other islands in pure beauty, and succeeding marginally. Lined with beaches filled with fine sand and gentle waves of water ferrying small shells and stones, Baros Island is known for its resorts and water villas.
How to Reach: Baros Island is a 25-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport.
Mirihi Island
This island offers excellent water villas for your ultimate pleasure. If you’re especially looking for a place cut off from the rest of the world, this can be the perfect place.
How to Reach: Travelers can easily reach Mirihi Island by seaplane. The flight takes only 30 minutes to reach Mirihi Island from Male.
Huvahendhoo Island
If you’re looking for that perfect destination for a family vacation, look no further than Huvahendhoo Island. The island is custom-made to accommodate families and kids.
How to Reach: The best way to get from Male Airport (MLE) to Huvahendhoo without a car is to ferry and travel.
Rangali Island
The Conrad Maldives resort on Rangali Island is an exceptional place for an all-around Maldives experience for families. Those looking for a place that offers fun activities for adults and kids alike can always go here.
How to Reach: The best way to get from Male Airport (MLE) to Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Mandhoo without a car is to ferry and travel.
Fihalhohi Island
There is nothing like a perfect honeymoon in the Maldives, and Fihalhohi Island in North Male can just be one of the best places to visit in the Maldives to indulge in a romantic getaway with your loved one.
How to Reach: The island is situated 45 minutes boat ride from the Male airport.
Veligandu Island Beach
A tiny island in North Ari Atoll, Veligandu Island is one of the places in the Maldives that has lush green vegetation and white beaches. The island can be a great place for vacationers looking for a short stay on a small island in solitude.
How to Reach: You can take a seaplane to reach Veligandu Island from Male airport.
Sun Island
Nalaguraidhoo Island, more commonly known as Sun Island, is the place to visit in the Maldives to book your enjoyable trip. It boasts of waters and skies so blue you wouldn’t know which is which.
How to Reach: A seaplane transfer is one of the common ways to get from Male to Sun Island.
Artificial Beach
The Artificial beach will give you the experience to remember! Located in North Mal-Atoll, the place is usually lit with a young crowd who wish to unwind and dive into the waves that hit the shore.
How to Reach: If you are somewhere in Male city, take a bus and get off at the Artificial Beach Bus Stop.
Alimatha Island
Located at Vaavu Atoll, this island nestled on the edge of East Maldives is just perfect for diving enthusiasts. You can also go boating and play volleyball by the beach while the white sand covers you!
How to Reach: Through seaplane, the island is only 20 minutes away from Male city. If you are someone who enjoys bumpy boat rides, you can also take the 90-minute boat ride to reach the island.
Halaveli Islands
Halaveli islands come with some phenomenal perks including the excess isolation that one seeks, especially when coming from busy cities. The island literally has more than 57 water villas designed perfectly to please your aesthetic senses.
Kanuhura Island
Expect to get pampered on Kanuhura island, apart from its unparalleled beauty that baffles the visitors, it has a resort of the same name and it comes equipped with luxurious 5-star hotel decor and luxe amenities.
How to Reach: You need to take a Seaplane flight from Male International Airport to reach Kanuhura Island.
Addu Atoll
Better known as Seenu Atoll, Addu Atoll happens to be Maldives’ southernmost atoll. This popular atoll comprises a myriad of well-known and beautiful islands including Gan Island.
How to Reach: The quickest way to get from Male Airport (MLE) to Addu Atoll is to fly which costs $240 - $390 and takes 1h 10m.
Addu City
Lying in the southernmost atoll of Maldives, Addu City is one of the most urban places to see in Maldives after Male. Making for this island nation’s second-largest city, the heart-shaped city of Addu propels a plethora of couples owing to its captivating vistas packed with a blue overhead sky and tall coconut trees.
Maamigili
Known popularly as the ‘Whale Shark Island’, Maamigili is a considerably large island sheltering over 2300 people. With two big harbors, this destination is considered as a renowned and bustling fishing island.
How to Reach: The best way to get from Male Airport (MLE) to Maamigili without a car is to ferry.
Naifaru
Packed with historical monuments and cultural places, Naifaru Island is counted among the top tourist places to visit in Maldives. Snorkeling and diving are some of the most exciting things that tourists love to do at this enchanting island destination.
How to Reach: The cheapest way to get from Male Airport (MLE) to Naifaru is to fly which costs $9 - $300 and takes 35 min.
