Maldives hotels

For most visitors the pristine beaches and clear blue waters are the main attraction, but there are a small number of attractions. The National Museum on Malé holds collections of pottery, armour, manuscripts, antiquities from the Buddhist era and clothing and furniture belonging to a sultan. Or visit the historic palace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu on Utheemu island. The sultan, along with his brothers, fought an eight-year-long war in the 16th century to drive out Portuguese invaders. Watersports come top of the list for those who can bother to drag themselves away from the beach and on the Maldives, most of them are covered. Hire scuba diving or snorkelling equipment and head to Manta Point where you can see giant rays being fed and cleaned by wrasses. Or explore Banana Reef, the most popular diving site in the Maldives, or Chayaa Reef, for amazing marine life. You can also try your hand at a range of other activities such as windsurfing or sailing with a number of islands offering courses for beginners and advanced surfers or sailors. And the Maldives are a Mecca for surfers with the southwest monsoon bringing large swells from May to September. You can also enjoy parasailing, kayaking or kite-surfing, to name just a few of the other water sport options.