In collaboration with Rough Guides
Maldives itinerary: a guide to a perfect holiday
The Maldives is best known as a world-renowned tropical paradise. With over a thousand islands spread across 26 atolls, there’s a beach holiday for every type of traveller, all sharing the same characteristics of white-sanded beaches, coconut palms, turquoise Indian ocean waters and pristine coral reefs.
Whether you’ve got deep pockets or you’re travelling to a budget, this North Malé Atoll itinerary features the must-sees of the Maldives, including the capital city Malé, a glimpse of Maldivian life on a local island and some luxurious relaxation in a resort.
In collaboration
with Rough Guides
Stop one – visit Hulhumalé and Malé
As you step out of the international airport on Hulhule island, let the wave of humid air and the heat wash over you, telling you that you have truly arrived in the tropics. Save the next leg of travel for another day and grab a taxi to Hulhumalé, connected by road to the airport island.
Hulhumalé is a sparkling symbol of the Maldives’ modernity: a recently-created island built on reclaimed land. The beach area has a clutch of hotels at a range of budgets where you can freshen up before venturing to the beach. Here, you can experience your first swathe of perfect white coral sand – take a walk by the ocean and perhaps try some short eats from local vendors. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hire a bicycle and explore the island on two wheels.
Hulhumalé is a sparkling symbol of the Maldives’ modernity: a recently-created island built on reclaimed land. The beach area has a clutch of hotels at a range of budgets where you can freshen up before venturing to the beach. Here, you can experience your first swathe of perfect white coral sand – take a walk by the ocean and perhaps try some short eats from local vendors. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hire a bicycle and explore the island on two wheels.
It’s easy to hop across to the Maldivian capital, Malé, from your base on Hulhumalé via a quick ferry trip. Malé is a buzzing small city, with colourful, lively markets – be sure to visit the Local Market for a real sense of life here, and the fish market if your nose is up to it. The most important sights are the symbols of the country’s faith: the gorgeously carved Old Friday Mosque and the imposing Grand Friday Mosque. When it’s time for refreshments, you have your choice of traditional teahouses and modern cafés.
Stop two – stay on a local island
From Malé, it’s easy to travel to other inhabited islands in the atoll – all are served by public ferries, or if you want to get there a bit faster, book yourself onto one of the scheduled speedboat services.
Stretch your budget further by staying at a beach area on one of the inhabited islands with a guest house scene; there’s plenty of these in the North and South Malé Atolls thanks to the proximity to Malé’s airport. Visit Thulusdhoo, Himmafushi or Dhiffushi for a laid-back, purse-friendly take on the Maldives. Here, you can spend time discovering Maldivian life or make the most of the local bikini beaches. And if you’re a surfer, there’s even more good news. The first two of these islands are amazing for catching waves.
Stretch your budget further by staying at a beach area on one of the inhabited islands with a guest house scene; there’s plenty of these in the North and South Malé Atolls thanks to the proximity to Malé’s airport. Visit Thulusdhoo, Himmafushi or Dhiffushi for a laid-back, purse-friendly take on the Maldives. Here, you can spend time discovering Maldivian life or make the most of the local bikini beaches. And if you’re a surfer, there’s even more good news. The first two of these islands are amazing for catching waves.
Pay a visit to a local sandbar for a Robinson Crusoe feel and go swimming in crystal clear waters – don’t forget a snorkel!
Stop three – unwind at a resort
The Maldives is all about incredible experiences and escapism, so check yourself into one of the resorts and get to work on that bucket list! Each resort is on its own island and you’ll likely need to pick up your transfer from Malé – glide across the seas in a speedboat, or perhaps cruise overhead on a seaplane.
Once at your chosen resort, it’s time to kick off your shoes and enjoy all the perks of tropical bliss, whether you’re staying in an overwater villa or a beachfront one (if your budget doesn’t stretch this far, it’s also possible to book a day trip to many resorts from Malé). Lie on the perfect beach, snorkel in the warm waters and lounge with a cocktail by the pool at sunset.
Once at your chosen resort, it’s time to kick off your shoes and enjoy all the perks of tropical bliss, whether you’re staying in an overwater villa or a beachfront one (if your budget doesn’t stretch this far, it’s also possible to book a day trip to many resorts from Malé). Lie on the perfect beach, snorkel in the warm waters and lounge with a cocktail by the pool at sunset.
Almost every resort offers an enticing range of activities, no matter how much energy you want to expend. Take on exciting water sports, play beach volleyball or join a diving trip to see local marine life (manta rays or whale sharks if you’re lucky), or simply set sail on a sunset cruise to spot dolphins, arrange a candlelit dinner on the beach or book a dhoni ride to a private beach – many resorts have smaller, sister islands for this very purpose.
Whichever resort you go for – and there’s perfect choices for luxury-seekers, honeymooners, families and more – you can count on finding yourself in a little piece of paradise.
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