10 Best Places to Visit in the Maldives

Vaadhoo Island is a small, inhabited island in Raa Atoll of the Maldivian archipelago. It’s known for its pristine beaches, clean roads, and occasionally bioluminescent waters. The “sea of stars” natural phenomenon occurs when phytoplanktons are agitated with crashing waves and emit a vibrant blue light. Considered to be one of the best places to visit in the Maldives for couples;walking along the shores with your partner as the beach glows is romance gifted by nature itself.

Highlights:

• Kayaking is a popular activity in the Maldives, and what better place than nearby a bioluminescent beach? Brave the waters when the sun is setting and enjoy this breathtaking natural phenomenon.
• Enjoy a tranquil stroll along the shorelines of Dhekunu Thundi beach, known for its clear blue waters and postcard-worthy setting. 

Good to know: Visit the island during the new moon phase between June to September to increase your chances of seeing the bioluminescence phenomenon in its full glory.

The southernmost atoll of the Maldives, the Addu Atoll comprises picturesque islands like Gan, Maradhoo, Feydhoo and Meedhoo, all connected by freeways and bridges for easy travel. Densely populated, here you will have a chance to interact with locals and see authentic Maldivian life up close.

Highlights:

• Beachcomb in the rugged landscape and collect some souvenirs. 
• Sample local cuisine like addu havaadhu and addu bendi when the town comes to life during the evening.
• Scuba dive or snorkel to see manta rays, hammerheads, turtles, and vibrant reefs. Kottey Corner, Demon Point, and Turtle Point have massive coral formations with diverse sea creatures to spot!

Good to know: The Maldives is an Islamic nation and longer dresses and covered shoulders are more accepting in local areas. On private island resorts, you can wear whatever you want.

Sultan Park is a gorgeous public park in Male, Maldives. Also known as the “Rasrani Bageecha”, the lush green gardens were built on the site of a demolished 16th-century Royal Palace and are close to two other popular attractions: the National History Museum and the Islamic Centre.

Highlights:

• Travel back in time to the National History Museum located in another wing of the park.
• Stroll the park and plan a picnic in the lush surroundings and quiet space of this tourist attraction.

Good to know: Explore the National Museum in the afternoon to beat the heat and wander around the park in the evening for a cool, comfortable atmosphere.

The only man-made beach in the Maldives, the Artificial Beach is known for its striking beauty, pleasant climate, and proximity to the capital’s best eateries lined around the area. With a plethora of activities, from adventure sports to sunbathing and treating your taste buds, it’s the best place in Maldives for family time!

Highlights:

• Enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and watch the sun setting over the horizon from the Sinamele Bridge.
• Immerse in the cultural events, live music, and local food market along the shores. Several are organized in and around popular eateries like Newport Restaurant, Seagull Cafe House, and Oxygen Cafe, to name a few! 

Good to know: For a quieter experience, avoid visiting on Fridays & Saturdays (the weekend in the Maldives) unless you like a big local crowd.

Dining in an underwater restaurant is one of the best experiences in the Maldives. Built a few feet beneath the ocean, these restaurants offer stunning views of marine life through glass and offer an expansive array of cuisine and beverages. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant at Conrad Rangali, 5.8 at Hurawalhi Island Resort, and Minus Six Metres at Ozen by Atmosphere are some of the best-rated in the country.

Highlights:

• Watch the vibrant sea creatures around you as you enjoy a world-class dining experience.

Good to know: Stay at a resort that has an underwater restaurant to save the expensive travel between islands.

Grand Friday Mosque is a top tourist attraction in the Maldives. It’s the largest mosque in the Maldives and showcases a distinct level of architecture. Steeped in history and standing tall with its opulent grandeur, it’s a must-visit site to see in the Maldives.

Highlights:

• Cover nearby attractions like the produce market, Rasrani Bageecha, and the National Art Gallery after touring the Grand Friday Mosque 
• Admire the interiors and time your visit during a prayer for a deep spiritual connection. 

Good to know: Avoid visiting the attraction on Fridays, which is the holy day for Muslims. The place will likely see more locals than other days of the week.

Capital city Male boasts the charm of island life combined with a lively city vibe, historic architecture, azure seas, and a booming food scene. As Male is one of the best islands to visit in the Maldives, you’ll have a versatile choice of activities like lazing around by the beach, exploring the popular buildings like the National Museum, or tour around the streets bustling with local markets.

Highlights:

• Discover the country’s history at the National Museum and Sultan Park.
• Shop and collect souvenirs at Male’s two major shopping lanes: Majedhee Magu and Chaandhanee Magu.
• Visit the quiet and charming island of Villingili (Villimale), a 15-minute ferry ride away from Male.

Hanifaru Bay is located in the Baa Atoll in the Maldives and is a declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. It’s one of the few and the best places in the world where visitors can swim up close to Manta rays and other sea creatures like whale sharks, marine turtles and more.

Highlights:

• Snorkel with the manta rays for a surreal glimpse of sea life.
• Spend time on Dharavandhoo Island, nearest to Hanifaru Bay, popular for its unspoiled beaches and friendly locals.

Good to know: Plan your trip between May to December when manta rays aggregate in huge numbers to gorge themselves on plankton-rich waters. 

One of the biggest, most popular, and easily-reachable islands of the Maldives is Maafushi. With spectacular beaches, colorful reefs, affordable resorts, and historic attractions, it’s one of the best places to visit in the Maldives.

Highlights:

• Snorkel and witness marine life through crystal-clear waters.
• Dine at the local eateries and treat yourself to delectable regional dishes like garudhiya (fish soup), kulhi boakibaa (spicy fish cake), masroshi (tuna-stuffed chapati), etc. 
• Book a catamaran ride and witness majestic scenery as you sail through the Indian Ocean. 

Good to know: Public ferries operate multiple times a day to Maafushi Island (except Fridays) and cost only USD 3 per person, as opposed to a private speedboat which can cost as much as USD 30 to 50 per person.

Banana Reef is a protected marine park and the first dive site in the Maldives, making it one of the best places to go in the Maldives. It’s called “Banana” because of the form seen from above and is well-known for a rich marine ecosystem including the likes of reef sharks, barracuda, yellowtail snapper, humpback red snappers, moray eels, and more.

Highlights:

• Dive into the depths of the ocean and head over to the reef’s steep walls covered in colorful florals and sponges. The scenery is remarkable and teeming with underwater species like elusive silverfish, orange soldier fishes, and yellow-striped Oriental sweetlips.  
• Snorkel and see the fish whizzing out of the turquoise waters. 
• Take an aerial tour to witness the magnificent island from atop. 

Good to know: Schedule a trip to Banana Reef when you arrive or leave the Maldives. The reef is around 30 minutes away from Male and many diving centers offer 3 to 4-hour trips to the location, including travel, activities and a meal for the visitors. 

From witnessing the exotic marine life in Maldives’ shallow waters to lounging around on the world’s best beaches and dining at surreal underwater restaurants, the best places to visit in the Maldives are ideal for all vacationers.

For more ideas and insights, check out our Maldives travel guide on the best time to visit the Maldives and how many days to spend in the Maldives. Still confused? Our local travel experts can help you curate a personalized and memorable itinerary.