20 Places to Visit in Maldives

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. Located in the Indian Ocean and not very far from the Indian west coast, Maldives is known for its blinding white sandy beaches (remnants of the wizard’s magic dust, perhaps), glimmering blue water that submerges pretty corals, and cloudless skies. A huge part of Maldives tourism involves newlyweds on their honeymoon. And the place is tailor-made for a perfect romantic getaway. But lately, the paradise nation has also seen a rise in tourists who make a trip to Malives for a family vacation. There are about 200 inhabitable islands in Maldives, and wherever your eyes go, beauty follows. So let’s jump ahead and look at the 20 best places to visit in Maldives.

Best Places to Visit in Maldives

The best time to visit Maldives starts from December to March.

1. Male Island

The capital of Maldives can be a great first stop on your Maldives tour, not because it is the best place in the country, but simply because the international airport is located in the capital and it is convenient to explore the city of Male before you head out to other islands. Indulge in delicious food from the wide variety of restaurants and bars or see local tourist attractions.

• Highlights: Artificial Beach, Tsunami Monument, Male National Museum

2. COMO Cocoa Island

COMO Cocoa Island is hands-down one of the prettiest and best places to visit in Maldives. If you’re on a honeymoon, the island offers amazing resorts and plush water villas for a perfect romantic stay. Hand in hand with your loved one, walk on the soft sand on the beach and take in the perfect view.

• Highlights: Spa, Water Villas, Resorts

3. Emboodhu Finolhu Island – One of the best places to visit in Maldives

Image source: taj.tajhotels.com

Move aside Dubai; even Maldives has an island that offers a spectacular aerial view of a budding flower made of water villas. The water villas in Emboodhu Finolhu Island are arranged in such a way that a view from the plane will show you a beautiful flower bud. The island can be an excellent luxury retreat for tourists.

• Highlights: Taj Exotica Resort, Water Villas

4. 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.

• Highlights: Corals, water sports

5. Seagull Cafe, Male

After all the watersports and beach hopping, it’s time to gorge on some delicious food! The Seagull Cafe in Male should be the go-to place for food and is one of the best places to visit in Maldives. With its excellent decor and great menu, Seagull Cafe can be the perfect place for a nice evening meal.

• Highlights: Seafood

6. Tsunami Monument, Male

Make it a point to visit the beautiful structure known as the Tsunami Monument constructed in remembrance of the lives lost in the devastating Tsunami in 2004. A building consisting of a small cylinder with encircling spheres, the monument is a popular attraction and a must-visit place in Maldives.

• Highlights: Surfing at the nearby beach

7. Majidhee Magu

Who doesn’t love a bit of ol’ street shopping? And Majidhee Magu in Male is the perfect street shopping destination. You can find anything and everything in this popular shopping street. From garments to accessories like watches, handbags, cosmetics and even electronics. If you’re into handcrafted stuff, you can find plenty here.

• Highlights: Jewelry, handicrafts, electronics

8. Mirihi Island

Mirihi Island is a small luxury island that can be one of the best places to visit in Maldives if you’re going for a romantic trip. 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.

• Highlights: No televisions, water sports

9. 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. The island has a good collection of restaurants, resorts and spas. It also has a Kids Club where your children can have fun while you relax in a spa.

• Highlights: Family oriented, Lily Beach Resort and Spa

10. Rangali Island

The Conrad Maldives resort on Rangali Island is an exceptional place for an all-round Maldives experience for families. Those looking for a place that offers fun activities for adults and kids alike can always go here. Indulge in snorkelling, fishing and dolphin sighting or simply relax in the infinity pool where perfectly blue water never ends.

• Highlights: Family oriented, Kid’s Club

11. National Museum

After washing off the sand in your hair, make it a point to know a thing or two about this heavenly place that has awed you so much. And the best place to partake in a little history is the National Museum in Male. Its large collection of unique artifacts traces the rich history of the Maldives Islands as far back as the 11th century.

• Highlights: 11th century Buddha stone head, 13th century engraved plank

Must Read: Everything You Need To Know About Mumbai To Maldives Luxury Cruise

12. Grand Friday Mosque

The Grand Friday Mosque is one of the biggest mosques in the world that can house up to 5000 worshippers at a time. Marvel at the exquisite marble facade and the gold dome that acts as the roof. The mosque can be visited by both men and women between 9 am and 5 pm. Kindly avoid prayer times to avoid any inconvenience to worshippers.

13. Thai Wok Restaurant – One of the best places to visit in Maldives for foodies

Thai Wok can be one of the best places to visit in Maldives if you simply adore Thai cuisine. The best part is the all you can eat buffet that the restaurant offers every week. The buffet has a diverse variety of delicious offerings that are sure to get your taste buds rolling.

• Highlights: Excellent buffet

14. Banana Reef

For diving enthusiasts, Banana Reef is the ultimate diving destination. So-called because of its unique banana-like shape, Banana Reef, houses some of the best diving institutes as well as sites. Have a peek underwater, and you shall be treated to some of the most exotic and spectacular marine life in Maldives. SCUBA diving and snorkelling in Banana Reef can be one of the best things to do in Maldives.

• Highlights: SCUBA diving, snorkelling, jet skiing

15. Artificial Beach

When you’re in Male, reserve a lazy evening to visit the Artificial Beach. As the name suggests, this beach is entirely man-made and makes for a wonderful place to stroll in the evening. The best part is that it’s so close to the city. You can indulge in water sports and take part in the regular carnivals the beach hosts.

• Highlights: Manta Point, Shark Point

16. Fihalhohi Island

There is nothing like a perfect honeymoon in Maldives, and Fihalhohi Island in North Male can just be one of the best places to visit in Maldives to indulge in a romantic getaway with your loved one. Its serene beaches and tranquil waters are a sight to behold, and with your partner by your side, this can be the ultimate experience. Make sure to include this island in your Maldives honeymoon packages.

• Highlights: Fihalhohi Island resort, Rannalhi, Rihiveli Beaches

 The place also offers some great snorkelling and diving opportunities.

17. Utheemu Ganduvaru

If you thought Maldives was all about beaches and resorts, think again. The small island of Utheemu in northern Maldives is an excellent cultural heritage site and a popular tourist attraction. It is the birthplace of Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu, who was instrumental in freeing Maldives from the Portuguese.

• Highlights: Utheemu Ganduvaru Monument

18. Veligandu Island

A tiny island in North Ari Atoll, Veligandu Island is one of the places in 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. The place also offers some great snorkelling and diving opportunities.

• Highlights: Fishing, snorkelling, seafood

19. Biyadhoo Island, Amongst the best Places to visit in Maldives

Located in South Male Atoll, Biyadhoo island is also a popular diving destination in Maldives. The island is full of trees bearing mangoes, coconuts, cucumbers, cabbages and tomatoes. Best known for its excellent water sport offerings, Biyadhoo Island, can be one of the best places to visit in Maldives for water-sport lovers and divers.

• Highlights: SCUBA diving, snorkelling, jet skiing

20. Sun Island

Nalaguraidhoo Island, more commonly known as Sun Island, is the place to visit in Maldives to bookend your enjoyable trip. One of the best place to visit in Maldives, Sun Island – boasts of waters and skies so blue you wouldn’t know which is which. The powdery white beaches and greenery add to the already awesome beauty.

• Highlights: Diving, windsurfing, snorkelling

Maldives can be the ultimate vacationing spot for you if you’re a beach person. And these twenty places are some of the best places to visit in Maldives. So choose your Maldives holiday packages today and start rubbing your hands with glee, because a trip to Maldives is a trip to heaven.

Must Read: 10 Things To Do While On Your Honeymoon To Maldives

Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Maldives:

What are the things to do in Maldives at night?

Maldives nightlife is not the raving party scene like other places. However, there are many things one can do in Maldives at night such as night diving, night fishing, open air cinema, star gazing, private island dinner, etc.

Which are the historical places in Maldives?

Maldives is home to many historical places ofsignificance such as the Male Friday Mosque, Utheemu Ganduvaru, Isdhoo Buddhist Stupas, etc.

Which is better – Bali or Maldives?

Both Bali and Maldives have a different experience and landscape to offer the travellers. While Bali is the preferred choice for solo travellers because of its affordability, Maldives makes for a slightly more expensive and luxurious holiday.

How many days do I need in Maldives?

Maldives is most preferred by those looking for a short but relaxing getaway rather than a long one. A week is the maximum amount of time you need to explore Maldives.

What is Maldives famous for?

Maldives is popular among tourists for its naturally pleasant environment including the blue ocean, white beaches and clean air. The weather in Maldives is also appropriate for various water sports and activities.