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Maldives

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, and historically known as the Maldive Islands, is an archipelagic country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean, near the southeastern boundary of the Arabian Sea. The Maldives is located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, about 750 kilometres from the Asian continent's mainland.

Type Country

Why go

  • Island country in South Asia.
  • Served by Villa International Airport Maamigili (VAM).

History

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, and historically known as the Maldive Islands, is an archipelagic country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean, near the southeastern boundary of the Arabian Sea. The Maldives is located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, about 750 kilometres from the Asian continent's mainland. The Maldives' chain of 26 atolls stretches across the equator from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south.

Where to stay

Rangali Island Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, 20077, Maldives · conradmaldives.com
Indoor
Ithaafushi Island South, Male 20009, Maldives · hilton.com
Indoor
Emboodhu Finolhu, South Male Atoll 02117, Maldives · tajhotels.com
Indoor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giP1WP8ndiM · Van'gaaru Island, Atoll 40880, Maldives · marriott.com
Indoor
Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Hadahaa, North Huvadhoo 20054, Maldives · hyatt.com
Indoor
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Maguhdhuvaa Island, Maldives · ayadamaldives.com
Indoor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vtFaFBD1b0 · Velavaru Island, 20177, Maldives · angsana.com
Indoor
Indoor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysWXvmC8aOw · Villingili Island, Addu City 19020, Maldives · shangri-la.com
Indoor
Indoor
RC93+66F, Laamu Atoll 15090, Maldives · sixsenses.com
Indoor
Thaa Atoll, Maldives · comohotels.com
Indoor
Kaafu Atoll, North Male Atoll, Maldives · banyantree.com
Indoor
Olhuveli, Male 08400, Maldives · sunsiyam.com
Indoor
MERADHOO ISLAND, 17100, Maldives · raffles.com
Indoor
Mirihi Island Resort, Maldives · mirihi.com
Indoor
Vommuli Island Dhaalu Atoll, 13080, Maldives · marriott.com
Indoor
South Male Atoll 20109, Maldives · anantara.com
Indoor
Huvahendhoo Island, 00160, Maldives · lilybeachmaldives.com
Indoor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzNR7DdvtXg · South Atoll, Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives · luxresorts.com
Indoor
Kudarah, 00150, Maldives · world.nh-hotels.com
Indoor
Indoor
OZEN LIFE MAADHOO Maadhoo Island South Malé Atoll Maadhoo Island, 20094, Maldives · theozencollection.com
Indoor
0.624078, 73 225320, Addu City, Maldives · canareef.com
Indoor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be9M89BB248 · Gadifuri, Maldivas, Maldives · riu.com
Indoor
F573+3VP, Dhevvadhoo, Maldives · outrigger.com
Indoor
Meemu Atoll, Huraa 20252, Maldives · cinnamonhotels.com
Indoor
Halaveli Island, Maldives · constancehotels.com
Indoor
South Atoll, Alifu Atoll 00200, 3.8853495, 72.7275221,18, Moofushi Island, Maldives · constancehotels.com
Indoor
Ahmed moosa hingun, fulidhoo 10010, Maldives · royalvilla.mv
Indoor
Cocogiri Island Resort, Maldives · cocogiri.com
Indoor
South Ari Atoll, Athuruga Island 00130, Maldives · athurugabeach.diamondsresorts.com
Indoor
Ellaidhoo Alifu Atoll, 20252, Maldives · cinnamonhotels.com
Indoor
Kandolhudhoo, North Ari Atoll, Maldives · kandolhu.com
Indoor
Javaahiru Magu, Fulidhoo, Maldives · hotelscheck-in.com
Indoor
Dh. Meedhuffushi, South Nilandhe Atoll 13100, Maldives · sunsiyam.com
Indoor
Sosun Magu, Fulidhoo, Maldives · thundiseaview.com
Indoor
Kandima 20066, Maldives · kandima.com
Indoor
Kooddoo Island, 20219, Maldives · all.accor.com
Indoor
sosunmagu vaavu fulidhoo, 10010, Maldives · booking.com
Indoor
Indoor

23 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →

Restaurants & places to go

Indoor

Airports

Villa International Airport Maamigili (VAM) 52 km to the centre
Maamigili, 00, MV — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Muli Airport (MUM) 98 km to the centre
Muli, 12, MV — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor

Where things are

Full geo-intelligence in Better Mapping →
Local search powered by Geoverts and geo-intelligence by Better Mapping base map © OSM

Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Villa International Airport Maamigili (VAM); 1 other airport serves the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Maldives. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Tours & experiences

Sightseeing