Nestled in the Indian Ocean lies the cluster of coral islands known as Maldives. The island nation personifies beauty with its breathtaking scenic skies, wanderlust forestry islands, inviting beaches, pleasant tropical climate, and a ton of water sporting activities. Endowed with unmatched beauty, there are more than 1,200 islands and 26 atolls to visit. This island lifestyle boasts a grand allure of exotic places to visit in Maldives where tourists from all around the globe are enthralled by various shades of blue, aquamarines, turquoise, and greens. Nearly every corner and nook of this island has been bestowed with the tag of ‘Maldives tourist attractions’ and this count keeps increasing as more and more nature-loving tourists explore this magnificent scenic arena. If you’re planning your next holiday in Maldives, take a look at these 15 best places to visit in Maldives to help inspire the nature lover in you
#1 Malé Atoll - For Urbanic Vibes
Malé Atoll is located on the southern edge of Kaafu Atoll and is the largest city and the most popular tourist destination among other bustling places to visit in Maldives. It’s managed to feature across travel journals and vlogs as one of the top Maldives tourist attractions. Malé Atoll experiences tropical monsoons occurring through most months of the year. What’s constant about Malé Atoll among the buzzing tourist crowd? - The moderate temperature throughout the year.
Major Attractions in Malé: Tsunami Monument, Malé National Museum, The Grand Friday Mosque, Dive Clubs Maldives, snorkelling, scuba diving, underwater scooters
Best Time to Visit: November to April
#2 Sun Island - For Beautiful Beachy Sunrise and Sunset
Nalaguraidhoo Island, famously known as Sun Island in South Ari Atoll, ranks high in one of the top scenic places to visit in Maldives. It is home to the most stunning beachscapes, colourful tropical flowers, and lush greenery, pulling a large number of wanderers to explore and bask in the heat and waves of Sun Island. With some really inviting blue waters that mirror the clear sky and some fabulously designed resorts, Sun Island guarantees to be one of the most loved Maldives tourist attractions. With its own curtain of tropical weather, beachy vibes, and serene environment, it’s among the favourite and perfect places to visit in Maldives, especially for couples and honeymooners.
Major Attractions on Sun Island: Windsurfing, Sauna relaxation and Spa, Island Divers, Deep Sea Diving
Best Time to Visit: March-April (during the summer season which is best suited for all water sports) / November to April
#3 Banana Reef - For Memorable Dives
Banana Reef, named after its shape, is located in North Mal-Atoll and is globally known for being one of the best deep sea diving sites in the world. This adds to your list of must places to visit in Maldives if you’re adventurous. Interestingly, Banana Reef was the very first diving spot in Maldives to be recognised for licensed diving training. The reef is surrounded by exuberant marine life, vibrant corals, beautiful cliffs and overhangs, and mysterious caves. The fantastic scenic points and diving season here are one of the reasons it's the most visited Maldives tourist attraction in May.
Major Attractions in Banana Reef: Maldive Victory, Biyadhoo Island, Manta Point, Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Jet Skiing
Best Time to Visit: May to July (for diving)
#4 Alimatha Island - For Calm Canoeing Afternoons
Resting at the eastern Maldives edge, Alimatha Island is located in Vaavu Atoll. Engulfed by crystal clear waters that are apt for diving, snorkelling, and boating, Alimatha Island is the perfect family vacation spot. It’s also popular as a honeymoon destination choice among couples. Get sun-kissed on the sandy, sunny beaches of Alimatha, one of the best places to visit in Maldives if you wanna rock that beach body under the sun! With luxurious ayurvedic massage and spa centres, bars and restaurants, Alimatha Island has many revitalizing Maldives tourist attractions.
Major Attractions in Alimatha Island: Canoeing at Miyaru Kandu, diving, snorkelling, Alimatha Aquatic Resort
Best Time to Visit: March-April
#5 Malé City - For the Capital City
Planning your honeymoon on an island? Add Malé City to your bucket list of places to visit in Maldives. It’s a beautiful place for sports lovers. The city is entitled as a natural paradise with its captivating views and scenic landscapes, ideal for outdoor painting! Go swim, fish, dive, snorkel, jet ski, and witness the best carnivals of your entire life.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
#6 National Museum - For Bizarre Historic Artefacts
A quaint building known as the National Museum in Malé holds a large significant collection of artefacts, almost like a trip down memory lane. There are places to visit in Maldives that are away from the beaches and still mesmerise you with the beauty of a bizarre kind. It’s a good practice to visit a museum during your vacation stay as it tells you those interesting stories about the history of the place you visit. The structure is part of the 17th-century Maldivian Royal Palace.
Major Attractions of National Museum: 13th-century wooden plank, 11th-century piece from Alifu Todd, Coral stone head of Lord Buddha
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
#7 Fihalhohi Island - For the Marine Life
Fihalhohi Island has earned the title of the most attractive and gorgeous island in Maldives. It’s situated in South Kaafu Atol in Mal. The island is beautifully enveloped with shady, swaying palms and coconut trees shadowing the blue pristine beaches of the island. If a romantic getaway with your partner is what you seek or you’re planning your honeymoon, you must add Fihalhohi islands to your must places to visit in Maldives list. The warm blowing breeze with icelandic water activities, and vivid thriving marine life in abundance, make this place a perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. You’ll experience a magical underwater world with beautiful marine life around you where you’ll make memories with your loved ones that’ll last forever!
Major Attractions in Fihalhohi Island: Rihiveli beach, scuba diving, snorkelling, Fihalhohi Island Resort, Rannalhi beach
Best Time to Visit: December to June (for diving)
Other places to visit in Maldives are Biyadhoo island that’s well known for fresh organic produce. It’s spread over 10acres of land and is about 18miles from South Mal-international airport. Baros Island is yet another bay one must visit when in Maldives. It’s exclusively known for its abundance of water villas. Also, it’s an ideal vacation spot for friends and larger groups as well. Desperately need a detox from the digital world? Make Mirihi Island your temporary home for a week where there’s no television to watch, and if you keep your cell phones in the room while you get out, then you would be completely detached from the outside world. The bioluminescent beach is an iconic destination among the places to visit in Maldives. Visitors are attracted to the glowing phytoplanktons in the beach shore that appear like the night sky full of dazzling stars. To spot phytoplanktons, the best time to visit this beach is between June to October and you can easily get to this beach from Hulhumale by ferry rides.
Conclusion
So, out of many places to visit in Maldives, what would you pick? A calm and serene island or an adventurous water sports hub? It’s hard to make a choice amongst so many adrenaline and dopamine-rushing places. Receive the best of both with your next trip to Maldives and experience the bliss of beaches, marine life, blue waters, and tropical weather.
FAQs
How many days should I plan my Maldives trip for?
A. Unless you indulge in specific activities or have a work visit, Maldives is perfect for a short vacation stay. A week of vacation in Maldives is enough to make memories in a single trip.
Which country is the Maldives in?
A. The Maldives is actually a chain of 1192+ islands that are located in the southwest of Sri Lanka and India in the Indian Ocean.
Which are some of the best luxurious resorts in the Maldives?
A. There are several best resorts for a lavish stay in Maldives. Opt for the ones that suit your budget and requirements.