The most beautiful places in the Maldives

Malé is the economic powerhouse of the archipelago. It is resolutely modern, with one of the most pleasant tropical climates and offers seashore landscapes that are characteristic of the region. You must absolutely visit Marine Drive, the Port of Malé! There, you will explore the fish and seafood market while you go along the Maldivian coast in an idyllic environment. The Hukuru Miskiiy mosque is one of the most beautiful monuments in the Maldives. Constructed in 1656, it is also called the "Friday Mosque". It is built on closely interlocked blocks of coral, a witness to the traditional architecture of Maldivian carpenters.
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Did you know?
To counter rises in the sea level, Malé commissioned an artificial island built by the Dutch builder, Dutch Docklands. It is an outstanding idea to secure the future of Maldivians!
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Would you like to go on small tour in Sultan Park?
It is impossible to leave Malé without visiting Sultan Park! This park was located inside an ancient royal palace of the 16th Century. Today, it has become the National Museum which holds the key royal collections of the Islamic period of the Maldives: jewels, royal garments, weapons, drums and replicas of fishing boats. You will also find collections from the Buddhist era of the archipelago there.
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Did you know?
The origin of the name of the archipelago, "The Maldives" has been the subject of a lot of controversy. According to some opinions, it comes from the Sanskrit "mal dvipa" which means "one thousand islands". For others, it would be attributed to the Arabic "Dhibat al-Mahal" which means "Island of the Palace", a place that hosted Sultans who reigned over the archipelago for several centuries.

Are you wondering where to visit in the Maldives in order to explore the local culture? Come to the Vakarufalhi Island and admire Boduberu, the official dance of the Maldives. Initially practised by labourers after a hard day’s work, it has become the most popular dance of the archipelago. During a rendition of the thara, you will be fascinated by Maldivian music which is influenced by Middle-Eastern rhythms. If you wish to know more about Maldivian gastronomy, have a taste of the local delicacies: hedhikaa (small yeast dough with tuna), fish croquettes with ginger and other very spicy meals like fish curry.
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Did you know?
For centuries, the Maldives have held the role of banker thanks to cowries, the Maldivian seashell which served as exchange currency in the entire Indian Ocean!
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Nika Island is a destination in the middle of the lagoon, located to the north of the Ari Atoll, which is perfect for one-on-one couple outings. It is actually a private island and only a few lucky people enjoy the opportunity of having this experience in an intimate environment under the scanning eyes of eagles. You will enjoy a dream stay in an idyllic environment of lush vegetation and stilt houses.

Discover the Maldivian fauna on Rasdhoo Atoll

Rasdhoo Atoll is the largest inhabited island of the archipelago. It comprises of 5 small islands (Kuramathi, Madivaru Finolhu, Veligandu, Madivaru and Rasdhoo), it is the ideal destination for underwater diving buffs. It is a veritable giant aquarium where you can encounter schools of barracudas, rays or small reef fish. The archipelago is also known for its sharks, with more than 26 species that are now protected by a fishing prohibition.
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It is up to you to prepare a checklist of places that you would like to visit in the Maldives! Whatever island you choose, you will not be disappointed. You will enjoy your stay in an environment with white sand, turquoise lagoons and coconut trees. So, what are you waiting for?