Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 coral atolls, which are made up of hundreds of islands. The country is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, lagoons, and reefs. Here are the 10 best places to visit in the Maldives.

Number 10. Alimatha Island 

In the Felidhe Atoll, Alimatha is an island that offers luxury cabanas, pristine sands,  and – most importantly – some of the most renowned SCUBA diving spots in the Maldives.  The resort that covers the island is often packed with eager divers looking for the coral groves and sea walls that surround it. Known for their high visibility and popular night diving packages, these dive sites have jackfish, morays, and eels.  

Number 9. Fuvahmulah 

There’s something different about Fuvahmulah compared to other Maldivian atolls. Firstly, this speck on the map of the Indian Ocean has no near neighbours and occupies its own atoll. It also has an occasional inland lake, which is uncommon in a flat country like this. Meanwhile, the sandbanks that surround Banging Beach make for some crashing rollers and refreshing salt spray (a welcome break from the usual lapping lagoons), and the equator’s proximity means steamy weather year-round. 

Number 8. Banana Reef 

Divers will be among the many travellers heading to the Maldives for one reason only: diving. The Banana Reef is the perfect place to don the SCUBA gear and wetsuits. The North Male Atoll’s fruit-shaped dash of corals and seaweed-covered sandbanks lies underwater between the islands. In this area, countless outfitters lead excursions to discover striped snappers, bulbous sponges, reef sharks, and barracudas. 

Number 7. Feydhoo 

There is something curious about Feydhoo’s story. There was a time in the 19th century when the people living here were the inhabitants of Gan island (more on that one later). After the British arrived in the run-up to WWII, Gan was transformed into an airbase, and the locals were sent to the Seenu Atoll. Feydhoo is today a pretty picture of life in the Maldives. Discover the winding walkways and sample seafood curries with the locals – you will always be welcome.

Number 6. Utheemu 

This beautiful site sits in the far northern reaches of the Haa Alif Atoll, the northernmost of the Maldivian island chains. Utheemu has a special place in the history of this archipelago nation. It once belonged to Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, the man credited with driving out Portuguese invaders from the islands in the late 16th century. There are the usual sparkling white sands and lapping Indian Ocean waves, but there are also heritage sites like the timber-built palace where the respected leader grew up. 

Number 5. Veligandu Island 

There are romantic sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Cocktails clink in the resort’s luxury bar. Sea kayaks bob on the turquoise shoreline, and crystal-clear waves roll in from the inland lagoon. One of the best Maldives honeymoon destinations is uber-beautiful Veligandu Island. Here, on the western edge of the North Ari Atoll, you’ll find plenty of opulent seaside villas and suites that cater to honeymooners and newlyweds. 

Number 4. Maradhoo 

A major link in the island chain that starts with Gan,  Maradhoo is connected to Feydhoo by a seaside causeway that runs above the coral-fringed shores of the Seenu Atoll. With narrow beachfront and coconut palms swaying in the breeze, it juts out into the Indian Ocean like a finger. The locals are laid-back and lovely, and the food is spicy and rich in seafood, just as in Feydhoo. Walk down Link Road and visit the coffee shops and sandwich vendors that meet between the palm trees. 

Number 3. Hulhumale Island 

Just across the sparkling waters from Male, the island of Hulhumale is forever growing,  as more and more land is reclaimed to house the sprawling urban tendrils of the city. In addition, it is home to Velana International Airport, which is the main gateway to these paradisiacal islands. Despite all that, Hulhumale is actually a charming town. The city has a gorgeous, though artificial, beach on its eastern haunch, leafy neighbourhoods,  a glass-topped mosque, and a promenade walkway above the Indian Ocean. 

Number 2. Maafushi 

There may not be the opulent 5-star hotels and sprawling luxury resorts that many of its nearby brothers have, but Maafushi boasts a lot of charm. Despite being devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the place has been busy rebuilding its salt-washed fishing jetties and industrious sailor huts. The opening up of rights to local guesthouses has helped transform Maafushi into one of the top-budget island getaways. Beaches lined with palm trees, lapping waves, and cosy coffee shops line the shores. 

Number 1. Male 

The city of Male – the capital of the Maldives atolls – is buzzing with scooters, cars, and Indian bazaars filled with coconuts and spices. In the North Male Atoll, the town is crammed onto a tiny islet surrounded by seaplanes that travel directly to their resorts. It manages to fit some fascinating sights between its streets, like the 17th-century Friday Mosque and the gold-tipped Islamic Center. The male market is also a must-see – just be sure to practice your haggling skills beforehand.

Maldives is one of the dream holiday destinations for many. Maldives is a South Asian country in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of India. With a land area of 26,190 km2, Maldives is the smallest country in Africa, the 34th largest by area and the smallest republic in the world.