10 largest cities in the Maldives

The island state of the Maldives has the most unusual territorial division. Nearly 1200 islands scattered among the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. The smallest areas of sandy land can reach only 150 * 80 meters in size. On the big islands, modern infrastructure is well developed. These are the "megacities" of the Maldives archipelago. What are the largest cities in the Maldives? Where are they located and how do they attract tourists? More on this later in the article.

Male

General characteristics:

Area : 6.8 km²
Population : 133 thousand
Atoll : Male
Distance from Male Airport : 4.7 km
How to get there : by bus or taxi from the airport

Male is the capital of the Maldives, the economic and cultural center of the country, where modern life is in full swing and almost all the main Maldivian attractions are concentrated. Male is such a transit point for tourists. The only major international airport on the islands is located here. It is from the capital that every journey and acquaintance with the Maldives begins. Here you will find many contrasts, from colorful markets to modern offices. In the city itself there are comfortable hotels for transit stops. For relaxation, choose hotels near Male .

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Some of the most popular hotels:

Book one of the Male Atoll resorts on wiotto.com today and enjoy the Maldives!

A full Maldivian vacation in Male is unlikely to interest you, but a stroll through the unusual island city is definitely worth a walk. You will see the famous Friday Mosque, built of coral stone. Shopping in Male will give a gamut of emotions. Walk through the fish and fruit markets, where you can gaze at the exotic and even taste something. Resorts closest to the capital often offer guided tours of the capital.

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Fuvahmulah

General characteristics:

Area : 4.94 km²
Population : 13 thousand
Atoll : Gnaviyani
Distance from Male airport : 494 km
How to get there : by plane of domestic airlines

A remote corner of stunning tropical nature. Fuvahmulah is the third largest volcanic island and the closest land to the equator in the Maldives. It is deservedly considered the most beautiful island in the entire archipelago. Two small freshwater lakes and the Fuvahmulah wetland are excellent breeding grounds for many plant and animal species. The unique ecosystem and rich nature allows the local population to develop the tourism industry, as well as engage in fishing and agriculture. Not so long ago, the island was included in the list of biosphere reserves protected by UNESCO.

Diving is one of the main activities on the island. Scuba diving is a lot of fun in the southern waters. A huge variety of pelagic fish can be observed on the reefs. The main highlight offered by diving at Fuvahmulah is encounters with tiger sharks (Tiger Zoo). Overall, Fuvahmulah Dive School offers an excellent water adventure program.

Holidays at Fuvahmulah can be quite budgetary. There are enough guesthouses and mini-hotels open here. Nevertheless, a domestic flight to a distant island will be an expensive pleasure, which must be taken into account when planning a trip.

Where to stay in Fuvahmulah

Among the most popular hotels in this direction:

Calyx Grand.
Marina Boutique Hotel.
Tigershark Residence.
Zero Degree Residence.

Asad Photo Maldives

Hithadhoo at Addu City

General characteristics:

Area : 5.4 km²
Population : 10.4 thousand
Atoll : Addu
Distance from Male airport : 531 km
How to get there : by plane of domestic airlines

Administratively, the city of Addu consists of the islands of Meedhoo, Hulhudhoo, Feydu, Maradu and Hithadhoo. In addition, the island of Gan with an international airport belongs to Addu City . Hitadu is the capital of Addu and the largest settlement in the southern islands. This is the best option for a budget holiday in this region of the Maldives archipelago. True, domestic flights are more expensive for travelers than accommodation and meals on the Hithadhoo.

The area is known for its dive sites, for which experienced divers come here, and for its good selection of international-standard restaurants. On the island of Hithadhoo, car rental is available for comfortable movement.

Walking organized tours of the tropical beauty of the great land are very popular among tourists. Hithadhoo attracts with its unique natural landscapes. If you are planning to visit these places, be sure to find a guide. In his company it will be possible to explore all the corners of the most noteworthy.

Mohamed Nashah

Kulhudhuffushi

General characteristics:

Length : 2.9 km
Width : 1.38 km
Population : 15.8 thousand
Atoll : Haa Dhaalu
Distance from Male airport : 275 km
How to get there : by domestic plane to Kulhudhuffushi airport

Port city and administrative center of Dhaalu Atoll. Kulhudhuffushi is located in the northern part of the republic and has all the advantages for the development of the tourism industry. Not so long ago, an airport was built on the island. Convenient shuttle service plus amazing beaches. About a dozen comfortable mini-hotels have already been opened here. Most guest houses on Kulhudhuffushi offer accommodation with breakfast included, free parking, and Wi-Fi access. The most popular private mini-hotels include:

Fanhaa Maldives
North Edge Inn
Cerulean View Residence
Nolhi Escape
Salty Beach House
Himeyn Beach Retreat

Saffu
Saffu

Thinadhoo

General characteristics:

Length : 1.56 km
Width : 0.92 km
Population : 5.3 thousand
Atoll : Gaafu Dhaalu
Distance from Male airport : 407 km
How to get there : by domestic plane to Kaadedhdhoo airport, then by speedboat

Thinadhoo is a well-developed local island and the capital of Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Schools, hospitals, cafes, restaurants and supermarkets are built here. Holidays on Thinadhoo can be considered authentic. This is a great place to get headlong into the real Maldives. There are only a couple of guesthouses and small hotels open on Thinadhoo. Among the main attractions for tourists are traveling around the island and diving safaris with the guides of the local dive center. Guests of Thinadhoo often choose the three-star Sunset Stay Maldives or Triton Beach Hotel and Spa.

Ibrahim Mushan

Naifaru

General characteristics:

Length : 1,112 km
Width : 0.72 km
Population : 4.1 thousand
Atoll : Lhaviyani
Distance from Male airport : 141 km
How to get there : by seaplane or speedboat

The largest and most populous island in Lhaviyani Atoll. Despite this, Neifaru is considered an ecologically clean place with stunning beaches. It has a complete infrastructure including Maldivian and intercontinental restaurants, cafes, clubs, a maritime center and all the possibilities for a great vacation. Diving and snorkeling are the main activities that guests are keen on here. On the island, you can stay at Explore Island Inn, Island Host or Naifaru Nafaa Inn. There are no bikini beaches on the residential island, so most often tourists prefer to stop or spend time at the modern resorts closest to the city:

Book the best resorts in Lhaviyani Atoll at wiotto.com.

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Hulhumale

General characteristics:

Length : 2.4 km
Width : 1 km
Population : 50 thousand
Atoll : Male
Distance from Male airport : 7 km
How to get there : by bus or ferry from the airport

The artificial Maldivian island of Hulhumale is located near the airport. This is useful if you are planning a short break. Moreover, Hulhumale has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. In recent years, high-rise buildings have been erected in the bulk city, parks and modern recreation areas have been developed. The landscapes of Hulhumale are, of course, different from those found on the private resort islands. However, it is a suitable place to stay on a budget. There is a bikini beach on the island, and hotels and guesthouses will help you find entertainment to your liking: diving, snorkeling, seaplane flights, sea travel and excursions in Male.

There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses on Hulhumale, but it's still better to book a room in advance. Good reviews from travelers can boast:

Paralian Hulhumale
Hotel Ocean Grand at Hulhumale
Samann Host
Manta Beach & Spa

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Didhdhoo

General characteristics:

Length : 2 km
Width : 0.72 km
Population : 4.2 thousand
Atoll : Haa Alifu
Distance from Male airport : 305 km
How to get there : Take a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo or Hanimaadhoo, then to Didhdhoo by speedboat.

In terms of population among the northern islands of the archipelago, Didhdhoo ranks second after Kulhudhuffushi. It is the densely populated capital and economic center of Haa Alifu Atoll. But, despite this, here you will find snow-white and cleanest bounty beaches. Fishing and snorkeling on Didhdhoo’s reefs will be spectacular. Cafes and restaurants are open everywhere, and the locals are warm and welcoming people. On the island, you can budget to stay at the popular Real Boutique Inn or book a luxury vacation at JA Manafaru Maldives , Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa

Maafushi

General characteristics:

Length : 1275 m
Width : 260 m
Population : 3 thousand
Atoll : Kaafu
Distance from Male airport : 26 km
How to get there : by public ferry or speedboat.

Maafushi has been an attractive Maldivian budget destination for over 10 years. This is not the only local island in the Maldives with a developed tourist infrastructure, but one of the most popular. There is a bikini beach on Maafushi, where you will not meet locals, a marine entertainment center, which offers all possible sea tours, from diving safaris to walks with dolphin watching. And also on the island you will find the same beautiful Maldives as in private resorts.

The selection of guesthouses and hotels on Maafushi is quite good. Among the most rated:

Kaani Palm Beach
Cristal sands
Arena Beach Hotel
Kaani Grand Seaview 4 *

More information about Maafushi holidays can be found here.

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Villingili

General characteristics:

Length : 800 m
Width : 600 m
Population : 7 thousand
Atoll : North Male
Distance from Male airport : 26 km
How to get there : by public ferry from Villingili terminal

The residential island of Villingili is located near Male and is such a suburban area, where there are no high-rise buildings, as in the capital, but there is all the necessary infrastructure. Holidays in Villingili cannot be called varied, although guests stay here quite often due to the proximity to the airport. The lively house reef attracts snorkelers. If you decide to stay at Villingili it is worth mentioning that there is no bikini beach. There are several hotels on the island, which in terms of service and prices correspond to the hotels of Male.

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