The Big Islands of the Maldives - Which Ones Are Worth Visiting

There are two types of islands in the Maldives: local ones, where locals live, and those bounty islands for tourists, with luxury hotels. As a rule, the islands of the Maldives are small. But, of course, in their size, local islands are larger than tiny resort hotels operating on the principle of "one island - one hotel". And you can walk around them in a couple of hours. But where to go to the Maldives if you want to find yourself on a spacious island, which will take time to explore?

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Large local islands of the Maldives

It would seem that the largest island should be considered the capital of the island state, Male . And indeed, the total area of Male, Hulhule and Hulhumale exceeds 9 square kilometers, which is larger than the area of the largest natural island in the Maldives. However, they are not considered separate islands, but rather part of one urban area. Among the largest islands of the Maldives:

Gan Island

Gan Island in Addu Atoll is the longest and largest in the Maldives. It is connected to three nearby islands by an 18-kilometer causeway. The island is home to over a thousand indigenous people.

Gan is the most remote island from the capital (545 kilometers). However, it has its own runway and a small international airport. This is a legacy of the past, when in the mid-20th century there was a British military air base here. After the end of military actions, the airport was not used for a long time, but with the beginning of the tourist boom in the Maldives, it again gained importance. The closest to Gan is Sri Lanka, so many tourists fly from this country.

Tourism on the island is actively developing. The former military road connecting the islands of the atoll is the longest in the Maldives. Here you can rent a motorbike and explore tropical landscapes, visit a freshwater lake, restaurants, shops and historical buildings. Locals often speak English, preserving the influence of the British presence.

There are many excellent hotels in Addu Atoll . This region of the Maldives is characterized by a subequatorial climate, because the islands are located near the equator. One of the popular souvenirs here is a certificate of crossing it.

How to get there : Gan Airport receives domestic flights from Male. The flight takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. Some tourists prefer to first go to Maamigili Island and then take a speedboat to Addu. There are also direct flights to Gan from Sri Lanka and India (Cochin).

Equator Village Maldives

Maafushi Island

An island 1270 meters long and 265 meters wide, located in the Kaafu Atoll, 26 kilometers from Male. This is one of the most famous local islands of the Maldives in the South Male Atoll. Maafushi is a fishing village that has now turned into a bustling tourist center. There are more than 50 guest houses and about 3 thousand people live here. One of the few residential islands of the Maldives, which can boast of a developed infrastructure. All the typical entertainment associated with the Maldives is available on Maafushi: from snorkeling and fishing to excursions to other islands. Bikini Beach is the main area for beach recreation for foreigners. There are two beaches on the island, but you can sunbathe in a bikini only on one of them, located on the northern side of the island next to the Kaani Grand Seaview Hotel .

In the northwest of the island is the famous Active Watersports Maafushi. Here you can enjoy parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, flyboarding, water skiing and other activities. The center also offers dolphin cruises or snorkeling. Unlike the resort islands, the prices are more affordable. There are also several PADI dive centers on the island.

As on other local islands, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on Maafushi. An interesting experience is to visit a floating bar on one of the safari boats moored near the island. Transfer to the bars is free, and on board they offer a variety of drinks, music and even the opportunity to spend the night in a cabin.

Maafushi is easily accessible from Male by speedboat or ferry.

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Hithadhoo Island

Hithadhoo, the second largest in the Maldives, is part of Addu Atoll. It is connected to Gan Island and covers an area of about 5.4 square kilometers.

The island has public transportation: buses, taxis and bicycles. You will find guest houses, banks, ATMs. Known for its lush greenery, cultural richness and peaceful atmosphere, Hithadhoo combines lush vegetation, mangroves and unique wetlands. The island has become home to various species of seabirds, fish and crustaceans. It is home to a significant population of fruit bats, wild ducks and birds.

Island activities include snorkeling and diving on the colorful reefs. Visit local markets and look for handicrafts as souvenirs. Boat rides, exploring the local culture and wildlife safaris are other leisure options.

Easy access from Gan International Airport.

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Big islands - resorts of the Maldives

For active travelers, most Maldives resorts lack space, places to explore and walks along the ocean. So which island resort should you choose for leisure on the beach?

Hondaafushi Island Resort Maldives

A fairly large island of the Maldives, located on the secluded island of Haa Dhaalu. Its area is 59 hectares. Here you can enjoy untouched beaches, tropical thickets and a rich underwater world. The resort's infrastructure includes beach bungalows, a restaurant, a bar, an infinity pool, a spa complex, a gym, entertainment areas and Wi-Fi in public areas. The restaurant offers international cuisine, and the pool bar - snacks, tropical cocktails and sunset views.

The on-site dive centre organises excursions to spectacular dive sites and offers training in various levels of diving. Island hopping, snorkelling, fishing and water sports including surfing, windsurfing, water skiing and boat rentals are also available. The spa offers relaxation with massages and beauty treatments. For romantic couples, wedding ceremonies, honeymoons and island vow renewal ceremonies are available.

Transfers to the resort from Velana International Airport include a 50-minute flight and a 10-minute speedboat ride.

Hondaafushi Island Resort Maldives

Kuredu Resort & Spa

An ideal place for a holiday combining the nature of the Maldives and high-class service. On the island of 57 hectares (1800 meters long and 325 meters wide), guests can enjoy many resort privileges.

Kuredu Resort & Spa has seven restaurants serving local and international cuisine. It also offers two spa centers - one on land and one over water. Both offer a wide range of treatments for body and soul, including Balinese massage, coconut scrubs and romantic programs for couples. There are many activities for every taste - diving, snorkeling, fishing, various water sports, a tennis court, a fitness center. For golf lovers, there is a six-hole course on the island.

Kuredu Resort & Spa

Cora Cora Maldives

Cora Cora Maldives in Raa Atoll is a new luxury resort located on Maamigili Island, famous for its tropical nature and rich underwater world of coral reefs. The hotel offers 100 villas, 4 restaurants, a beach club, a swimming pool, a spa, a diving center, a kids club, an open-air cinema, a playground, a water sports center, a museum and a gallery.

The restaurants offer Italian, international, Asian and Japanese cuisine. The luxurious spa offers a variety of massages and treatments using natural ingredients. Scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports including kayaking, catamarans, paddle boarding, windsurfing, parasailing and jet skiing will be unforgettable entertainment for guests. Visit the Maamigili Museum where you can see ancient artefacts, and for children aged 3 to 12, the kids club offers art classes, games and workshops.

Cora Cora Maldives

Canareef Resort Maldives

Canareef Resort Maldives is located on Meedhoo Island in Addu Atoll, which stretches 4.5 kilometers below the equator. The journey to the resort is special in itself, as guests can enjoy views of the Maldivian lagoons during the flight, and the captain presents a personal certificate of crossing the equator.

The resort complex offers 271 rooms, with ideally created amenities for couples and honeymooners, as well as for families and groups of friends. The island, almost completely covered with tropical jungle, provides a unique atmosphere of a tropical land and a diverse vacation. Guests have access to a variety of resort entertainment and a high level of service. There are several restaurants and bars on the territory of the hotel.

The PADI Dive Centre offers diving at 25 dive sites in Addu Atoll, including manta ray viewing and WWII shipwreck exploration. Water sports include windsurfing, canoeing, banana boating, jet skiing, catamaran sailing and water skiing.

For active guests, the resort offers a 24-hour fitness center, yoga, two tennis and volleyball courts. Bicycles are also available for comfortable exploration of the island.

Meedhoo is 450 kilometres from Male Airport and is a domestic flight to Gan Island followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride.