The Maldives, an archipelago of nearly 1200 islands in the heart of the Indian Ocean, is a true natural paradise. With only 187 of these islands inhabited, each one offers stunning landscapes, fine white sand, tall palm trees, and the most beautiful shades of blue water. Deciding which islands to visit can be challenging, as each one is a small exotic haven. However, several local islands in the Maldives have captured the hearts of most travelers.
Understanding the Maldives
The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, which are essentially former volcanic islands surrounded by coral reefs over time. This natural phenomenon creates the unique and picturesque landscapes that define the Maldives as a “paradise.”
When planning your visit to the Maldives, it’s crucial to organize your itinerary based on the atolls and the time you have available. Ensure that the islands you want to visit are within the same atoll to avoid spending too much time on inter-island transfers. You wouldn’t want to spend your holiday on a boat rather than on the beautiful islands!
Top Local Islands in the Maldives
Here are some of the most beautiful local islands in the Maldives that you should consider visiting:
1. Fulidhoo
- Atoll: Vaavu
- Size: 700m long, 200m wide
- Distance from Malé: 56 km
- Highlights:
- Stunning white sand beaches
- Snorkeling
- Nurse sharks visible near the pier
- Stingrays
Accommodation in Fulidhoo:
2. Dhigurah
- Atoll: Alif Dhaal
- Size: 4km long, 300m wide
- Distance from Malé: 97 km
- Highlights:
- Longest beach in the Maldives
- Snorkeling
- Whale sharks visible year-round
Accommodation in Dhigurah:
3. Maafushi
- Atoll: Kaafu Atoll
- Size: 1.2km long, 260m wide
- Distance from Malé: 26 km
- Highlights:
- Well-developed local island
- Easily accessible from Malé
- Numerous accommodation, dining, and souvenir options
- Excursions and activities
- A great starting point for exploring other islands
Accommodation in Maafushi:
4. Ukulhas
- Atoll: Alif Alif Atoll
- Size: 1km long, 225m wide
- Distance from Malé: 72 km
- Highlights:
- Cleanliness, first eco-certified island in the Maldives
- Tourist beach (bikini beach) with umbrellas and sun loungers
- Various accommodation and dining options
- Popular with families
- Excursions and activities
Accommodation in Ukulhas:
5. Thoddoo
- Atoll: Alif Alif Atoll
- Size: 1.8km long, 1.2km wide
- Distance from Malé: 67 km
- Highlights:
- Melon plantations
- Beautiful white sand beaches
- Snorkeling
Accommodation in Thoddoo:
6. Thulusdhoo
- Atoll: Kaafu Atoll
- Size: 1.6km long, 650m wide
- Distance from Malé: 27 km
- Highlights:
- Lush vegetation and beautiful beaches
- Home to the only Coca-Cola factory in the Maldives
Accommodation in Thulusdhoo:
7. Thinadhoo
- Atoll: Vaavu Atoll
- Size: 630m long, 200m wide
- Distance from Malé: 76 km
- Highlights:
- Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Maldives
- Spectacular palm trees
- Snorkeling
- Famous diving spots
Accommodation in Thinadhoo:
8. Gulhi
- Atoll: Kaafu Atoll
- Size: 400m long, 225m wide
- Distance from Malé: 21 km
- Highlights:
- Popular snorkeling spot
- Easily accessible from Maafushi
- Large “bikini beach”
Accommodation in Gulhi:
9.Rasdhoo
- Atoll: Alif Alif Atoll
- Size: 575m long, 400m wide
- Distance from Malé: 58 km
- Highlights:
- Numerous accommodation options
- Popular diving spot Rasdhoo Madivaru
- Beautiful beaches
- Snorkeling
Accommodation in Rasdhoo:
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Happy travels! 🥰
