Travel guide · Maldives
Maldives: what to see and when to go
The Maldives are more than a thousand coral islands spread over 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, with overwater villas, powder-white sand and some of the world's best diving. Guesthouses on local islands have made them far more affordable than they once were.
What to see and do in the Maldives
House reefs
Snorkel straight from the beach among turtles and reef sharks.
Mantas and whale sharks
Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, and South Ari Atoll for whale sharks.
Sandbanks
Day trips to deserted sandbars in the middle of the lagoon.
Local islands
Maafushi or Thoddoo for guesthouses, fishing villages and designated bikini beaches.
Malé
The busy capital, with its fish market and the coral-stone Old Friday Mosque.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Jan – Apr.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 11 hr, 30 min | ≈ €570 · See flights |
| New York | 18 hr, 30 min | ≈ €730 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 20 hr, 30 min | ≈ €780 · See flights |
| Dubai | 4 hr, 30 min | ≈ €270 · See flights |
| Singapore | 5 hr | ≈ €290 · See flights |
| Sydney | 12 hr, 15 min | ≈ €580 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €970 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Maldives
- Currency
- Maldivian Rufiyaa
- Good for
- sea · calm · nature
- How long to stay
- 5–8 days
- Where to stay
- A resort for the full experience; a guesthouse on a local island for a smaller budget.Find a place to stay in the Maldives
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Maldives, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €570 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in the Maldives (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in the Maldives and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Jan – Apr. Average highs range from 28° in January to 29° in March.
How many days do you need in the Maldives?
5 to 8 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in the Maldives cost?
Accommodation runs at around €140 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €970 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 11 hr, 30 min.
Where should you stay in the Maldives?
A resort for the full experience; a guesthouse on a local island for a smaller budget.
