12 Beautiful Places in The Maldives You NEED On Your Bucket List

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The Maldives ruined other beaches for me forever. Every time I close my eyes, I see those insane shades of blue and tiny islands dotted across the ocean like drops of paint. I mean, where else can you eat breakfast while watching baby sharks swim under your villa?

These are the most beautiful places to visit in the Maldives, and trust me, they’re unreal. I spent weeks hopping between islands across the country, and even after all my travels, nothing compares to this place. From epic snorkeling spots to beaches that’ll make your friends think you’re using filters, here are my 12 favorite spots that left me speechless!

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#1 tip to save money on your trip to the Maldives

Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Maldivian adventure.

• FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last winter, I flew to Male for just $445 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
• Food: Save by eating at local spots in Male like the night market and small cafes. You’ll find traditional mashuni (tuna and coconut breakfast), hedhikaa (snacks), and fish curries for under $8. If staying on a local island, many guesthouses include breakfast and offer affordable meal plans.
• Transport: Use the efficient public ferry network between islands – it’s incredibly cheap compared to speedboats or seaplanes. The ferry from Male to nearby local islands like Maafushi costs just a few dollars. On local islands, everything is walkable. For island hopping, look for guesthouses that offer shared boat trips to sandbanks and snorkeling spots.

The Maldives may have a reputation for $1000/night overwater villas. But if you follow the strategies above and stay on local islands instead of resort islands, you can explore its wonders on the cheap. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in the Maldives!

The Prettiest Places in the Maldives

Looking for your perfect Maldives spot? Whether you want to explore local life or just flop on a beach with a book, here are the islands that blew me away.

1. Malé

• 📍 Location: North Malé Atoll, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: City wanderers 🏙️, culture lovers 🕌, first-time visitors 🧳
• 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the Maldives National Museum, exploring the Old Friday Mosque, walking along the harborfront
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry weather and clear skies ☀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Somerset Hotel – Comfortable city stay close to Malé’s top attractions and ferry terminals

Malé is the compact but energetic capital of the Maldives. Unlike the quiet island resorts, this city buzzes with scooters, markets, and daily life. It’s where you’ll get a real sense of how locals live, work, and unwind beyond the postcard-perfect beaches.

Walking around Malé is the best way to explore it. The streets are tight but lively, lined with cafes, colorful buildings, and street vendors selling snacks and souvenirs. The Old Friday Mosque, made from coral stone, is one of the oldest structures in the country and worth a slow visit.

You’ll also find small museums, leafy public parks, and waterfront views that offer a refreshing change of pace from resort life. Malé might be small, but it packs in a lot of culture and character in just a few square kilometers.

2. Baros Island

• 📍 Location: North Malé Atoll, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Couples 💑, luxury seekers 💎, snorkelers 🐠
• 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling over coral reefs, enjoying overwater villas, dining at Lighthouse Restaurant
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to April for calm seas and ideal snorkeling visibility 🌊
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Baros Maldives – High-end resort with iconic water villas and reef access steps from shore

Baros Island is all about elegance and ease. Just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé, it’s close to the capital but feels completely secluded. The island is small and private, surrounded by turquoise waters and vibrant house reefs that are perfect for snorkeling.

What makes Baros special is the attention to detail. The villas are beautifully designed and spaced for privacy, and the service is warm without being overwhelming. You can snorkel right off the beach or relax in a hammock with nothing but the sound of the water around you.

Dining here is an experience too. From the iconic Lighthouse Restaurant perched over the sea to candlelit dinners on the sand, it all feels intentionally romantic. Baros is a favorite for honeymooners and couples looking for quiet luxury and top-tier reef access.

3. Maafushi Island

• 📍 Location: South Malé Atoll, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Budget travelers 💸, adventure seekers 🏄, solo backpackers 🎒
• 📸 Top Experiences: Joining a sandbank tour, trying water sports, exploring Bikini Beach
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for sunny weather and great tour options ☀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Kaani Grand Seaview – Beachfront hotel with affordable rates and tour packages

Maafushi Island proves you don’t need a luxury resort to experience the best of the Maldives. It’s one of the most popular local islands, with a lively backpacker scene, affordable guesthouses, and plenty of things to do on a budget. The island is small enough to explore on foot, and it’s easy to meet other travelers while walking through the main strip or relaxing on the beach.

The main beach, known as Bikini Beach, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Tour operators line the streets offering day trips to sandbanks, dolphin cruises, snorkeling tours, and diving excursions. You can also try jet skiing, parasailing, or hop on a sunset fishing trip with a local guide.

Despite the buzz, Maafushi still keeps a relaxed island feel. Local restaurants serve fresh grilled seafood and Maldivian curries, and the vibe is friendly and casual. 

4. Huvahendhoo Island

• 📍 Location: South Ari Atoll, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Families with kids 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, luxury seekers 💆, reef lovers 🐢
• 📸 Top Experiences: Snorkeling off the jetty, joining a marine biology session, relaxing at the island spa
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to April for calm seas and reef visibility 🐠
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Lily Beach Resort & Spa – Family-friendly luxury resort with direct reef access and kids’ programs

Huvahendhoo Island strikes a great balance between barefoot luxury and family-friendly comfort. It’s home to one of the Maldives’ most well-known all-inclusive resorts, where service feels personal and the natural setting is right at your doorstep. The house reef is so close you can snorkel just steps from your villa.

The resort caters to all kinds of travelers. Families will appreciate the kids’ club and family-sized villas, while couples can enjoy private dinners on the beach or sunset cruises. You’ll also find marine biology sessions, reef restoration tours, and evening entertainment to keep things interesting.

The island itself is small and walkable, surrounded by clear water and soft white sand. It’s a great choice for travelers who want the luxury experience without sacrificing activity options or a sense of place. Every part of the island feels thoughtfully designed and welcoming.

5. Dhigurah Island

• 📍 Location: South Ari Atoll, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Whale shark encounters 🐋, local culture 🌴, eco-conscious travelers 🌿
• 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming with whale sharks, exploring the long sandbank, biking through the village
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to April for calm seas and best wildlife sightings 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Dhiguveli Maldives – Eco-friendly guesthouse with rooftop views and dive packages

Dhigurah Island is known for being one of the best places in the Maldives to spot whale sharks, and many guesthouses offer boat tours with guides who know exactly where to go. The underwater visibility is great, and you can often see manta rays and reef sharks too.

Back on land, Dhigurah has a long, walkable sandbank that stretches into the sea, perfect for sunset walks or morning swims. The village is quiet but welcoming, with a few local cafes and shops where you can try Maldivian snacks and meet residents. Bikes are available for rent, which makes it easy to explore the island’s palm-lined paths.

Dhigurah is also popular among travelers looking for a more sustainable, less commercial version of the Maldives. You’ll still get crystal-clear water and stunning beaches, but with a laid-back, community vibe that’s hard to find on private resort islands.

6. Komandoo Island

• 📍 Location: Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Honeymooners 💞, quiet escapes 🌅, overwater villa fans 🛖
• 📸 Top Experiences: Diving at Kuredu Express, dining at Aqua Restaurant, relaxing in a beachfront jacuzzi
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to March for calm water and sunny skies 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Komandoo Maldives Resort – Adults-only retreat with beachfront villas and dive access nearby

Komandoo Island is ideal for travelers chasing peace, privacy, and romance. As an adults-only destination, the atmosphere is quiet and slow-paced, giving you the chance to truly unplug. The beach is soft and powdery, the lagoon is shallow and swimmable, and the sunsets are something you won’t forget.

The resort’s overwater and beachfront villas come with private decks, outdoor showers, and ocean views in every direction. You can enjoy a floating breakfast, book a spa treatment, or snorkel right from your villa steps. Dining is a highlight here, especially at the overwater Aqua Restaurant that’s perfect for special evenings.

Divers and snorkelers will love the island’s proximity to famous dive sites, including Kuredu Express and The Shipyard. It’s a dreamy setting for couples who want to spend their days exploring reefs or simply relaxing by the water in total silence.

7. Villingili Island

• 📍 Location: Addu Atoll, Southern Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Luxury retreats 🧘, golfers ⛳, wellness travelers 🌿
• 📸 Top Experiences: Golfing at the Maldives’ only 9-hole course, biking through jungle trails, relaxing on the white-sand beaches
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to April for sunshine and low wind conditions 🌞
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort – Upscale island hideaway with a golf course and lush greenery

Villingili Island feels like a world of its own. Located in the far south of the Maldives, it’s one of the few islands where you’ll find more than just beaches. The interior is full of jungle paths, ancient banyan trees, and even a small hill that’s among the Maldives’ highest natural points.

The standout feature here is the 9-hole golf course. It weaves along the coast with views of the ocean and thick greenery in every direction. Beyond golf, you can explore the island by bike, unwind at the spa, or take guided nature walks through the tropical forest.

This island is all about variety and balance. You can relax by the sea one moment, then head inland to discover a totally different landscape. For travelers who want a resort with more than just a pretty beach, Villingili offers something unique.

8. Vaadhoo Island

• 📍 Location: Raa Atoll, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Night photographers 📸, romantic travelers 💫, nature lovers 🌌
• 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the Sea of Stars, snorkeling in the reef, exploring the quiet village
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to November for bioluminescence sightings 🌠
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Vaadhoo View Inn – Family rooms with AC, private baths, and garden views

Vaadhoo Island is famous for one surreal reason: its glowing shores. On certain nights, the beach lights up with bioluminescent plankton, a phenomenon called the “Sea of Stars.” The tiny organisms shine neon blue when disturbed, making your footprints sparkle with every step.

While the glow isn’t guaranteed every night, the island is peaceful year-round. You’ll find a small local village where you can get a feel for daily life in the Maldives. The beach is quiet, the waters are swimmable, and the coral reefs nearby are ideal for a quick snorkel session.

Since there are limited places to stay directly on Vaadhoo, most travelers visit by boat from nearby resorts. It’s an easy day trip or romantic evening excursion, especially during peak glowing season. For those chasing one of the Maldives’ most magical sights, Vaadhoo is worth the effort.

9. Milaidhoo Island

• 📍 Location: Baa Atoll, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Luxury travelers 🌟, wellness seekers 🧘, marine life fans 🐢
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Hanifaru Bay, spa treatments over the water, dining in a traditional Maldivian dhoni
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to November for manta ray season 🌊
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Milaidhoo Island Maldives – Elegant boutique resort with custom villas and reef access

Milaidhoo Island is designed for travelers who want something personalized and peaceful. This boutique resort in the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll is known for its thoughtful service, overwater spa, and deep focus on sustainability. The island is quiet and elegant, with just the right balance of nature and comfort.

One of the biggest draws is its proximity to Hanifaru Bay, where you can snorkel with dozens of manta rays during season. The house reef is excellent, too, with colorful coral gardens and a high chance of spotting turtles. Guided marine tours are available and often led by resident biologists.

Beyond the water, you can try yoga at sunrise, book a starlit dinner in a traditional wooden boat, or simply relax in a hammock on your villa deck. Milaidhoo is perfect for those looking for high-end style with a laid-back rhythm.

10. Hulhumalé

• 📍 Location: Just north of Malé, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Transit travelers 🧳, digital nomads 💻, beach walkers 🏖️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Hulhumalé Beach, trying local eats, exploring the mosque and artificial island projects
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to April for clear skies and breezy evenings 🌤️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Samann Grand – Modern hotel near the beach with great views and rooftop dining

Hulhumalé is often seen as a quick stopover, but there’s more here than meets the eye. Built on reclaimed land, the island blends modern planning with island charm. It’s connected to Malé by bridge, making it easy to reach from the airport and a convenient base for short stays.

The beach on the eastern side is wide and clean, ideal for walks, morning swims, and watching sunrise. You’ll also find trendy cafes, gelato shops, and local restaurants serving everything from Maldivian curries to shawarma. The vibe is a little more local, with families and students adding to the rhythm of daily life.

Hulhumalé is developing fast, so expect construction zones mixed in with modern buildings. Still, it offers a peaceful and budget-friendly alternative to Malé, with easy access to ferries and day tours around the atolls.

11. Thulusdhoo Island

• 📍 Location: Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Surfers 🏄, budget travelers 💸, culture fans 🧕
• 📸 Top Experiences: Surfing at Coke’s surf break, visiting souvenir shops, snorkeling from the shore
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to October for consistent surf and fewer crowds 🌊
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Season Paradise – Budget-friendly hotel with rooftop pool and surf access

Thulusdhoo Island is a favorite among surfers and backpackers. It’s one of the few local islands that offers access to some of the best surf breaks in the Maldives, including the famous Coke’s and Chicken’s. Boards are available to rent, and surf schools can guide both beginners and pros.

The island isn’t just about waves, though. Snorkeling is excellent along the house reef, and the sandy beach near the guesthouse stretch is calm enough for swimming. Local shops sell handmade souvenirs, while bakeries and cafes serve fresh coconuts, curry dishes, and island-style pastries.

Thulusdhoo offers a good mix of affordability and authenticity. You’ll see daily life unfold, like kids playing after school, fishermen unloading their catch, and travelers trading stories under palm trees. It’s a great option if you want to blend adventure with a real taste of Maldivian life.

12. Majeedhee Magu

• 📍 Location: Malé City, Maldives
• 🏆 Best For: Shoppers 🛍️, foodies 🍛, city explorers 🚶
• 📸 Top Experiences: Browsing souvenir stalls, eating street food, watching city life unfold
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to March for dry days and lively shopping streets ☀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: The Beehive – Central hotel with cozy rooms and easy access to Majeedhee Magu

Majeedhee Magu is the beating heart of Malé’s local shopping scene. Stretching through the center of the city, this bustling street is packed with small shops, street vendors, and family-run boutiques selling everything from t-shirts and perfume to dried fish and snacks.

The energy here is nonstop. You’ll hear scooters whizzing by, vendors calling out deals, and the scent of Maldivian curry drifting from corner eateries. It’s one of the best places to get affordable souvenirs, try traditional sweets, or just people-watch while sipping coconut juice from a stall.

It can feel chaotic, especially during the late afternoon rush, but that’s part of the charm. Majeedhee Magu is the kind of place that gives you a raw, unfiltered look at urban life in the Maldives. If you like your adventures a little noisy and full of surprises, this street is for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Maldives

Do you like to learn more about the most beautiful places in Maldives? Here are some of the most frequent enquiries I receive in regards to my favourite places to visit and things to do in the Maldives.

Which part of Maldives is most beautiful?

While beauty is subjective and every atoll and island in the Maldives boasts its own unique charm, many travelers consider the Baa Atoll, especially the UNESCO-listed Hanifaru Bay, as among the most beautiful. Its pristine waters, rich marine life, and mesmerizing bioluminescence create unparalleled experiences.

Where is famous in Maldives?

The Maldives is renowned for its luxury resorts and pristine beaches. Places like Malé (the capital), Baros Maldives, and Vaadhoo Island’s “Sea of Stars” are particularly famous. Additionally, the Maldives’ underwater restaurants and spa facilities have garnered international attention.

Where does everyone go in Maldives?

The Maldives is a tropical paradise known for its stunning atolls, clear blue waters, and luxurious resorts. When people visit the Maldives, they typically head to:

1. Private Resort Islands: Most tourists opt for one of the many private island resorts. Each resort occupies its own island, offering a unique and often luxurious experience. Examples include the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Soneva Fushi, and Baros Maldives.
2. Malé: The capital city is a bustling hub where visitors can explore local markets, historical mosques, and get a feel for urban life in the Maldives.
3. Local Islands: Apart from the resort islands, there are local islands like Maafushi, Dhigurah, and Thoddoo. This is where tourists can experience local culture, cuisine, and more budget-friendly accommodations.
4. Underwater Experiences: The Maldives is renowned for its marine life. Many visitors go snorkeling or diving in places like the Banana Reef, Manta Point, and the Maldives Victory Wreck.
5. Overwater Bungalows: A quintessential Maldivian experience, many resorts offer overwater accommodations, allowing guests to stay atop the clear blue waters.
6. Spa and Wellness Centers: Many resorts offer world-class spa treatments, often with stunning ocean views or even underwater treatment rooms.
7. Water Activities: From jet-skiing and windsurfing to paddleboarding and parasailing, the Maldives offers a plethora of water-based activities.

Is Maldives safe for tourists?

Absolutely. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, and the resorts and local islands regularly welcome visitors. While it’s always good practice to stay aware of your surroundings and respect local customs, most travelers find their Maldivian journey to be both enjoyable and secure.

How many days is enough for Maldives?

The ideal duration for a trip to the Maldives largely depends on the traveler’s preferences and the type of experience they’re seeking. However, for most visitors, 4 to 7 days is generally a good amount of time to experience the Maldives.

• 4-5 Days: This is perfect for those looking to relax on the beach, enjoy some water activities, and perhaps visit a local island. It allows for ample time to unwind, snorkel, and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
• 6-7 Days: A week in the Maldives provides an opportunity to explore more than one resort or island, experience a broader range of activities, take a cruise, or even indulge in a spa day. This duration also allows for a balance between relaxation and adventure.

When is the best time to visit Maldives?

The Maldives is a tropical paradise year-round. However, the dry season from December to April is particularly popular due to less rainfall and clearer skies. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities and beach lounging.

Can you explore local Maldivian culture?

Yes, apart from the luxury resorts, there are local islands like Maafushi and Hulhumalé where tourists can interact with locals, try Maldivian cuisine, and get a glimpse of day-to-day life in the Maldives.

What is the most beautiful city in the Maldives?

The Maldives is an archipelago consisting of 26 atolls and over 1,000 coral islands, and it’s more renowned for its luxurious resorts on private islands than for traditional cities. However, if we’re talking about urban areas:

Malé is the capital and the most populous city in the Maldives. While it might not fit the typical definition of “beautiful” compared to the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of the resort islands, Malé has its own charm. The city is a blend of modern life and centuries-old traditions. Highlights include the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque) made of coral stone, the Malé Fish Market, the Malé National Museum, and the artificial Rasfannu Beach.

That said, the true beauty of the Maldives lies in its natural landscapes, lagoons, coral reefs, and the luxurious resorts scattered across its islands. Each resort island has its own unique charm, offering overwater bungalows, underwater restaurants, and world-class diving spots. Some of the most picturesque and luxurious resorts are located in places like Baros Maldives, Soneva Fushi, and the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

How do I travel between islands in the Maldives?

The Maldives has an efficient system of speedboats, domestic flights, and seaplanes connecting the various islands and resorts. Depending on the distance and location, travelers can choose the most convenient mode of transport.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Maldives

The Maldives isn’t merely a destination. It’s truly a dreamy tapestry of sun-kissed beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and memories waiting to be made. From its world-renowned luxury resorts to the humble charm of its local islands, this paradise archipelago offers a slice of heaven for every traveler.

The best aspect of the Maldives is its guarantee of a wonderful experience, regardless of whether you are drawn to the underwater wonders, the sunlit beaches, or the fascination of island hopping. As you chart your journey, remember that the beauty of the Maldives isn’t just in its postcard-perfect vistas but also in its soul, culture, and the smiles of its people.

So, whether you’re visiting Maldives for the first time or returning to rekindle old memories, there’s always a new horizon, a fresh wave, or a hidden cove waiting to enchant you. Dive deep, soar high, but most of all, let the Maldives work its timeless magic on you.