Maldives
Outside the capital, Malé, travel here mostly happens island by island, each one its own resort. Getting between islands means boats or seaplanes, so the itinerary is really a transport plan — it's a country built for relaxation and diving.
- Currency
- MVR
Maldives currency guide — today's rate & payment tips
Visa and entry rules change often. Check your government's travel advisory or the local embassy before you go.
Average temperature by month
Based on Malé · 5-year average
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Top sights in Maldives
Nature
Maldives
The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, and historically known as the Maldive Islands, is an archipelagic country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean, near the southeastern boundary of the Arabian Sea. The Maldives is located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, about 750 kilometres from the Asian continent's mainland. The Maldives' chain of 26 atolls stretches across the equator from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south.
Temples & religious sites
Malé Friday Mosque
This historic mosque stands in the heart of Malé, the capital of the Maldives. Its tranquil atmosphere offers a close look at traditional Islamic architecture.
Nature
Thilafushi
An artificial island in Kaafu Atoll, west of Malé, created in 1991 as a waste landfill site. Its unusual origin offers a different glimpse of the Maldives.
Nature
Hulhulé Island
An island in North Malé Atoll near Malé, home to Velana International Airport, the country's main gateway. It has no permanent residents, but nearly every visitor passes through it on the way to and from the airport.
Museums & galleries
National Museum of Maldives
This museum houses a wide range of artifacts from Maldivian history and first opened in 1952. It's a great stop in Malé for exploring the country's past way of life and culture.
Temples & religious sites
Hulhumalé Mosque
A large Sunni mosque in the Hulhumalé area of the Maldives. Set in a new town near Malé, it offers a glimpse of both local architecture and everyday religious life.
Nature
Giraavaru
Giraavaru is an island on the southwestern edge of the lagoon in North Malé Atoll, Maldives, now home to a resort. It was once inhabited by the Giraavaru people.
Temples & religious sites
King Salman Mosque
A large mosque near Artificial Beach in Malé, ranked among the biggest in the Indian Ocean region. Its grand exterior makes for a great addition to a stroll through the city.
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Local data
Get an eSIM for Maldives before you go
Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.
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Yesim
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Drimsim
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