Malé

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.