Maldives travel guide

The Maldives are the ultimate destination for crystal-clear water, exclusive overwater resorts and total relaxation far from everything. It's a destination that calls for a higher budget, though more affordable options exist on local islands.

Best time to visit

November-April is the dry season, with the best period overall between December and March; May-October brings more rain but also lower prices.

What to see and do

Snorkelling and diving — the Maldives' coral reefs are among the richest in the world.
Overwater bungalow resorts — the iconic image of the Maldives, with direct access to the sea.
Local islands — a more affordable alternative to private resorts, for a more authentic experience.
Boat excursions and dolphin watching — very common at sunset.
Dinner on a deserted sandbank — an experience organised by many resorts for special occasions.

Indicative budget

Highly variable: from €80-120 per day per person on a local island, up to several hundred euros per day for a luxury resort, flights excluded.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

Getting around the Maldives depends on how far the chosen island is from Malé airport: nearby islands are reached by speedboat, while more remote ones require a domestic seaplane flight. Once on the island, most resorts are easy to get around on foot.

Where to stay

Private-island resorts offer maximum privacy and high-end facilities, at a high price; local islands (like Maafushi) are a much more affordable alternative, with guesthouses and a chance to experience everyday Maldivian life, albeit with some local restrictions (such as on alcohol).