Joanna James
Everyone dreams of visiting the Maldives, but where do you go once you get there? With so many islands and thousands of reefs, it's hard to decide where to go. Here's the top 10 must see islands.
The nation's capital - often dismissed as a destination with little to see, Malé is probably the best place where you can experience local culture. Explore the island either at the start or end of your trip, that way you are not rushing around, and you have more time to look around the island. Some things to do in Male, Maldives include seeing the markets, grand Friday mosque, national museum and the many beaches.
Located in the southern atolls, Maafushi is one of the larger islands and is best known for its sparkling turquoise waters. The island has a combination of local settlements and tourist accommodation so you may find some areas of the island are more tourist friendly than others.
A stone's throw from Malé - Hulhumalé is a man-made island, erected to reduce the congestion that was taking over Malé. It may not be the most prettiest location, but it does have a beautiful coastline and there are fewer tourists here in general.
Situated in the South Male Atoll, Biyadhoo island is best know as the scuba diving island. The island itself has an abundance of lush greenery and vegetation, including coconuts, bananas, tomatoes and mangoes among many others. However, it is the powder white sands and sparkling blue waters off the coast that have attracted travellers for decades. Surrounded by a lagoon and home to several house reefs that are considered to be some of the best in the atolls, the area is also home to an abundance of colourful marine life.
If you're interested in a bit of history, head to Ishdoo to see some of the last ruins left from the islands Buddhist era. Here you'll find one of the biggest stupa in Maldives, plus other relics from former Buddhist monasteries.
An uninhabited island, whilst Vaadhoo has all the typical white sand beaches and sparkling waters you come to expect from Maldivian island, it is celebrated around the world as the location of the 'Sea of Stars'. An entrancing natural phenomenon caused by glowing phytoplankton, that leave a trail of bright neon blue that light sup the shore as they wash up on the tide. Best viewed on moonless nights, the sight of the glowing blue waters have left many a beach-goer speechless, and is one of the reasons many tourists still travel far out to the island.
A quick seaplane transfer from Male, will take you to Ellaidhoo, is an island full of beauty and charm. With only one large resort on the island, the Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, you needn't worry about it being overrun with tourists. In addition, the island is well-known as a snorkelling destination, and even has a diving school and house reef.
The southernmost island in Maldives, the novelty of this island is knowing that after Addu, there's nothing but the Indian Ocean stretching out for thousands of leagues. Addu is quite different from other Maldivian islands - located under the equator, the difference in vegetation and culture is amazing.
Celebrated as one of the best surf breaks in the northern Male atoll, Thulusdoo is a popular location among backpackers ans surfers. If surfing isn't your thing, take a swim in the lagoon or bask on the wide beaches.
The island is known as the only one in the country which produces handmade lacquer work. However, if that doesn't intrigue you enough, the atoll its located in, Baa atoll, is also a declared biosphere reserve. The waters in this area is rich with coral and marine life, making it a haven for divers and snorkellers.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
