Holidays to the Maldives

When it comes to beaches, nobody does it better than the Maldives. Here are some of the best this dreamy archipelago has to offer.

Finolhu

Finolhu in the Baa Atoll doesn’t have to fight hard for its name as one of the best beaches in the Maldives. If you can tear yourself away from the picture-perfect beach, you should explore the waters of Baa Atoll, which have the highest concentration of manta rays in the world.

Mudhdhoo

While the UNESCO-protected Mudhdhoo Beach is pretty by day, it's even more special as night falls. Settle in after dark as the bioluminescent plankton in the waters turns the sandy shores into a shimmering star-like swathe of iridescent blue. Perfect for snorkelling, the waters around Mudhdhoo are packed with all kinds of sea life, too. Expect to see clownfish, parrotfish, and powder-blue trumpetfish to name a few.

Makunufushi

A short hop by speed boat from Malé, tiny Makunufushi (also known as Cocoa Island) in the South Malé Atoll is ringed with shallow, white-sand beaches. Little more than 100m wide and covered in bowing palm trees, its soft white sands are only broken by the stilted villas of the local resort.

Vabbinfaru

Close your eyes and think of a beach, and there’s a good chance it looks like Vabbinfaru in the North Malé Atoll – genuinely postcard perfect. Swim in shallow waters of its protected coral reef for the chance to meet sea turtles, reef sharks, and pufferfish. Stay at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru for access to this special beach.

From snorkelling and diving to coral stone mosques and fascinating history museums, the Maldives is more than just beach life. Here are some of its best bits.

Swim with whale sharks

One of the highlights of visiting the Maldives is the opportunity to swim with whale sharks. These gentle giants are the largest fish in the ocean and can grow up to 40ft long. From May to December, they descend on Dhidhdhoo Beyru in the South Ari Atoll, drawn by its nutrient-rich waters. If ever you needed an excuse to visit the Maldives outside peak season, whale sharks are it. You can book guided snorkelling tours in the local resorts.

Go surfing off Himmafushi Island

Just north of Malé is Himmafushi Island. Part of Kaafu Atoll, it’s a more typical Maldivian island with fewer than a thousand residents. It also has some of the best surfing breaks, with Jailbreaks and Honkeys both popular with local surfers. As you’d expect, Himmafushi has a laidback vibe. After a day on the surf, pick up some original Maldivian souvenirs from Main Street, the centre of the settlement.

National Museum on Malé

Get a better understanding of Maldivian culture at the National Museum on Malé. Take a wander through Maldivian history from the 12th century, when the country converted to Islam, right through to the modern day. See the 6m skeleton of an ultra-rare Longman's Beaked Whale, see the nation's first computer, and read the minutes of the world's only underwater cabinet meeting, held by President Nasheed in 2009.

Canoe around Addu Atoll

The southernmost atoll in the Maldives, Addu Atoll is famed for its diverse underwater wildlife. A vast, protected wetland, Addu Nature Park is a fantastic place for a tour by canoe. Paddle through the Bedhi Bay red mangroves to see stingrays, sharks, and turtles. You might even spot elusive seahorses in the warm, protected waters.

Visit the mosques of Malé

Malé is the main island and is rich in Maldivian culture. A visit to its Old Friday Mosque is a must. The oldest of six coral stone mosques in the archipelago, its intricate detailing and woodcarvings date back to 1656 when Islam arrived in the Maldives. The mosque welcomes visitors, but you should dress conservatively and visit outside prayer times.

The Maldives is a year-round destination with sunshine almost every day. The dry season – December to March – attracts premium room rates, so it pays to search and compare for your getaway in advance. The shoulder season, between March and April, is a good time to go if your budget is tighter, but be wary of those Easter price spikes.

When is the cheapest time to visit the Maldives?

The cheapest time to visit the Maldives is between June and August, when days are humid and cloudy, and the chance of showers increases – even if they are warm and brief. It's also the best time to see manta rays and whale sharks.

When should I go for the best weather?

While the Maldives is a beach holiday hotspot all year round, the best time to visit is between December and March when the temperature hits 30C. During winter in Britain, the Maldives has ten hours of sunshine a day, very little rain and the humidity is low. Even then, you can expect temperatures above 25C. For snorkelling and diving, this is the time for the best visibility.