The 10 most beautiful islands and atolls in the Maldives and when to visit them

When one thinks of the Maldives, the first thing that comes to mind is the endless stretches of fine white sand, washed by crystal-clear blue sea... practically a paradise! It is one of those destinations to which many aspire.
All the atolls and islands of the Maldives are marvellous, with their bungalows on the water, coral reefs, palm trees, a triumph of vegetation. On all of them you can relax and do various activities such as snorkelling or diving.
If you want to capture the most beautiful nuance of each place, here is a ranking of the 10 most beautiful islands and atolls in the Maldives, based on which you can choose the destination that comes closest to your wishes.

Where to find the Maldives

The Maldives archipelago is a tropical country located in the Indian Ocean and part of the Asian continent. It lies 595 km south of India, 550 km north of the Chagos Islands and 670 km southwest of Sri Lanka.
It consists of26 ring-shaped atolls made up of more than 1,000 coral islands, extending in a north-south direction for about 764 km and 128 km in an east-west direction.
The Republic of Maldives has Malé as its capital and the natural atolls are grouped into 19 administrative atolls, each run independently by a council elected by the population.
SEE ALSO: When to go to the Maldives: climate, best time and months to avoid

1 - Ari Atoll

About 64 km from Malè, the Ari Atoll is one of the most popular places for diving activities, thanks to its 89 km of coastline and 50 islands. It is administratively divided into South Ari and North Ari: in the former you can spot the world's largest fish, the whale shark, especially in the Dhidhdhoo Beyru area, and manta rays at the Manta Reef site. To the north, at Fesdu Wreck there is a sunken fishing boat covered in corals, while at Fish Head there are steep walls full of corals and dotted with caves, where the grey reef shark lives.

• Connections: the nearest airport is Malé, the capital. The island can be reached by seaplane from the airport.

• Best period: the climate is fine all year round, the high season is between December and March. May to December are the best months in South Ari to spot whale sharks, while in North Ari between December and April it is easier to see hammerhead sharks.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malè from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €889.00 per room

2 - Baa Atoll

Baa is about 100 km from Malè and consists of two atolls: an administrative one South Maalhosmadulu and a smaller one, Goidhoo, which comprises only three islands(Goidhoo,Fulhandhoo and Fehendhoo).
The island of Thulhaadhoo is famous in the Maldives for its lacquered ceramics and here one can see their production live.

TheBaa Atoll has been declared a World Biosphere Reserve by Unesco for its rich biological diversity. Its most beautiful corner is Hanifaru Bay, populated by manta rays and whale sharks, as well as the ever-present corals.

• Connections: the nearest airport is Malé, the capital. The island can be reached by seaplane from the airport, or by daily flights landing at the Dharavandhoo airstrip.

• Best time: all year round. Christmas and New Year are ideal, as we are in high season. From December to March the weather is exceptional and prices therefore higher. June to October is wetter, but perfect for diving. April/May and October/November are favourable and considered low season.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malé from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €829.00 per room

3 - North Malé Atoll

The North Malé Atoll is located on the eastern strip of the Maldives and has at least 50 islands with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The atoll is famous for surfing and some of the best breaks are Honky's, for many the most exciting, Jailbreaks, the latter on the island of Gaamaadhoo and Sultan 's for those who like high speed.
From a tourist point of view, it is one of the most exploited atolls, with cottages surrounded by palm trees, for example on the island of Kurumba, and bungalows on stilts, on the island of Furanafushi.
In the western part of the North Malé Atoll, one can make unforgettable excursions to the coral reef.

• Connections: the nearest is Malé airport where all international flights land. There is no need for air travel, as ferries and launches leave from here and take you to your resort in no time.

• Best time: December to March is the high season, May to the end of November are the rainiest months but perfect for surfing. For diving from January to April.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malè from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €829.00 per room

4 - The Island of Maafushi

The island ofMaafushi is located in the South Malé Atoll, which consists of 37 islands, 17 of which are well known for the presence of several coral reefs rich in rare and colourful fish.
Theisland of Maafushi is the best known and most touristic island of the atoll: it is beautiful, cheap, as there are resorts for all budgets, and also suitable for independent travellers, as there are numerous guesthouses.
Of course, snorkelig activities can be done here to enjoy the seabed and fish, with the possibility of spotting manta rays.

• Connections: the closest is Malè airport where all international flights land. No planes are needed, as ferries and boats leave from here and take you to your resort in no time.

• Best time of year: the climate is beautiful all year round. Between December and March is the high season, while for diving there is high visibility from January to April.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malè from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €820.00 per room

5 - Lhaviyani Atoll

Photo by dronepicr. In the Maldives, the islands are all paradise, but in the Lhaviyani Atoll you will find the most beautiful beach, or at least one of the most enchanting: Kanuhura, a huge beach of fine sand.
Not far away, you can reach thedeserted island of Jehunuhura, where you can only imagine what a feeling of freedom and peace one can experience.

Snorkelling and diving are favourite activities, where you can admire grey sharks, moray eels and napoleon fish.Kuredu Island is famous for its giant turtles and Fushifaru Kandu for its sharks.
SEE ALSO: The most beautiful beaches in the world

• Connections: It is about 120 km from Malé and can be reached by seaplane.

• Best period: the climate is beautiful all year round. Between December and March is the high season, while April/May and October/November are low season. From June to October you may encounter some rain, but nothing major. In February and between July/August you might spot manta rays.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malè from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €1207.00 per room

6 - Shaviyani Atoll

The Shaviyani Atoll has 16 islands and is located in the northern part of the Maldives. Its special feature is that it is the most authentic atoll, where nature is unspoilt and turtles lay their eggs among its deserted islands. This is because there is no airport and tourism is scarce; even the main town, Milandhoo, was uninhabited until 1997.
Several ancient remains of human civilisation can be found here, such as ruins of mosques and tombs from the 18th century.

• Connections: the airport is Malè and one can only arrive by seaplane. It will take about an hour as it is difficult to reach.

• Best period: the climate is beautiful all year round. Between December and March is the high season, while April/May and October/November are low season. From June to October you may encounter some rain, but nothing serious.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malè from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €1409.00 per room

7 - Malè Island

Photos by Shahee Ilyas. Malè is the capital of the Maldives, the most populated and chaotic city. Its fame is linked to its mosques and brightly coloured buildings. It is also home to museums such as the National Art Gallery, important buildings and monuments.
Near the harbour, there is a fish market that sells the catch of the day, while the fruit and vegetable market is full of local fruit.

Home to all services, Malé is the economic, political and logistical base of the Maldives, and even the international airport (where all international flights land) was built on a nearby island, Hulhule, due to lack of space.

• Connections: the reference airport is the Malé-Ibrahim Nasir International Airport located on the island 2 km from Malé and with boats(dhoni), which leave every ten minutes, one arrives in the capital.

• Best time of year: the climate is fine all year round. Between December and March is the high season. The wettest period is from May to December, while the least rainy months are January, February and March.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malè from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €829.00 per room

8 - Nonuu Atoll

Photo by A robustus. In the northern part of the Maldives is the Nonuu Atoll, with some super-luxurious resorts and 13 uninhabited islands. This is the most expensive atoll of all! Just think that here is the most exclusive and expensive resort in the Maldives, the Cheval Blanc Randheli, whose owners include Vuitton and Moet. The resort comprises four islands, three of which are truly spectacular artificial ones with all kinds of facilities. Only one small flaw: it starts at €4,000 per night!

• Connections: the nearest airport is Malè, the capital. The island can be reached by seaplane from Malè airport, or by ferry.

• Best period: the weather is fine all year round. At Christmas and New Year is high season, you will find high prices. The rainiest period is from October to December. The low season is from May to September, the months therefore recommended.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malè from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €1441.00 per room

9 - Fafuu Atoll

The capital of the Fafuu Atoll is Nilandhoo, one of the largest and most fascinating archaeological sites in the Maldives. Here, a buried Hindu temple has been unearthed and the second oldest mosque in the Maldives is located.
In the atoll there are five deserted islands, enchanting beaches and only two resorts. It is, of course, possible to snorkel, especially to admire the rich and beautiful coral reef and to observe manta rays, turtles and dolphins.

• Connections: the nearest airport is Malè, 120 km away. The island can be reached by seaplane from the airport.

• Best period: the climate is fine all year round. The wettest period is from May to December, the least January/March, therefore the best months to travel to this atoll.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malè from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €1224.00 per room

10 - Rasdhoo Atoll

The Rasdhoo Atoll is located north-east of Ari Atoll and consists of three islands: an inhabited one which gives the atoll its name, Rasdhoo, Kuramathi where three resorts are located and Veligandu, where there is only one four-star hotel.
On the island of Kuramathi, tranquillity reigns and you are greeted by green palm trees as well as enchanting exotic flowers, which frame the equally beautiful crystal-clear sea. Even on the island of Veligandu, a small strip of sand covered with lush vegetation and coconut palm trunks awaits you.
If you are a diving enthusiast, don' t miss the Rasdhoo-Madivaru and Kuramathi House Reef.

• Connections: the nearest airport is Malè, from here you can take a seaplane or ferry to Rasdhoo.

• Best period: the climate is fine all year round. The wettest period is from May to December, the least January/April, which are therefore the best months to travel to this atoll.

• Flight+Hotel Offers: Flights to Malè from €569.00 + 1 week in a 3-4 star hotel from €781.00 per room