26 atolls dotting the Indian Ocean form the area that comes closest to the idea of paradise on earth: the Maldives archipelago rightly enjoys a legendary reputation thanks to its dreamlike seascapes and unique tourist services.
1,200 enchanting islands, of which only about 200 are inhabited and about 100 are used as resorts, shape what in the collective imagination is the ideal place to spend a memorable holiday.
10 things you absolutely must do in the Maldives
Diving
In search of dolphins
Explore the islands
Male Market
Desert island
Sandbanks
Walk among the stars
Sleeping under the stars
Spa
Dolce far niente
White sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters full of colourful fish, bright sunshine and starlit nights are the calling card of a unique place that offers not only the utmost in comfort and relaxation but also a wide range of activities between sport and romance.
Visitors can dive in long sessions underwater or snorkel over an astonishing coral reef, swim alongside giant but harmless fish such as manta rays, engage in all kinds of water sports from surfing to water skiing, kayaking and water paragliding, or spend time exploring the uninhabited islands or getting to know the life of the locals by perhaps visiting the bustling markets of its capital Male.
In addition to breathtaking scenery and scenery, the Maldives has many fun, exciting and romantic activities to enjoy when you visit, which is why we have put together a list of the top 10 most impressive and popular things to do in the Maldives.
Scuba diving in the Maldives
With a sea as incredibly crystal clear as the Maldives, diving and snorkelling in its waters is one of the best activities to do when on holiday here.
The entire archipelago is a paradise for divers from all over the world. Beneath the surface of the blue water lies the underwater world of the Indian Ocean, a world apart of breathtaking sights and marine life, coral reefs, colourful fish and giant turtles.
Thanks to the richness of this underwater world and the warm temperature of its waters, diving will also be possible without going too deep or necessarily having to wear a wetsuit.
The many official diving centres provide all kinds of technical and bureaucratic assistance, even for those without a licence, in order to try an unforgettable experience such as swimming alongside a whale shark, as large as it is harmless.
In search of dolphins
To get an up-close look at the playful dolphins of the Maldives, however, you don't have to dive into the sea - just embark on a leisurely marine excursion and see many of them roaming freely.
Several tours organise marine trips on board typical boats called Dhoni, departing at sunset, which, besides providing a romantic atmosphere and incredible light to the expedition, allow you to see them leap out of the water in pods of dozens of specimens that seem to enjoy themselves and challenge each other in acrobatic aquatic evolutions.
Local islands
When you visit the Maldives, you can run the risk of lulling yourself in the beauty and comforts offered by the resort where you are staying without ever setting a foot outside as if in a protected bubble with every service.
Exploring some of the over a thousand islands that make up the Maldives archipelago on adventurous day trips, on the other hand, is an experience not to be missed. Outside the circle of the more touristy islands, it is possible to get a glimpse into the daily life of the locals, giving a much more authentic insight into local customs and traditions.
Taste the local culture at the market in Male
The island of Male is the capital of the Maldives and visiting it is one of those non-tourist experiences that you should try to get a true feel for the local way of life. The small city offers an array of attractions such as nightlife, grand mosques, tree-lined boulevards and palm-fringed squares such as Republic Square, a touching memorial for the victims of the Tsunami and a jaw-dropping fish market that is one of the city's most interesting sights.
This is the true commercial epicentre of the town, the arrival point for all the local fishermen who disembark with the day's catch to be immediately put on sale, in a triumph of colours and delicacies on which the excellence of his majesty the tuna stands out.
Alone on a deserted island
The Maldives are the ideal destination for a romantic getaway for couples or a dream honeymoon. Here it is possible to organise a range of activities for a magical moment with your partner in a totally exclusive way.
Some resorts in fact allow you to reserve an uninhabited offshore island for couples where you can dine by candlelight by the sea and stop to admire the starry sky on the beach in perfect solitude for a few hours.
Sandbanks
Sandbank tours in the Maldives are a fascinating and adventurous activity to explore the fascinating natural phenomenon of small sandy islets that emerge according to the tides to form oases of white sand in the middle of the crystal-clear sea.
Private tours are organised to visit them, allowing you to spend carefree hours in blissful solitude and enjoy a typical meal with a romantic and unforgettable dinner
Walk on the Stars of the Shining Beach
A magical thing to experience only in the Maldives is to walk on the beach of Mudhdhoo Island, which at night glows in the dark, creating a veritable sea of stars.
This is a natural phenomenon known as 'Bioluminescence' in which bright blue light is emitted by living organisms in the water such as placton. The effect is absolutely astonishing because it seems as if it is the sea reflecting the glow of the starry sky. Walking along this phosphorescent beach gives the magical and unique sensation of walking on the stars.
Sleeping under the stars
In the Maldives you can choose from all kinds of accommodation, luxury resorts, secluded bungalows, stilts on the sea, but on some islands you can enjoy the unique experience of sleeping under the starry sky, contemplating the celestial vault or waiting for the first light of dawn directly from your bed.
Exclusive bubble beach tents, transparent spherical capsules placed on the sand, mobile glamping structures far from any light pollution, can give you the unique sensation of having the sky in a room
Going to a spa
How to increase pleasure and relaxation during a stay in the Maldives? Simply treat yourself between baths to a relaxing session of massages and spa treatments in a breathtaking setting.
Practically every resort or hotel in the archipelago is equipped with luxurious and comfortable spas where you can be pampered and rejuvenated for days on end with spa treatments, yoga sessions and massages of all kinds based on natural oils derived from local products.
In addition, some facilities have set up underwater rooms where you can let yourself be treated by expert hands in front of glass windows that reveal a fantastic underwater world for an experience unlike any other.
Do nothing
For once in your life allow yourself the exclusive luxury of doing nothing, at least for once, at least in the Maldives, now or never. After trying every possible experience, it is also nice to take a break, choose a bay and lie in the sun on the white sand in front of a crystal-clear sea in a paradisiacal setting where you can think about nothing, let go, find peace.
When to go? climate and weather
There are two main seasons in the Maldives, the dry season that runs from December to April and the wet season that runs from May to November. The climate in the Maldives is equatorial so the difference between the dry and wet seasons is relative and almost negligible.
Temperatures vary on average from 28° to 32°C.
Maldives
