Maldives in which country is located. Maldives - all you wanted to know about this Indian Ocean paradise. The best beaches

Maldives is a tropical paradise where the beach season lasts 365 days a year, where the serene blue of the sky is reflected in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. It seems that this idyllic corner was created only to enjoy the joys of life - problems and political intrigues pass him by. But this is a misleading impression. The history of the Maldives is eventful.

From Redins to Brits

Unlike neighboring India and Sri Lanka, the history of the Maldives has been little studied. According to research, civilization on the islands has existed for more than 3,000 years. This theory was confirmed by the Norwegian archaeologist and writer Thor Heyerdahl in the 1980s. After excavating the atolls of Addu and Huwad, he found out that once these lands were inhabited by Aryan tribes. Tall white-skinned people with blue eyes and aquiline noses called themselves redins and worshiped the Sun.

The found fragments of ceramics allow us to argue that the dews inhabited the islands as far back as 2000 BC.

At about the same time, the island of Nilandu was inhabited by chines. However, almost nothing is known about their origin.

The Giravaru community is claiming the title of oldest Aboriginal Maldives. For centuries, its representatives lived on the island of the same name, but with the start of construction of the international airport, they were forced to relocate to Male.

According to one version, the ancestors of giravaru come from southern India, according to another - from Australia.

In 500 BC the second wave of settlement began in the Maldives. Sri Lankans who spread Buddhism settled on the islands.

Until the sixteenth century, the population of the islands consisted mainly of Indians, Malays and Sinhals. But in 1507, the archipelago attracted the attention of the Portuguese. They were followed by the French, Dutch and British, who took turns establishing their protectorate.

The adoption of Islam

Until the XII century - more than 1000 years - the Maldivians professed Buddhism. But in 1153, an Arab merchant Abu al-Bakarat landed on the islands, who persuaded the local king to convert to Islam.

According to legend, every month the islanders donated the genie Rannamari to an innocent girl. She was brought to the temple and left for the night. The next day, the unfortunate was found dead. Outraged by the cruelty of the ritual, Abu al-Bakar decided to put an end to it. At the appointed hour, he himself came to the sanctuary and spent the whole night reading the Koran. The sacred suras scared away the evil spirit that hid in the depths of the sea and no longer disturbed the inhabitants of the island.

Since that time, the era of Islam and the Sultanates began in the Maldives, for which six dynasties and 90 rulers were replaced.

Maldives in the twentieth century

At the end of the XIX century, fearing expansion from India, the Maldivians signed an agreement with Britain. According to the document, the British provided their military assistance in the event of a foreign invasion, but did not interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

The British presence lasted until 1965.
On July 26, 1965, the Maldives gained independence.

In 1932, the British supported Mohammed Shamsuddin III, who adopted the country's first constitution. The new law limited the sole power of the Sultan and ensured free elections. And in 1953, the ruler Amin Didi abolished the sultanate, adopted a new constitution and became the first president of the Republic of Maldives. He introduced universal primary education and suffrage for women. At the end of 1953, as a result of hunger riots, Amin Didi was overthrown.

He was replaced by Mohammed Fari Didi, who restored the Sultanate and became the last, 94th Sultan of the Maldives. True, by that time the title had turned into a kind of honorary title, and the real power passed to the prime minister.

The Maldives adopted its third constitution in 1968 in a referendum. Instead of the Maldives, the country became officially called the Republic of Maldives. President Ibrahim Nasir held power for 6 years and in 1978, during a popular protest against price increases, fled the country.

Since 1978, President Momun Abdul Gayum has solely ruled the Maldives for 30 years (6 consecutive five-year terms in a row). After the unrest in 2004, Gayum promised to expand political freedoms. In 2008, the first presidential election was held with the participation of several candidates, as a result of which Mohamed Nashid became the new president of the Maldives.

Since 2018, the country has been led by President Abdullah Yamin.

Capital - Male city
Area - 298 sq. M. km
Population - 393 thousand people
Tongue - maldivian
Form of government - presidential republic
Independence Date (UK) - July 26, 1965
Largest cities - Male
Currency - rufia
Timezone — +5
Telephone code — +960

From above they remind a handful of opals scattered in ocean blue, this is a divine work of art, and, perhaps, a devilish one, because they are very seductive. Located in the Indian Ocean, 700 km southwest of, 26 atolls consisting of corals sprouted around extinct volcanoes are the Republic of Maldives. Each of the 26 atolls has natural resources - snow-white beaches, clear turquoise water and lush tropical vegetation. In total there are about 2 thousand islands, but only 200 of them are inhabited and 87 accept tourists. So the hotels here are for every taste.

Maldives - video

The Maldives is like animated pictures depicting a typical paradise island. Warm tropical sea and kilometers of white beaches surrounded by palm trees. Just do not look for mountains here - they are not here. The islands are completely flat, they are even considered the most flat territory in the world. Many of the islands rise above the water by no more than 2 meters. The population of the Maldives speaks of diving, but when they enter school, at the age of three, children begin to learn Arabic. Most young people also speak fluent English. And the level of literacy will give odds to more developed countries, it reaches 99%.

Over the past few years, the Maldives has experienced a boom in foreign tourism. And this is completely understandable - the country can offer tourists any conditions: from the simplest to the most demanding tastes. Accommodation from campsites to 5 star hotels. But all offers have something in common - sapphire waters, golden beaches and emerald forests.

Looking at this beauty, you know, the best place in the world for romantics. The weather is beautiful, so it is a suitable place for rest and relaxation. The beaches here are rarely crowded, so it seems like you have your own beach.

In hotels full of oriental luxury you can enjoy all the amenities and live like in a fairy tale. In the endless pools, the water from which flows directly into the Indian Ocean, it is very easy to imagine yourself as a mermaid or inhabitant of the ocean depths. Here you can’t help but relax. With the highest service you can only relax and have fun. And this proves how well the Maldives is geared for tourists.

- the capital of the Republic of Maldives. Of the 400 thousand people living in the Maldives, about a third live in this city. Male is a vibrant large city typical of tropical islands. With numerous shops, busy bazaars and even traffic.

Islamic Center - one of the most famous buildings in the city of Male, the roof of which is crowned by a golden dome. This is the largest mosque in the Maldives - it holds 5 thousand worshipers. Its beautiful wood carvings and Arabic calligraphy designs attract many admiring tourists.

A 20-minute boat ride from Male (capital of the Maldives) is bandos island. This is a small island with a perimeter of 600 meters. Each of his bungalows stands, literally, 3 meters from the beach.

Gan Island - The southernmost island of the Maldives, located beyond the equator. Its length is 5 kilometers and a width of 3 kilometers.

If the Maldives succeeds in preserving its reputation as the main center of attraction for divers of the whole planet, and if it succeeds in preserving everything that they have today, then they will remain such a center forever. Someone will come here for the sake of relaxation, entertainment and romance, someone to devote themselves to exploring the many wonders of the underwater world. And no one, neither nature lovers, nor fans of beaches and massages, nor those who need adrenaline, will be disappointed in the Maldives - wonderful islands at the very edge of the world.

Maldives Interchange

The traffic intersection between the islands is represented by two types of communications - boats and seaplanes. Most of the islands are quite small, so you can safely travel by bicycle. The peculiarity of this type of travel here is that in whatever direction you go, you will always find yourself on the seashore.

1. First of all, you should know that in the Maldives (as in many other countries) it is forbidden to get all kinds of corals, shells and the like from the sea. Also, it is not allowed to fish near the island, and underwater hunting is completely prohibited.

2. One of the important advantages of maldives is that there are no mosquitoes, nor any other unpleasant insects and animals.

3. During a trip to the Maldives, at least one night is worth spending in the open air, looking at the stars. You can sleep right on the street, because the temperature at night does not drop below 24 degrees.

4. The main value of a holiday in the Maldives is the ability to distance oneself from problems and stresses.

5. If you decide to go on vacation to the island of Gan, be prepared for the fact that the island cuisine can greatly disappoint you. The thing is, almost no vegetables grow on the island and the hotel chefs have to cook from those products that are delivered here by plane. Often, these are products that are stored for a long time, and therefore are devoid of exquisite taste.

6. Before traveling to the Maldives, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. To avoid undesirable situations, it is better to take out insurance.

This small country is located on 20 atolls in the equatorial part of the Indian Ocean. The Islamic Republic is separated from India by more than 2,000 km. The distance to Sri Lanka is significantly less: if you look at the Maldives on a world map, you can see that the states are separated by about 700 km from each other.

Island Information

The State of Maldives is formed by nearly 2,000 coral islets. About 400 thousand people live here, and Islam is the dominant religion. The total area of \u200b\u200bthe Republic of Maldives is 90 thousand km 2, but the land from it accounts for no more than 300 km 2.

It is interesting that the only city and port of the country is its capital Male, located on the atoll of the same name. The remaining islands are almost uninhabited and only occasionally hotels are found on them.

Time in the Maldives is UTC +5, so when you fly, you should prepare in advance for changing time zones.

Monthly Weather in Maldives

The climate is due to where the Maldives is located. It belongs to the subequatorial monsoon type, so the weather is radically different in the dry and rainy season. Depending on the month of the trip, you have to prepare for the following:

January. A trip to the islands this month will certainly be successful due to the warm, sunny and calm weather and the calm that reigns in the ocean. Although formally January refers to the rainy season, there is a minimum of rainfall, which guarantees a wonderful beach holiday and the opportunity to go diving. In the daytime, the thermometer rises to at least +24 ° C, and the water temperature averages +27 ° C.

February. At this time, crowds of vacationers usually flock here. The ocean continues to delight with a comfortable water temperature of +25 ° C, and daytime air temperature rarely drops below +28 ° C. Waves are practically absent, and the sky is perfectly blue and cloudless. Therefore, even inexperienced divers can begin training in the wisdom of diving, and the almost complete absence of rainfall allows you to freely ride a yacht or catamaran.

March. This month is also considered quite hot and arid, and the average temperatures of air and water differ little from February. The sand remains very warm, and there are practically no tropical showers. Many local flora representatives bloom in March, but be prepared for rare sandstorms.

April. At this time, the southwest monsoon comes to the Maldives, bringing with it a change in weather. Storms in the ocean rarely occur, the heat intensifies, but the rains here are still infrequent guests. If you can’t stand the stuffiness, you should postpone the trip: the air temperature is mainly +30 ° C, and the water temperature reaches +28 ° C.

May. Very strong winds begin to blow, sometimes turning into hurricanes. Precipitation is much greater: about half of the days in May are rainy. Moreover, the weather constantly brings surprises. The sun gives way to heavy rain and vice versa.

June. This month continues the May trend as the southwest monsoon takes over. Very strong gusts of warm wind are observed. In June, the Maldives has a maximum rainfall characteristic of this region, but their amount rarely exceeds 200 mm. Ocean waves sometimes reach gigantic sizes. The thermometer column is kept at an average of +30 ° C, and the water temperature in the ocean is +27 ° C.

July. At this time, the islands are not too comfortable due to frequent rains. However, they quickly end, and soon the sky is partially cleared and the sun peeps through the clouds. About 160 mm of precipitation falls in July, and the air temperature is +31 ° C. In water, a thermometer usually shows +27 ° C. Thunderstorms are possible, during which one feels cool.

August. This month is considered the most volatile on the islands. In early August, the sea is quite warm and calm, winds and hurricanes practically cease. Rains are relatively rare, and the atolls are still hot. But already at the end of the month the sky is more and more cloudy, it often rains, and the wind intensifies.

September. Both day and night, mostly warm weather persists, and the exhausting heat recedes. A sufficiently high humidity is preserved, and precipitation falls up to 200 mm. The average number of rainy days in September is 15-16. Rains are often accompanied by severe thunderstorms, but the ocean remains quite warm with a water temperature of approximately +27 ° C.

October. The air temperature drops slightly to + 27-29 ° C, and the water temperature drops to +26 ° C, which does not interfere with bathing. Rains are much less frequent: usually no more than 100 mm of precipitation.

November. This month, the northeast monsoon comes to the Maldives, bringing with it warm and dry weather. Winds and rains rarely disturb tourists, and the thermometer on average shows +28 ° С. Water warms up to +25 ° C.

December. At this time of the year everything blooms on the islands, so that they turn into a real tropical paradise. Daytime temperatures increase to + 30-32 ° С, and the water temperature in the ocean rarely drops below +25 ° С.

How to get to Maldives

In any guidebook where you will find everything you wanted to know about the Maldives, it is indicated that the connection of the island state with the mainland is carried out exclusively by air. The only airport in the country is in the capital Male. You can get to it in the following ways:

Aeroflot direct flight from Moscow. New Airbus A-330-200 aircraft fly out of the Russian capital twice a week: on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If it is important for you to know how much to fly from Moscow on such a direct flight, you will have to be patient: the duration of the flight is approximately 9 hours.

Please note that when returning from the Maldives you will have to pay an airport fee of 10 USD - 15 USD, which is not always included in the ticket price.

By connecting with Qatar Airways (transfer point - Doha), Singapore Airlines (transfer point - Singapore) or Emirates Airlines (transfer point - Dubai). The cost of tickets for air liners of these carriers already includes airport tax.

Srilankan Airlines connecting flight. To do this, you will first have to fly to Dubai or Colombo and purchase a ticket to Male at a local airport for 180 USD - 250 USD. This is the most affordable flight option for those who want to save money.

The average cost of a flight between the capitals of Russia and the Maldives is from 570 USD to 720 USD one way.

Visa to the Maldives and customs clearance

Obtaining a visa to travel to the Maldives to residents of Russia and the CIS countries is not necessary, since there is a visa-free agreement between the countries. However, given the sharp change in climate and the exoticness of the region, it does not hurt to purchase a medical insurance policy. Weekly insurance will cost about 25 USD - 45 USD.

It is very important to comply with the customs regulations of the Republic of Maldives. They say the following:

You can import and export foreign currency in unlimited quantities.
Without payment of duties, it is allowed to import 125 ml of perfume or cologne and 200 cigarettes, as well as not more than one item relating to personal use goods, for each passenger.
It is strictly forbidden to transport pork and meat products with it, salami sausages, pornographic products, narcotic substances, souvenirs from the shell of a sea turtle or dark coral, as well as antiques found on the ocean floor.

Be sure to note that the import and export of any alcoholic beverages in the Maldives is prohibited. Violation of this rule may result in arrest.

Cost of holidays in the Maldives

In the Maldives, many Russian celebrities like Volochkova like to relax. This is explained by a very comfortable climate and moderate accommodation prices. If you are interested in how much a standard ticket to the Maldives costs, you should consider that it depends on the following factors:

the duration of the trip;
hotel category;
the island on which the hotel is located;
food and entertainment included in the price;
season.

The more services the hotel offers for vacationers (SPA, swimming pools, animation, sauna and much more), the more expensive the vacation will cost. If you plan a trip for 7-8 days with booking a single or double room with half board and a minimum of entertainment, you will have to spend from 2600 USD to 5500 USD.

The wedding tour involves a romantic weekend for the newlyweds and will cost from 1750 USD to 2500 USD. The price includes room decoration, the services of photographers and musicians, fruit, wine or champagne and an unofficial wedding ceremony. The all-inclusive tour is suitable for those who want to completely relax during the trip. Its price - from 3500 USD to 7000 USD for a week's stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel - includes three meals a day and free drinks throughout the entire stay.

Those who want to save money should pay attention to last-minute tours: they are usually 30% cheaper. Also, for the most budget vacation in the Maldives for 8 days you will have to spend about 2000 USD if you book a room in an inexpensive three-star hotel without special amenities. The price includes airfare and medical insurance.

Maldives - a real sunny paradise on earth, where you can easily recover after a long-awaited vacation.

This is an ideal place for a beach holiday, where the most beautiful snow-white beaches with fine coral sand are located. The Maldives is the dream of many people daydreaming about quiet blue lagoons and beautiful green palm trees that can take travelers to a fabulously blissful paradise for at least a few days.

There are practically no cars here, and it is always quiet and calm. Partly because of this, the Maldives is considered one of the best places to stay.

Where are the Maldives located on the world map?

The coordinates of the Maldives: 3 ° 28´36´´N, 72 ° 50´12´´E.
The Maldives is located almost at the equator, and therefore it is always warm here, and the temperature is kept within + 28-30ºС.
The archipelago stretches from north to south for 820 km and from west to east for 120 km. And due to the fact that these are just coral formations without mountains and volcanoes, the Maldives rises above the sea by no more than 3 meters. In the future, this threatens the complete destruction of the islands, where the most luxurious hotels in the world are located, due to the constant rise in sea level. It is possible that the Maldives may disappear in 30 years.

Maldives on a world map

Finding a place where the islands are located is not so simple. Maldives is a very small archipelago lost in the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Sri Lanka for 700 km. The Maldives archipelago is located on 19 coral atolls, consisting of more than 1000 islands. But they are far from all inhabited, only 88 of them are considered as spa resorts. There are islands for the indigenous people of the Maldives, but this is not the most tourist place where visitors never look. And there are small uninhabited islands that can be reached by renting a yacht.

The islands are located away from other states, without land borders with any country. The Maldives, washed by the Indian Ocean, has only a sea border:

with Sri Lanka;
and India.

Popular Maldives resorts

The best beaches are located on the atolls, which are the most visited resort islands:

Daalu - Daalu island is chosen by diving fans;

Ari- The island attracts with its chic variety of flora and fauna, where turtle bays are located. Here, wealthy tourists who come to the Maldives can go water-skiing, go fishing or just relax in an expensive hotel on a secluded beach;

Faafu - A paradise for those who strive for a comfortable stay. There are a lot of restaurants and spa centers;

Male is the capital of the Maldives. The area of \u200b\u200bthe city, which occupies the entire island, is only 2km², but even on this tiny site there is something to see. For example, the ancient Good Friday mosque, the Presidential Palace, the national museum and various colorful markets. True, there are no entertainments other than walking along the promenade and streets.

The islands are also distinguished by the fact that there are not many opportunities for accommodation. Hotels in the Maldives have the following feature: on one island there is usually only one villa with the best and most comfortable rooms. But we must remember that the Maldives is an expensive paradise. And you can settle not only in the hotel rooms, but in various coastal bungalows with thatched roofs and a glass bottom.

The islands are located away from other states, without land borders with any country. The Maldives, washed by the Indian Ocean, has only a sea border with Sri Lanka and India. Getting to these islands of paradise is not so easy, but because a vacation in the Maldives remains for many people a very expensive and impossible dream.

Many dream of snow-white sand, closed lagoons and beautiful hotels. Thanks to its secluded location, this paradise is simply created for a romantic trip where the most secluded corners of the planet are located. Lovers dream of spending here some unforgettable moments, running away from the bustle of megacities to a quiet, relaxing holiday. A wedding in the Maldives is the ultimate dream of many brides.

The local population lives and works, tourists relax. We invite you to find out what islands are in the Maldives and how they are interesting.

How many islands in the Maldives?

On the world map, there are 1192 islands of the Maldives, and not all are inhabited. Each of the islands belongs to one of 21 island groups - these are the so-called atolls. They are the main administrative-territorial unit of the state. Let's consider each atoll separately.

List of islands in the Maldives

So, it's time to go to the most heavenly place on the planet:

- The name of the main island of the Maldives. It is distinguished by the largest population density (as many as 103 693 people per 4.39 sq. Km!). The name "Male" is also the capital of the Maldives itself - the largest settlement on the archipelago. In addition to residential areas, it is located here (on the island of Hulule). It is in Male that most of all tourist, entertainment complexes, souvenir and other shops. The atoll Male in the Maldives also includes the artificial island of Hulumale, settled relatively recently, in 2004.

(or Haa-Alifu) is officially called Northern Tiladunmati, or Tiladunmati Uturburi. It occupies the 3rd place in the list of Maldivian atolls by population and area. It consists of 43 islands (14 are inhabited), which are located in the very north of the archipelago. For tourists, the resorts of the Haa Alif Atoll opened only in 2005. The most popular islands for recreation are Donakuli, Alida, Utim. On the atoll you can visit the mosque of the XVIII century built and the old mausoleum of the Maldivian kings.

- About 16 thousand people live on the 16 inhabited islands of the atoll. Hanimadu Island has a small regional airport, and Faridu has ancient Buddhist ruins.

(or Shaviyani) - these are pristine beaches and a rich underwater world. The atoll includes 51 islands with the capital on Funada. Most of the islands are small. Among the unusual places, the mangrove swamps of the island of Maroshi stand out. Today, the Shaviani Atoll in the Maldives offers only 3 hotels (the islands of Wagaru, Doliyadu and Team), but the tourism infrastructure is actively expanding.

(or Noonu) with its capital on the island of Manadu has 13 residential islands out of a total of 70. This atoll is famous not only for luxury hotels, but also for the possibility of an excellent romantic getaway: anyone can rent a dhoni boat and get to any of the uninhabited islands of this atoll Maldives, to feel what rest is far from civilization. All the attractions of Nunu Atoll are under water - these are various dive sites. It is also convenient that each local resort has its own dive center.

(aka Northern Maalosmadulu) - one of the most frequently visited by foreign tourists. 88 atoll islands, of which 15 inhabited, are located 140 km from the country's capital. The capital of Raa - the island of Ungofaru - is famous as a center for the manufacture of traditional boats - dhoni. The most popular islands of Raa Atoll in the Maldives are Midhupparu, Rashetim, Candoludhu, Rasmaad.

(Goydhu Atoll or South Malosmadulu). The islands of this atoll are considered the most beautiful in the Maldives. Its virgin forests, coupled with snow-white beaches, remind vacationers of a tropical paradise. Moreover, Baa Atoll in the Maldives has been considered a biosphere reserve since 2001. Of its 75 islands, only 13 are inhabited, and luxury resort hotels are concentrated on them. On the islands of Eidafushi and Tuladhu you can buy excellent souvenirs - they even come here from Male behind them. Vacationers on the islands of Khorubadhu, Fonimagudhu, Dhunikolu, and Kihaduffuff stop.

(Laviyani or Faadhippolu) is famous for its popular dive sites. It has only 5 inhabited islands, among which the leader in attendance - in the Maldives it is the most famous resort - and no less popular, the best budget island of the country. In general, the Laviyani Atoll is a romantic place with a lot of options for water activities. Its islands are the best in the Maldives for a beach holiday. In addition, this is snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing, yachting and sea canoeing, walks along the sand spit at dusk.

- The center of the Republic of Maldives. Its resorts are convenient in that they are closest to the country's only airport. The capital of Kaafu in the Maldives is. On the atoll there are many hotels with home reefs, hotels for a honeymoon, "family" hotels and, of course, all-inclusive establishments. Tilafushi is also located here - the only garbage island in the Maldives, created as a dump, and the islands popular with tourists, Huraa, and Bandos.

, or Ari - the resident population has 8 atoll islands. Among tourists, this place in the Maldives is more than popular: the paradise islands are the most popular among those who want to relax by the warm sea.

Alif Dhaal Welcomes guests with historical sights - you can visit a beautiful wooden mosque and a Buddhist stupa. In addition, guests of the island are waiting for several hotels, mini-hotels and a unique underwater restaurant located at a depth of 5 m - it was the first in the world of its kind.

(aka Felidou) - an atoll with a population of only 2,300 people living on 5 islands. They are considered the best for diving in the Maldives, and the most interesting of the diving sites is.

(Meemu) began to accept foreign holidaymakers not so long ago. There are only 2 hotels, but they are truly luxurious resorts. Among the most popular trips to the beaches of the uninhabited part of the atoll for a romantic getaway in the lap of unspoiled nature. Of the sights, it should be noted a mosque on the island of Kolufushi, where an ancient artifact is stored - the sword of Sultan Muhammad Takurufaan.

(Nilande Atoll). Of the 23 islands there is only one resort - Filitheio. His villas are designed in eco-style with a touch of luxury, while equipped to the highest standards. On the island you can see an ancient cemetery, where you will be shown the grave of a local wizard. Also, the famous traveler Tur Heyerdahl once conducted research on Faafu Atoll: it was here that he found the oldest evidence that Buddhism was practiced in the Maldives in pre-Islamic times.

(or Daalu) gives tourists a romantic atmosphere, privacy and socializing with wildlife. He was even called the "island of turtles" - these animals lay their eggs here, and tourists enjoy watching newborn turtles with pleasure. Of the 56 picturesque islands, only 7 are inhabited, and 2 are under tourism. 2. The capital of the atoll is the city of Kudahuvadu. For the magnificent jewelry of local craftsmen, tourists travel to the islands of Rinbudu and Hulundel.

(Columadulu) with the capital Weimandu consists of 66 islands. People inhabit 13 of them. All the attractions of Thaoll Atoll are pristine nature: most of the islands are in the state in which they were created by nature, and this is their main value.

totals 82 islands, but only 12 are inhabited. They have conditions not only for diving, but also for surfing. On the islands of Laoll Atoll, those who like snorkeling will also like the shallow lagoons. Archaeological sites are also interesting in this area - the ruins of ancient monasteries and stupas.

(Haafu Alifu) will please only a few hotels, but only the most luxurious. But there are many excellent places for diving, where you can meet octopuses, manti and huge glowing jellyfish. The atoll is considered one of the nature reserves of the Maldives. Travelers are attracted here by the solitude of these places and especially the islands in the form of a heart, the only one in the Maldives.

has a permanent population, which is located on 9 islands. The first resort was built here in 2006 on the island of Watavarrehaa - it was a luxury hotel for 150 people. He liked the lovers of secluded relaxation. And today, numerous surfers come to Filloari Island.

- special atoll. There is no lagoon inside it - it is completely filled with corals, forming one large island. On its fertile soil, mangoes, bananas, and papaya are grown. Noteworthy on Fuwahmulah Island are Reading Hill and Keder Mosque.

- The southernmost atoll of the Maldives archipelago, it is also the highest (2.4 m above sea level). Gan is located here, the country's second most important airport, built on the island of the same name, Maldives, the largest in the country. The archipelago has 6 inhabited islands out of a total of 24. The capital of the atoll is Hithadhu, and is most in demand among tourists in the Maldives. Of the natural beauties, luxurious lush gardens, banana and coconut plantations and the only freshwater lake in the Maldives should be distinguished.