Male Holidays

Male, the capital of the Maldives, is located in the North Male Atoll, and acts at the commercial and administrative centre for the islands. The city offers a change from the idyllic beach resorts that dot the Indian Ocean, and displays a different slice of Maldivian life for holiday-makers. Male International Airport lies just a few kilometres away on the neighbouring Hulhule Island, and is accessible by ferry.

 

The world's densest city, Male is home to over 100,000 people, with one-third of the nation's population crammed onto its tiny island. The capital is easily explored on foot and its main sights can be covered in an hour or so, with Male offering a taste of traditional Maldivian culture and local life away from the resorts. Male is an attractive city, with no beaches but many high-rise buildings dominating the skyline, as well as palm-lined streets, shady residential areas and a lively waterfront region. The main attractions in Male are the Friday Mosque, dating back 400 years and featuring interior full of beautiful coral carvings, and the Islamic Centre, home to the largest mosque in the Maldives which boasts a resplendent gold dome and acts as the city's major landmark. Other sights to see include Independence Square, and Sultan Park and National Museum. There's excellent shopping in Male, with the main street lined with plenty of shops selling local goods and handicrafts, an old Bazaar region with a maze of tiny lanes, and colourful fish and produce markets.

 

Although visitors to the Maldives are attracted by the regions fantastic beaches and world-famous scuba-diving conditions, with most content to relax on the sandy beaches, indulge in water sports or revel in the tropical ambience, there are many day trips and city tours to Male from the resorts. These offer guests an alternative to a day on the beach, and give an insight into the region's history and culture. (Note - visitors should be aware that Male is a dry island).