MALDIVES

The Maldives is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, famous for its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and colourful underwater life. They consist of 26 atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. The capital is Malé, where the majority of the population lives.

The Maldives is a popular destination for luxury holidays, especially for couples and diving enthusiasts. The underwater world includes coral reefs, colourful fish, manta rays and even sharks. The islands are also threatened by rising sea levels due to climate change.

Alcohol is only allowed at tourist resorts

It is a Muslim country and this is reflected in the local culture and customs. Alcohol is only allowed at tourist resorts, while outside of them strict rules apply in accordance with Islamic law.

Tourism is a key component of the Maldives' economy, but the government is also trying to develop sustainable development because of the environmental challenges facing the country.

HOW TO GET TO THE MALDIVES?

Flights from Europe to the Maldives are operated by several quality airlines and include both direct and connecting flights. Choosing the best flight depends on your preferences regarding price, flight duration and comfort.

1. Emirates - direct flight from London (Gatwick or Heathrow) to the Maldives
2. British Airways - direct flights from London (Heathrow) to Maldives (Velana International Airport - MLE)
3. Condor - direct flights from Frankfurt to Maldives
4. Austrian Airlines - direct flights from Vienna

WHICH ISLAND TO CHOOSE?

Choosing an island in the Maldives depends on what type of holiday you are looking for. The Maldives has different types of islands - from luxury resorts to more affordable options and locations focused on diving or snorkelling. Here are some tips on popular islands by type of experience:

LUXURY RESORTS

• Baros: One of the most popular luxury resorts, known for its romantic setting, private villas and exceptional service. Ideal for couples and honeymooners.
• Soneva Jani: It offers some of the best overwater villas with water slides and large lagoons. Perfect for those looking for absolute luxury and privacy.
  
• Velaa Private Island: One of the most luxurious resorts, it caters to a wealthy clientele and provides exclusive experiences, including golf and underwater restaurants.
  

LOCAL ISLANDS - CHEAPEST

• Huraa: Huraa Island is one of the inhabited islands of the Maldives, located in Kaafu Atoll, just about 20 km north of the capital Malé. Huraa Island offers a more authentic experience as you can experience the traditional life of the Maldivian people while enjoying the beautiful beaches and scenery.
• Maafushi: An island known for more affordable accommodation and good access to diving and snorkelling.
  
• Himmafushi: Interesting for surfers while offering affordable options.
  
• Guraidhoo: Another island inhabited by locals that has more affordable hotels and offers direct contact with Maldivian culture.
  

LOCAL ISLANDS - GOLDEN MEAN

• Ukulhas: Ukulhas is a medium-sized inhabited island, known for its clean and ecological approach to tourism. It has a long white sandy beach which is ideal for relaxation. The beach is clean and offers a quiet environment for swimming and snorkeling.
• Thoddoo: Thoddoo is unique in that it is the main agricultural island of the Maldives, known primarily for the production of melons and other fruits. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to taste fresh fruit directly from the plantations. The island has a beautiful, quiet beach which is well maintained and provides excellent opportunities for relaxation and swimming.
  
• Rasdhoo: Rasdhoo is considered one of the best diving spots in the Maldives. There are some amazing dive sites around the island, including places where you can see manta rays, sharks and other large marine animals. Rasdhoo is also known for Rasdhoo Madivaru, a dive site where hammerheads are often seen.
  
• Mathiveri: Mathiveri is a small quiet island that offers beautiful beaches and an idyllic setting. The island has a stunning lagoon with turquoise blue waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Mathiveri is close to several resorts and uninhabited islands where boat trips can be taken.
  

HOW TO GET TO THE LOCAL ISLANDS?

AIRPLANE (SEAPLANE)

Seaplanes are fast and offer a fantastic experience flying over lagoons and coral reefs. They are mainly used for remote luxury resorts, but some local islands can also be reached by this route. The seaplane flight takes between 20-45 minutes. The price for a one-way flight is between 250-500 USD per person. For more information, visit the website https://www.transmaldivian.com/

The seaplane port is located directly at Velana International Airport.

SPEEDBOAT

Speedboats are one of the fastest and most frequently used methods of transport from the airport to local islands. The journey time by speedboat to nearby islands is usually between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the distance of the island. The price for a speedboat ride is between 20-50 USD per person for a one-way trip. You can make a reservation on the website https://www.atolltransfer.com/scheduled-speed-boat, or your hotel can arrange transportation.

The speedboat port is located directly at Velana International Airport. There are kiosks in the arrivals hall where you report your reservation upon arrival and a staff member will then guide you to the boat that will take you to your island.

PUBLIC FERRY

Public ferries are a more affordable transport option, although they are slower and less frequent than fast ferries. The ferry journey can take up to 6 hours depending on the distance of the island. Ferry prices range between 2-10 USD per person for a one-way ride, which is much cheaper than speedboats and seaplanes.

Ferries do not usually run daily and some islands are only accessible a few times a week. It's important to check schedules in advance as ferries have fixed departure times and can be weather dependent. Tickets are usually purchased on the spot at the port of Malé, but check in advance to see if ferries are available on the day of your arrival. For more information, please visit the website https://www.atolltransfer.com/ferry-routes-c1jxp

ACCOMMODATION IN THE MALDIVES

There are several budget accommodation options in the Maldives, especially on the local islands where guesthouses and small family-run hotels are located. These types of accommodation are more affordable than luxury resorts, yet offer an authentic Maldives experience.

GUESTHOUSES

Guesthouses are the ideal choice for travellers who want to experience the Maldives at more affordable prices. Located on inhabited islands where the locals live, these guesthouses offer comfortable but basic accommodation. The price range is between 30 to 100 USD per night for a double room.

Most guesthouses include breakfast and sometimes other meals in the price. Air conditioning, private bathrooms and Wi-Fi are often available. Accommodation in guesthouses is friendly and homely. The owners are usually local people who can offer personal service and help organise activities such as snorkelling trips, fishing or visits to nearby islands.

You cannot pay by credit card in most places. It is therefore a good idea to have sufficient cash with you.

HOSTELS

HOTELS

The most common choice for travellers is to book hotels through the https://www.booking.com/ platform, which often offers better rates than if you booked directly. Prices start at 30 USD per night and usually only include breakfast. In most hotels, you can add on lunch and dinner or an all-inclusive package.

HOW MUCH WILL A HOLIDAY IN THE MALDIVES SET ME BACK?

The cost of a two-week holiday in the Maldives can depend significantly on your travel style, accommodation preferences, dining and activities. Below you'll find two different options - a low-cost version for budget travellers and a happy medium that includes more amenities but still remains affordable.

LOW-COST

In this option, you stay on local islands in cheap guesthouses where the standard of living is affordable and transport and food are reasonably priced.

1. A ticket from Europe to the Maldives can cost between 650-1 300 USD, depending on the season, promotional offers and airline.
   
2. Accommodation on local islands (e.g. Maafushi, Ukulhas, Thoddoo) costs on average around 30-60 USD per night for a double room. Total cost for 14 nights: 420-840 USD for two people.
   
3. Local food on local islands is cheap. You can expect to pay around 5-10 USD for a meal at local restaurants. Daily food costs: 15-30 USD (300-600 CZK). Total cost of food for 14 days: 210-420 USD.
   
4. A public ferry or speedboat from the airport to the local islands costs around 5-50 USD one way, depending on the distance and the chosen means of transport. Total cost 10-100 USD.
   
5. Activities such as snorkelling, boat trips and fishing cost around 20-50 USD per person per trip. Total cost of activities for two weeks: 150-300 USD.
   
6. Souvenirs, trinkets or possible entrance fee: 50-100 USD
   

A rough estimate of the total cost of a low-cost holiday per person (14 days): 1 300 - 2 150 USD

THE GOLDEN MEAN

In this option you would enjoy more comfortable accommodation, better dining and excursions, but still on local islands. Also consider a combination of a few better guesthouses, hotels or cheaper resorts.

1. The ticket remains the same: 650-1 300 USD
2. Accommodation in better quality guesthouses, hotels or cheaper resorts costs around 60-100 USD per night for a double room with better facilities. Total cost for 14 nights: 840-1 400 USD.
   
3. Meals in better restaurants or seafood dinners can cost around 10-20 USD per meal. Total cost of meals for 14 days: 420-840 USD.
   
4. Instead of a ferry, you can choose a speedboat, which is more comfortable and faster. The price for a one-way ride can be around 50 USD.
   
5. This option can include multiple excursions, such as day trips to uninhabited islands, swimming with manta rays or whale sharks. The cost for these activities is approximately 50-100 USD per trip. Total cost of activities for two weeks: 300-600 USD.
   
6. Souvenirs, fees and possible entrance fees: 100-200 USD.
   

A rough estimate of the total cost of a Gold Median holiday per person (14 days): 1 950-3 500 USD