Malediven Vacation – A dream for so many of us. When booking this special holiday, of course, you want to make sure that you choose the best island in Maldives for your Once-in-a-lifetime vacation. While I was working in the Maldives, I was able to visit different islands and while writing my Bachelor-thesis in which the Maldives were included as one of the main examples, I could get familiar with even more islands in the Republic of Maldives. Also, I was able to collect many different experiences in the Maldives: Read my top 15 here.
There are just so many islands (around 1190 actually). Obviously, it is not easy to decide where to stay in Maldives – Which island is best?
That’s why I put together the most popular and most beautiful islands in the Maldives to help to decide which island to stay in Maldives. We even organized them according to their prices, so you can directly check which fit best to your Maldives-Budget.
However, firstly, I want to show you in which Atolls you can find those best islands in Maldives.
What to find out in this post
Atolls of the Maldives
In the following map, you can find all the Atolls, in which the most beautiful islands in Maldives are located. The International Airport is located on a small island right next to the capital city of Malé, thus in the North-Male-Atoll. (On the map marked in blue). In this map, you can see how far the distance between your Maldives Dream Island and the Airport is. Therefore, you can tell by looking on the map whether a long boat-trip or an inland-flight are necessary in order to get to your island.
- North-Male-Atoll
- South-Male-Atoll
- Laamu-Atoll
- South-Nilandhe-Atoll/ Dhaalu-Atoll
- Alif Dhaal Atoll
- Ari-Atoll
- Alif Alif-Atoll
- Thoddoo-Atoll
- Baa-Atoll
- Raa-Atoll
- Lhaviyani-Atoll
The Top Cheapest Islands in Maldives
The following islands are inhabited islands in the Maldives. The big advantage of those islands is that the accommodation here is way more affordable than a stay in one of the Resort-Islands. Another benefit of a stay on an inhabited island is that it is much easier to get in touch with locals and gain some insight into the real Maldives.
Anyway, the drawbacks of staying on an inhabited island are that you are not allowed to walk around, sunbath or swim in your bikini on public beaches. More and more islands are offering so-called Bikini-Beaches now for tourists.
Moreover, you are not allowed to consume any alcohol due to Maldivian law. (Only on Resort-Islands)
The following islands and accommodations are the most popular, best reviewed and my personal favorites. If you are interested in any of them just click on the name in order to receive more information, prices and availabilities.
Hulhumale
Location: North-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Dhiffushi
Location: North-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Maafushi
Location: South-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Thoddoo
Location: Thoddoo-Atoll
Drawback: Either 1 1/2 hour (Fast boat: 35 USD) or 4 hours boat drive (Ferry: 10-20 USD) (+ tax and service charge)
Accommodation:
Mathiveri
Location: Alif Alif Atoll
Accommodation:
Dharavandhoo
Location: Baa-Atoll
Drawback: 195 USD National-flight necessary
Accommodation:
Resort-Islands on the Maldives <500€
The following beaches are the most popular and best-reviewed islands in the Maldives or my personal favorites. If you want to know more about any accommodation just click on the name in order to receive more information, availability, and the latest prices.
Bandos
Location: North Male Atoll
Accommodation:
Kuda Bandos
Location: North Male Atoll
Accommodation:
Lankanfinolhu
Location:Â North-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Meeru
Location: North-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Bodu Hithi
Location: North-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Vilamendhoo Island
Location: Ari-Atoll
Accommodation:
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
Nalaguraidhoo
Location: Ari-Atoll
Accommodation:
Vakarufalhi
Location: South-Ari-Atoll
Accommodation:
Kuredu
Location:Â Lhaviyani-Atoll
Accommodation:
Komandoo
Location: Lhaviyani Atoll
Accommodation:
Dhigali
Location: Raa-Atoll
Accommodation:
Luxury Resort-Islands in the Maldives
The following beaches are the most popular and best-reviewed islands in the Maldives or my personal favorites. If you want to know more about any accommodation just click on the name in order to see more information, availability, and the latest prices.
Nakachchafushi
Location: North-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Laamu
Location: Laamu-Atoll
Accommodation:
Kudahuvadhoo
Location: South-Nilandhe-Atoll
Accommodation:
Niyama Private Island Maldives
Meedhoo
Location: Dhaalu-Atoll
Accommodation:
Mandhoo
Location: Alif Dhaal-Atoll
Accommodation:
Luxury Resort Islands >1000€
The following beaches are the most popular and best-reviewed islands in the Maldives or my personal favorites. If you want to know more about any accommodation just click on the name in order to get more information, availability, and the latest prices.
Lankafushi Island
Location: North-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Chaaya Island
Location: North-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Cinnamon Dhonveli Water Suites
Reethi Rah
Location: North-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Maadhoo
Location: South-Male-Atoll
Accommodation:
Have you been to the Maldives? Which is your favorite island? Let me know in the comments below.
Want to know how to travel the Maldives on a budget?
Check out this Maldives on a Budget post by taraletsanywhere.
My favorite (and basically the only island I visited there!) was the Kuramathi. I was initially supposed to go to Kuredu, but by the time we had it all figured out, it did not have any availability left. So Kurmatahi it was and now I can’t imagine having been anywhere else! It was an experience of a lifetime, and Maldives still is one of my most favorite holidays ever taken!
Hi Alina,
I am happy you enjoyed your Maldives Vacation. It truly is beautiful there
I had no idea about any of those details you mentioned about not being able to wear a bikini on the inhabited islands. I guess all we see are the beautiful resorts. But this is a super helpful guide, but I do want to eventually get there and experience both the resort side and the local side.
Hi Jessica,
It’s true. We all imagine Maldives like relaxing on the beach in a Bikini and a cocktail. I think it is important to also see the “real Maldives”
Wow never knew Maldives has so many options . Each one looks equally beautiful. I am sure it must be really confusing. Thanks for putting it together
Hi Madhu,
Thanks for your comment! Yes, there are so many islands in the Maldives. It’s hard to choose 😀
Wow all these islands look incredible. Thanks for including some cheaper ones too! Dream destination for me one day 🙂
Hi Cat,
I hope you will have a great vacation there 🙂
These pictures are unreal! Looks like paradise.
Great article! Id love to visit there one day and its nice to know there are affordable ways to do it!
Hi Leanne,
It’s true. Many people are surprised that you can actually also visit the Maldives on a budget
Great post and super informative, every picture looks amazing I don’t know if I could choose just one Island!
Hi Demi,
Yes, it’s true. They all look great. So happy I had the chance to check several islands 🙂