Maldives Itinerary
The best islands to go backpacking and also in a more luxurious plan.
How to get to Maldives
The best entry is via Malé International Airport (Velana International Airport). There are connections from Europe, Asia and the Middle East with stopovers that make the route much easier.
When to visit
The best time to travel to the Maldives depends on your preferences:
- Dry season (November-April): Days are sunnier, with less chance of rain. This is the high season, so prices tend to be higher.
- Wet season (May-October): You can find better prices, but the probability of rain increases and the sea can be a bit rougher. Even so, the temperature remains pleasant all year round.
We have been there twice, both times in the wet season and on one occasion it rained every day (thank goodness we were in a liveaboard) but on the second occasion we enjoyed spectacular weather almost every day.
Whatever the case, Maldives is a paradise!
Types of Travel Plans
Maldives offers a variety of travel plans to suit different budgets and tastes. Here are the main types of trips to Maldives:
Luxury resort travel
- Ideal for those who are looking for a dream experience, without worrying too much about the budget.
- It usually includes full board or all-inclusive.
- Activities such as water sports, spa, special dinners on the beach, etc.
- In Kuramathi, for example, there are private villas, overwater bungalows and a host of amenities.
- In Kandolhu you will find true Maldivian paradise and luxury (if your pocket can afford it!).
Local islands
- They allow for a more authentic trip, with direct interaction with the local community.
- Accommodation in guesthouses or small hotels at reasonable prices.
- Local restaurants and cafes, where you can try typical food.
- Maafushi is one of the most popular islands within this modality.
Combination of local islands and resort
- This is the modality we chose: spend a few days on a local island like Maafushi and then indulge ourselves in a luxury resort like Kuramathi.
- It allows to reduce costs and, at the same time, to live the experience of a private resort.
- More and more travelers choose to spend a few days on local islands and then indulge in a resort. This way we take the opportunity to get to know the culture and, at the same time, enjoy the comfort and luxury of an all-inclusive.
In the end, the best type of plan depends on your preferences and budget. We opted for the last option, combining the backpacker atmosphere with an overwater accommodation (apartment on the water) at the end of the trip and the truth is that it was quite an experience.
Another option is... to go on a diving trip to the Maldives.
- Aimed at those who want to explore the great marine biodiversity of the Maldives.
- You can hire a liveaboard (a boat that goes around several atolls as we did, we wrote about it here) or stay in local islands with good access to dive centers: Maafushi offers very good dive sites with good prices (we tell you more here) and, on the island of Kuramathi, we found Rasdhoo Divers, one of the centers that we mentioned in our previous articles and that enjoys a great reputation.
OUR BEST Maldives Itinerary FOR 7 DAYS
4 days on Maafushi Island
Maafushi Island has become a favorite destination in recent years for travelers looking to enjoy the Maldives without spending a fortune. It is a local island, with a Maldivian population that lives there year-round, and a growing tourist infrastructure that includes multiple guesthouses, hotels and restaurants.
3 days on Kuramathi Island
After spending a few days in Maafushi, we headed to Kuramathi Island, one of the most renowned resorts in the Maldives. Kuramathi is located in Rasdhoo Atoll, known for its crystal clear waters and reefs teeming with marine life.
If you are looking for a more intimate island we also recommend Kandolhu (we have left it at the end of the article).
Another option... Liveaboard 7 days
Aimed at those who want to explore the great marine biodiversity of the Maldives. It consists of hiring a liveaboard (a boat that travels around several atolls like the one we did, we wrote about it here).
Stop 1. Maafushi Island
(4 Days)
For our first few days, we chose Maafushi, a local island known for its lively atmosphere, wide range of excursions and for being one of the most popular destinations for travelers with diverse budgets.
Did you know that Maafushi is one of the few destinations in the Maldives where you can sleep facing the sea without paying thousands of euros per night? In a country where luxury tourism dominates, this small local island has become the place for travelers looking for paradise... without breaking the piggy bank.
Maafushi is much more than a beautiful island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It is the place where you can snorkel with sharks, visit luxury resorts for a day, practice water sports in crystal clear waters or just relax with your feet in the white sand.
Unlike other destinations in the Maldives where activities are limited by the resorts, in Maafushi you can organize your own trip full of unforgettable experiences without spending a fortune. Here is a selection of the must-do activities to make the most of your stay.
What to do in Maafushi?
Snorkeling and diving excursions
Maafushi is a true paradise for sea lovers. There are several daily excursions that take you to swim alongside nurse sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and colorful coral reefs. Most guesthouses organize these tours, but you can also compare prices and quality among local agencies.
Classic snorkeling (Half-day): 3-4 snorkeling spots for about 20-30 USD.
Snorkel with nurse sharks at Banana Reef or Coral Garden.
Luxury snorkel with lunch on a sandbank.
Scuba diving: there are several PADI certified centers where you can do try dives or fun dives if you are already certified. We definitely recommend you Sinai Dive club, we leave you more information in this article about the center and dive sites in Maafushi: Explore the best dive sites in Maafushi.
Local tip: always ask about the number of people on the tour to avoid overly large groups.
Day trip to nearby resorts
Want to experience a luxury resort without paying €1,000 per night? From Maafushi you can access exclusive resorts such as Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Fihalhohi or Biyadhoo with a day pass.
Prices from 90 to 150 USD including transportation, buffet lunch and access to luxury facilities.
Perfect for enjoying a private beach, infinity pool or a massage.
Local tip: book in advance and bring your own towel and sunscreen.
Relaxing at Bikini Beach
In the local islands of the Maldives, respect for Muslim culture prevents the use of swimsuits on most beaches. But Maafushi has an area for tourists where you can sunbathe in bikini or swimsuit without any problem: the famous Bikini Beach.
-
Quiet beach, with sun loungers, shade and easy access to the sea.
-
Ideal for swimming or simply enjoying the sun overlooking the infinite turquoise.
-
Nearby there are cafes and restaurants to have a bite to eat without going too far away.
Tip: We stayed at the Sunrise Beach Hotel and it was a great choice. Good views, impeccable rooms and the best quality price for a budget hotel.
Water sports and adventure
If you're looking for a touch of adrenaline, Maafushi has you covered. The calm, clear waters are ideal for thrilling activities such as:
Jet ski (jet ski)
Parasailing: incredible views of the island from the sky.
Banana boat or fly fish
Kayaking and paddle surfing (some hotels offer it for free)
These activities are usually available on the beach or at local aquatic centers. Ask at your accommodation if they have discounts with any company.
Stop 2. The paradise of kuramathi island
(3 Days)
In a country where most islands offer luxury but little variety, Kuramathi breaks all the rules. With 1.8 km of extension, white sandy beaches and a tongue of sand that looks like something out of a postcard, this island becomes a destination in itself. Here you come not only to rest, but to live an experience that combines relaxation, nature and adventure. And the best part: all without having to leave the resort.
The fascinating thing about Kuramathi is its balance. You can walk barefoot all day, sip cocktails watching the sunset or explore the marine life by snorkeling on a reef that surrounds the entire island. Do you like diving? Exotic cuisine? Spas overlooking the sea? Kuramathi has it all .
Beyond its natural beauty, Kuramathi is ideal if you are planning a honeymoon getaway, a slow travel experience or just a few days to disconnect from the noise of the world.
We often think that a vacation in the Maldives must be short and expensive, but the truth is that Kuramathi offers more affordable options than you might imagine, without sacrificing the details of luxury. From overwater villas to bungalows among the vegetation, the variety of accommodations adapts to different budgets without losing quality.
RECOMMENDATION THE EXPLORE TV
Kuramathi: 3 Days of Relaxation in the Turquoise Paradise of the Maldives
#HOTEL EXPLORE
Do you want to know how our three dreamy days in this turquoise paradise went?
We have prepared a detailed experience, with recommendations, spectacular photos and practical tips to help you plan your trip. If you are thinking of visiting Kuramathi or simply need inspiration for your next great getaway, this is the article for you.
Stop 3: KAndolhu (optional!) For the most demanding in the search for paradise.
(3 Days)
We were recently on a new island, Kandolhu, we just returned, and we still find it hard to believe that such a place exists. A tiny island in size, but immense in sensations. Beaches that seem freshly drawn, the sea in all possible shades of blue and a peace that envelops everything.
Imagine an island in the Maldives so small that you can walk around it in less than ten minutes, but with everything you need for a perfect getaway. That's Kandolhu Maldives, an exclusive resort with only 30 private villas surrounded by white sandy beaches and tropical vegetation. There are no crowds or noise here, just privacy, tranquility and discreet luxury.
The snorkeling at Kandolhu is simply spectacular. From the shore you can access one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, full of tropical fish, turtles, reef sharks and vibrant corals. For diving enthusiasts, the island is within easy reach of iconic spots such as Maaya Thila, Fish Head or Hafsa Thila, internationally recognized for their marine life. Whether you are a beginner or a certified diver, Kandolhu offers an incredible underwater experience.
The gastronomic proposal at Kandolhu Maldives is surprising for such a small island. The resort has five a la carte restaurants, each with a different concept: Mediterranean cuisine, Japanese, grill, Peruvian flavors and international menu. Everything is prepared with fresh ingredients, careful technique and impeccable service. Eating at Kandolhu is an essential part of the experience.
We tell you more in the article we have made about our trip:
#HOTEL EXPLORE
Do you want to know how our three dreamy days on this dreamy little island went?
We have prepared a detailed experience, with recommendations, spectacular photos and practical tips to help you plan your trip. If you are thinking of visiting Kandolhu or simply need inspiration for your next great getaway, this is the article for you.
