About
Malé is the capital of the Maldives and its most populous island, set in the Indian Ocean in the Asia region. For many visitors it is the first place they see of the country, since it is the main gateway for tourists and the location of the nation's principal international airport.
What a visit is like
Most travellers arriving in the Maldives pass through Malé, whether they are continuing to a resort or staying on the island for a few hours or a night. The city is compact and busy, and it offers a glimpse of everyday island life that contrasts with the quieter atmosphere of the resort islands spread across the archipelago.
Because the island is the hub of the country, it is also where you will find much of the practical infrastructure travellers rely on, including transport connections to the rest of the Maldives.
Planning your time
- Allow time for arriving and departing flights, since Malé is the entry point for most journeys.
- Consider a short stay on the island if you want to experience the capital before or after a resort holiday.
- Expect a dense, urban setting, quite different from the beaches for which the country is best known.
Malé suits visitors who want to combine a resort stay with a look at the capital, or who simply need a convenient base on their way through the islands. Those seeking only quiet beaches may prefer to head straight to a resort, while those curious about the country as a whole will find the capital a useful starting point.
