MALDIVES GUIDE
Do you want to visit Maldives? Paradise is much closer than you might think - read on!
Planning a trip to the Maldives? You’re in the right place! On our website, you’ll find everything you need to knowabout this tropical paradise—from essential travel information to a detailed guide on the most popular local islands, so you can choose the one that suits you best. We also cover how to get around the Maldives and the best activities to enjoy, from snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters to island hopping and unique local experiences.
And if you need help planning your journey, we organize personalized trips to the Maldives, taking care of every detail so you can enjoy a stress-free experience in paradise!
About Maldives
The Maldives is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, with Malé as its capital. It consists of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1.000 coral islands. The country is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear lagoons and extensive coral reefs, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for honeymooners, divers and beach lovers alike. Despite its vast expanse of ocean and scattered islands, the Maldives has a population of approximately 103.000 people. The official language is Maldivian or Dhivehi, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Since Islam is the official religion, certain restrictions apply. For instance, alcohol is not sold in shops or restaurants on local islands and is only available in resorts, liveaboards and designated "bar boats" near inhabited islands. Additionally, modest dress is recommended when visiting local communities, though swimwear is perfectly fine at beaches and resorts.
The official currency in the Maldives is the Rufiyaa (Rf). On local islands, both Rufiyaa and US dollars are widely accepted. In our case, we exchanged some Euros to Rufiyaa at the airport, just in front of the Tourist Information desk. If you need more cash during your trip, most inhabited islands have ATMs, but it’s always a good idea to carry enough cash, as machines may occasionally be unavailable. That said, credit card payments are becoming more common, especially in guesthouses, restaurants and dive centers.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION:
-
Visa & Entry Requirements: Most nationalities, including European travelers, can enter the Maldives with a free 30-day visa on arrival, as long as they have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and a return ticket.
-
Best Time to Visit: The Maldives has a tropical climate, with dry season from November to April (peak tourist season) and rainy season from May to October (lower prices but occasional showers).
-
Time Zone: Maldives Time (GMT+5) with no daylight saving time. Some resort islands operate on their own "island time," which may be an hour ahead to maximize daylight hours.
How to get there
Flights to the Maldives from Spain usually depart from Madrid or Barcelona, with one or two stopovers depending on the airline and route. There are no direct flights, so the most common options include layovers in cities like Doha (with Qatar Airways), Dubai (with Emirates), Abu Dhabi (with Etihad), Istanbul (with Turkish Airlines), or even in Asian hubs like Singapore or Colombo.
In terms of pricing, round-trip fares typically range between 600€ and 1.000€, but this can vary depending on the season and how far in advance you book. During peak travel periods such as Christmas, Easter or summer, prices tend to rise significantly, often exceeding 1.200€ or even more if booked at the last minute. Despite summer being the rainy season in the Maldives, fares remain high due to increased travel demand from Europe.
To secure the best deals, it’s advisable to book as early as possible, ideally 4 to 6 months in advance. Using price alerts on platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak or Google Flights can help track fare drops and take advantage of promotions. Flexibility with travel dates and departure airports can also lead to savings, as flights from other European cities like London, Milan or Paris sometimes offer lower fares.
Upon arrival, you’ll land at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From there, transportation to your final destination will depend on the island you’re visiting— see details here.
Travel insurance & ESIM
When you're far from home, the unexpected can happen, whether it's a sudden illness, an accident, or an unforeseen event that disrupts your plans. That's why we never leave home without comprehensive travel insurance. With Heymondo, you can have peace of mind knowing you're protected no matter where we go. From medical coverage to trip cancellations, Heymondo ensures that every aspect of our journey is safeguarded. Don't take chances with your travel plans—secure your adventure and enjoy your trip with confidence.
Plus, by booking through our link, you can get an exclusive 5% discount on your Heymondo travel insurance. Click here to protect your travels and enjoy your adventure with peace of mind!
In addition, when you’re traveling, staying connected isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential. Whether you're navigating unfamiliar streets, keeping in touch with loved ones or sharing your adventures in real-time, having reliable internet access can make all the difference. With Airalo, you can stay connected wherever you go, thanks to their eSIMs. And now, you can get 15% off your first purchase with the code NEWTOAIRALO15. If you’ve used Airalo before, you can still save with a 10% discount using the code AIRALOESIM10. Don’t miss out on the peace of mind that comes with always being connected—get your eSIM today clicking here!
SOME OF OUR CoNTENT
Follow us!
