The local entertainment consists of barbecues with the local’s music playing in the background while you sit back and watch the sunset while drinking a cocktail, what could be more relaxing!

The Maldives appeal mainly to couples who want to get away from everything and take life at a slower pace.

If you’re looking for the warmest time of the year then May and April are the best months, but if you’re looking for something more cooler then July to December are the better months.

Sun, sand and sea, a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. However there is more to the Maldives than just that.

A string of pearls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean - The first glimpse you get of this fascinating atoll- formation confirms two unique aspects of the Republic of Maldives. Not only does it consist of the most beautiful tropical islands, but 99% of its 90.000 km² is covered by the sea. 1190 islands are spread over 26 atolls, ringlike coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise-like appearance. They stretch for about 820 km from North to South, 130 km at the widest point and do not exceed a length of 4.5 miles or an altitude of 6 feet above sea level. No more than 200 islands are inhabited, the rest includes the 87 tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities. The capital Malé, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of about 75.000 people which is about one third of the population.

Location
Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator.

Geography
1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. 202 are inhabited, 87 are exclusive resort islands.

Climate
Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.

What to wear
Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male’, the capital island and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.

Population
About 270,000 according to 1998 estimates. Origin of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route and from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed with a Maldivian.

Culture
A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first settlers who were from various parts of the world travelling the seas in ancient times. The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here and settled down. Some of the local music and dance for instance resemble African influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language that is not known to any but certainly represents that of East African countries. As one would expect there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians. However many of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women - for instance the Sub Continent’s tradition of secluding women from public view - are not tenets of life here. In fact women play a major role in society - not surprising considering the fact men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.

Language
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.

Use the guides below to help you decide where to go on your next holiday

Long-haul destinations
Antigua Jamaica Bahamas Kenya Bangkok Luxor Barbados Maldives Cancun Mauritius Cayo Coco Phuket Cuba Sharm El Sheikh Dominican republic Sri Lanka Gambia Tobago Goa Varadero Brazil Dubai Grenada Cozumel Hong Kong Huatulco Puerto Vallarta Riviera Maya Seychelles St Lucia Aruba

Short-haul destinations - coming soon
Spain
Turkey
Portugal
Bulgaria
Alanya
Algarve
Almeria
Benalmadena
Benidorm
Estepona
Fuengirola
Hisaronu
Icemeler
Madeira
Marmaris
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Nerja
Olu Deniz
Puerto Banus
Roquetas De Mar
Salou
Torremolinos
Turkey
Croatia
Malta