Malé, heart of the magical Maldives
Flights to Malé transport you to the capital of the Maldives, with row upon row of houses as colourful as their neighbouring reefs.
Malé is made up of four separate islands, however the city itself is a fantastic place to start your trip into paradise.
The main island is bursting with brightly painted buildings, lively markets and a wide choice of hotels and restaurants.
Enjoy the myriad of things to do in Malé, such as wandering through the city’s fish market and watching the traders as they expertly prepare the catch of the day.
Explore the history of the island nation at the National Museum, before taking a stroll around Rasrani Bageecha – the verdant gardens of the former Sultan’s palace.
Book Malé flights with Etihad and be transported to the heart of the magnificent Maldives.
Reasons to visit Malé
Explore the fabulous fish market
Malé’s fish market is truly a sight to behold. Most of the colourful array of fish splashed across the market stalls will have been caught just a few hours earlier.
Fishing boats of all sizes sail into the neighbouring harbour, where the catch is hauled ashore to be prepared by the market traders. You’ll find many different types of fish and seafood here, from giant tuna to swordfish, octopus and more.
Tour the coast in a submarine
Malé has its very own submarine – and you can book a seat for an underwater ride around the capital’s atoll coastline.
Known as the ‘Whale Submarine’, this humble tanker charts a course through the shallows around Malé, giving you an astonishing undersea view of the life along the shores, where colourful marine life including sharks, eels and groupers can be found.
Book in advance and don’t forget your camera – the portholes afford you a fantastic view of the reef life. It’s ideal for non-swimmers or those with children to see the rich underwater scenes found in the Maldives.
Wander through Maldivian history
Located in the former grounds of the Sultan’s palace, the Maldivian National Museum is the only surviving architectural example of this period of the Maldives’ history.
An impressive building, this ode to the history of the islands houses a host of items that shed light on their past. You can explore Maldivian life under the Sultanate, among other collections. Exhibits include weaponry, religious artefacts and a rare whale skeleton.
Flying to Malé: FAQs
How many days should I spend in Malé?
If you’re heading elsewhere on your trip to the Maldives, two to three days is usually enough time to soak up Malé’s major sights. If you’re looking for a mix of culture and relaxation, book a few nights in the capital before moving to a beach resort on one of the many surrounding islands.
What should I see in Malé?
The Grand Friday Mosque, with its white marble façade and golden dome, can be visited by non-Muslims outside of prayer times. Chaandhanee Magu is a good street to pick up souvenirs, while you can discover more about the Maldives’ history at the National Museum.
How do I get around Malé?
Getting around Malé itself can easily be done on foot as it only covers just over 3.5 square miles. If you’re venturing to other islands within the North Malé Atoll, you can take a local ferry or seaplane or arrange a private transfer via your resort.