The Most Popular Island in the Maldives, Ranked

Choose the island you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:41
When planning a trip to the Maldives, a major challenge many face is choosing the right island to visit. The Maldives boasts an array of islands, each with its unique allure, making it tough to decide which one suits your preferences. Creating a ranking system based on popularity helps potential visitors in making an informed decision by highlighting the experiences of others who have explored these islands. By actively participating and voting on your favorite island, you help shape an authentic list that guides future travelers. This interactive approach ensures that the ranking reflects current trends and real-time feedback from visitors. Whether you’re looking for a serene getaway or an adventurous spot, this list will provide you with top recommendations, making your choice easier and more targeted.

What Is the Most Popular Island in the Maldives?

  1. 1
    33
    votes
    Malé Island
    Shahee Ilyas · CC BY-SA 3.0
    The capital city of the Maldives, Malé Island is a bustling hub of activity with a vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning architecture.
    Malé Island is the capital and most populous island in the Maldives, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban atmosphere. It is located in the Kaafu Atoll and is the center of politics, commerce, and administration in the country. The island is home to many cultural landmarks, bustling markets, and luxurious resorts, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide.
    • Size: 1.7 square kilometers
    • Population: Over 130,000 residents
    • Location: Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
    • Geography: Low-lying coral island
    • Accessibility: Connected to Velana International Airport
  2. 2
    37
    votes

    Maafushi Island

    Maafushi Island Council
    Known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities, Maafushi Island is a popular destination for tourists.
    Maafushi Island is a stunning tropical paradise located in the South Male Atoll of the Maldives. With its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, it is often considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Maldives. The island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and exciting activities to keep visitors captivated throughout their stay.
    • Location: South Male Atoll, Maldives
    • Size: 1.2 square kilometers (0.5 square miles)
    • Beaches: Powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters
    • Coral Reefs: Rich and diverse marine life for snorkeling and diving
    • Accommodation: Various hotels, resorts, and guesthouses
  3. 3
    18
    votes

    Veligandu Island

    Veligandu Island Resort & Spa
    A small and secluded island with pristine beaches and luxurious resorts, Veligandu Island is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.
    Veligandu Island is a stunning tropical paradise located in the Maldives, renowned for its pristine beauty and captivating turquoise waters. It is a small private island that offers an exclusive and luxurious escape for travelers seeking ultimate relaxation and serenity.
    • Size: 16 acres
    • Accommodation: 64 Water Villas, 54 Jacuzzi Beach Villas
    • Beach: White sandy beaches
    • Reef: Surrounded by a spectacular house reef
    • Diving: Excellent diving opportunities
  4. 4
    9
    votes

    Kuredu Island

    Kuredu Resorts Maldives
    With over 3km of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and a wide range of activities and amenities, Kuredu Island is a favorite among families and adventure seekers.
    Kuredu Island is a popular tropical paradise located in the Maldives. It showcases stunning natural beauty, turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches, making it a dream destination for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. The island offers luxurious accommodation options, world-class dining experiences, and a wide range of exciting activities and amenities.
    • Location: Maldives, Lhaviyani Atoll
    • Size: Approximately 1.8 km long and 325 meters wide
    • Accommodation: Over 300 villas and bungalows
    • Beaches: Wide stretches of pristine white sandy beaches
    • Diving: Proximity to vibrant dive sites and a PADI diving center
  5. 5
    10
    votes

    Hulhumalé Island

    Government of Maldives
    A man-made island located just a few minutes from Malé, Hulhumalé Island is a popular destination for those seeking adventure and relaxation in equal measures.
    Hulhumalé Island is a man-made island located in the Maldives. It was developed as part of the Hulhumalé Development Project, aiming to relieve congestion in the capital city of Malé and cater to the growing population. The island spans an area of approximately 432 hectares and is designed to serve as a residential, commercial, and industrial hub. With its beautiful beaches and modern infrastructure, Hulhumalé Island has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
    • Area: 432 hectares
    • Purpose: Residential, commercial, and industrial hub
    • Location: Maldives
    • Development Project: Hulhumalé Development Project
    • Beaches: Beautiful
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    Dhigurah Island
    Syced · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Known for its stunning coral reefs and abundant marine life, Dhigurah Island is a favorite among snorkelers and divers.
    Dhigurah Island is one of the most popular islands in the Maldives. It is located in the Alif Dhaal Atoll and offers visitors stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant marine ecosystem. The island is known for its abundant marine life, making it a favorite destination for snorkelers and divers. With a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, it is the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful and tranquil getaway.
    • Location: Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives
    • Size: Approximately 4 kilometers long and 200 meters wide
    • Beaches: Beautiful white sandy beaches
    • Water: Crystal clear turquoise waters
    • Marine Life: Rich and diverse marine ecosystem
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    A popular surfing destination, Thulusdhoo Island is known for its consistent waves and laid-back atmosphere.
    Thulusdhoo Island is a stunning picturesque island located in the Maldives. It is widely considered one of the most popular destinations in the country due to its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. The island offers a perfect escape for those seeking a serene tropical paradise.
    • Location: Maldives
    • Size: Approximately 1 square kilometer
    • Population: Around 1,300 residents
    • Geography: Low-lying island with sandy beaches and lush vegetation
    • Accommodation: Several guesthouses and resorts catering to tourists
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Ukulhas Island
    Rappey · CC BY-SA 4.0
    With its eco-friendly resorts and stunning beaches, Ukulhas Island is a great destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the Maldives.
    Ukulhas Island, also known as the Clean and Green Local Island, is one of the most popular and beautiful islands in the Maldives. It is located in the Alif Alif Atoll, approximately 72 km away from the capital city of Male. With its pristine white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vegetation, Ukulhas Island offers a paradise-like experience to its visitors. The island is known for its vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and beautiful underwater scenery, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Ukulhas Island is also famous for its sustainable tourism practices, being one of the first local islands in the Maldives to be officially recognized as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2013.
    • Location: Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives
    • Distance from Male: Approximately 72 km
    • Beach Type: White sandy beaches
    • Water Color: Turquoise
    • Marine Life: Abundant
  9. 9
    13
    votes
    Fihalhohi Island
    Jantz Kurt · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
    A popular destination for honeymooners, Fihalhohi Island is known for its secluded beaches, romantic sunsets, and luxurious resorts.
  10. 10
    10
    votes
    A lush and verdant island located just a short boat ride from Malé, Villingili Island is a favorite among nature lovers and birdwatchers.
    Villingili Island is one of the most popular islands in the Maldives. It is located in the South Male Atoll and is known for its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts, and abundant marine life. The island offers a perfect tropical paradise experience, with lush greenery, turquoise waters, and stunning coral reefs.
    • Location: South Male Atoll, Maldives
    • Size: approx. 2 km long
    • Beaches: Beautiful and pristine
    • Resorts: Luxurious and well-equipped
    • Marine Life: Abundant and diverse

Missing your favorite island?

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Ranking factors for popular island

  1. Accessibility
    Consider how easy it is to reach an island in terms of flights and transfers. Some resorts provide speedboat transfers while others require domestic flights or seaplane rides. The distance from the international airport can also affect the travel time and cost.
  2. Accommodation options
    Availability of diverse accommodation, ranging from luxury resorts, overwater villas, and beachfront properties to budget-friendly guesthouses, is an important factor.
  3. Facilities and amenities
    Assess whether the island has essential amenities and facilities like restaurants, shopping centers, and well-equipped medical facilities.
  4. Activities and attractions
    Popular islands often offer a variety of watersports, excursions, and entertainment options. Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and other water-based activities would be key factors to consider.
  5. Natural beauty and environment
    Pristine beaches, clear blue waters, lush vegetation, and vibrant coral reefs make an island more attractive.
  6. Sustainability and eco-friendliness
    An island's focus on environmental conservation, sustainable practices, and responsible tourism should be taken into account.
  7. Local culture and community
    An island's local community and culture, being accessible and welcoming to visitors can make it more popular.
  8. Safety and security
    Low crime rates, political stability, and availability of emergency assistance are important considerations.
  9. Reputation and reviews
    Travelers' feedback and reviews on travel platforms, blogs, and social media can give an idea of the overall satisfaction of tourists visiting that island.
  10. Price and value for money
    Assess the cost of accommodations, activities, and other services in comparison to the experience and facilities offered. An island that offers excellent value for money will be popular among travelers.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular island in the Maldives. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Isle is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1277 views
  • 156 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Isle once every 24 hours. The rank of each Isle is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular island in the maldives

The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Made up of 26 atolls, the Maldives is a popular destination for travelers seeking a tropical paradise. While each island in the Maldives has its own unique charm, some have become more popular than others. From the luxurious villas of Velassaru to the stunning underwater world of Fuvahmulah, there are plenty of islands to choose from. So, which is the most popular island in the Maldives? Let's find out through a StrawPoll!

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