Male Maldives 6 Day Itinerary

Male, Maldives: 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City

  • Accommodation: Stay at a centrally located hotel or guesthouse in Male for easy access to key attractions. Recommended: Kuramathi Maldives, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives (if you prefer to stay outside Male).
  • Breakfast: Start your day with a local Maldivian breakfast at Cafe’ Dhonveli. Try the Roshi Bondhiyo, a popular Maldivian snack made from rice flour and coconut.
  • Morning: Visit the National Museum to learn about the Maldives’ history and culture. Then, take a stroll around the Sultan Park.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Maanzhiy Mingih for authentic local dishes like Mas Huni (shredded tuna with coconut) and Garudhiya (fish broth).
  • Afternoon: Head to the Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), one of Male’s oldest buildings. Explore the fish market, known as the Hukuru Hali, and try fresh seafood.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Seafood Market by Istanbul for a variety of grilled and fried seafood options.
  • Evening: Relax at a rooftop bar like Breeze at RoofTop Cafe or Coco Bar to take in the city views.
  • Things to know: Maldives is a Muslim country, so remember to dress modestly and respect local customs. Shops generally close during prayer times.

Day 2: Island Hopping

  • Breakfast: Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel.
  • Morning: Embark on an island hopping tour to explore nearby islands like Hulhumale’, Villingili, and Guraidhoo. You can book tours from local travel agencies in Male.
  • Lunch: Most tour packages include lunch on the island. If not, grab a quick meal at one of the local eateries on the islands.
  • Afternoon: Spend your afternoon snorkeling, swimming, or sunbathing on pristine beaches. Don’t forget to look out for marine life!
  • Dinner: Return to Male and dine at Sultan Park Restaurant or Graze MBARU.
  • Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in Male at places like Bubu Bar & Grill or Hard Rock Cafe Maldives.

Day 3: Local Life & Artisanal Markets

  • Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel or try a local street food stall.
  • Morning: Visit the Artisan’s Market (Haruge) to shop for traditional Maldivian handicrafts, including bodu beru (large drums), finifanu (traditional mats), and thaali (platters).
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Sultan’s Place or Chandhanee Maa Ekonolhu.
  • Afternoon: Take a local dhoni boat tour to see the beautiful sea and enjoy some snorkeling. You can also visit the Islamic Centre and the Republic Square.
  • Dinner: Dine at The Sea House or Tiki Hut Bar & Restaurant.
  • Evening: Spend your evening relaxing at your hotel, exploring more of Male’s nightlife, or enjoying a traditional Maldivian dance performance.

Day 4: Scuba Diving/Snorkeling

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel.
  • Morning: Spend the morning scuba diving or snorkeling at one of Male’s nearby dive sites like Fish Head or Kudarikilu. Book a tour through a local dive shop.
  • Lunch: Lunch will typically be provided during your diving/snorkeling tour. If not, return to Male for lunch at Male Fish Market Cafe.
  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring more of Male. Visit the Tsunami Monument and learn about the 2004 tsunami that affected the Maldives.
  • Dinner: Dine at The Loft for a fusion of Western and Maldivian cuisine, or try Elena’s Corner for Italian dishes.
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore more of Male’s nightlife.

Day 5: Day Trip to Hulhule Island

  • Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel.
  • Morning: Take a ferry to Hulhule Island, home to the international airport and Malé International Convention Centre. Visit the Maldives Islamic Centre, one of the largest mosques in the country.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant on Hulhule Island.
  • Afternoon: Explore the island, relax on the beach, or participate in water sports like jet skiing or banana boat rides.
  • Dinner: Return to Male for dinner at Ari’s by Tower or Junoon.
  • Evening: Spend your evening exploring more of Male’s nightlife or shopping for souvenirs.

Day 6: Last Day & Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, reminiscing about your Maldivian adventure.
  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last few hours exploring any remaining sights in Male or relaxing on the beach.
  • Lunch: Have a final lunch in Male at Fenesse or Seagull Cafeteria.
  • Departure: Head to the airport for your flight home, taking with you memories of a wonderful trip to the Maldives!