Maldives: Islands of Paradise

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Getting to know the Maldives

In the southwestern region of Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean, there are 1,192 coral islets, a number determined by the government. However, if small reefs are included, the number reaches approximately 13,000, of which only 202 are inhabited. 74 of these islets are considered uninhabited, yet they house luxury hotel complexes and are populated only by holidaymakers and hotel staff.

The islands' terrain is sandy, with sparse vegetation including banana trees, bamboo, and many palm trees. In the Indian Ocean, there are over 700 species of marine life, divided into those found in coral reefs and those in the open sea.

It is worth noting that three-quarters of the coral reef marine life can be found in the Maldives, and the Maldivian islands have been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the flattest islands in the world, as their height does not exceed 2.5 metres above sea level.

According to scientists, many of the Maldivian islands will disappear under the sea within 150 years. This risk has existed since 1987, when a tsunami combined with destructive storms covered one-third of the then-damaged land.

With a population of 350,000, it is a small Islamic nation with pleasant and courteous inhabitants, where women are primarily involved in household duties, and most men work in fishing and tourism. Although Muslims still believe in evil spirits and djinns, the shamans are called 'hakims', who heal and even cast spells, mainly love spells.

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The discovery of an exotic destination

Around forty-five years ago, an Italian travel agent, thrilled by his visit to the Maldives, decided to start organising trips to these small islands. In 1972, the first hotel complex began operating, and five years later, a total of over 30,000 tourists had visited the area. The country's president then launched a ten-year tourism plan, recognising the significant economic benefits, but also setting limits with a law enacted in 1979 that stipulated controlled tourism. This approach ensured high-quality tourism that would primarily provide a satisfactory quality of life for residents, leading to no beggars or homeless people, and guaranteeing excellent services for visitors.

Since then, one must secure accommodation in a tourist establishment to visit the islands; free camping is not permitted, nor is moving from island to island without being part of a tourist group.

The Maldives genuinely offer high-standard travel services and are aimed at those determined to experience dream holidays, and they are not few, as over 300,000 tourists visit the islands each year.

 

Malé

This islet is approximately 2 km long and 1 km wide. As the country's capital, it features asphalted roads and large buildings. Its population exceeds 100,000 residents, not including workers and merchants who commute daily for work. Since the 12th century, Malé had already served as a base for the sultan dynasties.

In the 17th century, a protective wall with battlements and warehouses was built at the harbour. There are few attractions and government buildings: the Grand Friday Mosque, the National Museum with sultans' personal belongings and exhibits, and notably, the island's Fish Market, accessible via the coastal road. The largest part of the state's economy is based on fishing, with significant exports of fish species.

 

'Dhoni'

"Dhoni" are the traditional boats of the Maldives. They are distinctive traditional vessels with high bows, used as fishing boats, commercial vessels, transport between atolls, and even as tourist boats. There are no written construction plans, and the best craftsmen from Rea Atoll are highly sought after across the 202 inhabited islands of the Maldives.

 

General information

Weather: An average temperature of 30°C prevails all year round, with the climate divided into two monsoon seasons. Bring simple, lightweight clothes made of pure cotton due to the humidity, and comfortable shoes or sandals. For the evening sea breezes, long sleeves are needed. Outside hotels, modest dress is required, and you will need to remove your shoes to visit mosques. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses, as well as high-factor sun cream.

Language: The national language is Dhivehi, with Hindi and English words. English is only spoken in Malé and at tourist resorts.

Currency: The official currency is the Rufiyaa, which you will use for small purchases only in Malé, whose shops naturally prefer US dollars. However, at hotels, you will pay with credit cards, for which your number will be immediately requested for direct charges, or with cash (US dollars).

 

Social rules

As this is an Islamic country, you must respect the religion, otherwise, there are strict penalties. Pork and alcohol are not only extremely expensive but also illegal outside hotels, even a beer. Be prepared that nightlife is limited to hotel clubs and, naturally, does not involve locals.

 

Useful information

If you are a smoker, buy your cigarettes in advance, as prices in hotels are very high, as is the rental of diving equipment. It would also be wise to bring film, batteries, and a basic first-aid kit with emergency medications, as well as condoms, because all these items are not only of questionable quality but also sold at very high prices in hotel shops.

Sea turtles are endangered, as they are worldwide, which means that the trade and export of products from their shells are strictly prohibited. However, turtle eggs are an essential ingredient for the traditional dish 'valaa fohli' and are considered a special delicacy.

Tipping, unlike in other tourist destinations, is not mandatory.

How to get to the Maldives

There are no direct flights to the Maldives from Greece. Your best option is to travel to a European capital with Aegean and from there take a flight to the Maldives. You might need to change planes up to 3 times to reach your destination!