Overview
Synonymous with luxury, romance and a tropical dream setting, the Maldives is a series of beautiful coral islands in the Indian Ocean and a paradise for divers and sunbathers. The 26 natural atolls and more than 1,000 islands are all blessed with perfect white sandy beaches and warm, turquoise lagoons. Tourism has only been developing since the 1970s, but is already the most important industry in the Maldives. With a focus on luxury tourism, it’s no wonder it’s home to some of the best hotels in the world. In addition, the Maldives have repeatedly secured the title of ”
Getting there
Arriving by plane
According to top-medical-schools, National carrier Maldivian (Q2) operates flights to India, China, Thailand and Bangladesh. Qatar Airways (QR) flies from Frankfurt/M., Munich, Vienna and Zurich via Doha to Malé. Lufthansa (LH) offers flight connections from Frankfurt/M. to Malé via Istanbul in cooperation with Turkish Airlines (TK). Austrian Airlines (OS) flies from Vienna to Malé in cooperation with Etihad Airways (EY) via Munich and Abu Dhabi and with Bangkok Airways (PG) via Bangkok. Turkish Airlines (TK) connects Zurich with Malé via Istanbul; Emirates (EK) flies from Zurich and Geneva with a stopover in Dubai. Eurowings Discover (4Y) flies from Frankfurt and Munich to Malé.
Flight times
Frankfurt/M. – Male: 12 hrs 30 mins; Munich – Malé: 13 hrs 10 mins; Vienna – Malé: 11 hrs 35 mins; Zurich – Male: 12 hours
Departure fee
None.
Arrival by car
Tolls: There are no toll roads in the Maldives.
Arrival by ship
The ports of Malé and Gan are regularly visited by cruise ships from all over the world.
Cruise ships
On their cruises departing from Hamburg and Kiel, Phoenix and AIDA call at the Maldives, among other places. Costa and MSC offer world cruises from other European ports with stopovers in the Maldives.
Transportation
Traveling by plane
Maldivian (Q2) operates domestic flights connecting Male to numerous destinations in the Maldives including Kudahuvadhoo, Dharavandhoo, Fuvahmulaku and Addu City. Trans Maldivian Airways (M8) operates a fleet of seaplanes from Malé Airport to most resorts. Manta Air connects Malé with Dhaalu and Dharavandhoo. Some companies operate helicopter flights from Malé Airport to the resort islands or offer scenic flights.
Traveling by car/bus
Roads exist only on the islands of Malé and Fuvamullah and on Addu Atoll. Getting around the islands is easy as most can be crossed on foot in half an hour.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Left
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Male.
Traveling by ship
Round trips to the other islands are possible; for example with the luxury catamaran Four Seasons Island Explorer. Boats can also be chartered. High-speed catamarans connect the airport to Ari Atoll and some remote islands.
