What are the attractions of the Maldives? The archipelago in the Indian Ocean is considered a very beautiful place and is therefore a popular vacation destination. What should you look out for? We would like to give you a hint.
Tourism is a very important component of the economy of this Muslim island country with an area of only 300 km2. 28% of its GDP is based on tourists. Up to 1.2 million of them arrive annually. Currently, the highest percentage of Chinese visitors is as much as 20% of the tourists. Since the Maldives was a dependency of Great Britain until the 1960s, it is the British who are particularly numerous among the European arrivals.
The entire archipelago has 1190 islets that are set on 26 volcanic atolls. A humid equatorial climate and high average air temperatures are characteristic of these islands. The beauty of nature attracts numerous tourists from all corners of the world. The real tourist season is between December and April, when the sky is cloudless and rainfall is less frequent. Very often a stay in the Maldives is combined with a visit to Sri Lanka.
The capital and only city of the flood prone Maldives is Male. Apart from the rising oceanic levels, the other problem for the islands is litter. Malé, although home to only 142,000 people, is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. It is interesting to note that the island of Male is surrounded by a Japanese funded breakwater. This is to protect its streets from flooding by the waters of the Indian Ocean.
Interestingly enough, Male is the smallest capital city in the world! It is only 2 km long and 1 km wide.
The charming and fabulous islands of the Maldives are without doubt the main attraction of this country. The small islands, located in close proximity to each other, are ideal for tourism practiced from a small ship or boat. This is a great opportunity for lovers, who can enjoy sunsets in a tropical setting, but also for families with children. Then the beauty of the local nature is in the foreground. A popular trip is to ”Picnic Island”, an uninhabited island.
The Maldives is also a paradise for fans of slightly more exciting pastimes than strolling on the beach. We’re talking about scuba diving, which allows you to admire the beauty of local coral reefs and the richness of the animal world, with dolphins, turtles, stingrays and whale sharks. You can be tempted both for experienced divers, as well as those just starting their adventure. What else do the Maldives offer? Hydroplane flight, surfing, kitesurfing, paragliding – these are just some of the attractions.
Good for sunbathing and lounging in the sun, but also for long walks. One of the most beautiful beaches is located on Mudhdhoo Island. Microorganisms in the water are responsible for the special turquoise glow effect that tourists can experience. There is also an option to stay overnight in beach villas, which are houses on stilts built into the ocean waters. A perfect opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the islands!
The local cuisine is also worth trying. The location of the islands makes different flavors merge and intermingle here. The basis of the local diet and culinary traditions are, of course, fish. An important addition is also coconut milk. No wonder that fish cake with coconut milk and the local tuna soup are dishes tourists should try. The same fish is also used to make a kind of paste and eaten dried or grilled. Curry was borrowed from Indian cuisine, and rice is a common side dish.
Photo: romaneau/Pixabay
