Hostels in Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelago located near the country of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, just north of the Equator. The country features over 1,000 islands of varying shapes and sizes. The tropical climate, clear seas, white beaches, palm trees, and diving are some of the many attractions on the islands.

You might not have thought so, but a holiday in the Maldives is quite affordable if you stay in the right places. While the resorts are expensive, these are only to be found in and around the capital, Male. Hostels are available in most of the populated islands at very low prices.

The people running the hostels are friendly and welcoming. Many of them speak English, so staying at a hostel won’t include a language barrier. Look for hostels in Male if you can, as many of the tours and attractions can be found here.

You should also visit some of the local markets while staying in Maldives. The restaurants are affordable too, and the cuisine is spicy and you'll have a choice of local delicacies. Getting around is easy enough, as there are ferries running to and from the more populated islands. You can also rent a speedboat to organise your own trips.

Male is the capital city. It is home to many religious and historical sites. One of these is the Hukuru Miskiiy, or the Old Friday Mosque. Built in the 1600s, it is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the country. There are many other parts of Male to check out, such as the National Art Gallery, the National Stadium and the Sultan’s Park.

If you are someone who likes peace and quiet, you should skip a visit to the island of Maafushi. With its overcrowded beaches and expensive restaurants it is a haven for tourists, but is also noisy and can be a rather dampening experience.

However, the island of Mahibadhoo is a great place to visit. It is clean, colourful and full of life. Snorkeling is one of the activities you can engage in and you can take trips to the other, quieter islands around like Isdhoo and Dhanbidhoo.

Another fun activity for the marine explorer in you is to go diving at the Banana Reef. This protected marine site is full of diving and snorkeling activities with undersea caves, cliffs and overhangs. The coral reef is covered with species of fish and underwater plant life, a spectacular and world renowned place to stick your head below the surface.

While in the Maldives, you should make it a point to sample the local cuisine. Outdoor dining is the best way to experience the delights on offer. After a filling meal, you can take a fishing trip to one of the many reefs and fishing spots. Fishing is a fun, relaxing activity that can leave you feeling very fulfilled.

You can also take a spa day at one of the many spas on the islands. Prices can be on the expensive side, so be prepared. If you prefer to go exploring instead, visit the Fish Head, a world-renowned diving spot where you can swim with the sharks.

Handwritten by local expert for Maldives hostels Jakob Lombardi