Malé

Malé (މާލެ) is the capital of the Maldives and one of the most densely built cities in the world, filling almost every metre of a small coral island in Kaafu Atoll. It is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country and the hub from which ferries, speedboats and seaplanes fan out across the atolls.

The city's historic heart is the Hukuru Miskiy, the old Friday mosque built from finely carved coral stone, which stands on the UNESCO tentative list together with its cemetery and minaret. The golden dome of the Grand Friday Mosque at the Islamic Centre, the Mulee-aage presidential residence, the National Museum in Sultan Park and the shrine of Medhu Ziyaaraiy recall centuries of sultans and seafarers. Show more

Daily life is best seen at the waterfront. At the fish market, tuna is unloaded from wooden dhonis and sold in the afternoon, and the produce market next door is full of coconuts, chillies and betel leaves. Majeedhee Magu is the main shopping street, small cafés serve short eats and sweet tea, and Artificial Beach and the eastern seawall are where residents swim and stroll in the evening.

Velana International Airport lies on neighbouring Hulhulé and is linked to Malé by bridge, so most visitors pass through the capital. Half a day to a day is enough to explore. Modest dress is expected, and like every inhabited island Malé follows local customs, with no alcohol on sale.