Maldives

Regions and atolls

The Maldives has no cities in the usual sense, but a chain of roughly twenty ring-shaped atolls, each holding dozens of small islands. Malé, the capital, is a small, densely packed island home to the main airport (Velana), usually just a transit point on the way to a resort. The key distinction to understand before choosing is between resort islands — the whole island given over to a single hotel, often with overwater villas — and inhabited local islands such as Maafushi, where simpler, more affordable guesthouses operate alongside Maldivian communities. North and South Malé Atoll, along with Ari Atoll, are among the best-known areas for resorts and marine life, though dozens of other atolls further out hold their own quieter house reefs.

When to go

The dry season, December to April, brings clear skies, calm seas and excellent visibility for diving — the most sought-after time of year. The wet season, May to November, brings frequent but short downpours and water that's still warm; some atolls even see good surf swells during this period. Temperatures stay warm year-round, so the choice of season depends more on your own calendar than on any fear of bad weather.

Food

Fresh fish takes centre stage, from grilled tuna to garudhiya, a traditional fish soup made with coconut and lime. Local dishes lean heavily on coconut, onion and chilli, while most resorts also offer international buffets and private overwater dinners as a special touch. One cultural detail worth knowing: alcohol is sold only within resort islands, not on inhabited local islands, where local law prohibits it.

Getting around

There's no direct flight from Tirana; the journey usually involves one connection, most often through Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. From Malé's airport, the final transfer to the island is by seaplane or speedboat, depending on how far the atoll is — the seaplane leg itself is a memorable experience for the views alone.

Visa and practical notes

The Maldives generally grants a free tourist visa on arrival to most nationalities, including Albanians, usually for stays of up to 30 days; it's still worth checking current conditions and required documents (such as proof of accommodation and a return ticket) before you travel. Albanian travellers often ask whether the destination suits only honeymoon couples — not necessarily, some resorts are entirely family-friendly, while others run an adults-only policy, so it's worth checking that before you choose.