Back in 2015, as part of my journey from the Mediteranean to the Far East, i called in to Male in the Indian ocean archipelego, known as the Maldives.
An archipelago of almost 1200 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is as close to heaven on Earth as you're likely to get. The beaches are the main attraction for the many travellers that journey to this exotic location each year and they really are exceptionally beautiful with palm trees as a backdrop. The sand is white and soft underfoot and of course, the weather is as perfect as you will find anywhere. That combination, together with the warm blue waters of the Indian Ocean, makes this place an irresistible holiday destination. Yes, it's a long journey to get here, but you definitely won't regret a minute of it.
Our destination today is Malé the capitol on what is known as King Island. Traditionally it was the King's Island, from where the ancient royal family ruled and where theire palace was located. Today its a bustling city and capitol of the Maldives. Overlooked by tall, brightly coloured buildings and surrounded by incongruously turquoise water, Male is a hive of activity around its seafront with the fish market dominating the area.
Although the squeamish may well object to the buckets of entrails or the very public gutting of fish going on all around, the Fish Market should not be missed. This is the soul of Male
and it’s great fun watching the day’s catch being brought in from the adjacent fishing harbour. Look out for some truly vast tuna, octopus and grouper, being landed by uncomfortably small boats.
Male is also pleasingly quirky alcohol-free cafes and restaurants jostle with shops and lively markets, and the general capital-city hubbub is very much present. This island city may not have a huge number of sights, but it offers a very real chance to get a feel for Maldives.
As you would expect from its reputation, the beaches are beautifull. Whether of large or modest size, the beachside houses are just stunning.
The most visited place on the island has to be the Old Friday Mosque.
This is the oldest mosque in the country, dating from 1656. It’s a beautiful structure made from coral stone into which intricate decoration and Quranic script have been chiselled.
Thats all i had time for on this visit to the Maldives, there are so many other islands to visit in this archipelogo, that if your a beach and watersports lover, this may be the place for your next adventure.
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