4 days in Maldives

To start, meet me at Sinamale Bridge. It’s the kind of place that makes you go quiet for a moment, even when you thought you knew it all. Unmissable, and for good reason. 4.6 out of 5 across 317 reviews: few places are this unanimous. Getting there: the public-transport route. To get a feel for it: what visitors say.

Then, it’s Rasfannu. You’ve seen it a hundred times in pictures; in person it is bigger, closer, more alive. Everyone goes; everyone is right. To get organised: here is the route by public transport; skip-the-line book your tickets, otherwise also check Tiqets.

Later, I make my way to No Bikini Beach. Go late in the afternoon: the heat drops, the light softens and the photos take themselves. Everyone goes; everyone is right. Practical: how to get there · what visitors say.

Early in the morning, head to Bohowaves Maldives watersports. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, get your tickets in advance or go through Tiqets.

Around noon, meet me at Central Park (Hulhumalé). Bring water, shoes that hold, and no watch. Travellers give it 4.5 out of 5 (1,037 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: the public-transport route, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or compare on Tiqets.

In the afternoon, meet me at Hulhumale Public Beach. This is the breath of the trip. Even one hour changes the day. Unmissable, and for good reason. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or also check Tiqets.

In the morning, I make my way to Shark View Point, Ukulhas. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. Unmissable, and for good reason. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or also check Tiqets.

Early in the morning, head to Gulhi Beach. Bring water, shoes that hold, and no watch. Everyone goes; everyone is right. To get organised: the public-transport route; skip-the-line book your visit, otherwise compare on Tiqets.

Late morning, it’s Sand Bank. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. To get organised: here is the route by public transport; skip-the-line book your tickets, otherwise compare on Tiqets.

After lunch, meet me at Maafushi Beach. Bring water, shoes that hold, and no watch. Everyone goes; everyone is right. 4.6 out of 5 across 274 reviews: few places are this unanimous. Practical: the public-transport route, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your tickets or also check Tiqets.