Aarah

Male


This small island was used as the president’s holiday retreat during the Gayoom era and as such was a heavily fortified installation complete with bunkers on the beach. Under President Nasheed the island was used to host conferences and festivals, as well as to host some big beach parties featuring international DJs. However, since 2012 the island has been for government use only.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Male attractions

1. Funadhoo

3.6 MILES

This small island may not look like much, but it's the vital fuel repository for Male and indeed much of the country.

2. Produce Market

3.62 MILES

The busy produce market gives you an enjoyable taste of Maldives – people from all over the country gather here to sell home-grown and imported vegetables…

3. Fish Market

3.62 MILES

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…

4. Grand Friday Mosque

3.74 MILES

The golden dome of this impressive modern mosque dominates the skyline of Male and has become something of a symbol for the city. Opened in 1984 and built…

5. National Art Gallery

3.8 MILES

Under one roof you'll find the National Library, various cultural centres from countries around the world and this exhibition space, which has temporary…

6. Old Friday Mosque

3.81 MILES

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…

7. Rasrani Bageecha

3.81 MILES

Previously known as Sultan's Park and once part of the grounds of the now-demolished sultan’s palace, this former green lung of Male was redeveloped and…

8. National Museum

3.82 MILES

Maldives' National Museum may be a ferociously ugly building gifted by China, but it nevertheless contains a well-labelled collection of historic…

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