Flights from Zurich (ZRH) to Maldives

Discover the Maldives

Discover the Maldives

Why visit the Maldives?
You arrive to a nation of coral atolls, turquoise lagoons, and soft white-sand islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, where resort islands feel quiet and intimate.
What to expect
You can split your time between Male for local colour and transfers, and remote private islands for overwater villas, vibrant reefs, and calm, shallow seas.
Plan your trip
You might pair your stay with a city break in Singapore, using the Maldives as your secluded beach finale and a base for snorkelling, diving, and slow, unhurried days.

Top experiences in the Maldives

Snorkel vibrant house reefs

Step straight from the beach or your villa into clear water to see coral gardens, reef fish, and, in some areas, turtles and rays.

Stay in an overwater villa

Wake to the sound of the ocean and direct lagoon access from your deck, with sunsets and star-filled skies all around you.

Explore Male and its waterfront

Spend a few hours in the compact capital, walking its waterfront, markets, and narrow streets before or after your island stay.

Join a dolphin or sunset cruise

Sail out in the late afternoon to watch the sky change colour, with a chance to see playful dolphins riding the bow wave.

Dive with manta rays and sharks

Experienced operators guide you to seasonal hotspots where mantas, whale sharks, and reef sharks can often be seen in clear water.

Indulge in an oceanfront spa

Book a treatment pavilion set over the water or by the beach, combining gentle therapies with wide ocean views.

Try non-motorised water sports

Kayak, paddleboard, or sail a catamaran across calm lagoons, ideal for relaxed exploration at your own pace.

Dine barefoot on the beach

Enjoy open-air meals on soft sand under lanterns and stars, with the sound of waves just a few steps away.

Experience the Maldives way of life

Getting around
You will typically arrive at Male before transferring by speedboat or seaplane to your island, with domestic flights serving more distant atolls. Schedules often align with international arrivals so your journey feels continuous.
Local life & culture
You see everyday life in Male and local islands through small shops, harbours, and community spaces, contrasting with the privacy of resort islands. Fishing traditions and the ocean shape much of the rhythm of daily life.
Where to unwind
You can relax on quiet beaches, shallow lagoons, and resort pools designed for long, idle afternoons. Many islands also offer yoga decks, spa retreats, and shaded spots that make it easy to slow down and reset.

A taste of the Maldives

National dishes & specialties
You can try seafood-focused dishes featuring tuna, coconut, and rice, often served with flatbreads and simple sides. Resorts may also offer Maldivian evenings that showcase local flavours alongside regional influences.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You have relaxed buffet restaurants, poolside grills, and casual cafés on most islands, with options ranging from Asian and Mediterranean to international comfort dishes. Male adds small local eateries and bakeries if you stay in the capital.
Signature & scenic dining
You might book underwater restaurants, sandbank picnics, or private jetty dinners framed by lanterns and the open sea. Many resorts design tasting menus and wine-paired evenings that make the ocean your dining backdrop.

Retail therapy in the Maldives

Malls & lifestyle hubs
You will find a modest selection of boutiques and small shopping centres in Male, focused on essentials, beachwear, and souvenirs rather than large-scale malls.
Markets & local crafts
You can browse markets and small shops in Male and selected local islands for handicrafts, textiles, and hand-carved items, often inspired by marine life and island living.
Evening retail scene
You may enjoy a calm evening atmosphere, with resort shops open late for resort wear, skincare, and keepsakes, while Male offers a gentle buzz along its streets and waterfront stores.

Best time to visit the Maldives

Peak season: December to March brings generally drier, sunnier days, with average temperatures around 27–29°C (81–84°F), ideal for beaches and clear-water snorkelling.
Shoulder season: April and November see warm conditions around 27–30°C (81–86°F), with a mix of sunshine and showers, and good visibility for many marine activities.
Low season: May to October is wetter, with more frequent showers and occasional storms, but temperatures still hover near 27–29°C (81–84°F), and seas remain pleasantly warm.

Frequently Asked Questions