Velana International Airport

425€ for 5 days in the Maldives? How is it possible? Welcome to this budget guide, destination Maldives. Here we try to break down how to organise an 5 days all inclusive holiday to the Maldives for the same price of 1 single night in a resort. Our budget for the entire trip, including flights, transport accommodation and food was: 425€. 600€ if departing from Italy. Flight Abu Dhabi - Male (both way): 162€ Taxi: 3€ Housing (4 nights): 107€ Boats (2, one speed one slow): 50€ Food (10 meals): 95€ Sunscreen: 8€ Make sure to note that we departed from Abu Dhabi, which has the cheapest flight to Male (capital of the Maldives). Departing from other cities (ex. Roma) will require a transfer, so budget an extra 175€. (Total 600€). In the guide I am going to explain how to navigate around our chosen island and how to organise logistics to move between islands.

I've been lucky enough to spend 5 weeks island hopping around the Maldives on 3 separate trips. I've been to local islands, resorts, and travelled by almost every possible method (public ferry, speedboat, seaplane). So like to think I have a decent knowledge on how to plan a trip to the Maldives. It's often seen as an expensive destination (and it definitely can be!), but with enough planning and picking the right places to visit, you can definitely travel the Maldives pretty affordably. Here's my quick guide for how to go Local Island Hopping around the the Maldives on a Budget.