Experience the best of Hulhulé

Hulhulé is a long, narrow island in North Malé Atoll, almost entirely taken up by Velana International Airport, the main gateway to the Maldives. The capital, Malé, lies a short boat ride away to the south-west across the channel, and a bridge linking the two islands opened in 2018. A causeway joins Hulhulé to Hulhumalé, a reclaimed island to the north.

Most visitors pass through Hulhulé on their way to the resort islands, which are reached by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight. In Malé, the Grand Friday Mosque has a golden dome, the fish market sells tuna landed each morning, and the National Museum shows the country's history. Coral reefs ring the atoll, and boats cross to nearby islands for swimming and diving.

Maldivian cooking is built on tuna, coconut and chilli, from mas huni, shredded tuna with coconut and onion eaten at breakfast, to garudhiya, a clear fish soup, and hedhikaa, small savoury snacks. The dry north-east monsoon runs from December to April, and the south-west monsoon brings wind and rain from May to November.