Hidden Gems of Addu City You Should Explore

Situated south of the equator, Addu City breaks the traditional Maldivian mould. While most atolls rely on isolated private-island resorts accessible only by boat or seaplane, Addu is a heart-shaped, interconnected cluster of inhabited islands linked by causeways.

From World War II military relics to freshwater wetlands and UNESCO Biosphere reserves, these top hidden gems reveal a richer, wilder side of the southern Maldives.

1. Addu Nature Park and Eydhigali Kilhi

Located on the northern tip of Hithadhoo, Addu Nature Park is one of the largest protected wetland reserves in the country. It encompasses Eydhigali Kilhi—a vast freshwater lake—and the historic coastal cape of Koattey.

• What to do: Rent a bicycle or golf cart to navigate the elevated timber boardwalks and scenic canopy trails.

• Wildlife highlights: The park is a major nesting and roosting habitat for migratory birds, herons, and the rare white tern (dhondheeni), which is native only to Addu within the Maldives. Kayaking through the tangled red mangrove channels of the Bedhi area provides a quiet look at vital fish nurseries.

2. The British Loyalty Shipwreck

For scuba divers, the British Loyalty is the premier wreck dive in the southern hemisphere. This 140-metre oil tanker survived torpedo attacks by both Japanese and German submarines during World War II before being scuttled in 1946 inside the atoll's lagoon.

• Depth & access: Resting between 16 and 33 metres, the wreck is encrusted with hard and soft corals and covered in large sea fans.

• Marine encounters: The hull is home to schools of bluefin trevally, batfish, turtles, and occasional nurse sharks. Because Addu sits directly in deep oceanic currents, it also features year-round manta ray cleaning stations just minutes away.

3. Gan Island’s RAF Wartime Relics

Gan Island served as a strategic, secret military outpost for the British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF Gan) from 1941 until 1976. Today, its airstrip functions as Gan International Airport, but the island remains an open-air historical archive.

• Key landmarks: Explore the British base area, concrete munitions bunkers, heavy coastal artillery guns still mounted pointing out to sea, and the Bonda Badi memorial.

• Equator Village: The old military officers' mess and barracks have been repurposed into Equator Village, retaining colonial-era verandas and gardens.

4. Mathikilhi Eco Garden (Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo)

Across the lagoon on the twin islands of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo lies the Mathikilhi Eco Garden. Unlike the coral sand flats of other atolls, this area features peat wetlands, muddy channels, and agricultural greenery.

• Highlights: Walk out along the wooden piers that extend over freshwater marshland.

• Historic nearby stop: While visiting Meedhoo, stop by Koagannu Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in the Maldives, dating back over 900 years. Its intricately carved coral-stone tombstones and royal mausoleums reflect centuries of early Islamic heritage in the south.

5. The Addu Link Road by Bicycle

Stretching over 16 kilometres, the Link Road connects the islands of Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Hithadhoo via a network of causeways built over coral reef flats.

• Why explore it: Cycling the Link Road is a rare overland journey in the Maldives, where most transit is maritime.

• Local pulse: Pedal past roadside tea shops (hotaa), fishing harbours, and ocean-facing sea walls. Stop at local eateries to sample Addu specialties like Addu bondi (a spiced coconut sweet wrapped in dried banana leaves) and fresh tuna kavaabu.

Essential Travel Details for Addu City

Addu City provides a side of the Maldives that many travelers miss—one defined by tangible wartime history, bikeable coastlines, and thriving wetland preserves.