Addu City
City guide · Addu Atoll (Seenu), southernmost atoll of the Maldives · Maldives
Gan island, site of the former RAF Gan airfield and WWII naval base · The six connected districts of Hithadhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, Meedhoo, and Hulhudhoo
About Addu City
Addu City is the second-largest urban area in the Maldives and one of only two places in the country with city status besides the capital, Malé. It comprises the inhabited islands of Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll of the archipelago, with six districts: Hithadhoo, Maradhoo-Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Feydhoo, Meedhoo, and Hulhudhoo. These divisions are naturally islands but are well connected. The city covers 15 square kilometers, with a population of 35,359 as of 2024. Addu is one of the oldest inhabited atolls in the country, with traces of settlement on Meedhoo dating back to 2000 BC. During World War II, the Royal Navy established a secret naval base on Gan island, later known as RAF Gan, which operated until 1971. Travelers seeking an alternative to the resort-centric image of the Maldives will find a destination with genuine local character, depth, and a more grounded sense of everyday Maldivian life.
Who this destination fits
Highlights worth planning around
Strong fit
- Second-largest urban area in the Maldives, offering a genuine city experience beyond the capital
- One of only two places in the Maldives with official city status besides Malé
- Rich significance as the site of a secret British naval base during WWII, later RAF Gan
- One of the oldest inhabited atolls in the country, with settlement traces dating back to 2000 BC
- Six well-connected districts spread across naturally distinct islands, providing diverse areas to explore
Tradeoffs
- Limited current information available about ongoing tourism infrastructure and services
- Less developed for tourism compared to the resort islands of the Maldives
- Hot and extremely humid climate, as noted by accounts of the British garrison
- Fewer established tourist amenities and activities compared to Malé or resort atolls
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