Stays in Meedhoo
Meedhoo is one of the two districts of Hulhumeedhoo, an inhabited island on the eastern rim of Addu, the southernmost atoll of the Maldives and one of the few places in the country south of the equator. It is one of the oldest settlements in the Maldives, and its Koagannu cemetery, with more than 1,500 coral tombstones and the remains of seven mosques, is the reason to stay here rather than pass through. Getting here takes planning: the 14 km Addu Link Road joins Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo, but not Hulhumeedhoo, which is reached by ferry from Feydhoo. The resort on this page, Canareef Resort Maldives, is not on Meedhoo but on Herathera, a 4.5 km island about 10 minutes by speedboat from Gan airport. Fly Malé to Gan on a domestic flight first; an international arrival in Malé after 10 pm may not connect the same day. Choose Meedhoo for village life and history, Canareef for a resort with a long beach and pool.
Meedhoo is a local island district in Addu Atoll, at the far south of the Maldives, where visitors sleep in the village and come for history: Koagannu, the oldest and largest cemetery in the country, stands on this island. Travellers who search for Meedhoo often confuse it with the islands of the same name in Raa and Dhaalu atolls, so check the atoll before you book. This page covers the Addu one, how to reach it from Gan International Airport, and Canareef Resort Maldives on neighbouring Herathera, the resort option for the same trip. I would pick Meedhoo for a slower, cultural stay and Canareef when a pool and a dive centre matter more than the village.
Meedhoo in numbers
What to expect
- Koagannu cemetery holds more than 1,500 coral tombstones and the remains of seven mosques, among the oldest Islamic heritage sites in the Maldives.
- Meedhoo shares Hulhumeedhoo island with Hulhudhoo and is not on the Addu Link Road: the island is reached by ferry from Feydhoo.
- Canareef Resort Maldives sits on Herathera, a 4.5 km island about 10 minutes by speedboat from Gan International Airport.
- Addu lies south of the equator, at the far southern end of the Maldives, a domestic flight away from Malé.
Local tips
- Book the domestic flight from Malé to Gan with your international arrival in mind: landing in Malé after 10 pm can mean an overnight stop near Velana before flying south.
- Ask your guesthouse to confirm the Feydhoo ferry times on the day; local reports describe a service that can change without notice.
- Visit Koagannu in the cooler morning light and dress for a sacred site, shoulders and knees covered, as everywhere in the village.
- If you stay at Canareef, send your Gan arrival details at least two weeks before the trip, which the resort requires to arrange the speedboat.
- Do not confuse Addu's Meedhoo with Meedhoo in Raa or Dhaalu atoll when booking: the transfers have nothing in common.
Where to stay
Frequently asked
Where is Meedhoo in the Maldives?
This Meedhoo is in Addu Atoll, the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, south of the equator. It forms Hulhumeedhoo island with Hulhudhoo. Other islands called Meedhoo exist in Raa and Dhaalu atolls, so always check the atoll before booking a transfer.
How do you get to Meedhoo from Gan airport?
Fly from Malé to Gan International Airport, then travel by road across the Addu Link Road to Feydhoo and take the ferry to Hulhumeedhoo. The causeways link Gan, Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo only. Ask your guesthouse to arrange the crossing and confirm the ferry time.
What is there to see on Meedhoo?
Koagannu, the oldest and largest cemetery in the Maldives, with more than 1,500 coral tombstones and the remains of seven mosques. Meedhoo is one of the oldest settlements in the country, and the village keeps traces of that history alongside daily island life.
Is Canareef Resort on Meedhoo?
No. Canareef Resort Maldives is on Herathera, a separate 4.5 km island in Addu Atoll, about 10 minutes by speedboat from Gan International Airport. It suits travellers who want a resort beach, pool and dive centre, while Meedhoo suits those who want a local village.