Travel Guide Gan

Gan Island has been inhabited since ancient times and now has 2,500 inhabitants. It is about 2 kilometers long and forms one of the longest islands in the country, being connected to Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo by a paved road. The total distance between the four islands is 13 kilometers, so you will see cars, which is rare in the Maldives outside Malé. The island is a former British military base which was used to refuel aircraft and ships of the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Most of Gan Island is therefore occupied by an airstrip which caters for domestic flights and some international flights from Sri Lanka. The south of the island is home to a small Maldivian military base, an old mosque and the southernmost point of the Maldives. The north is home to the former British base, part of which has been converted into a hotel. The other barracks are used for administrative purposes. The island has a very particular atmosphere between colonial nonchalance, airport and military remains. On the way to the other two islands, you will meet the Maldivians, who are very welcoming and open. The inhabitants of Addu have the reputation of being the most cultured and open-minded of the Maldives. You will be able to discuss any subject, with tact of course. Gan is also a perfect place to discover the beauty of the islands, understand the culture of the country and dive in the most beautiful waters of the Maldives. The corals are still pretty much preserved and have suffered less from bleaching than anywhere else. Some sites on the outer reef see manta rays and large sharks.