Woman in bikini snorkeling in the crystal clear water of the famous beach of Tapuaetai (One Foot Island), a small islet in the south-east of the lagoon of Aitutaki, Cook islands.

©Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

Southern Atolls

The Southern Atolls have a justified reputation for independent mindedness. In 1959, the southernmost atolls broke away from Male's rule to form the short-lived United Suvadive Republic before being forcibly taken back under the control of the central government a few years later.

Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Thoondu Beach
Southern Atolls
At the northwestern end of Fuvahmulah, the absolutely stunning Thoondu Beach is a wide band of dazzling white overlooked by swaying palms. It's famous in…
Eedhigali Kilhi & Kottey Protected Area
Addu Atoll
The lake at the far end of Hithadhoo is the biggest in the country and attracts varied birdlife to its shores. It has been incorporated into the Eedhigali…
Isdhoo
Southern Atolls
At the northeastern tip of the atoll, the interesting island of Isdhoo is home to a hawitta (ancient artificial mound). Buddha images have been found on…
Kondey
Southern Atolls
This traditional, largely agricultural island is notable for its four ancient hawittas (Buddhist prayer mounds). Norwegian ethnographer Thor Heyerdahl…
Gan
Southern Atolls
At 8km long, Gan – not to be confused with the other two Gans in the south – is the longest island in the country and one of the most interesting too,…
Nilandhoo
Southern Atolls
On the southern edge of the atoll, the capital island of Nilandhoo is home to the second-oldest mosque in the country, Aasaari Miskiiy, built during the…
Gadhdhoo
Southern Atolls
On Gadhdhoo (population 1500), women make superb examples of the mats known as thundu kunaa, which are woven from special reeds found on an adjacent…
British War Memorial
Addu Atoll
This simple memorial commemorates the British servicemen who served at the various incarnations of RAF Gan between 1941 and 1976. The site also includes…