Sri Lanka’s tropical beaches are unanimously adored. Crafted from a 1340km (833-mile) coastline, its countless topographically varied beaches, coves, and bays attract sun-seekers, fun lovers, and surfers throughout the year. Wildlife plays its part too – beaches are vital nesting grounds for endangered marine turtles, while blue whales are sighted at sea.
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination; however, it’s influenced by two opposing monsoons that affect the weather and ocean currents. Therefore, the southwest coast is best between November and April, and the east from May to September. Here are the best beaches in Sri Lanka.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna, 6km (3.7 miles) from history-laden Galle Fort, remains one of the most sought-after swimming beaches in Sri Lanka, despite encroaching development. Thanks to an offshore reef, its azure water is relatively calm for most of the year. Sunbeds line the beach, Jet Skis buzz around the bay, and even during peak season, it never feels too crowded. Unawatuna’s dining scene is sophisticated, and there are regular weekend beach parties.
Dalawella
Just east of Unawatuna, much-photographed Frog Rock presides over Dalawella’s slender champagne sands. Known for its idyllic aqua-blue lagoon protected by a reef, it’s a super spot for families, particularly as curious turtles often make an appearance.
Weligama
Weligama’s smiling 2km (1.2-mile) bay has emerged as one of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka for beginners, thanks to its forgiving sandy-bottomed break. Rent boards and enjoy lessons from local surf outfits – most are run by young surfers with first-hand knowledge of the area’s best breaks. Weligama’s fine sand also attracts families, and there are plenty of places to eat and drink in every price range.
Kabalana
Forming part of laid-back Ahangama’s hip surf-and-yoga scene, Kabalana offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to Weligama or Unawatuna. Arrange for surf lessons from beachfront restaurants, or rent a board to ride local breaks – the A-frame known as the Rock is rumored to be Sri Lanka’s best deep-reef break. After dark, the focus shifts to the vibrant restaurants along Galle-Matara road.
Mirissa
Many visitors descend upon Mirissa’s gentle moon-shaped bay for the blue whale watching; boats depart daily during the season for half-day cruises, and sightings are frequent. However, its appeal runs much deeper – you can snorkel in the bay east of Parrot Rock, surf its western reef break, take a yoga class, or enjoy a scenic ramble to Mirissa’s Secret Beach. Restaurants are plentiful, and evenings can be lively.
Hiriketiya
Flanked by jungle-tangled headlands, Hiriketiya’s deep bay is a real showstopper. This dramatic setting, with its low-key atmosphere and year-round swimming, holds universal appeal. Hidden beneath coconut palms, the bay houses a chic collection of timber-frame restaurants, coffee shops, guesthouses, and villas stretching towards neighboring Dikwella’s vast sandy bay.
Bentota
Sri Lanka’s west coast is dominated by large package-holiday hotels basking over fine stretches of sand. The highlight is Bentota, where the long honey-hued beach ends in a spit of land separating the Indian Ocean from a big lagoon. Families appreciate the combination of water sports, decent swimming, and lifeguards; however, there are no independent restaurants on the beach itself.
Arugam Bay Beach
East coast A-Bay is Sri Lanka’s surfing magnet. Best between May and September, it boasts a range of evocatively named breaks – GoTravelDaily Point, Peanut Farm, Crocodile Rock – in wild, unspoiled locations. Once the domain of die-hard surfers and fishermen, Arugam Bay is now a haven for budget-conscious sun-seekers hoping to combine surfing with visits to deserted beaches and historic sites.
Kalkudah Beach
If you crave wild and deserted beaches, Kalkudah’s vast stretch is close to perfection. A profusion of coconut estates and gnarled cashew plantations back this idyllic east-coast beach. Swimming is possible here, but it can be treacherous out of season as the sea shelves deeply. Consider staying in one of Karpaha Sands’ chic tents or day-tripping from the upmarket resort-lined bay of Passekudah, just 2km (1.2 miles) to the north.
Nilaveli
Nilaveli, located 13km (8 miles) north of Trincomalee, is a 4km-long (2.5-mile) east-coast beach characterized by wide ivory sands, palmyra palms, and roaming cattle. Between May and September, when the shallow ocean laps gently onto the beach, Nilaveli becomes the hub for deep-sea diving and whale-watching. Just offshore lies Pigeon Island’s protected marine park, home to turtles and blacktip reef sharks, making it one of the best snorkeling and diving sites in the country.
Casuarina Beach
Journeying to the northernmost Jaffna peninsula, the beaches become barren, windswept, and remote. Many of these beaches are deserted and offer little shade, making idyllic Casuarina Beach, named after the trees lining the sand, a popular destination despite the adventurous 40-minute cross-island drive. Casuarina sees weekend crowds, with family groups enjoying the warm, shallow sea.
Kalpitiya Beach
Kalpitiya is a 35km (22-mile) peninsula that juts out from the northwest coast near Puttalam. Here, a beach extends nearly uninterrupted to the very tip of the peninsula, where a historic Dutch Fort stands. To the east lies Puttalam Lagoon, where kite-surfers fill the skies during the windy months from May to September.
Mawella
Mawella is a mesmerizing yet little-known south coast beach. Its 2km (1.2-mile) crescent-shaped bay is backed by just a handful of boutique hotels and simple bungalows nestled in vast palm-shaded grounds. Despite being only 7km (4.3 miles) from Tangalla, those in the know visit Mawella for a rare taste of southern escapism.
