The Best Beaches in Sri Lanka
The tropical island of Sri Lanka is celebrated for its lush tea plantations, exotic wildlife and most notably, its picturesque beaches. The best beaches in Sri Lanka stretch along its Western, Southern and Eastern coastline, offering the perfect year-round setting for beach holidays. With an impressive 1,340 kilometres of coastline, Sri Lanka boasts a diverse array of breathtaking golden shores featuring world-class surfing spots, crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs and countless wildlife spotting opportunities.
Why is Sri Lanka Every Beach Lovers Paradise?
Thanks to its mirroring monsoon seasons the southwest enjoys its best weather between November and April, while the northeast is from May to September, ensuring sunshine no matter when you visit. During each coastline’s peak season, travellers can expect blissful weather, excellent surfing conditions and a range of exciting wildlife like impressive blue whales and friendly sea turtles.
Top Beaches in Sri Lanka
Kalpitiya
Best For: Water sports lovers
Kalpitiya, one of the few hotspots on the west coast above Colombo, is a lesser-known coastal gem renowned for its kite surfing. The Kalpiitiya peninsula consists of fourteen islands, creating ocean lagoons that are idyllic for a host of water sports activites, from windsurfing and kitesurfing to snorkeling or kayaking in mangroves. Whilst you're here, Wilpatu National Park is a perfect day trip, offering a more quiet safari experience.
Hikkaduwa Beach
Best for: marine life enthusiasts
Located above Galle Fort, this bay is known for its dynamic coral reef and vibrant marine life, making it a firm favourite for ocean enthusiasts. Just off the beach, all avid snorkelers and divers can head to the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, an area with 60 species of coral and schools of colourful fish.
Mirissa
Best for: Wholesome fun under the sun
The bustling beach town of Mirissa has it all: chic boutiques, boho cafes, stunning beaches with great waves for surfing and waters teeming with curious turtles. This stretch of coastline is also known for whale and dolphin watching, with seasonal sightings of blue whales. For sunset, head to Coconut Tree Hill, a picturesque headland dotted with coconut palms overlooking the ocean.
Wijaya Beach
Best For: Family fun and turtle spotting
This small beach oasis, known for its iconic rock formations, features calm waters protected by a surrounding reef, making it perfect for families to frolic in and around the water. Food and drinks are easy to come by here, with a few wooden-adorned establishments providing all beachside necessities. Similar to its neighbour Dalawella Beach, Wijaya is a phenomenal spot to watch as the sun sets into oranges and pastel pinks.
Dalawella Beach
Best For: Golden sands, turtle spotting and the Instagram-famous palm tree swing
Famous for its palm tree swing, Dalawella Beach is more than just an Instagram hotspot. Just around the corner from bustling Unawatuna, its crystal clear water offers decent waves and is frequented by turtles popping up for air. If you're on the lookout for these majestic creatures, early morning and late afternoon are the best times to spot them. Make sure to also venture here for a magical sunset, which is claimed by many to be the best and most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka.
Hiriketiya
Best for: Catching fantastic waves and sunset cocktails
This laid-back surfer town is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the relaxed surf culture. The coastline is fringed with tropical forests, home to charming restaurants, bars, and boutique stores. One sunset spot you can’t miss is Smoke & Bitters, ranked 42nd in Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2022, praised for their expert mixology and delicious bar bites. This area is the gateway to Yala, one of Sri Lanka’s largest national parks, famous for its dense wildlife population. Just an hour and 40 minutes from Hiriketiya, it’s easy to plan a two-night stay in the park before returning to the beach or exploring the hill country.
Aragum Bay
Best for: Surf fanatics
Located on the East Coast, Aragum Bay is the ultimate surfer’s paradise. From May till October, surfers from all over the world flock here to catch waves at Main Point Beach and Peanut Farm Beach. In addition to its rustic beauty and off-the-beaten-track charm, the beaches are sometimes frequented by elephants. For a view, make sure to go to Elephant Rock at Sunset, where you will get a beautiful vantage point of Aragum’s bays' expansive shortlines.
Kalkudah and Pasikudah
Best for: Those avoiding crowds without compromising on beauty
A few hours above Aragum Bay, these two beaches sprawl for miles, offering panoramic views of the Indian Gulf and shallow waters perfect for swimming. Less developed than the Southern Region, these beaches provide a more tranquil experience with a few charming establishments where you can tuck into Sri Lankan dishes, fresh coconuts, or an ice-cold Lion.
Hidden Gems: The Quieter Beaches To Explore
Secret Beach, Mirissa
Best For: Hidden gem seekers
If you're looking to go off the beaten track for more secluded shores, Secret Beach is worth the adventure. After winding up and down precarious roads, beachgoers will find a palm-lined beach nestled into a small quiet cove. Protected by rocks, a calm ocean lagoon has been formed that’s perfect for a peaceful swim. A handful of quaint restaurants take shelter underneath the palms, offering local food and freshly shucked coconuts.
Talpe
Best for: those wanting to unwind in Paradise
Located away from the crowds, Talpe Beach provides a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation. Visitors can enjoy a stroll on the sands before jumping into snorkelling or swimming around unique coral features that hug the shore. 50 years ago, the coral was dug out, crafting perfect little rock pools that make idyllic spots for drifting in the ocean spray.
Tangalle
Best For: Couples seeking a romantic getaway
In 2019, Lonely Planet voted Sri Lanka the number one country to visit, praising Tangalles beaches as the island’s best. Tangalle's beaches are wide open, boasting a golden coastline that also houses some more unexplored coves. Tangalle is one of the South’s largest towns, with many British and Dutch colonial relics to be explored. Other day trips include visiting the magnificent Mulkirigala rock temples, giant Buddha and gaudy shrines of Wewurukannala, turtle spotting at Rekawa beach, or a trip to the Kalametiya bird sanctuary.
How to Get Around Sri Lanka? Transportation Options
South Coast
By Car: The Southern Expressway links Colombo to the South, making it easy to reach destinations like Galle, Matara, or Tangalle in just 2-3 hours.
By Bus: Semi-luxury buses from Colombo Bus Station take around 2.5 hours to reach Matara, from where you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your destination.
By Train: For a more scenic journey, hop on the train from Colombo Fort, which hugs the coast and takes 4-5 hours.
East Coast
By Car: Driving from Colombo to the east coast takes approximately 8 hours.
By Bus: A budget-friendly option is taking a bus to Kataragama, which takes around 6 hours, followed by a taxi or tuk-tuk to Arugam Bay.
By Train: Although indirect, you can take a train to Ella and then transfer by taxi or bus to Arugam Bay.
Where to Stay Near the Beaches: Boutique Hotel Recommendations by The Edward's Collection
West Coast:
The Sandals
A beachfront luxury villa in Balapitiya, The Sandals offers intimate suites and private gardens, making it the perfect retreat for beach lovers.
Thambili House
This historic 300-year-old villa in Galle Fort combines old-world charm with modern comforts and is conveniently located near Unawatuna, Talpe, and Ahangama. Complete with a swimming pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, Thambili House is a three-bedroom sanctuary adorned with antiques dating back to the 16th century.
South Coast:
The Frangipani Tree
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, The Frangipani Tree invited guests to retreat into an intimate garden sanctuary. The property features three elegant villas inspired by Geoffrey Bawa, boasting ocean views. Poised on a secluded beach in Talpe, holidaygoers can bask in quiet serenity but easily travel to more bustling spots.
Villa Mayurana
Perched aside Koggala Lake sits Villa Mayurana, a colonial-style retreat set on a dreamy hill amidst a 6-acre cinnamon plantation. Surrounded by lush tropical nature, the villa is an ideal base for a unique “Cinnamon experience” that delves into the ancient trade of Sri Lankan spices.
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