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Best Sri Lanka beaches

Sri lanka negombo beach

From wide golden coastlines trimmed with colourfully painted fishing boats, to tiny palm-fringed turquoise bays, Sri Lanka is home to a myriad of tropical beach destinations, each with its own unique character and charm. Whether you want to unwind on the secluded shores of the east coast, soak up the atmosphere of a lively beach or treat yourself to a paradise escape in the neighbouring Maldives, we offer a handful of Sri Lanka beach trips which are designed to add a splash of relaxation to your holiday.

Go tropical in Trincomalee

Sri Lanka’s east coast is famous for its picturesque beaches and calm, turquoise waters – the ideal place to enjoy some sun-drenched relaxation during our summer months. It’s also here where you’ll find the beach town of Trincomalee. During our Secluded Shores of the East Coast trip, you can spend your days unwinding on the beach or take a trip to Pigeon Island for some snorkelling amongst coral reefs and brightly coloured fish.

Sri lanka trincomalee beach
Sri lanka unawatuna beach loungers

Unwind at Unawatuna

Not far from Galle, you’ll find Unawatuna; a lively beach destination on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Here, the sea is warm and in the evening, the shoreline is dotted with the lights of bustling restaurants and bars. A popular spot amongst travellers, Unawatuna offers plenty of activities to keep you occupied. During our trip to the  Turquoise Bay at Unawatuna  you’ll have the chance to relax with a good book, try a traditional Ayurvedic massage and even practice your downward dog in a peaceful yoga hut.

Time out in Tangalle

Head to the southern tip of the island and you’ll find the quiet beaches of Tangalle. You won’t find the same buzz of restaurants and bars here, instead you’re likely to share your beach space with the local fishermen reeling in the nets from their boats on the shore. You’ll stay in a Cosy Cabana at Paradise Beach, fringed by green palm groves and cooled by a light sea breeze – there’s not much else to do here but relax.

Sri lanka tangalle cabana travellers sitting on porch
maldives sea jetty

Find your own Maldives paradise

For many people, there’s no greater vision of paradise than the tropical cluster of ivory-white coral islands that make up the Maldives. Enveloped by lustrous turquoise seas, this archipelago of tropical gems is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, not to mention a rainbow of incredible marine life. Why not spend your days Daydreaming on Coral Island as you stretch out on the sugar-white sands, paddle amongst the coral reefs and fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves? Bliss.

 

For even more Sri Lanka travel tips, head to our inspiration page below.

Take a peek at our top itineraries

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  • Negombo - Polonnaruwa - Trincomalee/Arugam Bay - Kandy - Ella - Yala - Colombo
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