Best Sri Lanka beaches

The best time to visit the south coast of Sri Lanka is between December and April, though if you prefer a quiet beach, consider choosing to travel in the shoulder months when you’ll experience less visitors.

The south coast of Sri Lanka offers palm-fringed bays, surf-ready waves, and beach cafés serving fresh coconut rotis, laid-back vibes and easy-going life. From deserted beaches to surf hotspots, this stretch is dotted with charming towns and relaxed fishing villages, and regardless of where you choose to stay, it’s easy enough to hop between beaches.

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.

One of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for beginner surfers, Weligama is a laid-back bay where fishing boats share the sea with surfboards. There’s space to spread out, and the vibe is friendly and unpretentious. It’s also a great base for day trips, to Galle, tea plantations, or even nearby whale-watching when in season. For those wanting a beach stay with things going on but not too hectic, it’s a solid choice.

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.

This tiny horseshoe bay has built a big reputation and is the hottest beach in Sri Lanka. Once a secret surf spot, it now draws a cool mix of travellers, with charming guesthouses and excellent food. You can surf in the morning, grab brunch at a café, and stroll to neighbouring Dikwella in the afternoon. It’s buzzy, but still feels tucked away—like you’ve found a little pocket of your own.

Known for its golden arc of beach and seasonal whale-watching trips, Mirissa has a vibrant feel, especially around the headland. There are beach bars, seafood grills, and plenty of shaded spots to stretch out. It’s lively, but still retains a local touch.

The best time to visit the west coast of Sri Lanka is between November to April.

An easy hop from Colombo and the airport, Sri Lanka’s west coast is a great spot to begin or end your adventure. It’s more developed than other regions, with broad beaches, local bustle, and a few hidden gems further up the coast.

Negombo’s long beach is backed by guesthouses, cafés and fishing boats pulled up onto the sand. It’s not the quietest, but it offers a real taste of Sri Lanka life from the get-go. And being just 20 minutes from the airport makes it incredibly convenient. It’s worth heading out on a lagoon boat trip to spot birdlife and see the town’s canals and fish markets. Not a place for full-on beach days, but ideal for easing in or winding down.

A wild, wind-whipped peninsula jutting into the Indian Ocean, Kalpitiya is best known for kitesurfing and dolphin-watching. The beaches here are sandy and untamed, and the town itself still feels relatively untouched by tourism. There’s a rugged charm to the place, think eco-lodges, hammocks and sea spray. It’s great if you’re looking to try something active or just fancy being somewhere a little less polished.

While the west and south are in monsoon season, the east coast is in its sunny prime during our summer months making it a perfect beach spot for a Sri Lanka summer holiday. It’s much less developed and still feels delightfully local in many parts, with broad golden beaches and calm, clear seas.

A surfing mecca with a barefoot, bohemian feel, Arugam Bay is relaxed and a little rough around the edges, in the best way. It’s the kind of place you come for a few nights and end up staying for a week. Even if you’re not surfing, the beach is beautiful and there are jungle temples, wildlife reserves and lagoon trips nearby.

Pasikudah is all about calm, shallow seas and slow beach days. It’s a sheltered bay that’s perfect for younger children or anyone who just wants to float in the warm water and forget what day it is. You’ll find a few resorts here, but it’s still pretty peaceful. It works well as a beach break after a cultural trip inland.

Trincomalee combines beautiful beaches with local life and culture. Uppuveli and Nilaveli are long and lovely, with soft sand and clear water. Whale-watching trips run from here too, especially between May and August.
The town itself has character, colourful temples and a working harbour. It’s a nice way to round off your trip with a few beach days that still feel connected to the country around you.

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.