Best beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical island nation located in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its beautiful beaches, which are some of the best in the world. From amazing surfing to pristine white sands, Sri Lankan beaches put most other beaches around the world to shame.

The best beaches in Sri Lanka are made up of fine, white sand that is soft and inviting. You can sink your feet into the sand and feel like you’re walking on a cloud. The waters off the coast of Sri Lanka are crystal-clear, making it perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. You can see fish swimming right below your feet, and you might even spot a turtle or two.

Sri Lanka’s beaches offer a variety of terrain, from secluded coves to bustling beach resorts. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or a lively place to party, you’ll find it in Sri Lanka. The waters around Sri Lanka are home to a rich variety of marine life, including turtles, dolphins, and whales. You can go on a snorkelling or diving tour to see this amazing wildlife up close.

READ MORE: Here are the best Sri Lankan food dishes to try

Sri Lanka’s beaches are also still relatively uncrowded, making them a great place to relax and enjoy peace and quiet. You can find your own private spot on the beach and soak up the sun without having to worry about crowds.

6 of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for 2023

Mirissa beach

We kick off our list of the best beaches in Sri Lanka with Mirissa Beach, which is a popular beach on the South Coast of the island. It’s known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and opportunities for whale watching. The beach is about 215 kilometres (134 miles) from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. There are also a number of restaurants and bars located along the beach, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the local cuisine.

Mirissa is also a popular whale-watching destination. The best time to go whale watching in Mirissa is from December to April when the whales are migrating. Humpback whales, sperm whales, and blue whales are all commonly seen in the waters off Mirissa.

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation with a chance to see some amazing wildlife, Mirissa Beach is a great option. The beach is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, which is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions.

Here are some other things to do in Mirissa:

• Go surfing: Mirissa is a popular surfing destination, with waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
• Take a boat trip to see the dolphins: There are a number of boat trips available that take you out to see the dolphins that frequent the waters off Mirissa.
• Visit the Mirissa Lighthouse: The Mirissa Lighthouse is a short walk from the beach and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Explore the local villages: There are a number of small villages located near Mirissa, where you can learn about local culture and traditions.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach is another popular beach on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It’s known for its sheltered bay, which makes it a great place to swim and relax. The beach is about 150 kilometres (93 miles) from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

The beach is a crescent-shaped bay surrounded by limestone cliffs. The water is calm and clear, making it a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. There are also a number of rock formations that are popular for rock climbing.

In addition to being one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, Unawatuna is also home to a number of caves and temples. The most famous cave is the Dewatagala Cave Temple, which is located on a cliff overlooking the beach. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is decorated with colourful murals.

Other things to do in Unawatuna include:

• Go surfing: Unawatuna is a popular surfing destination, with waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
• Take a boat trip to see the dolphins: There are a number of boat trips available that take you out to see the dolphins that frequent the waters off Unawatuna.
• Visit the Galle Fort: The Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 10 kilometres from Unawatuna. The fort is a well-preserved example of Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture.
• Explore the local villages: There are a number of small villages located near Unawatuna, where you can learn about local culture and traditions.

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation with a bit of adventure, Unawatuna Beach is a great option. The beach is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, which is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions.

READ MORE: Ever wondered what to do in Colombo?

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach is a lively beach on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It’s known for its coral reefs, which make it a great place for snorkelling and diving. The beach is also a popular party beach, with a number of bars and clubs to choose from. The beach has a good mix of locals and tourists who come to enjoy the chill vibes and relax on one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.

The beach is about 100 kilometres (62 miles) from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination, and it can get quite crowded during the peak season (December to April). There are also a number of activities to enjoy, such as snorkelling, diving, surfing, and windsurfing.

If you’re looking for a lively beach vacation with plenty of things to do, Hikkaduwa Beach is a great option.

Other things to do in Hikkaduwa include:

• Visit the Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery: The Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery is a non-profit organization that helps to protect and conserve sea turtles. Visitors can learn about the turtles and see them in their natural habitat.
• Take a boat trip to see the dolphins: There are a number of boat trips available that take you out to see the dolphins that frequent the waters off Hikkaduwa.
• Visit the Dutch Fort: The Dutch Fort is a well-preserved example of Dutch colonial architecture. It is located on a hill overlooking the beach and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a beach on the east coast of the island and is known for its long, surfable waves, which make it a popular destination for surfers from all over the world. The beach is also a laid-back beach with a friendly atmosphere, making it a popular tourist destination for surfers and backpackers.

The beach is about 375 kilometres (233 miles) from Colombo. It is a less touristy beach than Hikkaduwa, and it can be a great place to relax and enjoy peace and quiet.

Arugam Bay is best known for its left-hand reef break, which is a popular spot for experienced surfers. There are also a number of other surf breaks in the area, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.

Other things to do in Arugam Bay include:

• Visit the Arugam Bay Bird Sanctuary: The Arugam Bay Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of birds, including sea eagles, kingfishers, and owls. Visitors can go for walks in the sanctuary and observe the birds in their natural habitat.
• Go on a jungle trek: There are a number of jungle treks available in the area. These treks take you through the lush rainforest and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Visit the local villages: There are a number of small villages located near Arugam Bay. Visitors can learn about local culture and traditions by visiting these villages.

Nilaveli Beach

Also on the east coast is Nilaveli Beach, which is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. There are also a number of resorts and spas located in Nilaveli, in addition to being one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.

The beach is about 280 kilometres (174 miles) from Colombo. It is a less touristy beach than Hikkaduwa or Arugam Bay, which will provide some variety if you visit multiple beaches.

The beach is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and go for walks. There are also a number of water sports activities available, such as snorkelling, diving, and windsurfing.

Things to do in Nilaveli Beach:

• Relax at the beach: Nilaveli Beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. There are a number of resorts and spas located in Nilaveli, where you can pamper yourself and enjoy the peace and quiet.
• Go for a swim: The waters off Nilaveli Beach are calm and clear, making it a great place to go swimming.
• Go snorkelling or diving: The coral reefs off Nilaveli Beach are home to a variety of marine life, making it a great place to go snorkelling or diving.
• Go on a boat trip: There are a number of boat trips available that take you to explore the surrounding area. These trips may include stops at local villages, temples, or even to go fishing.

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation with a touch of luxury, Nilaveli Beach is a great option.

Batticaloa Beach

Batticaloa Beach is a beach on the east coast of Sri Lanka. It’s known for its clean waters and beautiful scenery. This makes it a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. There are also a number of temples and historical sites located in Batticaloa. So, if you want a break from the beaches in Sri Lanka, you can visit the many cultural monuments and sites in the country.

The beach is about 325 kilometres (202 miles) from Colombo. It is a less touristy beach than Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay, or Nilaveli, and it can be a great place to relax and escape the crowds.

The beach is a great place to swim, sunbathe, and go for walks. There are also a number of temples and historical sites to explore in the area.

Things to do in Batticaloa Beach:

• Visit the Batticaloa Lagoon: The Batticaloa Lagoon is a beautiful lagoon located just off the coast of Batticaloa. It is a great place to go for a boat ride or to go fishing.
• Visit the Batticaloa Fort: The Batticaloa Fort is a well-preserved example of Portuguese colonial architecture. It is located on a hill overlooking the lagoon and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Explore the local temples: There are a number of temples located in Batticaloa. These temples are a great place to learn about local culture and traditions.
• Go on a safari: There are a number of safaris available in the area. These safaris take you through the lush rainforest and offer the chance to see a variety of wild animals, such as elephants, leopards, and monkeys.

If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation with a touch of culture, Batticaloa Beach is a great option.

Any suggestions for beaches in Sri Lanka?

While there are many beaches to choose from, we want to hear from our community about your choices for the best beaches in Sri Lanka. The country has an abundance of amazing resorts and more, but how would you rate our choices?

Let us know in the comments and be sure to share your own favourites.