Written by Feelfree
Posted, 10th July 2021
If you’re looking for absolute paradise, this little hidden gem off the south coast of India will deliver in every way possible! The Sri Lankan beaches are well known for being insanely beautiful with some of the most magical sunsets on earth. Whether you’re looking for turtles, surf or just to relax in a hammock and read a book – you’ll easily find yourself a special spot on this incredible island.
The Sri Lankan coastline has a reputation for idyllic white sandy beaches & epic sunsets. Let me introduce you to some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka;
Madiha Beach
Madiha is a quiet little spot with a number of epic surf breaks. Madiha found itself on the map for the popular hostel/venue known as ‘The Doctors House‘. Twice a week these 2 Aussie guys (Bara & Squid) throw a solid party filled with good vibes and local beats 🎶 . Folks start turning up from the middle of the afternoon through sunset until late.
Again this is one of those places you’ll often see turtles 🐢 out in the waves. Head down for sunset for the best chance of seeing these little cuties.
Where is it: Right next to Polhena (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: June to October
Known for: The Doctors House & Surfing 🏄♀️
Jungle Beach, Unawatuna
An isolated little spot not far from the Japanese Peace Pagoda is Unawatuna’s, Jungle Beach. You’ll need to hike down about 15 minutes from the road but you’ll be greeted by a small little bay that’s just perfect for chilling and snorkelling.
What makes this place so great for snorkelling is the 2 coral reefs that surround it (Unawatuna Coral Reef & Coral Reef of Bonavista). I found the best time for snorkelling was early morning, it was the quietest with the marine life being the most active 🐢.
Where is it: Just outside Unawatuna (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: June to October
Known for: Great for snorkelling! 🤿
Wijaya Beach
Easily one of my favourite Sri Lankan beaches is known by the locals as Wijaya Beach, the truth is Wijaya is actually a restaurant/bar that is very popular in Talpe. What makes Wijaya so special is the calm natural swimming area that has been formed by the coral reef.
The beach itself is kept very clean and you’ll often find giant sea turtles swimming in the shallows, be sure to have a snorkel when you visit because it really is an incredible experience!
There are usually locals renting out snorkels on the beach for those of you without one!
Where is it: Talpe just outside Unawatuna (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: October to April
Known for: Giant seas turtles chilling in the shallows 🐢
Coconut Tree Hill
Ok, so not technically a beach, but trust me when I say you HAVE to visit! This cool little spot is just outside Mirissa and not far from the Peacock street art.
Where is it: Just outside Mirissa (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: October to April
Known for: Cool IG spot with palm trees over the water 🌴
Secret Beach, Mirissa
If you’re looking for a tiny secluded beach, Secret Beach in Mirissa is the one for you. It’s kinda that secret that even some of the locals have no clue about it (or they call it something different 😂). If you’re in the Mirissa area and looking for a sunset spot – this is the one!
Where is it: Just outside Mirissa (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: October to April
Known for: Quiet spot away from the crowds 💤
Hiriketiya Beach
Probably my favourite beach in all of Sri Lanka, Hiriketiya or ‘Hiri’ if you’re a local is popular amongst surfers. It’s in a tiny little bay that is again popular with surfers so the vibes are super chill and a great place to hang out. There are a number of different places to eat and drink making it one of those places you could easily get stuck.
If you’re new to surfing you can take lessons or just rent a board from the surf schools on the beach.
Where is it: Just outside Dikwella (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: October to April
Known for: Small bay popular with surfers 🏄
Arugam Bay
Again not technically a beach but if you’re looking to find a new home for 3 months of the year and love surfing -Arugam Bay has your name all over it! This little slice of paradise is on the East Coast of Sri Lanka and is very popular amongst surfers. You’ll find many Aussies, Israelis & many other Europeans hanging out here!
What makes Arugam Bay even more special is the abundance of wildlife in the area. The whole area is surrounded by wetlands so you’ll find a variety of crocodiles, elephants and water buffalo.
Where is it: South East Coast (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: June to October
Known for: Super cool surf community 🌊
Pro tip: Don’t visit Arguam Bay outside of season as it can be a bit of a ghost town. I made the mistake to visit during May and it was DEAD!
Unawatuna Beach
Definitely one of the more popular beaches on the south coast of Sri Lanka. You’ll find narrow golden sandy beaches, restaurants, coffee shops and little beach shacks selling almost anything. Unawatuna is again located within a bay which makes it a safe place to swim and hang out in the calm water.
When I say ‘busy’ I wouldn’t say it’s like tourist spots in Europe or Australia, but compared to other places in Sri Lanka it’s way more popular… but for good reason.
Where is it: Not far from Galle (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: October to April
Known for: Chilled out beach vibes 🤙🏻
Weligama Beach
Again another one of my favourite beaches on the South Coast of Sri Lanka. Weligama is located inside a huge bay and is a super popular place to hang out and learn to surf. When it comes to learning to surf as a newbie, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the safest places to do it!
Again if you already have a few skills and want to just rent a board you can hire one at the surf schools on the beach very easily. Or if you’re looking to polish up your skills and get some advice from the pro’s there is a few knocking around here!
Where is it: Just past Mirissa (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: October to April ☀️
Known for: Great place to hang and learn to surf
If you’re looking for a place to grab some food you absolutely have to visit the rooftop of Hangtime Hostel. You’ll find good coffee and a bunch of different things to satisfy your hunger!
Trincomalee Beach
If you decide to travel to Sri Lanka during the off-season (May-October), you should focus most of your adventure on the East Coast. Trincomalee is an incredible place with a few little beaches scattered up the coast. Trincomalee Beach and Nilaveli are probably the most popular and ones you should definitely check out!
Where is it: Just past Mirissa (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: June to October
Known for: Quiet spot on the East Coast 💤
If you visit between March and August you’ll have a chance to see dolphins and whales on the water.
Dalawella Beach
Most people will be familiar with this place from Instagram, it’s the famous rope swing over the water. Right next to Wijaya Beach that I mentioned earlier you’ll find a beach shack overlooking the water where you can use the rope swing and get your IG on (pretty sure it’s 500lkr per person for 3 swings).
Where is it: Talpe, near Unawatuna (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: October to April
Known for: Sunset palm tree swing 🌅
Hummana Beach Dondra
Not a very well known spot but one to swing by if you have the time. Dondra is known for the big white lighthouse overlooking the ocean. If you’re short on time you can combine Dondra & Hiriketiya Beach!
Where is it: On the peninsula as you go through Matara (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: June to October
Known for: White lighthouse overlooking the water
Behind Galle Lighthouse
If you don’t have time to visit Dondra but still plan to visit Galle you can go just behind the lighthouse there and dip your toes in the ocean. This is a popular place with the locals, especially during sunset and at the weekends!
Where is it: In the Galle Fort (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: June to October
Known for: Little beach inside the Galle Fort 🏖
Koggala Beach
Generally, this place is pretty unknown amongst tourists and even the ones that do visit often refer to it being Unawatuna. If you’re looking to watch the famous stilt fisherman at work this is probably the best place to do it.
The best time to see the locals fishing is early morning or during sunset. Unfortunately, you will get a few ‘fakes’ dotted around that are posing as fishermen or even worse, you’ll get some tourist traps that try and sell you the experience. I’d recommend going stealth and trying to stay under the radar, it’s a pretty cool thing to witness especially considering they are just sat on a big stick fishing!
Where is it: Between Galle and Ahangama (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: June to October
Known for: Famous for stilt fisherman 🎣
Tangalle Beach
With Tangalle being a little off the tourist trail, it’s an easy place to miss and a little harder to get to. If you fancy yourself a 5* resort and a hidden slice of paradise for a week to reset and relax, Tangelle Beach is a perfect place to hang out.
Where is it: Central South Coast (click here for a g/maps link)
When to visit: June to October
Known for: Quiet place to hang out & relax 🏝
