15 Best Beaches In Sri Lanka: Do Not Miss These!
- Kate Colliety
- Sep 19
- 10 min read
Sri Lanka boasts over 1,300 kilometers of stunning coastline, but finding the perfect beach can be overwhelming. Whether you're seeking world-class waves, pristine swimming spots, or secluded stretches of sand, this guide covers 15 incredible beaches across Sri Lanka's south and east coasts, complete with the best times to visit and what to expect.
When we arrived in Sri Lanka, we had no idea what to expect. With no fixed itinerary, we spent 8 weeks driving our own tuk tuk around the island, discovering what we now think are some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka - if not South Asia.
Being an island, Sri Lanka has no shortage of coastline. Some areas have been developed to the max, fuelling mass tourism and sometimes unethical practices (more on that below!) However, if you stray a little further afield, dare to go rummaging through palm trees, you’ll find empty, untouched beaches perfect for swimming, epic surf breaks, or that perfect middle ground: laid-back spots with enough facilities but still full of authentic Sri Lankan charm.
This blog includes a little bit of everything, as that’s how we like to travel. We’ll share the rugged beaches of Tangalle, the up and coming Trincomalee beaches, quiet gems like Koggala Beach, the surf spots of Weligama, Hiriketiya and Arugam Bay, and of course, touch on the most famous beach spots of Mirissa, Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna.
Right then beach bum, let’s dive into the best beaches in Sri Lanka!
Contents
1. Weligama Beach - Best Beginner Surf Beach In Sri Lanka
2. Mirissa Beach - The Best All-Round Beach Destination In Sri Lanka
3. Hiriketiya Beach - A Surf Haven
4. Tangalle Beach - Best Quiet Beach in Sri Lanka
5. Jungle beach - Our Favourite Beach in Tangalle
6. Silent Beach - Hidden Beach in Sri Lanka
7. Goyambokka Beach - Best Swimming Beach in Tangalle
8. Unakuruwa Beach - Hidden Surf Beach Near Tangalle
9. Rekawa Beach - Best Beach In Sri Lanka For Turtle Watching
10. Midigama Beach - Hidden Gem in Sri Lanka
11. Koggala Beach - Uncrowded Beach in Sri Lanka
12. Uppuveli Beach - Best Beach in Trincomalee
13. Nilaveli Beach - Best Swimming Beach in Trincomalee
Sri Lanka’s Best Beaches Map
Best Beaches On Sri Lanka’s South Coast
Season: November - April
Surf: Beginners & Intermediate Surfers
Swimming: Possible to swim but crowded with surfers
Weligama is the largest bay in Sri Lanka and home to a long, gentle reef break which attracts surfers from all over the world. It is one of our favourite beach towns in Sri Lanka and the best place to learn to surf. We’d recommend joining a surf camp or if you only have a couple of days head to the beach and get a lesson - it’s the main reason people come to Weligama.
The beach itself is a long crescent of sand and the perfect place to watch the sun go down. We grabbed a couple of cold drinks and watched locals play cricket in golden hour, a perfect evening after a long day catching waves.
Season: November - April
Surf: Intermediate Surfers
Swimming: One of the best swimming beaches in Sri Lanka
Mirissa Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka - and for good reason. We visited in November and the sea was a little rough but it provided us with endless entertainment in the breaking waves, making it one of the best swimming beaches in Sri Lanka. Once exhausted we would tumble out and choose the beachfront bar for the day.
We often grabbed fried rice and a coconut for lunch in Oneworld Wifi Cafe before sunbathing in the afternoon. Mirissa Beach also offers jet ski rentals, and we enjoyed watching them zipping across the waves each day or if you want a more relaxing time you could do the canoeing experience.
Our favorite part of the beach was the western end away from the busy road and tourist area and home to the surf break although we also enjoyed our adventure to Parrot Rock which sits central on the arc of sand. At low tide, the eastern end of Mirissa Beach connects to Secret Beach, another one of the best hidden beaches in Sri Lanka, and eventually leads to the famous Coconut Tree Hill Viewpoint.
Season: November - April
Surf: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Surfers
Swimming: One of the best swimming beaches in Sri Lanka
Hiriketiya beach, often called ‘Hiri’ is a horseshoe bay with two surf breaks, beachfront cafes, and soft, powdery sand. Although the beach gets crowded you can always find a place to sit and enjoy the Sri-Lankan sun rays. If you're not into surfing or just want a break, swimming in the sea is just as fun. The big crashing waves will pound and toss you around.
Hiriketiya earned its place on our best beaches in Sri Lanka list because we loved it so much, we ended up visiting twice during our 2-month trip. The draw of salty lips, epic waves and powdery sand was too much.
We also heard great things about Dikwella Beach, just next door, but we never made it. Hiriketiya had us completely hooked!
Season: November - April
Surf: None
Swimming: In designated areas
If you’re looking for a quiet escape along the south coast, Tangalle is one of the least visited beach towns in Sri Lanka. Tangalle beach has the usual bars lining the sand, seafood restaurants and hotels but without the crowds you’ll find in Mirissa and Unawatuna.
Tangalle Beach has strong currents and rougher seas than other parts of Sri Lanka. To make swimming possible several large manmade rock barriers have been created to form safe swimming spots. During our time at Tangalle beach we did swim everyday but you will feel the pull and strength of the ocean.
Tangalle is the gateway to many more of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, including the next 5 below:
Season: November - April
Surf: None
Swimming: Strong currents and powerful waves
Jungle Beach is probably one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka! A single palm tree stretched perpendicular to the sea created a break in the wall of jungle that backed right onto the beach.
There’s nothing to do here, no bars, no loungers, no shops - just raw nature and we loved it!
Season: November - April
Surf: None
Swimming: Strong currents and powerful waves
Silent Beach is the best beach in Tangalle to escape the crowds while still being able to grab some local food from a seaside shack.
When we visited, the sea was rough and the powerful waves made swimming unsafe. Still, the dramatic shoreline provided a stunning backdrop for photos on an almost deserted beach.
Several beach bars line the sand, perfect for a refreshing drink, but for a delicious lunch, we highly recommend The Lobster Pot, famous for its fresh daily seafood.
Season: November - April
Surf: None
Swimming: One of the best swimming beaches near Tangalle
Goyambokka Beach, just 12 minutes from Tangalle, is a calm, reef-protected bay perfect for swimming which is rare around Tangalle.
Known for its postcard-perfect palm-lined shore, honey-coloured sand, and beach bars with sun loungers and affordable cocktails.
To reach the stunning horseshoe bay that is gaining in popularity you need to walk down a narrow, tucked-away alleyway which is luckily signposted.
Season: November - April
Surf: Famous Reef Break
Swimming: Suitable for swimming
Unakuruwa Beach is a stunning stretch of sand just outside Tangalle, known for its famous reef break and luxury resorts that back directly onto the beach. It’s one of the best surf beaches near Tangalle, popular with more experienced surfers looking to ride the right-hand reef.
We only had time to catch a glimpse of Unakuruwa, just enough time to spot the iconic palm tree swing, the waves rolling in, and the peaceful, uncrowded vibe. Sadly, we didn’t get to stay and surf, but that’s just another reason to return!
If you’ve been, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.
Season: April - July (for turtle sightings)
Surf: None
Swimming: Not suitable for swimming
If you want a beach with a wild, untouched feel and an incredible wildlife experience, Rekawa Beach is a must. This long, remote stretch of coast near Tangalle is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see sea turtles nesting in the wild.
Rekawa is home to a long-running turtle conservation project, set up to protect both turtles and their eggs from poaching. Since 2006, the beach has been a protected sanctuary, with local villagers working as guides and educators for nightly tours.
Every evening around 8:30 PM, visitors can join the official Rekawa Turtle Watch, where you might witness turtles laying eggs or, if you're lucky, see baby hatchlings making their way to the sea. Tours cost 2,000 LKR and are strictly no-touch, red-light only, and designed to keep disruption minimal.
Hikkaduwa Beach, is also known for turtles in Sri Lanka. However, Hikkaduwa Beach does not make our list of best beaches in Sri Lanka as what we saw was unethical, crowded and not our cup of tea!
Season: November - April
Surf: Intermediate & Advanced Surfers
Swimming: Suitable for swimming
When we visited Midigama Beach, we had it all to ourselves: just us, the palms, and the shimmering Indian Ocean. This hidden gem is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or watching surfers carve the waves. A few beachside vendors sell fresh coconuts, but that’s about it.
Quieter than nearby Weligama or Mirissa, Midigama is a favourite among intermediate to advanced surfers, with reef breaks like Coconuts, Plantation Point, Rams, Lazy Left, and Lazy Right just offshore.
Season: November - April
Surf: None
Swimming: Suitable for swimming during dry season but no lifeguards
Somewhat of a hidden gem, Koggala Beach is two miles of pristine golden sand, sandwiched between the stunning Indian Ocean and Sri Lankan Jungle. While other beaches in the area tend to draw crowds, when we visited, we were the only ones there, on what felt like the biggest beach we’d seen in all of Sri Lanka.
Each evening, a mist from the Indian Ocean would perfectly roll across the beach drifting into the jungle, causing everything to feel like something out of a retro movie, with the orange glow of the sunset shining through. A truly breath-taking beach, with some of the best sunsets we’ve ever seen, all to ourselves.
Unawatuna
We can’t write a list of best beaches on Sri Lanka’s south coast without including Unawatuna. We however, didn’t visit due to the stories of overcrowding and large resort style infrastructure. If you think we’re wrong and it deserves a place on this list please let us know in the comments.
Best Beaches on Sri Lanka’s East Coast
Season: May - September
Surf: None
Swimming: Suitable for swimming
Uppuveli Beach offers the perfect contrast to Sri Lanka's busy south coast beaches and is the ideal off-the-beaten-track destination for travellers seeking authentic beach experiences in Sri Lanka.
The beach itself is golden and powdery, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. You’ll find a small cluster of beachside bars and restaurants, like Fernando’s Beach Bar, where you can relax with a drink and watch the sunset.
Season: May - September
Surf: None
Swimming: Suitable for swimming (lifeguards)
Nilaveli Beach is one of the best swimming beaches on Sri Lanka’s east coast, with lifeguards positioned on the beach. The beach is large with plenty of space but lacks shade, we didn’t notice any sun lounges or umbrellas for hire so keep this in mind when you visit.
The beach stretches along the coastline dotted with colourful fishing boats and there are a few vendors selling trinkets on the dusty road leading up to the sand. This beach felt local, undiscovered and beautiful, definitely one to add to your Sri Lanka itinerary!
Season: May - September
Surf: None
Swimming: Dangerous currents, swimming not advised
Although Nilaveli Beach and Uppuveli Beach are better suited for sunbathing or going for a swim, Dutch Bay Beach makes the list of best beaches in Sri Lanka for one reason: there are deer on the beach!
The tame deer can be seen hiding in the shade under palm trees and fishing boats, an unusual sight, one you don’t see elsewhere in Sri Lanka.
Season: May - September
Surf: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Surf
Swimming: Suitable for swimming
We’ve saved the best east coast beach to last (well, in our opinion). Arugam Bay is the surf mecca of the east, its peak season is during the south monsoon meaning surfers flock here instead.
We loved our time in Arugam Bay, there are beginner, intermediate and advanced surf spots and the vibe around the town is chilled, laid-back and dreamy.
Oh, and did we mention there are wild elephants roaming around!
Essentials You Need For Sri Lanka
 | Surfing Accessories Sri Lanka is a surfers paradise and it's also great for beginners with multiple surf spots being a sandy bottom. Don't forget a zinc sun cream and surf hat!
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 | LifeStraw Filtered Water Bottle Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind plus you’re helping the environment! |
 | Binoculars For SafariHome to leopards, elephants and crocodiles having a pair of binoculars is a must to appreciate the wildlife Sri Lanka has to offer! |
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Top Tips For Travelling Sri Lanka
Rent a Tuk Tuk as Transport - This made our trip! Not only did we have complete freedom and flexibility it allowed us to have authentic relationships with locals. Use our code "KandM" for 5% off Tuktuk Rental
Stay in Homestays - Staying in local homestays meant we experienced authentic food and the local way of life. Everyone was extremely friendly and happy to help.
Don’t Forget the North - Many tourists stick to the south coast but if you have time explore places such as Anuradhapura, Trincomalee and Arugam bay!
Embrace The Chaos and get stuck in, the locals are friendly and love to help and share information about their home!
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Sri Lankan adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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