Sri Lanka is a paradise for beach lovers. Its 1,300-plus coastline is a true tropical haven, offering golden sands, swaying palms, turquoise waters, world-class surf breaks, tranquil bays and hidden coves. Whether you are chasing the perfect wave, craving a hammock nap under a coconut tree, or yearning for a secluded sunset with nothing but footprints in the sand, Sri Lanka’s shores offer it all. Here’s a complete guide to the best beaches in Sri Lanka – handpicked for sun-seekers, surf enthusiasts and relaxation hunters alike.
Unawatuna – A Tropical Classic with Charm
Just a short tuk-tuk ride from Galle, Unawatuna is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beaches. Fringed by palm trees and a turquoise bay, the crescent-shaped beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Unawatuna’s lively beachside cafes, boutique hotels, yoga retreats and beach bars attract a diverse mix of backpackers and honeymooners.
For a serene escape, wander towards Jungle Beach, a hidden cove accessed via a short hike through the Rumassala jungle. This little gem offers a more private setting, crystal-clear waters and ideal snorkelling conditions. And for some serious panoramic sunset views, visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda on the nearby hill.
Mirissa – Surf, Swim and Whale Watch
If you’re chasing coastal adventures and beach bliss with just the right balance of buzz and tranquillity, Mirissa is your sweet spot. This palm-lined beach perfects itself for sunbathing during the day and mellow partying at night with lantern-lit dining right on the sand.
Mirissa is also one of the world’s top whale-watching hubs, especially from November to April when blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins come to play off the coast.
For surfers, the waves at Mirissa Point are beginner-friendly, while nearby Weligama (a 10-minute drive away) offers consistent surf for learners with plenty of surf schools and mellow breaks. At low tide, the top of Parrot Rock offers stunning views of the coastline.
Weligama – Laid-back Vibes and Surf for All Levels
A blend of traditional fishing culture and modern surf-town energy, Weligama is one of Sri Lanka’s most versatile beach destinations. Its name, meaning “Sandy Village,” suits it perfectly—the beach stretches out in a sweeping bay where mellow waves roll in rhythmically, making it one of the best beginner-friendly surf spots on the island.
The charm of Weligama goes beyond surfboards. You can spot the iconic stilt fishermen perched on wooden poles, a postcard image unique to Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Weligama is only a 10-minute drive from Mirissa, making it easy to combine both destinations for a sun-soaked coastal experience.
Tangalle – Where Luxury Meets Seclusion
Located on the southern coast, Tangalle is the go-to destination for travellers seeking solitude, luxury and unspoiled coastal beauty. The beaches here – Silent Beach, Goyambokka and Mawella are pristine stretches of sand, often with hardly another soul in sight. Hiriketiya Beach (just outside Tangalle) is a crescent-shaped cove fast becoming a surfer’s paradise and digital nomad favourite.
Tangalle’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect for barefoot luxury and romantic getaways. Boutique resorts nestled atop headlands and hidden among coconut groves offer wellness retreats, candlelit dinners and spa treatments. The sound of ocean waves and rustling palm leaves provides a soothing background melody. While some stretches are not ideal for swimming due to strong currents, the visual drama of the Indian Ocean crashing onto the cliffs, rocks, and sands is mesmerising to watch.
Arugam Bay – The Surf Mecca
No list of Sri Lankan beaches is complete without mentioning Arugam Bay, located on the island’s east coast. Revered among the global surf community, “A-Bay” is home to some of Asia’s best right-hand surf breaks, with waves that attract both pros and beginners.
The main point break is ideal from May to October when the East Coast is in its peak season. Outside of surfing, Arugam Bay’s laid-back vibe, bohemian cafes, beachfront cabanas and reggae-infused nights give it a unique charm. Combine offbeat adventures with your beach breaks here by exploring the nearby Lahugala National Park and Pottuvil Lagoon.
Nilaveli & Uppuveli – East Coast Serenity
North of Trincomalee on the east coast lie Nilaveli and Uppuveli, twin beaches famed for powdery white sand, gentle azure waters, and laid-back ambience. These stretches are perfect for swimming, relaxing and unwinding far from the busy beaches of the south.
Nilaveli is ideal for day trips to Pigeon Island National Park, where you can snorkel among colourful coral reefs, reef sharks and vibrant fish. The marine life here is among the best in the country. Uppuveli, meanwhile, is more popular for beachside guesthouses, bonfires and easy-going nightlife. The East Coast offers the perfect alternative when rains soak the south.
Kalpitiya – Kitesurfing, Dolphins and Whales
Tucked away on the northwest coast, Kalpitiya is a hidden gem ideal for its kite surfing, dolphin watching and eco-friendly tourism. With flat water lagoons and consistent wind conditions from May to October, it is one of the top kite surfing destinations in Asia.
Beyond adventure sports, the peninsula is also home to vast stretches of untouched beaches, mangrove forests and sandbanks. The waters off Kalpitiya are a great place to witness spinner dolphins, often in pods of hundreds and sightings of whales.
Bentota – Family Fun and Watersports
Just two hours south of Colombo, Bentota, on the southwest coast, is one of the most accessible and family-friendly beach towns in Sri Lanka. Known for its wide sandy beaches and tranquil sea, Bentota is perfect for leisurely swims and beach games.
What sets it apart is the array of watersports on offer – from jet-skiing and banana boating to snorkelling and diving. The nearby Bentota River is ideal for boat safaris and kayaking, while luxury resorts offer spas, infinity pools and gourmet dining.
Rekawa – Where Turtles Nest Under Starlight
For travellers dreaming of pristine, untouched coastlines and unforgettable wildlife encounters, Rekawa Beach is a true gem. Located east of Tangalle, Rekawa is one of the most significant sea turtle nesting sites in the country. Every year, five species of sea turtles, including the endangered green turtle and leatherback, come ashore here to lay their eggs under the cover of night. Rekawa is known for its ethical and conservation-focused turtle watches, conducted by local guides and conservationists who work to protect these magnificent creatures.
The beach is wild, windswept and breathtaking, forming a long stretch of soft sand bordered by palms and framed by rolling waves. It’s not ideal for swimming due to strong currents, but it more than makes up for it with its raw beauty and tranquil atmosphere. During the day, Rekawa is almost deserted, perfect for peaceful walks, meditation, or simply soaking in the wildness of the landscape.
Koggala – Quiet Shores and Cultural Encounters
Tucked between the lively beach towns of Unawatuna and Mirissa, Koggala is a sleepy town offering a quiet coastal escape. Its long, uncrowded beach is ideal for peaceful walks, yoga at sunrise, or simply soaking in the rhythmic lull of the waves.
But Koggala is more than just a pretty beach – it’s a cultural treasure trove. Inland from the shore lies Koggala Lake, a tranquil lagoon speckled with small islands and lush mangroves. A boat ride across the lake reveals cinnamon plantations, ancient temples and even a 13th-century Buddhist monastery.
Literature lovers will also find a special connection here as the birthplace of Martin Wickramasinghe, one of Sri Lanka’s celebrated authors. His ancestral home is a folk museum that gives fascinating insight into traditional Sri Lankan life. Koggala is also a great place to witness stilt fishing, a dying art form still practised by a few along this stretch of coast.
Curating Every Beach Bliss Under the Sun
The island of Sri Lanka is a coastal haven blessed with contrast, staggering beauty and year-round sunshine. Whether you are after the surf swells of Arugam Bay, the serenity of Nilaveli, the party pulse of Mirissa, or the luxe retreats of Tangalle, there’s a perfect stretch of sand waiting to appease your beach expectations.
From secret coves to sun-drenched sands, from barefoot adventures to refined indulgence, Blue Lanka Tours helps you discover the spectacular coast of Sri Lanka the way you want. Crafting mindfully curated, tailor-made travel for every wanderlust soul, we make your travel goals our inspiration. From airport pickup to drop-off, we design guided private tours with style and substance. Travel with Blue Lanka Tours for meaningful encounters, authentic experiences, deeper insights and renewed perceptions.