Best Beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is full of scenic and white sand stretched beaches all over the island. Whether you are looking for just relaxation, a bit of partying, or water activities, Sri Lanka has it all! Some beaches are renowned for their surfing scene, all year round warm and tropical weather makes a great base for that. 

 As a visitor, it is easy to roam around the country and find the best beach that suits you. Usually, the monsoon starts between May and September in the western-southern region, and it moves to the eastern part from October to January. 

Therefore, the tourist season as well as the surf season starts in the southern part of Sri Lanka from December to March, as it moves to the eastern cities like Arugam Bay from April to November where the visitors can catch the best and consistent waves in the area. These waves are considered the best on the island for surfing. 

Some of these beaches are desolate and have laid-back vibes, so the visitors can enjoy a calm atmosphere mix of relaxation and water activities and be part of vibrant beach communities. 

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List of 15 of the Best Beaches in Sri Lanka

1) Mirissa Beach
2) Hikkaduwa Beach
3) Unawatuna Beach, Galle
4) Mount Lavenia Beach, Colombo
5) Delft Island Beach, Jaffna
6) Nilaweli and Uppuweli Beaches, Trincomalee
7) Passikudah and Kalkudah Beaches, Batticaloa
8) Arugam Bay Beach
9) Kirinda Beach
10) Tangalle Beach
11) Negombo Beach
12) Weligama Beach
13) Hiriketiya Beach
14) Polhena Beach, Matara
15) Kankasanthurai (KKS) Beach, Jaffna

#1 Mirissa Beach

Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka
Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka

Located on the southern edge of Sri Lanka about 170km from the main capital Colombo, Mirissa Beach Resort has been an attraction among visitors over the past two decades due to its blend of relaxed beach vibes, nature, and entertaining nightlife. 

The beach area tends to be calm and relaxed during the day which is ideal for swimmers, surfers and snorkelers to perform their activities. If you are tired of sunbathing or swimming, just take a hike on the parrot rock which is located in the center of the main beach area. 

The whole Mirissa beach area is visible on top of the parrot rock which has a perfect panoramic view. ‘Coconut Tree Hill’ is a hill full of coconut trees which you can find on the corner of the Mirissa beach. It is also a good hotspot among selfie lovers and photographers.

Usually, the beach converts to a live and entertaining avenue in the evening. You can find beach bars there that play live music all night long.

Best for: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving, Surfing

Read more: Things to Do in Mirissa

#2 Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach, Sri Lanka
Hikkaduwa Beach, Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa is undoubtedly the busiest tourist beach on the southern coastline. There is so much to do in Hikkaduwa; whether you want to surf, snorkel with turtles, swim, or simply chill Hikkaduwa is an ideal place for that. 

Hikkaduwa has been a main tourist spot for a few decades so the local community is very aware of the need for tourism. Hikkaduwa has a vibrant nightlife. Dozens of small bars, homestays, and seaside restaurants offer delicious meals according to all international choices.

Hikkaduwa town is reachable by approximately two hours from Colombo via the southern expressway or by train ride. The beachside is just off the main road, and visitors often complain about the notice of high-speed bus drivers who are competing to overtake each other and the loud noise of sirens. 

Apart from that this small town offers such a relaxing vibe and unforgettable experience for all kinds of visitors.

Best for: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving, Surfing

Read more: Things to Do in Hikkaduwa

#3 Unawatuna​ Beach, Galle

Unawatuna Beach, Galle
Unawatuna Beach, Galle

Located about 6km from its main historical and colonial town Galle, Unawatuna Beach is a scuba divers and snorkelers paradise.

A natural beach called ‘Jungle Beach’ is reachable by a few minutes walk (2km) or a tuk-tuk ride from Unawatuna Beach. Jungle Beach is an isolated and hidden beach surrounded by the jungle that is filled with birds and uncommon animals that are undiscoverable by most visitors. 

The epic chronicle called ‘Ramayana’ is indirectly connected with the mysterious ‘Rumassala Mountain’ which is located just off the jungle beach of Unawatuna.

If someone is looking to swim in calm waves and relax close to nature, Jungle Beach can be an ideal place for that.

Best for: Swimming, Snorkeling, Diving, Surfing

Read more: Things to Do in Galle

#4 Mount Lavinia Beach, Colombo

Mount Lavinia Beach, Colombo
Mount Lavinia Beach, Colombo

If you’d like to move a bit away from the chaotic types of Colombo and relax a bit near the less tourist beach, Mount Lavinia Beach can be a perfect fit for that. 

Located in a 12 km Colombo suburb, the beach comprises of few beach cafes to have meals or head on to the famous Mount Lavinia hotel for a luxurious overnight stay.

Best for: Swimming

Read more: Things to Do in Colombo

#5 Delft Island Beach, Jaffna

Delft Island, Jaffna
Delft Island Beach, Jaffna

The name ‘Deft’ is a city in the Netherlands, that was given by the Dutch during their Era after renaming its old name ‘Ilha das Vaca’ which was given by the Portuguese in the 1600s. 

Not only, the Dutch name the island but they also, brought horses as well, still you can see the unique view of hundreds of horses around this small island of 4700 hectares. Delft Island can be reachable after 40 mins. The ferry ride from Jaffna harbor. 

This ferry is conducted by the Sri Lankan navy mainly to give opportunities for the delft islanders to visit Jaffna back and forth daily basis.

The island is perfect for a day break, plus the sea offers crystal clear blue waters and a white beach, which is perfect for swimming activities.

Best for: Swimming

#6 Nilaweli/Uppuweli/Pigion Island Beaches, Trincomalee

Trincomalee Beaches, Sri Lanka
Trincomalee Beaches, Sri Lanka

Nilaveli and Uppeveli are the two main beaches in Trincomalee district in the East coastal area of Sri Lanka. These beaches separate for only a few minutes walking distance. 

Nilaveli Beach is calmer and has clear waters/white sand also less touristic yet more scenic than Uppeveli Beach. Apart from chilling in the white sand, do not forget to grab a beer from one of the beach bars, restaurants, or star hotels nearby.

‘Pigeon Island’ is considered to be one of the best snorkeling spots in Sri Lanka located about 1km( 20 mins. Boat ride) from Nilaveli beach. There, you have a chance to snorkel with turtles and uncommon varieties of fish while exploring the coral reef. 

Make sure to wear snorkel fins or Water shoes as the coral reef here is too sharp and can be harmful to your feet.

Best for: Swimming, Snorkeling

Read more: Things to Do in Trincomalee

#7 Kalkudah and Passikudah Beaches, Batticaloa

Passikudah Beach Batticaloa
Passikudah Beach Batticaloa

The main city in East Sri Lanka, Batticaloa is located about 2.5 hours ride from Trincomalee district, Which attracts both local and foreign travellers because of its ancient temples and warm sunny weather. 

Beautiful Passikudah beach is located about 30 km from Batticaloa city to the north. Passikudah is considered one of the most scenic beaches in Sri Lanka. This beach offers possibilities for water sports such as Snorkeling, Diving, and Jet skiing. 

While chill, relax, and enjoy the blue waves on the beach, there are few Spas on the beach side offer spar treatments.

Best for: Swimming, Snorkeling

Read more: Things to Do in Batticaloa

#8 Arugam Bay Beach

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Arugam Bay is the main beach located in the Pottuvil district, southeast coast of Sri Lanka.

Arugam Bay is undoubtedly the best surf spot in Sri Lanka offers world-class surfing opportunities and is the venue to host annual surfing competitions. Surfing season starts from May to September. This beach may not be suitable for entry-level surfers as the swells can go up 5 to 10 meters. 

Also, not recommended for novice swimmers due to the strong current.

Kalmunai – Arugam Bay area is the area that was brutally hit by a Tsunami in 2004. All destroyed hotels, restaurants, and residences were reconstructed afterward better than ever.

Visitors have a chance to stumble upon the beach bars and restaurants to enjoy the local delight and grab a drink to enjoy the live music that is happening in the evening.

Best for: Swimming, Surfing

Read more: Things to do in Arugam Bay

#9 Kirinda Beach

Kirinda Beach
Kirinda Beach

Kirinda is a southern coastal village in Sri Lanka located on the edge of southern Sri Lanka

about 10km from the famous tissamaharama sacred city. This sandy beach is perfect for a long walk.

Best for: Swimming,

#10 Tangalla Beach

Tangalla Beach
Tangalla Beach

Tangalle is said to be one of the scenic beaches in the down south coast as well as in Sri Lanka.

 While enjoying the long beachside, don’t forget to visit the ancient and famous Mulkirigala Rock Monastery which is about 20km away from the beachside. 

Best for: Swimming

#11 Negombo Beach

Negombo Beach
Negombo Beach

Negombo is only 20 mins. Away from the main Airport. Upon arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport Sri Lanka, the majority of visitors choose Negombo as their first overnight stay considering the factors such as convenience to get to the city and the relaxed beach vibes the city has to offer.

Often Kitesurfers are entertained in the Negombo beach area, though swimming is not recommended in off off-season due to strong current waves.

Plenty of seaside bars are there to grab drinks taste delicious meals or simply go for a walk on the long white sandy Negombo beach in the evening to see its beautiful sunset which is one of the main highlights of Negombo beach.

Best for: Swimming, Kitesurfing

Read more: Things to Do in Negombo

#12 Weligama Beach

Weligama Beach
Weligama Beach

Weligama lies on the southern coastline of sri lanka about 2 hours from the capital Colombo, and in between other tourist villages Midigama and Mirissa. 

The fishing village of Weligama is now renowned for its surfing scene. Present day, the area is full of tourist arrivals, especially during its high season from December to March when the Weligama beach receives consistent swells from the Indian Ocean. 

Weligama is known to be the best beginner-friendly Beach in the country. The coastline offers laid-back and relaxing vibes and also cheap lodging facilities, which result in an influx of remote workers, surfers, and wellness practitioners for short and long-term stays.

Best for: Swimming, Diving, Surfing

Read more: Things to Do in Weligama

#13 Hiriketiya Beach

Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach

Hiriketiya Beach is reachable within an hour from Mirissa Beach. Hiriketiya Main Beach Bay is the perfect surf sport during its tourist peak months from December to April when the surfing scene is going live on the south coast. 

Even though Hiriketiya doesn’t have as a long history as other surf sports in the country, Hiri Waves offers perfect settings for surfers at all levels to show their skills and learn the game. 

Best for: Swimming, Surfing

Read more: Things to Do in Hiriketiya

#14 Polhena Beach, Matara

Polhena Beach, Matara, Sri Lanka
Polhena Beach, Matara, Sri Lanka

Polhena Beach is located just about 3km from Matara town center, considered one of the scenic beaches on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Turtle Beach is one of the main highlights of this beach where visitors get to swim or snorkel with turtles. 

Which is I guess a memorable experience that any visitor could have. A couple of decades ago this desolate beach now developed to cater to both local and foreign visitors’ needs. The beach is called “Polhena” due to its palm-fringed natural surroundings.

Best for: Swimming, Snorkeling, Surfing

#15 Kankasanthurai (KKS) Beach, Jaffna

Kankasanthurai (KKS) Beach, Jaffna
Kankasanthurai (KKS) Beach, Jaffna

KKS Beach located about 20km from the Jaffna main town center, is one of the two main beaches in Jaffna. The other one is Casuarina Beach. 

The surrounding area of KKS is mainly under the management of Sri Lanka Naval forces. Kankasanthurai lighthouse is located just around the corner of the beach side.

Best for: Swimming

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