Sri Lanka boasts many beautiful beaches. Some offer long stretches of fine sand, while others can be more rugged yet still alluring.
At any time of the year, Sri Lanka offers gorgeous beaches that remain relatively uncrowded – perfect for relaxing. Also consider surfing at Arugam Bay or whale-watching in Trincomalee!
1. Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna beach is an idyllic banana-shaped bay framed with fine sand and turquoise waters, and one of Sri Lanka’s most visited tourist spots. There are restaurants on both ends of the beach as well as hotels and resorts located right along its waterfront that offer comfortable rooms with stunning ocean views.
Water conditions here are ideal for swimming, while coral reefs provide easy access for snorkeling or diving trips. It is also an ideal spot for relaxation – particularly early in the morning or late in the day when temperatures are calm and cooling off.
Rent a hammock or lounge chair and watch the waves crash against the shore while relaxing with a drink or snack from nearby cliffs for breathtaking ocean views. Plus there are shops and stalls at the beach offering souvenirs or other keepsakes of your time spent here; short drive from here lies Galle, home to even more stunning ocean views and lovely old buildings!
2. Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach in Sri Lanka’s far south is an amazing destination. Boasting an exquisite horseshoe-shaped bay lined with palm trees, Hiriketiya is the ideal location to unwind and recharge while surfing can also be fun thanks to both an exhilarating point break for experienced surfers as well as a more laidback beach break for newcomers.
Dickwella, located near Hiriketiya Beach, also provides visitors with much to see and do. It makes an ideal base from which to explore other beaches nearby such as Blue Beach or rocky Dickwella Beach; plus you’ll have ample opportunity to photograph its breathtaking purple sunsets!
Other activities available to visitors in the area include exploring the Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya Temple, which stands out from other Buddhist temples by featuring a tunnel with scenes from hell! Additionally, don’t miss visiting Dondra Lighthouse which sits at the southernmost tip of the island and makes for a stunning sight.
3. Arugam Bay
East coast surfers’ paradise. World-famous waves draw visitors, while its laid back hippie vibe attracts budget travelers looking to combine surfing with visits to remote beaches, historic temples and national parks.
Arugam Bay’s prime season for visiting is from June to August, when its waves reach their maximum power and party atmosphere can be experienced. Even outside this period, however, its weather remains beautiful but resorts may be less crowded.
Arugam Bay offers many exciting activities, from sunbathing on its long beach curve and watching surfers catch perfect waves to taking a boat tour out into the sea to whale and dolphin watch, not forgetting some funky places to eat and boutique shops selling everything from T-shirts to handmade shell souvenirs.
An unforgettable highlight of staying in Arugam Bay is experiencing its lagoon safari. This tour allows guests to witness local wildlife like crocodiles, monitor lizards and elephants that reside in its pristine wetlands. Additionally, Pigeon Island’s protected marine park offers ample opportunity for marine wildlife spotting; or diving beneath its surface to discover multicolored coral gardens and shipwrecks await exploration!
4. Hikkaduwa Beach
Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast boasts beautiful beaches and coral reefs that attract both families, surfers, and solo travelers alike. Additionally, this beach town is known for its sea turtle population as well as its relaxed ambience.
Hikkaduwa’s coral reef, which is protected by local authorities, is one of the city’s top attractions. Here you can snorkel and spot aquatic wildlife like colourful fishes and sea turtles. Alternatively, glass-bottom boat tours allow visitors to see this natural attraction without getting wet; just make sure that when booking with an established company so as not to damage its delicate ecosystem.
Hikkaduwa offers many resorts, restaurants and spas – making it an excellent destination for luxurious vacationers looking for a truly relaxing beach experience. Sunset can be especially beautiful here when orange hues infuse the sand, making this beach even more stunning at times! Additionally, Hikkaduwa’s beach offers unparalleled sea turtle viewing; in fact, November to April is considered an optimal time period to visit this remarkable stretch of sand.
5. Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach offers white sand and calm waters, providing an idyllic environment for sunbathing and relaxing. Surrounded by palm trees and restaurants and bars offering drinks made from coconuts, Mirissa is also known as an excellent spot for snorkeling around reefs and rocks, or surfing on large waves; spectacular sunrises and sunsets make Mirissa an unforgettable destination!
Polhena Beach lies just south of Mirissa and is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for watching sea turtles in their natural environment. These stunning sea creatures love basking on warm, calm waters – an amazing sight indeed! Additionally, Wewurukannala Vihara houses an enormous 50m-tall Buddha statue and provides a scenic spot.
Tangalle Beach lies between Mirissa and Weligama in Sri Lanka and is one of its most beautiful beaches, famed for its incredible sunset views – ideal for taking Instagram-worthy photographs! Additionally, Tangalle offers stilt fishing; something exclusive to this region.
6. Pasikuda & Kalkudah Beach
Pasikuda offers an alternative experience from Sri Lanka’s West Coast where large package-holiday hotels dot fine stretches of beach with large resort hotels; instead it remains relatively peaceful destination, featuring a spit of beach that separates an expansive lagoon from Indian Ocean with decent swimming, watersports and lifeguard services all draw families here for holidays or vacations.
Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate Kattankudy’s outer bay, home to numerous coral reefs surrounded by numerous other marine communities and proposed as a marine sanctuary. A visit to Kattankudy Heritage Museum should also be on any outdoor enthusiast’s itinerary; here you’ll find ancient versions of Qurans as well as recreations depicting Muslim cultural history and heritage.
Pasikuda Beach in Sri Lanka is one of the most stunning stretches, making it a prime choice for nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful holiday. Additionally, Pasikuda is popular among water enthusiasts seeking competitive windsurfing or water skiing activities as well as boat excursions where travellers may see dolphins or whales swimming freely in their natural environments. As with any tourist location, pickpocketing is common, so visitors should exercise caution when carrying cash or valuables in public spaces.
7. Uppuveli Beach
Uppuveli Beach lies north of Trincomalee and provides an oasis of serenity on Sri Lanka’s east coast beachfront. Featuring wide ivory sands and lush green palm trees, its wide ivory sands make an idyllic setting for relaxing beach days or photo op sessions with your squad. Plus it provides great snorkeling/diving spots as shallow waters are protected by coral reefs from potential dangers underneath the waves!
Its serene beach is notable for being relatively uncrowded even during December-January months; only local families and couples occupy nearby huts. Thanks to being protected from strong Indian Ocean currents, its sandy sands create a safe lagoon suitable for swimming; furthermore, water temperatures remain relatively warm even in cold climates.
Uppuveli Beach in Sri Lanka offers one of the finest beach experiences for both swimming and relaxing on its sandy shores, making it an excellent alternative to Unawatuna’s hectic and touristic atmosphere. Surrounded by various resorts and guest houses, finding accommodation that fits within your budget should not be difficult here.
