Mirissa is like the vacation town of Sri Lanka—a perfect mix of sun, sea, and parties.
It’s one of the most popular seaside spots in the south, located a quick drive from places like Weligama and other beach towns. The vibe here is relaxed, but with just the right amount of energy for a fun holiday.
The town’s main beach is Mirissa Beach, but there’s also the more low-key Secret Beach if you’re after some extra chill time. Along the shore, you’ll find cute bars and restaurants serving fresh juices, Sri Lankan staples, and even some pretty great Western food too.
Just across from the beach, you’ve got the bustling main road where tuktuks and buses whiz by (watch out, there’s no pavement!). After a day or two, you’ll get the hang of dodging traffic and figuring out where to grab some more great eats.
What to do in Mirissa?
Coconut Tree Hill
This spot is about a 10-minute walk from the central beach and has, you guessed it, tons of coconut trees. It’s a super photogenic spot, especially at sunset.
Pro tip: Google the sunset time and head over about 40 minutes before to snag a good spot before the crowds arrive. The view is beautiful even before the sun dips down.
Parrot’s Rock
During low tide, the sea splits just enough to give you access to Parrot’s Rock, which is a small rock formation off the main beach.
You’ll need to wade through some water depending on the tide, but the best time to visit is early morning at sunrise—this is when you’ll catch the local fishermen coming in with their haul.
Mirissa Beach
The main beach is a lovely spot with calm water. Even during peak season, it wasn’t too packed, though definitely touristy.
Secret Beach
If you’re after something a bit more secluded and picturesque, Secret Beach is the way to go. It’s a bit of a trek to get there, but totally worth it for a peaceful vibe.
Where to eat in Mirissa?
Smoothie Bowls at Shady Lane & Aloha Coffee Gallery
One of the best ways to beat the heat in Mirissa is with a refreshing smoothie bowl. You can’t go wrong with either Shady Lane or Aloha Coffee Gallery, both of which serve up epic smoothie bowls and killer avocado toast. Seriously, don’t make me pick between the two—they’re both top-notch!
Seafood & Vegan Options at Zephyr
Zephyr is perfect for groups with mixed diets. They’ve got everything from avocado toast to baked potatoes and stuffed peppers. Whether you’re vegan or not, you’ll leave happy.
Lebanese Food at La La Land
With a great view, comfy low seats, and a live band, La La Land is a nice spot to grab some Lebanese food. Just keep in mind, the portions are on the smaller side. They also offer tent accommodations if you’re feeling adventurous.
Vegetarian Food at Pachamama
This place was pretty empty when we visited, which was a shame because the food was delicious. I had vegan pancakes with a Sri Lankan maple syrup that was so good, and they also serve chia pudding and smoothie bowls.
Italian Food at O Cafe Mirissa
Craving Italian? O Cafe serves up all the pizza and pasta you could want. I went for the pasta with tomato sauce, and it hit the spot.
Nomads Cafe in Weligama
A short 15-minute drive from Mirissa, Nomads Cafe in Weligama is an absolute must for vegans. Their poke bowl is fantastic, and the pancakes with caramelized bananas? Insanely good.
Where to stay in Mirissa?
For the best experience, stay near the main beach—unless you’ve got a moped to zip around, then you can opt for something more remote.
We stayed in a cute hotel near Parrot’s Rock, and it was perfect, just make sure to avoid places right on the main road. The early morning noise from the tuktuks and the “ice cream car” (basically a tuk-tuk selling bread while blasting music) will not be your favorite alarm clock.
Instead, look for a guesthouse or hotel down one of the quieter streets like Beachside Rd. You’ll still be close to the beach and all the restaurants, but you’ll actually be able to sleep past 6 AM!
