After trekking in Ella, exploring Sigiriya, and enjoying an amazing train ride, we finally arrived at the beach towns of Sri Lanka. These beaches made me fall in lpve with this beautiful country.
You can read about the rest of the destinations in Sri Lanka [here]
Getting Around the Beach Towns
The easiest way to get between these towns is by scooter. But if you’re like me and prefer not to drive on the other side of the road in a country where the rules are a bit different (like honking constantly just to pass another car), tuk-tuks are your best bet!
I also recommend the local buses, especially for short trips. Depending on the time, they can be more or less crowded, but the prices are ridiculous (just a few cents), so even someone as spoiled as myself had to give it a try.
Arugam Bay
During the European summer months, tourism in Sri Lanka mostly centers around Arugam Bay. Since I traveled during the Israeli winter, I didn’t get to visit this famous surfing town. But here’s what Guy, a traveler who spent a lot of time in the area, had to say about this fun little town:
Arugam is a surfing town with fewer “attractions” compared to the southwestern coast. It’s really just a small village with many guesthouses and a fancy hotel called The Rock. Unlike the beaches in Mirissa and the surrounding area, this place is more open, with amazing wildlife like elephants, monkeys, and sometimes even iguanas, making it special. The beaches are pristine and most can be accessed via dirt roads.
Recommended Beaches in Arugam:
Elephant Rock Beach – Known for its stunning sunsets over the cliffs.
Lighthouse Beach – A beautiful, secluded beach with eco-friendly guesthouses.
When it comes to food, Guy recommends checking out Hideaway—think of it as a Tel Aviv-style café with a jungle twist. It’s a great spot for evening hangouts, and they even have happy hour early in the evening.
And if you’re vegan or keep kosher, don’t forget to visit Mama’s restaurant, where you’ll find a Sri Lankan buffet at affordable prices!
Got any tips you want to share? Shoot me a message on Facebook or Instagram!
Mirissa
Mirissa might be the most popular beach town in southern Sri Lanka. The town has a main beach (Mirissa Beach) and a smaller one (Secret Beach), along with some sights like the coconut tree hill and Parrot Rock.
Mirissa is definitely touristy, which is refreshing if you’re coming from less-visited places, but it might not be ideal for those seeking peace and secluded beaches. Still, I’d recommend spending two nights there.
For details on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Mirissa, click here.
Weligama
Weligama is one of the top surfing towns in Sri Lanka. It’s the perfect place to learn how to surf, even if you’re starting from scratch. But even if you’re not a surfer, you can still enjoy the stunning beach in Weligama.
The town is very close to Mirissa, so it’s worth hopping on a local bus for a 15-minute ride to experience another amazing spot in Sri Lanka. And if you’re there, don’t miss out on trying Nomads Cafe (just a heads up, many restaurants close at 3 PM!).
Kabalana
Kabalana is a beach town located between Mirissa and Unawatuna, about a 15-minute drive from Weligama. Due to its proximity, it’s a popular spot for surfers looking for accommodation. At the main beach, you’ll find cabanas with shade and a few restaurants and hotels, plus surfing spots suitable for more advanced surfers.
If you want to pamper yourself, you can stay at the Israeli boutique hotel Memo. You can read more about the hotel in my post on hotels and guesthouses in Sri Lanka.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is my favorite beach town. Maybe it’s the three beaches you can visit, the food, and the shopping… but I think it’s just the vibe.
In Unawatuna, you’ll find Jungle Beach, which is located in a small cove, and the famous swing…
Everything you need to know about Unawatuna is right here.
Galle
While Galle isn’t a conventional beach town, it’s located along the coast. If you’re in the beach area and need a break from the sun and sea, it’s worth taking a half-day trip to this Dutch fort town.
You can read more about Galle here.
Here are a few more beaches worth visiting:
Tangalle
Hiriketiya
Yair Cohen, who visited Hiriketiya, really made me regret not going there.
Here’s what Yair had to say about this charming beach town:
Hiriketiya is a perfect balance of tranquility, nature, and people. Tourism here has only just begun, and the economy is primarily based on fishing. Locals offer you a cigarette instead of asking, and they jam with you among the trees on the beach while the waves crash in the ocean.
Prices in the area are a bit higher, and the restaurants and hotels are of very high quality, but with a steeper price tag. Of course, local food is inexpensive, and there are ways to save—if you walk a bit, you’ll find a homestay or bungalow on the beach for around 2000 rupees if you stay more than one night.
If you ride a motorbike for a few minutes, you can reach Blue Beach, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Sri Lanka. It looks like a movie set, and on the day I visited, there was a local film crew shooting a TV series.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a nice beach town loved by many surfers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt58GoshVeR/embed/?cr=1&v=12&wp=1080&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwordpress-629063-2043771.cloudwaysapps.com&rp=%2Fsrilankabeaches%2F%3Flang%3Dhe#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A386645.6000000015%7DBentota
Bentota is the beach town closest to the airport, making it a perfect destination if you’re starting or ending your beach adventure.
