You can find some of the worlds best beaches in Sri Lanka South! If you’re trying to discover which ones are for you, you’re in the right place. Here, we ride down the southwest coast from Bentota to Tangalle and uncover everything you need to know.
Want to know the best surf beaches in Sri Lanka South? Or maybe you’re a foodie looking for the best eats, or want to find a cool spot to chill, with a cocktail in hand.
Perhaps you’re a history and culture buff and want to discover temples, architecture and tales from this glorious land. Well, look no further; we have all the inside gossip about the best beaches in Sri Lanka.
Known affectionately as ‘Down South’ by the locals, every beach on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka has its unique style, whether you’re looking to chill out and relax, party the night away or surf to your heart’s content, this corner of Sri Lanka has it all.
Let’s wind down the coast geographically and start in Bentota.
Bentota
Situated just 65 km south of Colombo, it’s the first beach to be considered as ‘down South’ even though it is technically still on the west coast of the island. I guess it’s a bit like a Londoner saying ‘North of the Watford Gap’!
If you appreciate history, architecture, and beauty, this beach town is worth a visit. You can explore Lunuganga, a fascinating museum that was once the home of Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa.
The magical gardens are sprawling and grand, allowing you to marvel at this legendary architect’s work and explore forty years of its creation. Perched on a river bank, with 10 rooms and suites, each with its own unique style, the property also boasts an infinity pool with stunning views of the lake.
Lunuganga means ‘Salt River’ in Singlahese and it’s said that during the Dutch and British periods, it was used as a cinnamon and rubber plantation. Bawa took it over in 1949 and developed it as his weekend bungalow.
You don’t need to stay here to wonder at the splendour of the place, however, you can book one of the tours of the gardens. With multi-international influences, you can see why these tours are popular with horticultural enthusiasts and tourists alike.
You can ogle at Italian, English and Japanese influences, and feast your eyes on the Italian Renaissance gardens and Japanese garden art. With the water gardens of ancient Sri Lanka bringing the local flavour back to the location, it’s a joy to witness Bawa’s most extravagant creation!
Find more information on staying at the Lunuganga Country Estate here.
Hikkaduwa
From history to music, if a party vibe is your thing, head to Hikkaduwa, where you’ll find nightlife right on the beach. A world-famous beach holiday destination, it became popular in the 1960s and was even nicknamed Hippiduwa!
Tourists flock to the sun, sea and surf and because of this, you’ll find countless hotels and restaurants, from inexpensive local food to high-end 5-star luxury. If it’s a fun night out you’re after then head to Hikkaduwa Beach and party the night away at Funky De Bar, Mambo’s and Vibrations.
You can surf at Hikkaduwa or wait to discover the many, more popular surfing spots further along the coast. The coast is terrific, lined with many fabulous hotels, but not many noteworthy beaches along this stretch until you arrive in the South’s largest city, Galle.
Galle Fort
Any trip to Sri Lanka would not be complete without a visit to the charming Galle Fort. An impressive old fort situated 130km south of the capital, Colombo, this darling spot houses many pretty, colonial villas, which have been turned into quaint luxury boutique hotels.
Sip on an arrack-based cocktail at the award-winning Ropewalk Bar in the Galle Fort Hotel while listening to fantastic live music acts or meander through the cobbled back streets. Explore diverse restaurants offering international cuisines, from Italian to Middle Eastern, while browsing the enticing gift shops nearby.
The Fort has a unique charm and you’d be forgiven if you thought you’d mistakenly stumbled into a little European village.
Head down the steps near the famous lighthouse to the beach and watch the locals take a dip, usually fully clothed! A pebbled beach, you may not be inclined to recline on it, instead sit in one of the restaurants in the old Dutch hospital and watch the vast ocean roll around from Galle Town to Unawatuna.
Dewata Beach
Dewata Beach is a short drive out of Galle Fort. There are many surf schools across this expansive beach with stunning sunsets. With the action of Galle Fort close by, and the beauty of sunset watching, Dewata is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka South.
It is popular with families and travellers alike for its beginner surfer vibe. Children take surf lessons outside The Shack’s popular beach bar, while parents enjoy a tipple, especially on Thursdays after school.
If you want to meet the ex-pat family crowd, these Thursdays have become an institution around here. They serve home-cooked British favourites, like pie and mash, but you can also find specialty Asian foods and sushi from their pop-up kitchen.
You can also spy the luminous Japanese Peace Pagoda poking out of the jungle hills to your left and the stunning, colonial Closenberg Hotel high up to your right.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is next along the coastline and boasts the only beach in this area not to be flanked by the busy Galle Road. It has a charming, winding, beach lane with restaurants, hotels and gift shops on either side.
This is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka South to head to if you want to swim, with much softer waves than most other stretches of the sea along this coastline. It’s a great family beach, the kids can paddle and swim while you relax on a comfy sunbed with a refreshing fruit smoothie.
There are various water sports on offer, including jet skiing, or a glass bottom boat around the headland to the stunning Jungle Beach, for something more family-friendly.
There are lots of dive centres in Unawatuna, so if you’ve never dived before, you can learn. More experienced divers can discover the depths of the ocean bed here too.
When you’ve finished with action for the day, you can relax in a charming bookshop called Wild and the Sage. This cute corner of Unawatuna has become a meeting point for bookworms and foodies alike.
They host activities for all ages, such as Saturday morning Storytime for young children, book clubs, arts, crafts and poetry workshops for adults or older kids. Wild and the Sage also host events and talks featuring well-loved authors.
One of the bookshop owners, Giselle, is the director of the Galle Literary Festival, which is the number one literary festival in the world, according to Harper’s Bazaar, so it’s well worth a visit! For more information, visit their website Galle Literary Festival.
If hiking is your thing, walk up through Rumassala Jungle to Jungle Beach, passing by the stunning, ethereal Japanese Peace Pagoda. It’s quite the sight, a huge, stunning, bright white Buddhist Stupa overlooking the majestic Indian Ocean.
Head down a natural staircase to the beach and swim out in the shallow, crystal-clear waters until you see the regal, white spire of the pagoda staring back at you.
Turtle Beach, Dalawella
There are many beaches in the Unawatuna area. Another must-see gem for your visit is Turtle Beach, Dalawella. This stunning beach, with quite a small stretch of sand compared to other beaches, has restaurants and hotels adorning the shore.
Wijaya Beach
Take a reclining seat at Wijaya Beach, put your feet up and people watch as folk wonder at the magic here. You can step into the shallow waters and allow the huge, ancient sea turtles to swim up to you.
Its one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka South to visit with kids!
It’s such an incredible experience and completely free, securing Wijayas spot as one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka South, just be sure not to touch these incredible creatures. A chance to be at one with nature, it’s an honour to be in their habitat, so soak up the magic all around you.
Thalpe Beach
Our next stop is Thalpe Beach, famous for its natural water pools. The square and rectangular-shaped rock pools are something to see.
An unusual sight on a beautiful beach that was too perfect to be natural, these unique rock pools were carved into the long-dead coral reef. Local villagers created the pools some 50 years ago to soak coconut husks and separate the coir from the husk.
At Thalpe Beach you’ll find the locals bathing in the intriguing rock pools as they are much calmer to laze in. Be mindful that the waves are still rolling and be ready for an unexpected large one to crash over you in these glorious rock pools.
Top tip: The car park will cost you 200 LKR to park, so if you want to avoid that, drive further up the road.
Koggala Beach
Breeze down the coast further, with the sea to your right and the famous railway tracks to your left, and you’ll find Koggala Beach. Here is where you’ll see young Sri Lankan lovers strolling hand in hand, atop the walkway overlooking the ocean, for the view is truly romantic.
This stretch of beach has lots of local eateries where you can watch the stilt fishermen, sitting atop spindly sticks, as if growing up out of the ocean. They sit on top of the sticks with a fishing rod in hand, it’s a lovely and unusual sight to see and is a great photo opportunity.
Behind the beach and over the famous railway line you’ll find Koggala Lake, a great place to take a boat safari. Laze around on the lake or meander through the mangroves, hang with monkeys, spy all kinds of birdlife and if lucky enough, spot a crocodile!
Kabalana Beach
Kabalana Beach is a beautiful beach just outside the popular surf town of Ahangama. It’s a popular spot for families, sun worshippers and surfers alike and undoubtably one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka South.
Still quite undiscovered, unlike the more famous beaches of Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna and Hiriketiya, Kabalana boasts a long stretch of sand framed by coconut palms, with some of the best sunsets on the island.
Whether you want to chill in your own little beach shack made from coconut palms or surf the waves, Kabalana has it all.
Ahangama
Next up is Ahangama, where all the cool kids hang out. The once rickety old town has been transformed in recent years to accommodate the ever-increasing influx of young, gap-year types looking for surf and yoga camps.
Atop the rocks overlooking the ocean, you’ll find trendy bars with fantastic happy hours like Hotel De Uncles. If you want to dance the night away then head to Trax, a supercool garden venue with live international and local bands and DJs.
Ahangama is one of the most popular surf spots on the South Coast, partner it with yoga and you have Sri Lanka’s famous surf camps. There are plenty of hip brunch spots and many boutique shops in the area, selling handmade jewellery, kaftans and surf wear.
If you don’t fancy swimming in the waves and getting salty, head to one of Ahangama’s many pool hangouts. Palm, Dreamsea and The Jam House are but three suggestions of establishments that offer pool hangs with food and drink, without staying in their hotel.
There is an abundance of activities in this area, you could head to a tea plantation nearby without having to hike to Ella. Handungoda Estate is a lovely day out, at just 650 LKR per person you can learn all about the tea industry, sip on tea and eat delicious cake!
If you fancy a bit of culture there’s always a temple to explore. Got more energy? Hire bicycles and tour the lush, green paddy fields, just a few metres from the coastline.
Looking for some inside information on staying in Ahangama? We have a guide to some of the most amazing things to do in Ahangama.
Midigama
Midigama is next on our journey down the coast. A small beach town just after Ahangama, and before Weligama, it’s quieter than its neighbours but it still has a lot to offer.
There are many guest houses and restaurants on the beach to suit your needs. If you want to be near the action but fancy getting out of it to relax, then this spot is for you, think of Midigama as Weligama’s baby brother.
It’s a popular spot to find yourself a surf school and head out to the waves, not to mention the many wellness offerings in this beach town. The best one is Senses, hosting all kinds of yoga classes as well as breathwork, kirtan singing, sound healing and much more.
On Friday nights you must attend their very popular ecstatic dance, where you gather under the stars with your fellow yogis and dance to the rhythm of your soul. With live DJs and musicians curating a playlist to move to, it’s a really special thing to be part of.
No alcohol is allowed. Dance as humans have danced since the dawn of time, uninhibited and free.
Weligama
Weligama is a much bigger town with a thriving surf community that’s also paired with yoga and general wellness activities. Upon driving along the coast to Weligama you’ll encounter a lonesome island jutting out just off the beach, Taprobane Island.
This small island houses just one villa and has attracted many socialites over the years with authors, composers and musicians visiting the island. On the drive into Weligama, you’ll see lots of colourful fishing boats and surfboards flanking the coastline.
Mirissa
We’ve arrived now at Mirissa, a vast popular beach hang spot with lots of bars, restaurants and accommodations to choose from. There’s many a sunset spot to enjoy chill vibes and music, or visit the Instafamous spot of Coconut Tree Hill and check out Secret Beach for a lazy day.
Mirissa has another rocky island just metres from the shore which you can walk out to, it’s an amazing photo opportunity and one of the best snorkelling spots along this coast. The photo opportunities alone place Mirissa as one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka South, so pack your camera and get snapping.
Jump in a tuk-tuk, ride your scooter or brave the disco bus, Sri Lankan buses are complete madness!
If you are brave enough, board one of these extremely fast-moving vehicles that dart along this stretch of the island, stopping for very little along their route. No doubt you’ll remember the experience forever, as you hang on for dear life, all your senses under attack, with blaring local music and flashing lights!
Matara
However you decide to arrive, the next stop along the southwest coast on our look at the best beaches in Sri Lanka is Matara. It is the second largest city in the southern province after Galle and it’s the next place you’ll arrive at upon leaving Mirissa.
There are a lot of attractions to see here, for example, you can walk along a cable-stayed footbridge to a temple on an island outcrop in the ocean. There is another Dutch Fort to behold, built by the Portuguese in 1560, rebuilt by the Dutch in 1640 and stunning to take a walk along the ramparts at sunset.
As well as Buddhist temples, there’s an impressive Dutch Reform Church to contemplate too.
With Matara being a bustling city, the beach here can be easily overlooked by tourists but you’d be missing a hidden gem, as it’s one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka South. If you’re seeking a less crowded, more serene beach experience, then this is your spot.
Dondra Head
Just a 10-minute drive along the coast from Matara you’ll reach Dondra Head, with its impressive white lighthouse standing tall out of the ocean. It’s Sri Lanka’s tallest lighthouse and one of the tallest in the whole of South East Asia!
Fun fact, Dondra is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka and is another little secret away from the main tourist hubs. Feel like a local and head here for some tranquil beach time, mixed with a bit of maritime history.
SK Town Beach
SK Town Beach is another off-the-beaten-track surf spot where beginners and advanced surfers alike while away hours, riding the waves.
Talalla Beach
Talalla Beach is another well-kept secret, away from the usual tourist haunts. This stretch of coast from Matara to Tangalle, with the exceptions of Dickwella and Hiriketiya, is pretty much unspoiled by commercialisation.
Madiha
Madiha, about 4kms from Matara, is a popular but less crowded surf spot, a sleepy town with sandy coves, natural pools and a thriving reef. It’s what Hiriketiya was before the word got out.
Although it has a sleepy vibe there are still enough hotels and restaurants to provide all you need for a pleasant stay. Madiha is more laid-back compared to some of its sister spots, you can even watch turtles while you surf here!
If you’re heading to Madiha for the nightlife, then you have to check out the party nights at The Doctor’s House, it’s a Sri Lankan institution because they run the best parties on the island! One of the best beaches ii Sri Lanka South if you are looking for nightlife!
Set in the ruins of an old hospital and run by two Australians, this place is always pumping. The venue sprawls out into green garden spaces, where you can dance the night away under a blanket of stars.
With events ranging from disco-themed nights, to live bands and DJs, these amazing events are always super popular. There’s a small door charge, which is totally worth it, though arrive early to avoid the queues as all the surf camps in the area come down to party.
Polhena Beach
Next up is Polhena Beach, a popular destination for local people. It’s a nice, safe swim spot, away from the surfers making it a great option for families.
Let the kids play in the water with a snorkel to see what’s under the sea, Polhena Beach is another spot to view those wonderful turtles. It’s worth mentioning that this beach gets pretty crowded at the weekends, so if you’re after a more relaxed day, visit on a weekday morning.
Dickwella Beach
Just before you get to the famous Hiri Beach you have Dickwella Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand with a perfect sunset.
Head to Dickwella for chill, sunset vibes, there’s even an instagrammable swing for your perfect pics. Sit atop the little wooden seat and swing back and forth with the wind in your hair and the dazzling sunset as the backdrop!
Treat yourself to a delicious cocktail at the award-winning Smoke and Bitters, a super cool joint. They host many pop-up events and collaborations with other award-winning bars around Asia.
Hiriketiya
We’ve arrived at the extremely pretty horseshoe bay of Hiriketiya. This stunning gem of a beach has an atmosphere all of its own. Popular again with surfers, you can also take a dip in the sea.
In our opinion, Hiriketiya Beach is one of the absolute best beaches in Sri Lanka South. If you prefer, there is an ‘Ibiza-style’ beach hotel called La Playa with its own pool, facing the ocean, playing funky Balearic beats.
Hiri, as it’s affectionately known, has a bohemian vibe, whether you’re into boho chic or a rustic beach bar you’ll find it all. Here, high-end cocktail bars and fancy coffee shops are next to family-run beach shacks and food trucks selling authentic local cuisine.
The famous Dots Bay House has entertainment every night from popular international and local artists, live DJs and bands. Dots also has a yoga school and accommodation as do many other establishments on this beach.
Blue Beach Island
Blue Beach Island is a memorable spot near Dickwella and Hiriketiya, just 50 metres off Nilwella Beach. You can reach the island by walking along the thin, golden sand strip with the ocean on either side, another great Instagram shot!
You can even camp on this little island, just imagine bedding down with a belly full of fresh barbequed seafood, caught right from the ocean you’re sleeping beside, after watching the most incredible sunset. Wake up in the morning, feeling refreshed and ready for a sunrise snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.
Hummanaya Blow Hole
Hummanaya Blow Hole is sandwiched between Hiriketiya and Mawella beaches and it’s the second largest blowhole in the world!! It might not be listed as one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka South, but it is a must-see natural attraction in Sri Lanka.
The water can reach heights of 25 to 30 metres when it shoots triumphantly up in to the air, an impressive sight to see during the southwest monsoon season. A true spectacle to behold for anyone visiting this area.
You can reach the blowhole via a beautiful scenic walk, through charming local villages and the dazzling picturesque coast. If you want to witness this amazing force of nature up close then make time to head here on your trip to Hiriketiya Beach.
Mawella Beach
Mawella Beach is an unspoilt gem, on your way out of Hiriketiya, heading towards Tangalle. Here you’ll find just a few coloured fishing boats on the sand but not much else, apart from beauty as far as the eye can see.
Be sure to take a dip in the pool at Halcyon and dine on their delicious fayre, washed down with delicious fresh beverages. You will feel very special knowing you’ve found this hidden gem away from the main tourist spots.
Tangalle
We’ve arrived at our final destination! Tangalle, is the last stop along our trip, riding the waves of the best beaches in Sri Lanka South.
With a charming, sleepy village feel, this beach is well worth a visit if you want to literally switch off for a few days. Rent a beach hut right on the sand and be hypnotised by the vast, majestic, rolling ocean before you.
Walk down the sandy beach lane which is dotted with local eateries, to the ocean. You must pay a visit to Ceylon Excel, a family business, run from their home, serving up delicious traditional Sri Lankan food at local prices, all dishes are yummy and made with love.
There! We made it! Did you enjoy yourselves?
As you can see, there is no shortage of amazing beach options in Sri Lanka and this is just one corner of this stunning island! Be sure to check out the beaches on the East and West coasts too, each with their unique vibe.
What more is there to do? Book your flight, pack your swimming gear and get ready to take the trip of your dreams on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka!