Our guide to the best beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a great travel destination, offering a huge variety of experiences within a relatively compact area. Brilliant wildlife, tea plantations, ample hiking opportunities, Sinhalese culture, colonial architecture, fragrant cuisine… Whatever draws you to Sri Lanka, most people will want to spend at least a few days on the beach, too. So, whether you are beach-hopping the coast or tagging a few days of relaxation on the tail end of a trip, Sri Lanka’s ample coastline will provide. We often get asked about the best beaches in Sri Lanka, so here’s a round-up of the country’s finest stretches of sand.

Best beaches in Sri Lanka: our top picks

Bentota: a good all-rounder, popular with families

Situated on the west coast, Bentota is a popular Sri Lanka beach destination with locals and visitors alike. It’s home to most of Sri Lanka’s bigger resort-style hotels, but there are also many smaller boutique options. The beaches are well-kept, the water is safe for swimming, lifeguards keep watch, and the airport is within easy reach. This means it works well at the start or end of a long trip and is popular with families.

Bentota is famed for its water sports, with a tranquil lagoon at the beach’s northern end that’s prime for kayaking. The lagoon leads into mangroves, which can be explored on guided boat trips. In the mangroves’ shady green and tangled world, you could spot crocodiles, monitor lizards, fruit bats and kingfishers as you glide across the waterways.

Hiriketiya: best for a secret escape

Southern Hiriketiya is one of the more secret beaches in Sri Lanka, whispered about by surfers and sun-seeking travelers. The horseshoe-shaped bay is flanked by jungle-clad headlands, with a perfect curve of sand dappled by swaying palms. There are a handful of tasteful villas and guesthouses dotted between the trees, and the laid-back calm of the place makes it an ideal beach retreat for a tranquil escape.

Tangalle: best for castaway beach vibes and snorkeling

Down in the south of the country lies Tangalle. Beautiful beaches abound here, and while some can be a little overrun with backpackers, you’ll find lovely unspoiled options and a good range of smaller, more characterful places to stay – especially if you aren’t a huge fan of large resorts. This part of Sri Lanka’s coast remains relatively undeveloped, and if you catch it at the right time, it has an appealing castaway feel.

Because of its location, Tangalle works well as a beach stay midway through your visit to Sri Lanka. There’s good snorkeling to enjoy in Tangalle Lagoon, where you could be swimming with angelfish, sea turtles and octopus, while wreck diving is available for more experienced scuba divers. Beyond the beach, the Bundala National Park just a short drive inland is wonderful for birdwatching. The ancient Buddhist temple at Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara is also well worth a wander.

Arugam Bay: Sri Lanka’s top surf spot

Remote Arugam on the southeast coast is the best beach in Sri Lanka for riding the waves and is a mainstay for intrepid surfers. The breaks here are famous in surfer circles and have fun names such as Whiskey Point and Crocodile Rock, which you’ll hear discussed in the village’s laid-back beach bars and cafes. The season runs from April to September, and board rentals are available on the beach.

You’ll find no big resort hotels here, but plenty of more casual places to bed down at and an appealing, relaxed vibe. If you’re not into surfing, you’ll find a protected beach for swimming and sunbathing, and boat trips for spotting dolphins in the bay or exploring the nearby mangroves.

Galle and Unawatuna: best for beachside history and dining

With its charming, well-preserved old town and selection of nearby beaches, it’s no wonder many visitors to Sri Lanka include Galle on their list of must-visit destinations. Many of the beaches surrounding the town are not suitable for swimming due to the strength of the tides, but Unawatuna is a lucky exception. This lengthy stretch of sand is popular, but it rarely feels too crowded. Its azure waters are set off by golden sands and backed by swaying palms.

You’ll have your pick of great quality places to stay along the nearby coast, many of which are within easy reach of both Galle Fort and Unawatuna – perfect for those who want to mix beach R&R and cultural pursuits. Unawatuna offers an unmissable dining scene, and regular beach parties set the town alive at night.

Trincomalee: best for local flavor away from the crowds

If you have the time, get to know some of the many pristine, unexplored and undeveloped beaches on Sri Lanka’s east coast. The area around Trincomalee has some noteworthy options, as well as charming places to stay, which often come at a smaller price tag than the southern hotels and guesthouses. The area is known for its colorful colonial villas and has an authentically local feel, with the town’s inhabitants making good use of the beach for evening strolls and socializing.

Nilaveli: best for quiet times, diving and marine wildlife

Just along the coast from Trincomalee, Nilaveli is another Sri Lanka beach gem on the quieter east coast. Its fine white sands are often nigh-on deserted, and a sparse string of guest houses and cafes dot the coast. Visit between May and September for whale-watching and some of the best diving in Sri Lanka, around Pigeon Island Marine Park just offshore.

Tips for planning a beach vacation in Sri Lanka

The best time of year to visit Sri Lanka for beach vacations

Unusually, Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon runs from May through to September and the northeast monsoon runs from October to January – meaning that no matter when you visit, the island is always likely to be sunny somewhere. If you have young children and your travels are limited to school holidays, you may want to head for Sri Lanka’s beaches on the east coast to avoid the rains.

Packing essentials for a smooth and safe journey

Packing light is ideal, and be sure to include a versatile mix of practical clothing and beachwear. We always recommend a lightweight raincoat for downpours and a waterproof rucksack cover if you’re planning on hiking. Likewise, some lightweight covered hiking shoes should be packed alongside your beach sandals.

Visitors should dress relatively modestly and definitely cover their arms and legs when visiting temples. A sarong is an invaluable asset to your travel wardrobe, and can be used for covering up in certain circumstances or as a picnic blanket or lightweight beach towel.

Sunscreen should be carefully chosen at home and packed in your hold luggage. Be sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen with a good level of SPF; it’s tricky and expensive to find good sunblock in Sri Lanka. By all means, bring bug spray, but citronella is available across Sri Lanka and works well. A decent bite cream will likely be much appreciated if some critters inevitably slip through. We’d also recommend an insulated travel bottle, so you can decant bottled water and keep it cool on the beach.

Make it happen

If you’re planning a vacation in Asia to enjoy some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, check out our destination page for more details of what to do and see. All of our trips can be tailor-made to your requirements and dates – simply get in touch with one of our trusted local experts today.