You’re spoilt for choices with the number of beaches along Sri Lanka’s coastline. If like me you are planning a trip there and not sure where or how long to stay in which areas, read on…

Tangalle Beach
We stayed at the Mangrove Beach Cabana. This is the perfect place for relaxing, as it’s a super remote beach. It’s pure bliss. We were pretty much the only ones there. Think cute hammocks and palm trees. We shared beautiful dinners by the beach with fresh fish and tiger prawns.

Dikwella and Hiriketiya Beach
Dikwella is a large bay bordering the town, great for a long walk. Hiriketiya is a stunning crescent bay. Surf all day and fill up on fresh fish and fresh coconut water.

Mirissa 
A magnificent half-moon bay with a lovely sandy beach that is beginning to see unchecked development but is still deserving of a visit. Waves can be big and beach-dumpers.

Weligama 
A sweeping turquoise bay with great surfers for all levels. The sunrise waves are less crowded.

 

Ahangama
Famous for its stilt fishermen, a beach scene at this seasonally wide, soft and sandy beach is emerging.

Unawatuna, Jungle (secret beach) and Dalawella
Unawatuna was once lauded as being amongst the most beautiful bays in the world. It became famous for its sweeping bay overlooking on Rumasala Hill. It’s well worth a visit if you enjoy a lively ambiance and bartering for souvenirs. Not the best beach but lots of little shops

The Jungle beach is pretty private, think jungle trek to beach vibes. Perfect for snorkeling! Dalawella is very remote and the sea is too strong to swim in but this beach is known for the famous swinging palm tree.

Hikkaduwa
We didn’t get a chance to visit this beach but it’s close to Galle. It has everything to offer; snorkeling, swimming, surfing, kite-boarding. Coral sanctuary with turtles