Our ultimate choice of the best beaches in South Sri Lanka!
SOUTHERN COMFORT
Here is a selection of the best beaches on the south coast of the island.
Unawatuna
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the South coast, Una is a great place to chill out on your holiday and take in the festive atmosphere. The beach embraces the soft curve of the bay and its blue waters offer a standing invitation no traveller can refuse. If you are keen on having fun splashing in the idyllic waters with or with kids, this is the place for you. There are no wind-surfers here, so swimmers can enjoy the waves for themselves.
Kogalla
Located just 10 km from Galle town, Koggala is famous for its beautiful stretch of beach and the upmarket hotels that have sprung up recently. Don’t forget to visit the famous turtle hatchery here.
Weligama
Soft waves, clear waters and sandy beaches make Weligama an ideal place to explore underwater wonderlands. Weligama is the ideal spot to learn surfing in this part of the island. If you want to enjoy snorkelling, there are many shallow reefs at Mirissa Point.
Mirissa
Mirissa is a golden crescent of sand and sea that is becoming a tourist paradise. You can hire a hammock and sip on coconut water as you bask under the shade of tall leafy trees. Mirissa is also one of the top places to go whale and dolphin watching in Sri Lanka. Mirissa has a little sheltered section down one end of the bay that is safer for children.
Ahangama
Ahangama is one of the best value-for-money beaches and surfing holiday destinations in the country. Just three hours from the new international airport at Hambantota, Ahangama gives you a chance to mingle with the local fishermen, some of whom are just there to be photographed.
Midigama
Best known for its surfing culture, Midigama is one of the cheapest places for top-quality surfing in Sri Lanka. Surfers dot the coast from dawn to dusk, giving you a chance to make some new friends as you chase waves up to 6 feet high. Midigama is a great place for novice and intermediate surfers. Snorkelling is also a good option here, given the variety of tropical fish in the water.
Matara Beach
A tranquil beach with white sand and coconut-lined coastline that is in sharp contrast with the bustling town of Matara.
Polhena Beach
A well-known beach next to Matara where the rocks and coral formations offer safe swimming options from currents and waves. Also a popular spot for travellers and locals with children.
Madiha beach
Another beach a few kilometres north of Matara that is a great choice for tourists in search of tranquil sunbathing.
Mawella Beach
A good deep sea diving spot in Tangalle, Mawella Beach is tucked away in splendid isolation. All types of other aquatic activities are also available here.
Dickwella
Dikwella offers a picture-perfect setting for unwinding after a hectic tour of the island. It is also a great place to swim and dive or just snorkel to admire the reefs and the colourful tropical fish that thrive here.
Medaketiya, Medilla, Goyambokka and Mawella Beach
These are the beaches on around Tangalle that offer beach-facing down-to-earth accommodation to suit any traveller’s budget. All of them offer safe swimming conditions and diving sessions or lessons in well-established schools.
Hambantota Beach
The sea is charming and the coast is picturesque but the sea currents can be strong in Hambantota. The setting offers wonderful opportunities to stroll and wade, despite the waves that can sometimes surprise you.
Ussangoda Beach
This is an unusual patch of unusually high and barren land topped with red soil situated close to the sea. The place is quite popular with tourists as it offers a cliff-like beauty to the coastline.
Kirinda Beach
Just 14 km from Yala National Park, Kirinda Beach almost feels like the end of the world. From here, you can see the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean stretch out to the horizon.
