best beaches in sri lanka

This small island nation in the Indian Ocean has so many stunning, perfect beaches around the country. Among the number of best beaches in Sri Lanka, Galle city has a delightful collection of splendid beaches in and around. Crystal clear water, sandy shores, alluring waves, the phenomenal scenery are sure to make a perfect beachside vacation.

The city of Galle is located on the Southwestern Coast of Sri Lanka and is nothing less than a place of wonders and exquisite beauty. The city was first fortified by the Portuguese, then colonised by the Dutch and finally ruled by the British. As a result, you will see a exquisite blend of all the cultures. Your visit to Sri Lanka is incomplete if you don’t spend some time at Galle. It is known for the Galle Fort, the Lighthouse and the beaches in Galle. 

Read this blog which dedicates for best beaches in Galle to narrow down the choice and find your ideal match

Best Beaches in Sri Lanka: Galle & Around 

Here is a list of all the best beaches in Galle and around that you must visit during your next trip to the place for a rejuvenating experience!

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach

Location: Unawatuna, Galle

One of the most popular beaches and best beaches in Sri Lanka amongst locals and tourists. It surrounds with some fantastic dive sites where you can go scuba diving and snorkeling. It should be on the itinerary of every traveller who visits this country. Several locals like swimming in this beach with their family around noon or early at night. People love to enjoy the mesmerizing stretch of coastline with golden sand therefore the shoreline is constantly bustling with visitors. If you visit during the right season, you may even find sea turtles nesting along the beach.

Bentota Beach

bentota Beach

Location: Bentota, Galle

Bentota beach will be a top pick-up for anyone who enjoys both leisure time and occasional historical trips. This beach stands out among the others in Galle because it provides much more than just entertainment. You must also stop by the adjacent Buddha Temple and the Cinnamon Garden if you’re at Bentota Beach. The beach is surrounded by jungle and tall palm trees. Nearby attractions include many temples and remnants of the country’s colonial past, like a fort protecting the old harbor of Galle.Bentota beach is a famous beach and best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Akurala Beach

Akurala Beach

Location: Akurala, Galle

Akurala Beach is famous for the peaceful and calm environment that it provides to all the visitors. The soft sand spreads over a vast area and is seldom crowded. So if you are someone who enjoys quiet walks, romantic evenings or jamming to music with your friends then you must come here. Another great thing about the beach is that the current is usually favorable for swimmers, giving you a lot of time to enjoy the waves. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your appetite since the beach has plenty of food shacks.

Jungle Beach

Jungle Beach

Location: Rumassala, Galle

Jungle Beach, is one of the stunning beach in Galle city best beaches in Sri Lanka. You will first need to go through a nearby rainforest to get to the beach, it is quite safe and you’ll have a ton of fun. Don’t forget to dive deep into the crystal-clear waves and swim at the beach. You may also attempt snorkeling here because the water is extremely clear, making it possible to see every detail of the marine life.

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa Beach

Location: Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Apart from the ones near Galle, Mirissa Beach one of the most attractive beach among tourists from all over the globe. Mirissa Beach has some fantastic dolphin and whale-watching tours; it is an incredible experience seeing them in their natural habitat.You can enjoy water sports like surfing at the beach or go for dolphin and whale spotting. During the winter season, i.e., December to March you can also see the turtles laying eggs and eggs hatching.

Koggala Beach

Koggala Beach

Location: Koggala, Sri Lanka

Koggala is a relatively unknown beach paradise in the deep Southwest of Sri Lanka, located between Unawatuna and Mirissa. The town is known for the untouched reefs, Koggala Lake, Sea Turtle Hatchery, Martin Wickaramsinghe House and Folk Museum and much more. However, the one reason the beach is famous for the soft golden sand, clear blue water and the fact that it is totally untouched by commercialization.

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach in Srilanka

Location: Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa is in the southwest, Sri Lanka another beach known for its strong surf and good surfing. This beach is famous for its bars and pubs which keeps the nightlife happening. Additionally, a national park lies behind the beach area. It’s one of only three marine national parks in the country and has its own coral sanctuary. In addition to the coral, the park is known for its marine turtles and fish. It is an ideal spot for spending some time relaxing and enjoying good food.Hikkaduwa beach i one of he best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Ahungalla Beach

Unawatuna Beach

Location: Ahungalla, Sri Lanka

Ahungalla beach has its own breathtaking scenery, as trees cluster around its golden sands.  If you are around this area, you must stop by at the beach in the evenings. The sea is a little rough during monsoon season but otherwise, it is safe to go in the water and have fun. One thing which sets this beach apart is the view of the sunset that you won’t get to see anywhere else. The sky turns into various colours of red, pink and purple. It is something which will be imprinted into your memory forever.