The 10 Best Beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's beaches split neatly across two seasons. From December to April the south and west coasts shine: golden crescents like Mirissa and Unawatuna, the long resort sands of Bentota, and the quiet coves around Tangalle enjoy calm seas and blue skies. From May to September the action flips to the east, where Nilaveli's powder-white sand, Pasikuda's shallow reef-sheltered bay, and Arugam Bay's surf come into their own. Whichever month you travel, roughly half the island's coastline is in season, so pick your beach by the calendar and you will rarely be disappointed.

1. 01

   Mirissa Beach

2. 02

   Unawatuna Beach

   A curving, palm-fringed bay with calm reef-protected water, one of the south coast's most popular beaches.

   Unawatuna · Free entry

3. 03

   Hikkaduwa Beach

4. 04

   Bentota Beach

5. 05

   Tangalle Beaches

6. 06

   Weligama Bay

   A wide, gently curving bay just west of Mirissa, known for beginner-friendly surf and the famous stilt fishermen of the south coast.

   Mirissa · Free entry

7. 07

   Nilaveli Beach

   A long, quiet stretch of white sand north of Trincomalee, popular for swimming and as the gateway to Pigeon Island.

   Nilaveli · Free entry

8. 08

   Uppuveli Beach

   The nearest sweep of golden sand to Trincomalee town, lined with guesthouses and calm swimming water.

   Trincomalee · Free entry

9. 09

   Pasikuda Bay

10. 10

    Arugam Bay

    A palm-backed crescent of golden sand and one of the world's classic right-hand point breaks, the heart of Sri Lanka's east-coast surf scene.

    Arugam Bay · Free entry

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