Beautiful Tropical Beaches

A few days by the sea can fit into most trips around Sri Lanka. You can stay somewhere with cafes and surf lessons close by, or choose a quieter stretch where the day is mostly a beach walk, a meal and time in the shade. The town and the location of your hotel make a real difference.

On the south and west coasts, places such as Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa and Bentota offer different ways to spend your time. You can combine Unawatuna with a visit to Galle Fort, or take a river trip from Bentota. On the east coast, Pasikudah and the beaches near Trincomalee give you more options.

Choose the coast with your travel month in mind, since the weather is not the same around the island. Ask locally about waves and currents before swimming. Leave enough nights in one place to enjoy it, especially if the rest of your route has several hotel changes.