The paradise island of Sri Lanka is known for its tropical beaches, agreeable weather and experiential escapism ideal for the modern traveler. Universally admired for its diverse topography, Sri Lanka offers access to beaches, coves, and bays for vacationers, adventure-seekers, explorers and surfers throughout the year.
Here’s a look at Sri Lanka’s top-rated South West Coast beach destinations
Unawatuna: Located approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the widely popular, heritage-rich Galle Fort, Una has become one of Sri Lanka’s beach-side hot spots and plays host to thousands of tourists each year.
Unawatuna or ‘Una’ continues to be one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beaches for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. Its azure blue waters are reasonably tranquil for the majority of the year due to the presence of an offshore reef. A haven for the adrenaline junkie, these cool waters are no stranger to jet skis, paddle boats or even off-shore exploring. Coupled with the electric atmosphere is a plethora of upscale dining options that also play host to regular weekend beach parties.
Dalawella: Approx 3 kilometers east of Unawatuna, it is home to an idyllic aqua-blue lagoon protected by a reef, making it a safe haven for swimming and relaxation. Mainly visited by families, this particular beach also becomes ground zero for turtle visits throughout the year.
The location is well known for its instagrammable rope swing and has become a hotspot for tourists due to its idyllic bent palm trees that hang over the beach to create an absolutely breathtaking sunset.
Weligama: Weligama Beach is a stunning and immaculate beach popularized as one of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka for beginners (due to a sweet sandy-bottomed break), leading to a significant number of locals and tourists visiting for its surf culture.
Weligama’s fine sandy beaches and baby waves make it the perfect beach getaway for families, couples and groups of friends looking for a refined and upscale beach experience. With plenty of options for local dining and accommodation – every holiday-goer can find a haven that fits within their travel budget when at Weligama.
Kabalana/ Ahangama Beach: Kabalana is a calmer, more intimate alternative to Weligama or Unawatuna, as it is part of Ahangama’s chic surf-and-yoga culture as well as is home to Sri Lanka’s best deep-reef break.
Becoming increasingly popular amongst locals and tourists alike – Kabalana is a great beach with soft, golden sands, ideal for surfers – whether beginners or advanced in skill. The location also houses beach restaurants, and spots for sun-bathing and easily switches focus to the culinary experiences available along the Galle-Matara route after nightfall.
Mirissa: Many visitors come to Mirissa’s lovely moon-shaped bay to witness the blue whales and dolphins’ surface during the early hours of the day. Many adventure-seekers choose to take a more up-close-and-personal look at Marissa’s deep waters by way of snorkeling and free-diving, particularly in and around the bay east of Parrot Rock; and to surf the western reef break.
Whether choosing to take a yoga session or opt for a lovely hike to Mirissa’s ‘Secret Beach’, every visitor finds solace in the beauty and diversity of this beach-s-de haven. There are many restaurants to choose from, and the evenings can be rather lively. Located approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Colombo, Mirissa’s beach and nightlife make it a trending beach destination for locals and tourists alike.
Hiriketiya: Adjacent to two [02] intertwined jungle capes, the deep bay of Hiriketiya is truly eye-catching and has become a must-visit when in Sri Lanka. Discovered by surfers, this dramatic coastal setting is everything one could imagine – set in a soothing atmosphere, appealing to those who can’t get enough out of taking a dip in the ocean, making it a year-round destination for many.
Situated under a coconut palm tree, the Hiriketiya bay is home to a chic variety of eateries, inns, and villas.
Have we got you excited for your sun-kissed holiday? It’s time to start planning!
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