13 of the best beaches in Sri Lanka

05.02.2025 - 17:57 / lonelyplanet.com

Feb 5, 2025 • 5 min read

Few visitors can complain about Sri Lanka’s tropical beaches.

Sprinkled along a 1340km (833-mile) coastline, its countless, topographically varied beaches, coves and bays attract sun seekers, fun lovers and surfers throughout the year. Wildlife plays its part too: beaches are vital nesting grounds for endangered marine turtles, while majestic blue whales gather a few miles offshore.

While Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, it’s on the receiving end of two opposing monsoons that affect the weather, ocean currents and when and where you should visit. Generally speaking, the southwest coast is best between November and April, the east from May to September.

As you start crafting your own itinerary, consider a stop at one (or a few) of these, the best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Most quintessential Sri Lanka beach

Some 6km (3¾ miles) from history-laden Galle, Unawatuna has seen much development in recent years – yet remains one of the most sought-after swimming beaches in Sri Lanka. Thanks to an offshore reef, its azure water is relatively calm for most of the year. Sun beds line the beach, Jet Skis buzz around the bay and – although things get busy during peak season – it never feels crowded. Unawatuna’s dining scene is sophisticated, while regular weekend beach parties continue the fun into the evening.

Best beach for families

Just east of Unawatuna, much-photographed Frog Rock presides over Dalawella’s slender strip of sand. Also known as Wijeya Beach (after its most popular restaurant), the beach has an idyllic aqua-blue lagoon that’s protected by a reef, meaning you can swim or paddle here for much of the year. It’s a super spot for families, particularly as curious turtles often make an appearance.

Best beach for beginner surfers

Weligama’s crescent-shaped 2km (1¼-mile) bay has emerged as one of the best surfing beaches in Sri Lanka for beginners, thanks to a forgiving sandy-bottomed break. Even if you’ve never tried before, go ahead and rent boards and book lessons from the surf outfits to the west of the bay – most are run by young surfers with first-hand knowledge of the local breaks. Weligama’s fine sand attracts families, too, and there are plenty of places to eat, drink and sleep at every price range.

Best beach for fine dining

Forming part of laid-back Ahangama’s hip surf-and-yoga scene, Kabalana feels like a quieter, more intimate alternative to Unawatuna or Weligama. Arrange surf lessons from beachfront restaurants, or rent a board for riding local breaks – the A-frame known as the Rock is rumored to be Sri Lanka’s best deep-reef break. After dark, the focus shifts to the excellent restaurants flanking busy Galle–Matara road.

Best beach for a bayside stroll

Many of those