Sri Lanka, also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, has over 1,500 km of exotic beaches. From clean bays with golden sand to kilometers of white sand and palm trees, make sure to visit the right beach during the appropriate season. If you don’t, you’ll miss out on a bit of the beauty. The nice thing about the seasons in Sri Lanka is that one side of the island is always sunny. In summer, the west side gets the monsoon; in winter, the east side gets the monsoon. Below are some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Once you arrive, rent a moped and explore the unknown beaches nearby!
1) Tangalle
This cosy beach in southern Sri Lanka has many palm trees and beautiful golden sands in the vicinity. This is a place that most travelers skip, and even group tours do not visit. Which, by the way, is a complete mistake. It is a great place to spend a day doing nothing!
2) Mirissa
Mirissa is still relatively new as a beach resort, but it attracts a younger target group. Numerous hostels and simple guesthouses attract backpackers and provide plenty of clientele for the beach bars and clubs. In high season, DJs play late into the night at beach parties. For this reason, Mirissa is a true destination for young travelers.
There are also several small restaurants on the beach serving delicious fresh fish. Swaying in a hammock with a beer in your hand, you will lose track of time.
In addition to the beautiful beaches, there is much more to experience in this romantic location. For example, Mirissa is known for its whale watching.
You can also come at night to find yourself in one of the most romantic places in the country. When it gets dark, the lights come on, and this beach is transformed into a magical assortment of lights.
3) Hikkaduwa
This deserted coastal town has been known since the 1970s and is especially frequented by hippies. Well known among novice surfers, and after a difficult period, Hikkaduwa is finally beginning to regain its 1970s splendor.
Tourism has systematically eroded the beach, and many concrete hotels have been built. The once famous snorkeling spot has become a maze of dead coral. It didn’t look very promising. Fortunately, it’s on the way back. As more and more tourists ignore the town in search of a better place to stay, Hikkaduwa is returning to the quiet, quaint village of hippie charm that it once was.
The polluted and devastated beaches are slowly recovering, and the coral gardens are improving. After the tsunami, many hotels were torn down or renovated. The entire town is now cleaned up, but it is by no means an unspoiled paradise. Along the wide beach there are now (inexpensive) accommodations and restaurants that focus on fish dishes.
4) Unawatuna
This is one of the most popular beach resorts for both tourists and locals. Its small-town charm is being lost to increasing commercialization, but it is still a pleasant place to stay.
The beach is lined with cafes, restaurants, and street vendors, but the blue waters near Unawatuna are still lined with hills of palm plantations.
Once inland, you will find a beautiful natural setting with myriad tropical birds. And while the beaches are crowded, you can enjoy diving in the beautiful coral reefs and admire the shipwrecks offshore.
You can also take yoga classes throughout the town or walk through the beautiful scenery. In short, Unawatuna is a town where you can completely unwind from your trip.
Have you ever been to any of these magnificent beaches? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
