The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. So if you are in Sri Lanka, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Eastern Province
Pasikuda Beach, Kalkudah
Address – Pasikuda Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 7°55’46.1″N 81°33’41.0″E
Pasikuda Beach is located in Kalkudah, on the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. This sandy beach has beautiful turquoise waters and is lined up with tall palm trees. The waters are shallow and calm, with lifeguards making it a safe swimming spot and perfect for kids. Besides the resorts on the area, there are no places to eat nearby. Being almost empty and always quiet, Pasikuda Beach has a relaxing atmosphere where you can sunbathe and admire the sunrise.
Trincomalee Beach, Trincomalee
Address – Public Beach Trincomalee, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 8°34’14.0″N 81°14’18.6″E
Trincomalee Beach is located in Trincomalee, in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. This long stretch of soft white sand offers turquoise waters and activities for everyone to enjoy, making it a great spot to hangout with family or friends. The water is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling, with strong winds making it a great kite surfing spot. Besides, Trincomalee is known for dolphin and whale watching, and you can get the chance to spot these stunning creatures. You can find restaurants, stores and accommodation in the area. It tends to get busy during weekends evenings, but never feels crowded or noisy.
Arugam Bay Beach, Sri Lanka
Address – Arugam Bay Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 6°50’25.9″N 81°50’13.6″E
Arugam Bay Beach is located in the city of Arugam Bay, in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. With soft sands backdropped by steep cliffs, this calm beach offers stunning views and a great area to relax. The waves are strong and perfect for surfing, attracting both locals and surfers from all over the world. In some areas, the water is calm and safe for swimming. A fun highlight of Arugam Bay Beach is spotting elephants roaming around the coast. There are a few hotels in the area, and a restaurant nearby. It is usually uncrowded, but can be busy around the Main Surf Point.
Nilaveli Beach, Nilaveli Village
Address – Nilaveli Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 8°42’00.3″N 81°11’31.8″E
Nilaveli Beach is located in the Nilaveli village, just north of Trincomalee, in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. This extensive sandy beach is backdropped by palm trees and green areas, offering stunning coastal views and the perfect place for nature lovers. Turquoise and calm, the waters are crystal clear with coral reefs housing marine life; snorkeling in Nilaveli Beach is definitely a must. Besides, there are lifeguards keeping the beach safe, and you can take boat rides to Pigeon Island, where you get to swim with turtles and reef sharks. There are plenty of accommodations and places to eat nearby, but it tends to be busy during weekend afternoons.
The Best Beaches in Northern Province
Casuarina Beach, Jaffna
Address – Casuarina Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 9°45’47.3″N 79°53’15.8″E
Casuarina Beach is located in Jaffna, in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The water is shallow and calm, so swimming here is completely safe. Even though the beach never gets too crowded, the busiest hours are at evening. Around the area you can find some shops offering food and beach supplies; however, you can bring you own food and drinks, except alcohol. Avoid swimming in the areas marked with signs for jellyfishes.
The Best Beaches in Southern Province
Dalawella Beach, Unawatuna
Address – Dalawella Beach, Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 5°59’59.3″N 80°15’49.8″E
Dalawella Beach is located in Unawatuna, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Standing on the soft sand, you can see where this small beach begins and ends. Sunbeds and palm trees line up the shore, and the water is clear and shallow, perfect for snorkeling. At sunset is when most people arrive, but it is still worth staying and admiring the scenery. There are only a few restaurants nearby, but all offer good quality food. But you can’t leave Dalawella Beach without getting to jump into the water from the famous swing rope.
Mirissa Beach, Mirissa
Address – Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 5°56’41.2″N 80°27’32.5″E
Mirissa Beach is located in Mirissa, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. This is a highly popular white sandy beach, calm and perfect for swimming. Head to the far left or right sides of the beach to get to the surf spots. There are many seafood restaurants and some bars nearby; since it is a popular beach, both the restaurants and the beach can get a bit crowded. From November to April, the beach becomes a top spot for whale watching.
Talalla Beach, Talalla
Address – Talalla Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 5°56’47.5″N 80°37’26.0″E
Talalla Beach is located in Talalla, in Southern Province of Sri Lanka. White sand and green trees greet you once you arrive. This unspoilt beach is loved by both locals and tourists, all gathering here to watch the sunset. However, it never gets crowded and the atmosphere is always calm. There are a few restaurants nearby where you can enjoy tasty food with a stunning view of the sea.
Hiriketiya Beach, Nilwella
Address – Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 5°57’44.2″N 80°42’24.1″E
Hiriketiya Beach is located in Nilwella, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. With golden sands, palm trees and bright blue waters, this lovely beach is a great spot to relax or hangout with family and friends. The waves are strong and perfect for surfing, and you can get your very first lessons in one of the surf schools in the area. There are many restaurants and accommodation along the beach, some with a stunning view over the beach. Keep in mind that this is a popular beach, and can be busy in the afternoon, especially during the weekend.
Tangalle Beach, Tangalle
Address – Tangalle Beach, Tangalle, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 6°02’33.2″N 80°49’28.7″E
Tangalle Beach is located in Tangalle, a city in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Secluded and isolated, this quiet beach is the perfect getaway from a busy life, with views of both sunset and sunrise. The water is shallow, with some waves making it fun for swimming and great for beginners to practice surfing. Besides, Tangalle Beach is a nesting spot for sea turtles, and from April to July you get the chance to spot them around the beach. You can find a few restaurants and accommodation in the area; fortunately, it never gets crowded or noisy here.
Koggala Beach, Habaraduwa
Address – Koggala Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 5°59’32.7″N 80°18’39.2″E
Koggala Beach is located in the town of Habaraduwa, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. This peaceful beach offers soft sand backdropped by palm trees, with a quiet atmosphere perfect to relax and disconnect. The water is bright blue and clear, with strong waves for surfing and for strong swimmers. There are a few stores and accommodation in the area, as well as a couple of restaurants. It is mostly frequented by locals, and it never gets busy or crowded.
Unawatuna Beach, Unawatuna
Address – Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 6°00’34.7″N 80°14’52.5″E
Unawatuna Beach is located in Unawatuna, a village in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. With soft golden sand and palm trees, this paradisiacal beach offers stunning views and a warm weather to sunbathe and relax. The water is shallow, calm, and crystal clear, perfect for diving and snorkeling. You can find many restaurants, bars, stores and accommodation along the beach and nearby. Keep in mind that this is a popular beach, and it can be crowded during the weekend.
Hikkaduwa Beach, Hikkaduwa
Address – Hikkaduwa Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 6°08’15.6″N 80°05’56.6″E
Hikkaduwa Beach is located in Hikkaduwa, a town in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. With golden sand and palm trees, this golden sandy beach offers stunning views and the perfect spot for a fun vacation. The water is crystal clear and shallow, with coral reefs making it a great snorkeling option; besides, you can get a glass boat tour to admire the countless marine species. To the right end of the beach, the waves are stronger and great for surfing and bodyboarding. There are many restaurants and hotels along the beach and around the area, as well as different stores. Keep in mind that this is a popular beach, and gets crowded during the weekends.
Weligama Beach, Weligama
Address – Weligama Beach, Weligama, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 5°58’21.1″N 80°26’08.1″E
Weligama Beach is located in Weligama, a town in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. This white sandy beach is a great option to disconnect from a busy life, with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The water is shallow, with good waves for surfing and bodyboarding, especially for beginners. There are many restaurants, cafes, hotels and stores along the beach, giving you a wide range of options. Weekdays are usually quiet and isolated, however the beach tends to be busy during the weekend.
Dickwella Beach, Dikwella
Address – Dickwella Beach, Beliatta New Rd, Dikwella, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 5°57’48.1″N 80°41’27.2″E
Dickwella Beach is located in Dikwella, in the Matara district In the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. With soft white sand and bright blue waters, this lovely beach offers a calm atmosphere and a stunning view backdropped by palm trees. The water is calm and shallow, safe for everyone to swim, and perfect for a relaxing bath. You can find many restaurants and accommodation along the beach, and all kinds of shops and stores. It rarely gets crowded or busy, making it a great spot to relax in a quiet atmosphere.
Narigama Beach, Hikkaduwa
Address – Narigama Beach, Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 6°07’19.2″N 80°06’43.6″E
Narigama Beach is located in Hikkaduwa, a town in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. This long, white sandy beach is backdropped by palm trees, offering stunning sunset views and a serene atmosphere. The water is bright blue, with surf points for everyone, from beginners to professionals; you can get your very first lessons from surf schools at the beach, or rent surfboards. There are many restaurants, beach bars, cafes and accommodation along the beach. The beach is usually quiet and relaxing, but it can be busy during the weekends.
The Best Beaches in Western Province
Ventura Beach, Bentota
Address – Ventura Beach, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 6°25’25.4″N 79°59’43.0″E
Ventura Beach is located in Bentota, a town on the western coast of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. With soft white sand and turquoise water, this extensive beach offers a stunning coastal view and quiet atmosphere perfect to relax and disconnect. The water is clear with small waves, safe for swimming and great to enjoy many watersports; you can also get a boat ride along the Bentota River. There are some restaurants and accommodation in the area. Ventura Beach is mostly frequented by locals, and never gets crowded or busy.
Negombo Beach, Negombo
Address – Negombo Beach, Negombo, Sri Lanka
Google Maps Link – 7°14’42.2″N 79°50’26.8″E
Negombo Beach is located in Negombo, a city in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Quiet and serene, this long sandy beach is the perfect getaway from a busy life, great for walking and sunbathing. The water is warm with strong waves, good for a fun swim but not safe for everyone; however, there are boat rides available to explore around the coast. You can find a few restaurants, cafes and accommodation along the beach and nearby. It rarely gets crowded, but it can be busy during weekend evenings, when visitors arrive to admire the sunset.