If sun and sand is your thing, look no further as your search for beaches in Sri Lanka ends here. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean lapping at golden, sun-kissed beaches provide an idyllic setting for both sun worshipers and surf lovers alike. In the list below we have identified some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and listed them based on geographic location and seasonality.

West Coast Beaches in Sri Lanka

The Western coast, which includes Colombo, is ideal for that retail fix or a dose of nightlife. Its iconic Mount Lavinia beach has long been the source of outdoor family recreation for city folk. Negombo, a bustling fishing town with excellent beaches, is recommended as a start or end point to travel in Sri Lanka being just half an hour away from the main international airport. Souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars line its famed Golden Mile, making it perfect for last-minute shopping to take holiday memories back home. Further North, lies the Kalpitiya peninsula which is a fast-emerging destination for dolphin and whale watching as well as kite surfing.

South Coast Beaches

The South Coast is by far the most popular, with a vibrant mix of modern and traditional influences. Beginning with Beruwela, the hubbub of Colombo’s urban sprawl abates and opens up to the magnificent Southern beaches of Sri Lanka. The beaches between Bentota and Hikkaduwa offer excellent water sports and present a unique party atmosphere. Look out for the arts and craft shops in this belt, which are famous for the traditional mask carvings.

Galle and its historic Dutch Fort offer a fascinating glimpse of post-colonial life with numerous period-era buildings converted into chic, boutique-style properties. Just outside Galle, Unawatuna Beach, with its horseshoe bay and surfing culture, is a must-do for the young at heart. Further down the coast, Mirrissa and Polhena beaches and the seas of it boast some of the best waters for whale watching in the world.

Beaches in Sri Lanka

Bentota Beach

Bentota Beach

Bentota beach is one of Sri Lanka's oldest and most popular beach destinations. This fine stretch of golden sand is backed by the Bentota River.
Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach is a popular destinations among young travellers. Set amidst bustling sprawl of hotels, pubs and bars which offers an upbeat environment.
Unawatuna Beach South Coast Sri Lanka

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna is a horseshoe shaped bay that features one of Sri Lanka's finest beaches. Protected by a reef, turquoise waters lap at the golden, palm fringed shoreline creating a picture perfect beach setting.
Mirissa Beach

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa beach is a blissfully secluded stretch of beach lying in a small bay in the South of Sri Lanka. The town is a hotspot for whale watching.
Sunset Kalpitiya Sri Lanka

Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya with its beautiful beaches offer much adventure year round. Nov-Apr is excellent for dolphin & whale watching when seas are calm & from May-Oct when winds pick up, is a kite surfers paradise.
Negombo Beach Boat

Negombo

A bustling fishing town, Negombo is the closest city of consequence to Sri Lanka's main international airport, and is usually either the first stop of choice to commence your travels in Sri Lanka or the last in winding down your holiday.
Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia Beach

Mount Lavinia beach, lies within the southern suburban area of Colombo and is the place to go to if your looking for sun and surf in the city.
Nilaveli Beach Trincomalee

Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli beach is a peaceful unspoilt beach perfect for relaxing in the sun. Calm shallow waters near Pigeon Island is ideal for swimming & snorkeling.
Marble beach trincomalee

Marble Beach

Lying within the protected confines of the Trincomalee harbour area, Marble beach is undoubtedly one of the finest to be found on the east coast.
Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka

Hiriketiya Beach

Located 15minutes from Tangalle, Hiriketiya Beach is a beautiful horse shoe shaped beach that offers good swimming and year round surfing.
Kalutara Beach

Kalutara Beach

Kalutara Beach offers a palm fringed stretch of fine sand away from the busier beaches further south. The atmosphere here is generally peaceful.

East Coast Beaches

For a more laid-back and private atmosphere, the East Coast would be more your cup of tea – perfect for that long dream of pampering. Nilaveli Beach in Trincomalee, and Passikudah in Batticaloa have stunning white sandy beaches and shallow, near glass-like waters making it ideal for snorkeling amongst the shallow reefs. For surfing buffs, Arugam Bay offers world-class conditions and should not be missed.

Fair weather prevails from November to April on the Western and Southern coasts and May to October on the Northern and Eastern coasts.

Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass