Sun, Surf & Sea Turtles: Gemma’s best 7 Sri Lanka Beaches

Negombo’s close proximity to the international airport makes it an easy overnight stop on arrival or before catching your flight home. It’s actually where tourism all began for Sri Lanka and makes an interesting introduction to coastal Sri Lankan life. You can explore a lively fish market, absorb a dash of colonial charm and enjoy the scene of hundreds of colourful wooden boats on the shore. It’s a popular destination with tourists so you’ll not have the sands to yourself, but it’s a long, wide beach so there’s plenty of space. There’s also a variety of places to eat and countless souvenir shops along the town’s main road.

If you’re looking for a quieter beach experience, away from large hotels and untainted by mass tourism, you may want to consider Kalpitiya. It’s a 3 to 4-hour drive north of Colombo, in a more rural region. The beaches are wild and natural; the crystal clear seas are popular with kite surfers and attract whales and dolphins. If the coast is too breezy you can take a boat trip on the more sheltered lagoon or head into nearby Wilpattu National Park on a safari. From Kalpitiya it’s an easy journey to the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

If serious R and R is your main objective, then the south coast beach of Tangalle is for you. The pristine beaches are the tropical sands of your dreams! There are no beach bars. No beach hawkers. Just miles of golden sand. The seas can be rough but there are pockets of natural rock pools for swimming, and all our preferred hotels feature a swimming pool.

Follow the south coast to the west and you’ll come to the popular beach resort of Mirissa. The streets here are lined with places to eat, and stay and souvenir shops. If you want the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins, boat trips can be arranged from Mirissa. The beach at Mirissa can get quite busy which is why our preferred accommodation is just 3km (and a cheap tuk-tuk ride) away on the more tranquil, long sandy beach of Kamburugamuwa. In certain months of the year, you may be lucky enough to see turtles lay their eggs on the beach here. The sea at Kamburugamuwa is not ideal for swimming, but all our selected beachfront properties have swimming pools.

If you’re keen to try surfing or improve your surf skills you’ll want to stay in nearby Weligama. The shallow waters are perfect for surfing and there are plenty of surf schools dotted along the beach. Local fishermen share the seas with surfers, and in the morning you’ll see boats bringing in the daily catch. As the sun sets, relax with a cold beer in one of the small feet-in-the-sand eateries before tucking into a feast of freshly caught fish.

Whilst we’re on the subject of surfing, Arugam Bay, on Sri Lanka’s southeast coast is something of a mecca for surfers. But you don’t need to be a wave rider to enjoy A-Bay’s laid-back, low-key beach vibe.

If you’re visiting Sri Lanka on a summer holiday between May and September, head to the east coast beaches of Trincomalee, Passekudah and Nilaveli for the best weather. The long wide sandy beaches here are quiet, and resort development is minimal (although hotels are gradually popping up). When you’re not relaxing beside the pool or strolling along the beach you can explore the underwater world on a snorkelling trip to Pigeon Island or take a boat trip to spot whales and dolphins just off the coast.