Tangalle – Unakuruwa
A quiet southern coastal area with wide beaches and a natural atmosphere. Perfect for travelers seeking privacy and calm surroundings without many tourists
Weligama
This broad, sandy bay is the heartland of Sri Lanka’s beginner surf scene, where consistent, gentle waves make it the ideal place to catch your very first ride. The town retains a wonderfully authentic character, where iconic stilt fishermen can still be seen silhouetted against the sunrise.
Trincomalee
Home to one of the world’s finest deep-water natural harbours and the sacred Koneswaram Temple perched dramatically on a clifftop above the sea. The nearby Pigeon Island Marine National Park offers some of the island’s finest snorkelling, with pristine coral gardens and a fascinating community of reef sharks.
Passikudah
Famous for its impossibly shallow, crystal-clear bay where you can walk hundreds of metres into the sea with the water barely reaching your waist, this is a peaceful sanctuary perfect for families and those seeking a calm, luxurious beachfront retreat away from the crowds.
Arugam Bay
A world-class surfing destination on Sri Lanka’s East Coast, drawing riders from every corner of the globe for its legendary “main point” break. Despite its international reputation, it retains a wonderfully laid-back character – where wild elephants sometimes wander through the outskirts of town at dawn.
Mirissa
Renowned as one of the finest destinations in the world to witness Blue Whales in their natural habitat, this quiet bay offers a deeply relaxed tropical escape. Begin your morning on the water searching for the ocean’s greatest giants, and end your day with the perfect photograph at the iconic Coconut Tree Hill.
Galle
Step back in time in this UNESCO-listed fortified city where 17th-century Dutch colonial architecture blends seamlessly with a modern artistic soul. Cobblestone streets are lined with chic boutiques, design studios and restored merchant houses, all protected by massive ramparts that gaze out over an indigo sea.
Unawatuna
A picturesque crescent-shaped bay celebrated for its calm turquoise waters, powder-white sand and lively beachfront café culture. Beyond the shore, a short jungle walk leads to the Japanese Peace Pagoda, where a sweeping panorama of the harbour and coastline rewards those who make the climb.
Hikkaduwa
Famous for its spirited energy, bohemian cafes and vibrant coral reef, Hikkaduwa is where beach freedom meets underwater wonder. Swim directly from the shore to meet giant sea turtles, or take a glass-bottom boat over the exotic reef gardens that have made this stretch of coast one of the island’s most beloved.
Bentota
A popular beach destination combining sandy shores with river scenery. Bentota River meets the sea in a beautiful crescent of white sand. Spend your days jet skiing, kayaking through mangrove-fringed backwaters, and return each evening to the graceful serenity of a high-end resort tucked into a palm-fringed garden.