Sri Lanka is home to many of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There is a Sri Lanka beach to meet all needs. Some of the most popular and well known beaches are detailed below:
Arugam Bay
Located 320km east of Colombo, locally known as a popular surfing and tourist destination. The bay has a large fleet of fishing boats which operates of the beach. Many of the boats have been donated after the tsunami was hit which is why Arugam Bay is host to a larger number of boats than ever before. Sandy beach with its coral reef makes it home to a large range of tropical fish making this a popular destination for diving and snorkelling.
Bentota Beach
Located 64km from Colombo, a broad sandy beach with calm warm waters. Home to a number of luxury five star hotels, boutiques and Villas, this is the prime Sri Lanka beach. Some of the best hotels in Sri Lanka are based here. As well as providing outstanding hotels, this is also home to giant sea turtles. A very popular beach by tourists, with lots of water sporting activities to choose from including swimming, diving and snorkelling.
Beruwela Beach
Located 60km South of Colombo, providing a large range of mid range to high-end hotels along its beautiful beach. With its wide number of attractions it is a much desired location attracting tourists worldwide. It is a great place to relax and visitors are amazed by its natural beauty. The reef-protected beaches are perfect for swimming. Other water activities are popular with tourists too including deep sea fishing and windsurfing.
Galle Beach
Located 116km from Colombo, located in Galle, a town with lots of history. With its natural harbour Galle beach used to be famous for its fort.
Hikkaduwa Beach
Situated 100km south of Colombo, popular for its diving and corals. Creating a beautiful and safe snorkelling area, to explore the large range of exotic fish. Also a popular destination for surfing and diving. Primarily a tourist attraction, tourists enjoy this beach as a great place to unwind and enjoy the clear blue skies and simply enjoy the sunshine and magnificent views on offer in Sri Lanka.
Jaffna Beach
Situated 398km to the North of Colombo, a beautiful shallow sandy beach that was a very popular holiday destination before the war. The wonderful sandy beach of Jaffna attracts large number of tourists still. The pristine white beaches, enchanting coastline and beautiful beach make this a dream vacation in a picturesque location. The views are amazed by tourists.
Kalkidah Beach and Passekudah Bay
Situated approximately 282km from Colombo. This beach has everything on offer for everyone whether that be water sports, swimming or just enjoying the sun, bathing. Wind-surfing is also very popular here. Kalkudah beach in on the east coast and is one of the finest Sri Lanka beach available. It is also a very popular tourist attraction. May to September are considered the best time to visit.
Koggala Beach
Situated approximately 12km south of Galle. This beach is seen as one of the most enchanting beaches that Sri Lanka has to offer. It is one of the best beaches in the world. Sri Lanka is very lucky to have some a large number of beautiful beaches.
Mirissa Beach
Situated 4km South East of Weligama, Mirissa is one of the finest beaches Sri Lanka has to offer. There are two parts, a small fishing harbour and a soft golden sandy beach with calm, clear blue waters that are admired by all. Mirissa is often an alternative to Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa as visitors seek a beach a little quieter. Mirissa offers beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Many people are seen watching the different colours of the sun setting into the depths of the Indian Ocean.
Mount Lavinia Beach
Situated 12km south of Colombo, and one of the well known Sri Lanka beach locations. Famous for its “Golden mile” of beach with lots of hotels scattered along the mile. The white is soft and the waves are calm making it ideal for swimming. Not such a perfect location for other water sports such as surfing. The waters are clear and blue. Along the beach the high-rise buildings of Colombo can be easily visible day time and illuminated at night.
Negombo Beach
Situated approximately 37km north of Colombo. Located within the fishing town of Negombo. Many tourists are attracted to this area of Sri Lanka because of its wide sandy stretches and the safe sea. Lined with coconut trees, makes beach walks relaxing and enjoyable. This beach is suitable for swimming although the water is not as clear and blue as some of the other Sri Lanka beach spots.
Nilaveli Beach
Situated on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, 275km from Colombo. This is considered as one of Sri Lanka’s most perfect and beautiful beaches. A stretch of golden sand, lined with palm trees this gives the feeling of being in paradise. The sand gently slopes into blue, clear water of the Indian Ocean. The beach is full of tropical fish and sea life including salmon pink, ochre, and smoky grey.
Tangalle Beach
Situated 295km from Colombo, and 48km east of Matara, this is located within the small resort of Tangalla. Made up of beautiful rocky caves, this is a quiet beach with beautiful golden sand. This is not a busy beach and not the ideal place for water sports. The beach is suited towards a relaxing bathing holiday while enjoying the sunshine, picturesque views overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Trincomalee Beach
Situated 250km from Colombo, Trincomalee is a natural harbour. This beach offers some of the best bathing opportunities in Sri Lanka. It has been described as one of the finest harbours in the world. It is very large in size and the sandy beach stretches half a mile from the Indian Ocean. Places of tourist attraction apart from bathing is the hot wells and the Pigeon Islands. Popular activities include surfing, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching.
Unawatuna Beach
The ultimate beach in Sri Lanka. A large tourist attraction and famous for its beautiful beach and corals. This is voted as one of the best beaches. It is lined with palm trees and golden sandy beach. The views are out of this world overlooking the Indian Ocean. This is a picturesque beach and watching the sunset on this beach is a memorable experience. A beautiful haven.
Weligama Beach
Located 23km east of Unawatuna Bay Beach, located in the fishing town of Weligama. This is a broad and beautiful bay with a fine golden beach. This may be a quiet beach but it is very attractive. The most prominent feature at the bay is Taprobane Island, also known as She-devil’s island. Swimmers can easily get to this island. Snorkelling and scuba diving is popular in this area of Sri Lanka.
