Best Beaches in Sri Lanka
Undoubtedly Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations for beach lovers. There are dozens of great beaches to select from. This is a list of the best beaches in the country. You should choose which coast to visit depending on the time of year. If it is between October and April it is best to visit the south coast. But between May and September, the best choice is the east coast. Also, there are a huge variety of hotels to choose from. Furthermore, your selection also depends on which activities you prefer to do on the beach. Some beaches are good for diving and snorkeling while some good for surfing. This list will help you to find the best.
Map of Beaches in Sri Lanka. Click to browse the map.
| Unawatuna Beach | ||
 | Where | 132km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Unawatuna | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| One of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. Best for Swimming, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. Well developed tourist facilities with a huge selection of accommodation, foods, and entertainment. | ||
| Nilaveli Beach | ||
 | Where | 282km from Colombo (Trincomalee) |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Nilaveli | |
| Best Time | March - September | |
| Have a boat ride to nearby Pigon Island which is about 1km from the beach. A great place for Snorkelling and Scuba Diving. | ||
| Arugam Bay Beach | ||
 | Where | 348km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Arugam bay | |
| Best Time | March - November | |
| Most popular beach for surfing in Sri Lanka. Best time for Surfing is from May to November. | ||
| Mirissa Beach | ||
.jpg) | Where | 155km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Mirissa | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| A safe beach with a calm sea. A popular destination for water sports including diving, snorkeling and surfing. Whale watching tours depart from nearby Mirissa Harbor. | ||
| Pasikuda Beach | ||
 | Where | 300km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Pasikuda | |
| Best Time | March - October | |
| Shallow sea and crystal clear water. One of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka. An ideal place for a sea bath with kids. | ||
| Hikkaduwa Beach | ||
 | Where | 123km from Colombo (Galle) |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Hikkaduwa | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| Weligama Beach | ||
 | Where | 150km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Weligama | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| Tangalle Beach | ||
 | Where | 348km from Colombo (Ampara) |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Tangalle | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| Uppuveli Beach | ||
 | Where | 198km from Colombo (Trincomalee) |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Trincomalee | |
| Best Time | March - September | |
| Negombo Beach | ||
 | Where | 40km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Negombo | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| Wadduwa Beach | ||
 | Where | 35km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Wadduwa | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| Marble Beach | ||
 | Where | 268km from Colombo (Trincomalee) |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Trincomalee | |
| Best Time | March - September | |
| Mount Lavinia Beach | ||
 | Where | 13km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Mount Lavinia | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| Bentota Beach | ||
.JPG) | Where | 87km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Bentota | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| Dikwella Beach | ||
 | Where | 182km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Dikwella | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| Koggala Beach | ||
 | Where | 141km from Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Koggala | |
| Best Time | November - April | |
| Galle Face Green | ||
 | Where | Colombo |
| Directions | map link | |
| Stay | Hotels in Colombo | |
| Best Time | November - April | |