Southern Sri Lanka is synonymous with beaches, palm trees, the Indian Ocean, and relaxation. After exploring the highlands and more rugged areas of the country, reaching the southern coast was the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the sea.
During my trip to Sri Lanka I visited three of the most popular beaches in this region: Mirissa, Weligama and Unawatuna. Each has its own unique style, and although they are relatively close to each other, they offer quite different experiences.
In this post I'm going to tell you what I thought of each one, which ones I liked the most, and what type of traveler I recommend each beach for.
Table of Contents
Where are the beaches of southern Sri Lanka located?
The beaches of southern Sri Lanka are located along the southwest and southern coast of the country, bathed by the Indian Ocean. They extend mainly between the cities of Galle and Matara, a well-connected and easy-to-travel coastal strip, even if you change your base between one beach and another.
Unawatuna is the closest to Colombo, located a few kilometers south of Galle, and is usually one of the first stops for those coming down from the capital. Further east is Weligama, famous for its waves ideal for learning to surf, and finally Mirissa, a little further away, known for its relaxed atmosphere and quieter beaches.
The distance between these beaches is not great, generally no more than 30 to 40 km between them, which allows them to be easily combined in the same trip. This makes the south coast an ideal area for leisurely travel, choosing a main base and taking short trips to other nearby beaches.
How to get to the beaches of southern Sri Lanka
Arriving from Ella
If you're coming from Ella, the most common way to reach the south coast is by bus or private transfer . Buses connect Ella with cities like Matara, Tangalle, or Mirissa, from where you can easily continue to Weligama or Unawatuna by local bus or tuk-tuk. The journey can be a bit long, between 5 and 7 hours depending on the destination, and crosses mountainous areas before reaching the sea.
Another popular option is to hire a private transfer, which, while more expensive, is much more comfortable and faster, especially if you're traveling with luggage or in a group. It also allows you to leave early and arrive at your destination without so many connections.
Arriving from Colombo
From Colombo, the fastest way to reach the southern beaches is by coastal train, which runs along much of the coast and connects directly to Weligama, Mirissa (Polvathumodara or Matara station), and Unawatuna. The journey takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the destination; it is economical but can be crowded.
There are also frequent buses from the Colombo terminal to Matara or Galle, with intermediate stops at the main beaches.
Mirissa: the beach I liked the most
Mirissa was my favorite beach in southern Sri Lanka. I found it to be the most quiet, spacious and photogenic, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sea without the noise and constant movement felt on other beaches in the area. It has a more family and relaxed atmosphere, far from the more youthful and party-oriented profile that other coastal destinations may have.
The main beach is long, with light sand, palm trees, and more open areas where it's easy to find space even in high season. It's a perfect place for a stroll, to sit and watch the sunset, or simply to spend the day without too many plans.
What to see in Mirissa
Besides the main beach, from Mirissa you can walk or take a tuk-tuk to Secret Beach (see location on the map), a more secluded and hidden beach. Access involves a short walk or a tuk-tuk ride, but it's worth it. It's much quieter, less crowded, and has a more natural setting, ideal for spending a few hours away from the noise.
Among the most well-known spots to visit in Mirissa is the famous area of leaning palm trees (see on the map), which became very popular on Instagram and social media.
But beyond the photos, the surroundings are truly beautiful and perfectly capture the spirit of the place. It's also worth visiting the various viewpoints in the area and exploring the coastline on foot to discover smaller, quieter beaches nearby.
Mirissa seemed to me a very good base for those looking for beach, rest and a more serene atmosphere, without sacrificing options for eating well or getting around easily along the south coast.
Other activities to do from Mirissa
From Mirissa you can also book various day tours, making it a good base for combining beach with nature.
From here you can take excursions to both Yala National Park and Udawalawa National Park, the latter being especially known for the large number of elephants that are often seen.
In addition, Mirissa is one of the most popular spots in the country for whale watching, especially blue whales, with early morning boat trips during the appropriate season.
Where to sleep in Mirissa
In Mirissa there are options for all tastes and budgets. You can choose to stay near the main road, where there are usually more affordable and well-connected hostels and guesthouses, or closer to the beach, ideal if you want to get around on foot and be steps from the sea, although generally at a slightly higher price.
I stayed at JJ’s Hostel Mirissa and I honestly thought it was an unbeatable option for what it offers. It has a pool, relaxation areas, and a great atmosphere, something that isn't so common in hostels in the area, and all at a very competitive price. If you're looking for comfort, a social atmosphere, and good value for money, it's a very good choice.
Weligama: surf and young atmosphere
Weligama is one of the most popular beaches in southern Sri Lanka, especially among those who come with the idea of learning to surf or improving their technique. The bay has consistent, gentle waves, ideal for beginners, and is therefore full of surf schools, board rentals, and courses for all levels.
As a beach for swimming or relaxing, I didn't find it particularly beautiful. It's smaller and narrower compared to Mirissa, and the focus is much more on surfing than enjoying the scenery or spending a peaceful day. The constant movement of boards, instructors, and students makes the atmosphere quite lively.
Furthermore, Weligama has a more youthful and lively atmosphere, with hostels, bars, and some nightlife, which might appeal to you if you're looking to party and socialize. Personally, it wasn't the beach I enjoyed most for relaxing, but I do see it as a good option if your main plan is to surf and be in a youthful environment.
Surfing in Weligama
Surf courses in southern Sri Lanka are mostly designed for beginners or people with little prior experience. The classes are generally accessible and focused on enabling anyone to get on a board from day one, without needing to be in great physical shape.
In addition to individual lessons, in beaches like Weligama and surrounding areas it is very common to find intensive surf courses designed for those who want to take it seriously during their trip.
There are programs of one, two or up to four weeks, which usually include daily classes, accommodation, video technique analysis and, in some cases, meals.
Unawatuna: more services, but more people
Unawatuna is one of the most developed and visited beaches in southern Sri Lanka. Compared to Mirissa and Weligama, I felt it was much more touristy and crowded, especially on the main beach, where the number of people is quite noticeable, particularly in high season.
On the plus side, it has a more attractive shopping center, with more restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops, and a wider and more varied culinary scene than Mirissa. If you're looking for convenience, dining options, and everything within easy reach, Unawatuna delivers well in that regard.
However, in terms of atmosphere, I found it to be the most invaded by tourists, with a very marked presence of Russian travelers, which takes away some of its local identity and sense of calm. For a short visit or for going out to eat, it might be worthwhile, but as a base for relaxing for several days, it wasn't the one that convinced me the most.
Where to sleep in Unawatuna
Unawatuna offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to hotels with pools, many within easy reach of the beach. You can choose between places close to the coast, ideal for those who want to be steps from the sea, or quieter options a few blocks from the town center and the beach, which tend to be more affordable.
I stayed at Villa OK, where I rented a private room at a very reasonable price. The accommodation is simple but comfortable, and the location allows you to easily get to both the main beach and the restaurants and bars in the town center without needing any transportation.
How to get around between the beaches of southern Sri Lanka
Getting around the beaches of southern Sri Lanka is easy and inexpensive, as distances are short and there are several transport options. The most practical option for short journeys is the tuk tuk, ideal for going from one beach to another without too much planning and negotiating the price on the spot.
You can also use the local bus, which is the cheapest alternative, but also the least comfortable, especially if you are traveling with large backpacks.
Finally, if you prefer to move around more freely, renting a motorbike is a very good option to explore the coast at your own pace, always taking into account the traffic and driving with caution.
Best time to visit the beaches of southern Sri Lanka
The best time to enjoy the beaches of southern Sri Lanka is during the dry season, from December to March, when the sea is calmer and the days are usually sunny. During these months, conditions are ideal for both swimming and spending time on the beach without constant interruptions from rain.
During the rest of the year, the weather can be more unpredictable and the sea rougher, which especially affects those looking to swim or relax. Even so, outside of peak season, there are always enjoyable days and the coast retains its appeal, just with a slightly more unpredictable rhythm.
Final thoughts
The beaches of southern Sri Lanka seemed like the perfect end to the trip, especially after exploring other areas like the highlands and cities. Each beach has its own unique character, so think carefully about what you're looking for when choosing where to stay.
In my case, Mirissa was the clear winner, thanks to its balance of tranquility, scenery, and relaxed atmosphere. I found Weligama interesting if your focus is on surfing and socializing, while Unawatuna, although it has more restaurants and shops, felt too crowded for what I was looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sri Lanka's Beaches
Which is the best beach in southern Sri Lanka?
In my experience, Mirissa was my favorite because of its balance between tranquility, spaciousness, and scenery. I found it more relaxed and less crowded than others, ideal for unwinding without sacrificing amenities or good places to eat.
Which beach is best for surfing?
Weligama is the best option for surfing, especially if you are a beginner. Its gentle, consistent waves, along with the large number of surf schools, make it the main surfing spot on the south coast.
Which beach is the most touristy?
Unawatuna is clearly the most touristy of the three. It has plenty of infrastructure, shops, and restaurants, but it also feels more crowded and cramped, especially during peak season.
Is it possible to combine several beaches in the same trip?
Yes, absolutely. The distances between Mirissa, Weligama, and Unawatuna are short, allowing you to move easily between them and even change bases without wasting much time traveling.
Do you need to rent a motorcycle or car to travel along the southern coast?
It's not essential. You can get around the area using train, local bus and tuk tuk, which work well and are inexpensive. Renting a motorbike can be convenient, but it's not necessary to travel between these beaches.
Are the southern beaches suitable for swimming?
It depends on the beach and the time of year. Mirissa and Unawatuna are generally better for swimming, while Weligama is more suited to surfing. It's always a good idea to pay attention to currents and local recommendations.
How many days should you spend on the southern beaches?
Ideally, you should allow at least 4 or 5 days to enjoy one or two beaches at a leisurely pace. If you have more time, you can add other nearby beaches or simply stay longer at the one that best suits your travel style.
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