Best Beaches In The South Of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is known for its incredible natural beauty and enduring authenticity. Cherished by surfing enthusiasts and relaxed holidaymakers alike, this is the perfect destination for anyone looking to recline next to the sea.

The best part of a vacation is a beautiful, pristine beach where you can lie back on the sand or on a lounger, and forget all of your troubles. If you have a cocktail or a coconut in your hand, then all the better. 

Here is a list of South of Sri Lanka’s top beaches, and why we rate them as such.

Tip: Looking for someone to help you plan your Sri Lankan beach holiday? Take a look at Far and Wide Travel for awesome options.

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna is the most popular beach on the Southern side of Sri Lanka. Just one hour away from the capital city, Colombo (and where you’re most likely to fly into), this is an ideal vacation spot.

This clean and well-maintained beach is popular with both locals and tourists. It’s surrounded by restaurants and bars and is well-connected to the town, so it’s easy to get around. And with nightlife like this, you’ll appreciate that fact!

Unawatuna is also very popular for its beautiful snorkeling spots where you can see live corals, slow turtles, and tropical fish. Whale watching is another popular pastime.

However, some may find this beach a little too crowded, especially during peak season, which is during December and January. But if that’s not something that bothers you, we definitely suggest that Unuwatuna features on your vacation.

Mirissa Beach

This gorgeous, palm-tree-lined strip of beach is the epitome of laid-back. Choose to just lounge about on your beach towel and dip into the sea when you get hot. Or, if you’re keen for a little adventure and activity, you can snorkel around the small reefs.

There are many little restaurants and cafes along the beach that serve fresh seafood. And at night, they pull tables out onto the beach. So you can enjoy the whole scene by candlelight with a cocktail, and tuck into a seafood barbeque.

Another highlight of this beach is that the nightlife in the area is well-known for being lots of fun. Most of the beach bars have a happy hour, and once the sun goes down, just look out for a light shining up into the sky. It’s your signal for where the party is! Mirissa made it to our recommended Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary.

Koggala Beach

Just 12km away from the more famous (but crowded) Unawatuna beach is this peaceful gem. With only a few restaurants and hotels along the shore, it’s one of the more private beaches in the South of Sri Lanka. You might even find yourself to be the beach’s only visitor.

So if you value your solitude, or want to get a strapless tan without onlookers, then this is the beach for you. The waves are often quite high, so your bathing options might be limited. But if you’re looking for good and regular surf, this is a plus.

It’s also a great place to watch the locals stick-fish, which is an experience on its own. Lastly, it has a stunning view of the sunset. Overall, it’s one of the calmest beaches you can experience in the area.

Dalawella Beach

Dalawella is mostly known for the thrilling (and extremely instagrammable) palm tree swing. And if you’re really looking for a different kind of picturesque, there is also a boulder that looks like a frog, called “Frog Rock”.

The waters are crystal clear and suitable for swimming. This fact also makes it ideal for snorkeling, and you’re likely to spot a few turtles while you swim about. 

Also, while it’s close to Unawatuna beach, it’s quite a lot less crowded. So you’ll easily find an empty spot to settle in for the sunset, which is extremely scenic here as well. Just be aware that you’re less likely to find a cocktail here than on other beaches.

Goyambokka Beach

This small, secluded beach is also incredibly attractive. It might be a little tricky to get to if you’re traveling by car. But this means that the crowds won’t find you here as they will elsewhere.

For the most part weather and tide dependant) the swimming is very safe, with enjoyable waves. Swimming is recommended though, as the waves can get big.

There’s, unfortunately, no space to lie in the shade, but the many lovely restaurants offer sunbeds. So drop in at one for a well-priced lunch, and lie out on the sunbed with some highly prized shade. After all, there is such a thing as too much sun, as much as we don’t like to admit it to ourselves.

Madiha Beach

Madiha Beach is very popular among foreigners. Known for its peaceful ambiance during the day, and its beach parties and events at night, you can understand why this is a favorite.

A natural pool is created by a reef (unfortunately a dead one) that stops the waves. So you might want to wear flip flops while you swim, just to be sure not to cut yourself on a fallen piece of coral. But it makes for a very peaceful bathing environment not so easily found in Sri Lanka.

You can also go snorkeling, fishing, and whale watching. But perhaps the biggest drawing card is the social atmosphere. You can spend your evening relaxing on a beanbag at one of the many beach bars, meeting people from all over the world.

Tangalle Beach 

The peaceful oasis is ideal for those who are looking to get away from the crowds. This tropical paradise is surrounded by coconut groves, like much of Sri Lanka, and the waters are clear turquoise.

Although the water is quite rough in this area, there is a natural lagoon where you can take a refreshing swim. This natural swimming pool is also a great safe swimming zone for children.

Because it’s quite far east, it makes more sense to head to Tangalle Beach if you’re flying into Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport. But it is certainly worth the trip.

Final Thoughts on Southern Sri Lanka’s Best Beaches

Sri Lanka truly can suit every taste, with its diverse range of beaches. Whether you’re looking for social or solitude, waves, or a calm natural pool, these beaches will fit the bill.

So take your pick of the best that Sri Lanka has to offer. After all, the top Sri Lankan beaches are in the South, so these are the best of the best. And you’re sure to agree once you’ve vacationed at one or three of them.