Find your dream beach in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's fascinating coastal landscape with numerous dream beaches is one of the many good reasons for a trip to the sun-kissed island in the Indian Ocean.
The choice is huge:
From long, palm-fringed sandy beaches to quiet, idyllic bays and lagoons, everything is there - sometimes lonely and deserted, sometimes a little more colorful and bustling.
Some of the beaches are home to impressive coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling, while at others the waves provide ideal conditions for surfing.
Bentota - beach on the west coast
Bentota Beach is located between Colombo and the former colonial town of Galle.
With its fine, white sand, this place is perfect for a short break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Bentota is particularly well-known for the spread of the Indian healing art of Ayurveda, which has been practised here for ages.
Unawatuna - beach on the lower west coast
Unawatuna Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Sri Lanka's south coast, near Galle. The reasons for this are obvious: with white sand, tropical vegetation and crystal-clear water, it is a beach straight out of a picture book. In addition, the coral reef just off the coast in the calm ocean is perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Kogalla - beach on the south coast
Kogalla Beach is a rather unknown beach paradise in the south of the island, between Unawatuna and Mirissa.
The beach is an excellent choice if you just want to relax for a few days due to its tranquillity and white sand.
There is also a small rainforest reserve right next to Kogalla that you can explore.
Mirissa - Beach on the south coast
Mirissa Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the country and is one of the surfing hotspots on the south coast.
The approximately 2-kilometre-long beach with its soft sand is ideal for relaxed sunbathing and is surrounded by numerous bars and cafés.
The left half of the bay is great for snorkelling. Many whale watching tours also depart from Mirissa, where you may be lucky enough to spot one of the impressive blue whales.
If you like it a little quieter, it's worth making your way to the secluded Secret Beach Mirissa. You can also watch a spectacular sunset from there.
Talalla - beach on the south coast
Talalla Beach is located not far from the town of Matara in the south of Sri Lanka.
It is a picture-perfect dream beach that is less touristy and therefore quieter than other beaches in the country. Talalla is particularly popular for yoga retreats and Ayurveda cures, which are offered at the local resorts.
Hiriketiya - Beach on the south coast
Hiriketiya Beach, also affectionately known as Hiri, is a pretty little bay near Dikwela in the south of the country. In recent years, the beach has become increasingly popular with surfers, so that a number of bars and cafés have sprung up around the bay. However, the atmosphere is still pleasantly relaxed and yoga is offered in various places.
Tangalle - beach on the south coast
Tangalle Beach is not on the usual route through Sri Lanka and is nevertheless (or precisely because of this?) worth a detour. The long, white sandy beach, crystal-clear water and numerous palm trees make the beach look like a true paradise - an impression that is reinforced by the relatively few visitors.
Yala - Beach on the south coast
Most people are only familiar with Yala because of the famous Yala National Park, but the region in the south-east also has a long and quiet stretch of beach.
The waves can be quite impressive and the beach is bordered by sand dunes and jungle inland. The backdrop of the beach in Yala is accordingly impressive and cannot be compared with the paradisiacal tropical beaches in other parts of the country.
Araguma Bay - beach on the east coast
Arugam Bay's waves are famous among surfers all over the world, who like to make the place their second home during the surfing season.
The beach is one of the most popular on the east coast and the numerous bars and cafés ensure a lively nightlife.
As Arugam Bay is not far from Yala National Park, with a bit of luck there are also some wild animals to be spotted, such as elephants and crocodiles. The chances of this are particularly good in the almost untouched lagoons around the town.
Trincomalee - beach on the east coast
Trincomalee is a town in the north-east of Sri Lanka with some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast.
Uppuveli Beach is a long and wide sandy beach near the town center, while Nilaveli Beach is a little more secluded and therefore much quieter.
Trincomalee is particularly popular for whale watching, as sperm whales and blue whales, among others, like to frolic off the coast.
A short boat ride from Trincomalee is Pigeon Island with one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful coral reefs - a true snorkelling paradise.
Jaffna - Beach on the north coast
Jaffna is located at the northern tip of the island and is not yet too crowded with tourists, so the beaches are still an insider tip. The climate and vegetation here is much drier than in the tropical south of Sri Lanka, and instead of palm trees you are more likely to see a cow on the beach in the Hindu-influenced north. The three largest beaches are Manalkadu Beach, Charty Beach and Casuarina Beach.
