As Sri Lanka is an island, the country is almost entirely bordered by beaches and the least we can say is that they are simply heavenly! However, not all of them are easy to bathe in. Indeed, some are more favorable to the practice of surfing, others to that of kitesurfing or even lazing on the hot sand.
What are the best beaches in Sri Lanka? And what can we do about it?
Advice for women:
On secluded or local beaches, it is recommended to swim in shorts and t-shirts, and avoid sunbathing in swimsuits. Indeed, Sri Lankan culture being very modest, you risk having a bad surprise by exposing yourself half naked. Also, avoid topless and swim thongs, this shocks the locals.
Mirissa beach: the most famous
Mirissa is the beach the best known for enjoying fairly calm water. Indeed, the waves are less powerful there than elsewhere. Secret beach is the most popular beach for travelers in this area. However, even if the beaches are beautiful and snorkeling possible in high season (between December and February), the place is a victim of its success and overcrowded by tourists.
Mirissa beach in Sri Lanka
Goyambokka beach: to stroll
Located in an area of Tangalle, this small beach, sheltered from the very big waves, is ideal for splashing around. The sand is fine, pleasant and you can practice bodyboarding. Even if the water is not transparent because of the eddies, this does not prevent the ocean from being warm and the view of the coconut palms is very pleasant.
One of the beaches of Sri Lanka
Passikudah beach: perfect in high season
This beach on the east coast is perfect for swimming during the high season, between May and September. There are hardly any waves and most of it is privatized by the hotels, which is nice when you are a woman. Indeed, you can bathe in a swimsuit without fear of a bad encounter ... The local beach of Passikudah is just as pleasant for meeting people and sharing slices of Sri Lankan life.
Passikudah beach in Sri Lanka
Nilaveli: the most beautiful beach
In the northeast of Sri Lanka, Nilaveli is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Very long and extensive, its sand is golden and its transparent water make it an ideal beach during the high season on the east coast, between May and September. It faces Pigeon Island, a national park where you can observe black tip sharks, turtles, sometimes dolphins or the great whale shark. It is very clearly one of my little corners of paradise in the country.
Nilaveli beach
Medaketiya: the ideal beach
Medaketiya is the main beach of Tangalle, certainly the longest. It is not a beach where it is recommended to swim, especially during the monsoon season, because the currents can be dangerous, but it is nonetheless beautiful. This beach is ideal for strolling, having a drink or tasting fish while looking at the ocean.
Wonderful beach in Sri Lanka
Kalpitiya beach: for kitesurfing
"Kalpi" for the intimate, is not the most beautiful strip of sand in Sri Lanka, but it is the temple of kitesurfing, especially between May and October. In the middle of the lagoon and the ocean, the place is ideal to learn about this sport and take advantage of the good winds to slide. The place is still very local. Its only flaw: the wind turbines located nearby and which spoil the view somewhat (note that they can be awkward at night to sleep if you have chosen accommodation placed nearby).
Kalpitiya beach in Sri Lanka
Hiriketiya: the surfers' beach
Hiriketiya, it's the little bay located between Tangalle and Matara. This place, still unknown to travelers a few years ago, is developing at high speed today. And for good reason: the waves are ideal for surfing on one side of the small beach. You can bathe easily on the other part. On Sundays and Poya days (it is the full moon days in Sri Lanka that are public holidays), the beach is frequented by locals who take advantage of the waves, which gives a real charm to the place.
Hiriketiya beach for surfers
Polhena: the local beach
Not far from Matara, Polhena is a local beach and protected by a small coral reef. Its particularity is the very easy observation of sea turtles.. All you need is a mask, a snorkel, a morning meal and you can observe the aquatic fauna while snorkeling. Of course, we remind you that you must not touch marine animals, it is only possible with the eyes! If you have children, the beach is ideal, as the waves are almost nonexistent. However, as the place is very busy with locals, remember to cover yourself up for swimming ladies.
Sri Lanka local beach
Kalutara: to admire the sunset
On the west coast of Sri Lanka, very few beaches are swimmable because of the big waves and currents (the red flag is often raised). However, in Kalutara, the place is no less magnificent. The beach is large and very pleasant to walk around, especially at sunset time. You can also enjoy the activities of the locals (sellers of fabrics, clothes, for example) without being harassed.
Watch the sunset at Kalutara Beach, Sri Lanka
Komari beach: little corner of relaxation
Komari is a local beach, far from it all, located north of Arugam Bay on the east coast. This place, very far from tourism in general, is a little corner of peace for surfing. The waves are accessible for beginners. This local beach is therefore only frequented by a maximum of fifteen surfers during the high season and by fishermen who pull up their catamarans. A real haven of peace.
Komari beach in Sri Lanka
Choose your beach
So you have a wide choice of beaches according to your tastes, according to your desires too! And you can easily combine one or two beaches with the essentials to visit during your stay at Sri Lanka.
So which one suits you the most? Leave us a comment !
