1.Arugam Bay (Southern Province)

A favourite on the south-east coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is considered the country’s best surfing spot!! In addition to epic waves, Arugam Bay is a breezy, seaside community that welcomes locals to enjoy its laidback offerings. World travelers are drawn here year round, but in the high season this beach is packed with surfers who have come to Arugam Bay for its epic swells./p>

2.UNAWATUNA / GALLE District (Southern Province)

Bustling with visitors year round, the beaches of Unawatuna / Galle are truly unforgettable. A yellow sanded, moon shaped curve of turquoise coastline, Unawatuna Beach is a picture perfect destination. Small shops and great eateries can be found in the small town behind the beach.

3.Hikkaduwa, Galle District (Southern Province)

With snorkelling, surfing, swimming, Sri Lankan food, spas and cultural landmarks dotting its landscape, the beach town of Hikkaduwa has a ton to offer. A simple two-hour drive down from the capital of Colombo, Hikkaduwa is the perfect spot for both relaxation or recreation.

4.Wijaya Beach , Galle District (Southern Province)

Rent a sunbed on the white sand, swim in the crystal clear waters or simply laze about under a palm tree. Wijaya Beach is where it’s at. Still a relatively well-kept secret amongst the backpacking community, Wijaya Beach is a quiet stretch of coastline with a natural reef. Here, you can snorkel with the local sea turtles as a bonus treat.

5.Negombo (Western Province)

Tucked away on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Negombo is a small beach town with an exceptional coastline. The beach itself doesn’t offer the range of adventure activities others do, so this is a destination for those happy to relax on golden sands and do little else. You can find all you need in the village of Negombo. A range of accommodation options, authentic local food, friendly locals and a dose of Sri Lankan culture..

BEST BEACH HOTEL IN NEGOMBO

• Heritance Negombo – “Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Heritance Negombo. Offering an outdoor pool, Heritance Negombo is located 1.3 miles from St Anthony’s Church and a 40-minute drive away from Colombo. Offering views of the Indian Ocean, every room includes a flat-screen cable TV. A hairdryer and bathrobes are provided in the en suite bathroom. Extras include a sofa, a desk and ironing facilities. The property offers 7 dining options ranging from seafood dinners on the lawn overlooking the ocean to casual dining at Mad Dog’s or bakery treats at the Swiss Bakery.
• The hotel is just 350 feet from Negombo Beach Park while Bandaranaike International Airport is 20- minute drive away.
• “The ambiance of the hotel was perfect! Modern,practical and run by very well trained staff! It was a pleasure to stay there! Well located also for nearby restaurants and bars” – Ian, U.K

6.Bentota, Galle District (Southern Province)

Less than 90 minutes south of Colombo, the charming town of Bentota is a Sri Lankan tourist hotspot. This is thanks largely to its 8 km long stretch of golden sand bordering gentle blue waters. Less populated with adjacent bars and hotels than other seaside town beaches, Bentota Beach is peaceful and due to its size, you can be assured a generous space all to yourself.

7.Mirissa, Matara District (Southern Province)

Situated close to the most southern point of Sri Lanka, Mirissa Beach is as close to paradise as you can get anywhere on Earth. With waves that can be rather large, visitors love Mirissa Beach for its surfing and snorkelling opportunities. You can even partake in some whale watching. The town of Mirissa is also known for its top nightlife, great local seafood and range of seaside hotels.

8.Weligama/ Midigama, Galle District (Southern Province)

Weligama & Midigama are sister seaside towns that are much loved for their beautiful beaches and excellent surf. Midigama is quieter and less developed than its neighbour Weligama, but both offer a great chance to unwind, splash in the Indian Ocean or go for a wander. This area was once famous for its famous stick fisherman, but rumors are that these have now moved on and been replaced by actors hired for photo ops with tourists.

9.Passekudah, Batticaloa District (Eastern Province)

Passekudah Bay is tucked away in a pocket of larger Kalkudah Beach, and this east coast Sri Lankan gem shouldn’t be missed. The waters are gentler and shallower than other coastal hotspots thanks to it’s reef protection, making this for the ideal spot for a relaxing dip or uninterrupted sunbathe. If you are a keen surfer, Kalkudah Beach sees major waves in the month of September, which not coincidentally, is when tourist season hits its peak.

10.Dickwella, Matara District (Southern Province)

You can expect lush, sandy beaches at Dickwella Beach, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful southern destinations. The presence of reefs, sandbars and headlands mean the waters here are calm and perfect for swimming. Those who opt for snorkelling will have the chance to see colorfish fish. The cosy town of Dickwella also features Sri Lanka’s largest Buddha statue and a popular seaside market.

11.Trincomalee District (Eastern Province)

Just north of Trincomalee (Trinco to locals) in the east of Sri Lanka, the beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli are so close and yet vastly different. Uppuveli is busier, with stunning ocean vistas and towering palms. The village of Uppuveli is also great for eating, having a few beers, renting a scooter or meeting like-minded travellers. Slightly further along, the beach of Nilaveli is much larger than its neighbor Uppuveli, and yet still largely untouched and quiet.

12.Pigeon Island Paradise of the Sri Lanka

One of only two marine parks in Sri Lanka, Pigeon Island is situated just 1 km off the coast of the aforementioned oasis of Nilaveli. Pigeon Island is divided into two distinct islands, Large Pigeon Island and Small Pigeon Island, but both offer an unbeatable look at local protected marine life. Coral reefs boasting over 300 coral reef fish species, reef sharks, a range of sea turtles and a lot of rock pigeons – hence the name. On Pigeon Island, scuba diving is super popular and a great chance to get up close and personal with our oceanic friends. The beaches of the island are small and rocky, with clean, white sand.

13.Rekawa, Hambantota District (Southern Province)

One of Sri Lanka’s major sea turtle nesting spots, Rekawa Beach belongs to the village of Rekawa. Visitors are able to see the event for itself if they are willing to camp out on the beach in the darkness of night, especially during a full moon. By day, Rekawa Beach is a relaxing, quiet destination, with white sand, gentle swells and incredible sunset (or sunrise) photo ops.

14.Koggala, Galle District (Southern Province)

Nestled on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Koggala Beach has a lot to offer visitors. The beach itself is one of the country’s longest, and offers the same majestic views you would be accustomed to on this coastline. In addition, the village of Koggala features a turtle hatchery, lake and folk art museum – something to keep everyone interested!

15.Pottuvil, Ampara District (Eastern Province)

Mere minutes from backpacker favorite Arugam Bay, the Eastern Province diamond of Pottuvil is rapidly becoming as popular as its famous neighbor – for all the right reasons. Its stunning beach is quiet, sprawling and lined by tropical palms, and the price of accommodation and eating in this area is still affordable. Great local Tamil food, fantastic surfing conditions, friendly locals and a charming village await you. A must visit.

16.Hambantota, Hambantota District (Southern Province)

In order to Experience this beach oasis, you’ll have to stay at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort – but trust me, it’s worth it. Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, you’ll enjoy unspoilt access to your own private resort beach, a championship size golf course, luxury day spa and so much more. There’s even day beds on the beach. You’ll be sure to feel like a million bucks.

17.Tangelle, Hambantota District (Southern Province)

Another south coast Sri Lankan must-see, Kahandamodara Beach is a broad, long expanse of golden sand bordering the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Drink from a coconut, walk for miles with a spectacular backdrop, catch some rays of immerse yourself in the blue waters and soak your cares away. At times the area is so quiet and as yet undiscovered, you may have the entire beach to yourself.

18.Karainagar, Jaffna District (Northern Province)

A less heavily trafficked region of Sri Lanka, the Jaffna District in the Northern Province of the country is home to Casuarina Beach. This remote pocket of heaven is named after the trees that dot the landscape here, and you can expect breathtaking turquoise water and white sand as far as the eye can see. Make the most of your visit and take a local boat trip to explore the region. Tourists are rapidly catching on to what Casuarina has to offer, so make sure to visit while it’s still a relative unknown.

19.Hambantota, Hambantota District (Southern Province)

As the name implies, Yala National Park is “Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park”, located on the gorgeous southern coast of the country. Sections of this huge expanse of protected land reach the Indian Ocean, and you can see Sri Lankan elephants, leopards, water buffalo and birds here in their natural habitat – all from your own Jeep safari. Water-wise, the two blocks of the park open to the public have streams, rock pools, lagoons and waterholes. These bodies are water are mostly left to the local wildlife, but many towns on the fringes of this area have beautiful beaches and hotels.

20.Passekudah, Batticaloa District (Eastern Province)

Passekudah Bay is tucked away in a pocket of larger Kalkudah Beach, and this east coast Sri Lankan gem shouldn’t be missed. The waters are gentler and shallower than other coastal hotspots thanks to it’s reef protection, making this for the ideal spot for a relaxing dip or uninterrupted sunbathe. If you are a keen surfer, Kalkudah Beach sees major waves in the month of September, which not coincidentally, is when tourist season hits its peak.