Sun, Sand, and Serenity: Discover the Best Beaches in South Sri Lanka

The south coast is home to some of Sri Lanka's most picturesque beaches. These beaches offer golden sands, clear waters, and excellent opportunities for water activities like snorkeling and surfing. Here are some of my favourite beaches in the South Coast of Sri Lanka. I highly recommend exploring my other blogs, where I've detailed a 10-day itinerary for Sri Lanka and shared insights on the best places to eat in South Sri Lanka.

MIRISSA BEACH

Mirissa is famous for its laid-back vibe and stunning sunsets. It's a hub for whale watching tours, offering visitors the chance to spot blue whales and dolphins. The beach itself is picturesque, and the nightlife in Mirissa adds to its allure.

Where you can find turtles in Sri Lanka? At Mirissa Beach, you can spot turtles right on the shore, so be sure to grab your snorkeling mask or rent one there.

What makes Mirissa Beach a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka? Mirissa Beach is renowned for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. It's a hotspot for whale watching and relaxing beach vibes!

Are there activities to do at Mirissa Beach besides relaxing? Yes! Mirissa offers whale watching tours, surfing, snorkeling, and dining at beachfront restaurants with stunning ocean views.

COCONUT TREE HILL

You've probably seen many pictures of a hill covered in palms with the ocean in the background. Well, this iconic spot is also in Mirissa— the Instagram-famous Coconut Tree Hill. So, have your camera ready for some breathtaking shots while you're there. Keep in mind that this place is usually filled with tourists unless you go for sunrise!

Coconut Tree Hill at sunrise, Mirissa

AHANGAMA HILLS GOLD BAY & AHANGAMA BEACH

Ahangama Beach is ideal for beginner surfers, featuring a predominantly sandy shoreline and excellent waves for surfing. The cost of renting a surfboard for one hour is 600 LKR, which is less than 2 euros. Additionally, you can rent beach beds, making it a pleasant beach experience. However, it tends to attract a large number of tourists.

On the other hand, Ahangama Hills Gold Bay is a hidden gem accessible through the Soul & Surf cafe. The cafe itself is remarkable, but what makes this beach truly special is its secluded nature. The beach is mostly empty, except for local fishermen. Although not as sandy as Ahangama Beach, its emptiness adds to its charm.

KABALANA BEACH

For surfing Kabalana beach offers a great beach break with a fun water sections also for beginners.

MIDIGAMA & WELIGAMA BEACH

Both Midigama and Weligama beaches are perfect for surfing especially if you have more experience in surfing.

BEACHES WITH A SWING IN SRI LANKA

You've likely come across numerous pictures of swings on the beaches in Sri Lanka. Well, there are several spots where you can find these iconic swings. One is located at the end of Mirissa, near Coconut Tree Hill. Additionally, swings can be found on Dalawella and Wijaya beaches.

Near Cactus and Marshmellow restaurant at Ahangama Beach, there's also a swing, making it an perfect spot for pictures. The area in front of Marshmellow quickly became my favorite .

During the day, bask in the warm sun on the sandy shores, or savor refreshing ice lattes at the nearby restaurants. In the evening, the place offers a breathtaking sunset view accompanied by the warmth of beachside fireplaces.

It's the perfect place to unwind and create lasting memories. Also, Marshmellow restaurant had the best coffee in Sri Lanka.

These were some of my favorite beaches in the South of Sri Lanka. If you are planning to explore Sri Lanka in depth, I recommend checking out my 10-day itinerary in Sri Lanka. And if you want to spice up your social media, the top 8 most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka could be helpful!