Sri Lanka has beautiful tropical beaches with palm trees and golden sand that meets the waves of the Indian Ocean.
Some beaches have fine pebbles with shells, others golden sand. Some have huge waves ideal for surfing lovers. One thing is for sure, you’ll be swimming while enjoying the idyllic scenery.
Obviously you don’t have time to go around all the beaches in Sri Lanka, so you’ll have to find the best ones.
Read five gorgeous beaches worth visiting in Sri Lanka.
Five beaches worth seeing in Sri Lanka
Akurala beach
If you like quiet beaches, without beach bars and lots of people, then you must go to Akurala beach. The beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen in person.
It is the definition of a tropical beach with palm trees reaching down to the golden sand. The beach has some waves, so always swim with caution.
If you walk for a while, you will find yourself in a spot that the locals prefer, where reefs create a “pool”, where the water there is calm with no waves for those who prefer it.

Seenigama beach
Another beach without shops, sunbeds and hotels is Seenigama beach. The beach is “hidden” in the greenery. Peloric trees along with bushes make a shade for you to sit under.
The special thing about this beach is a Buddhist temple, which is located in the sea. In 2004 when the deadly tsunami hit Sri Lanka, it devastated the area, but the temple was unharmed.
If you want to see tsunami memorials, near the area there is a tsunami museum with photos, the huge Buddha (Peraliya Tsunami Memorial Statue), which is a gift from Japan and the Telwatta Junction Memorial, which has a mural of people who died in the tsunami.

Hikkaduwa beach
If you still prefer crowds, organised beaches and beach bars, then you can head to Hikkaduwa beach. There you’ll find shops with tables on the sea, as well as sunbeds to enjoy a cocktail by the Indian Ocean.
On the beach you’ll also find a turtle gathering spot and it’s quite a famous attraction. You can check it out on the maps under the name Turtle Beach Hikkaduwa.
If you want to sit there for food and especially seafood, then I recommend Mamas beach restaurant, with a decor reminiscent of a taverna on a Greek island and tables on the beach.

Mirissa beach
One of the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka is the beautiful Mirissa Beach. Obviously such a famous beach attracts a lot of tourists, so don’t expect to go there for a quiet swim.
But there you will enjoy the beautiful turquoise waters of the beach and two of the most beautiful spots on the island, Coconut tree hill and Parrot rock.
The hill with its red soil and dozens of palm trees above the beach is one of the places you should not miss at all on your trip to Sri Lanka.

The secret beach
Last but not least, the “secret beach”, which is no longer… secret as the name suggests, but is highly impressive.
The beach is full of huge palm trees and rocks that surrounds the beach.
Make sure to get there as early as possible in the morning to enjoy your swim – and the beach – without the crowds.
Which beach would you choose?
What you need to know about Sri Lanka
- In Sri Lanka the time is 3:30 hours ahead of Greece.
- To go from Greece to Sri Lanka you need a passport that does not expire in the next six months and a visa.
- Mobile data from Greece does not work in Sri Lanka, so I suggest you buy an eSim to get internet and airtime minutes.
- In Sri Lanka it is too hot! We went in February and it averaged 33-35 degrees with humidity hovering around 60-90% every day.
- Make sure to bring Euros or Rupees (the Sri Lankan currency) as many places only accept cash. And to do bargaining you also need cash.
- In Sri Lanka, drivers drive like crazy. The steering wheel is on the right and the roads are upside down, just like in England. So if you’re thinking of renting a car think twice. I personally don’t recommend it though.
- The best way to get around is by tuk tuk, local buses or a guide who has a schedule set up and takes you to a different place every day.
If you want to see more of my trip to Sri Lanka, visit my Instagram profile.