Sri Lanka Beaches 2026: Unawatuna to Trincomalee

Sri Lanka is an island, so naturally, it's ringed by incredible beaches. But they are vastly different. Some are for surfing, some for solitude, and some for parties. Here is your 2026 beach guide.

South Coast (Best: Nov - April)

• Unawatuna: The most popular. Calm waters, lots of restaurants, and beach bars. Great for families and nightlife.
• Hiriketiya: The trendy spot. A horseshoe bay loved by digital nomads and surfers. Hip cafes and yoga studios abound.
• Mirissa: Famous for whales, but the beach itself is stunning, especially at sunset near Parrot Rock.
• Tangalle: For solitude. Long, wild stretches of golden sand. Fewer crowds, bigger waves.

East Coast (Best: May - Oct)

• Trincomalee (Uppuveli & Nilaveli): White sands and calm, shallow blue waters. Nilaveli is quieter and closer to Pigeon Island for snorkeling.
• Arugam Bay: The surf capital. It has a unique chilled-out vibe. Even if you don't surf, the lagoon safaris and beach parties are fun.
• Pasikudah: Known for luxury resorts and shallow waters where you can walk out for hundreds of meters.

West Coast

• Bentota: Famous for water sports (jet ski, river safari) and big luxury resorts. close to Colombo.
• Kalpitiya: The spot for Kitesurfing. Rustic and wind-swept.

Beach Hopping

The best itinerary often involves hopping between 2 or 3 beaches. Hire a taxi to move your luggage comfortably from Unawatuna to Hiriketiya or across the country to Trinco.