Sri Lanka Coastline Guide: Best Beaches, Hidden Gems & Must-Do Activities
- Shila Beloya
- Oct 20, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 5
You'll find one of the most beautiful beaches and places along Sri Lanka's coastline. In this blog post, you will find a comprehensive guide to what to do in Sri Lanka, where the best beaches are, and coastal activities.
Tables of Content:
Hikkaduwa
A charming beach town in the South of Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa is famous for its great waves, making it a popular spot for surfers of all levels.
Where to Eat in Hikkaduwa
Salty Swamis (Breakfast & Co-Working)
If you're looking for a great breakfast, Salty Swamis is the place to go. Their menu includes fresh smoothie bowls, avocado toasts, and other nourishing options. Located right by the beach, it's also a great co-working space—perfect for getting some work done after your morning surf. Just keep in mind that they close at 3 PM, so plan accordingly.
Tambili Café (Sustainable & Local)
For a meal made with sustainable ingredients, Tambili Café is a must-visit. Slightly outside the center, they source their food from local markets and fresh seafood straight from the ocean.
Friends Indeed (Seafood & Sri Lankan Cuisine)
One of the best restaurants in town, Friends Indeed serves excellent seafood and traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Located on Hikkaduwa's main road, it's hard to miss. Their grilled tuna steak with mashed potatoes is a top recommendation!
Things to Do in Hikkaduwa
Tsunami Museum – A fascinating yet emotional insight into the devastating 2004 tsunami, which affected Sri Lanka more than many realize.
Surfing – Great waves for both beginners and intermediate surfers and board rentals are incredibly affordable at around $2 per session.
Turtle Hatchery Caution – While turtle hatcheries are common, many operate for profit, charging visitors to handle turtles, which can be harmful to them. It’s best to avoid these places unless they follow ethical conservation practices.
Party & Nightlife in Hikkaduwa
While I was staying in Sri Lanka, the pandemic was still ongoing, and therefore, Hikkaduwa has been quieter. However, I found those places still offered great vibes:
Top Secret – A relaxed spot with live music and great drinks.
Mambos – A fantastic location to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Funky de Bar – A chill bar with a great ambiance.
Unawatuna
Just 40 minutes from Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna is a lively beach town with smaller waves and a slightly more touristy vibe.
Where to Eat in Unawatuna
Skinny Tom's (Co-Working & Breakfast)
A great place to work while enjoying a solid breakfast. They offer good WiFi, and for faster internet speeds, you can purchase a package. The Greek salad with tofu was delicious!
The Hideout (Taco Tuesday!)
If you’re around on a Tuesday, don’t miss Taco Night at The Hideout. They serve authentic Mexican food, and the rooftop view is perfect for a relaxed evening. The vegan nachos are a must-try—you won’t even miss the cheese!
The Shack Coffee (All-in-One Spot)
A combination of a surf shop, bar, café, and restaurant. Their tuna bowl was outstanding, and the Mediterranean plate was delicious—though big enough to be a full meal rather than just a starter. The staff is incredibly friendly, making it a place worth revisiting.
La Bohéme (Best Pizza!)
This cozy, bohemian-style restaurant serves some of the best pizzas—even better than some Italian spots! You can customize the sauce and toppings to your preference.
Koha Surf Lounge (Cocktails & Chill Vibes)
A relaxed bar with great cocktails but limited food options. Perfect for unwinding in the evening.
Things to Do in Unawatuna
Galle Fort – Built by the Dutch, this historical site has a European feel, walkable walls, and great shopping.
Jungle Beach – A so-called "hidden" beach, though nothing particularly special.
Bonavista Beach – A lesser-known beach between Unawatuna and Galle, great for beginner surfers. A private lesson at The Shack Coffee costs around $10 (3500 LKR).
Mirissa
Famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches, Mirissa is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.
Where to Eat in Mirissa
Shady Lane
Known for delicious smoothie bowls and a customizable breakfast toast with avocado, eggs, cheese, and more.
Aloha Café
A must-visit for smoothie lovers! They serve a wide variety of creamy smoothies and smoothie bowls—perfect for Instagram.
Milky Wave
A newly opened Italian restaurant offering authentic dishes and gelato. While it wasn’t my favorite, it’s the only Italian option in Mirissa.
Things to Do in Mirissa Vergalle Point – A rock formation at the main beach, great for exploring.
Surfing & Snorkeling are popular activities thanks to the calm and clear waters.
Coconut Hill – A famous Instagram spot filled with palm trees—worth a visit for a great photo.
Safari Tour – If you’re heading to Ella, you can stop for a safari in one of Sri Lanka’s national parks to see elephants and (if lucky) a leopard.
Party & Nightlife in Mirissa
At night, several beachside restaurants turn into clubs. Just take a walk along the shore, and you’ll surely find a good party spot!
Dickwella & Hiriketiya
Located in southern Sri Lanka, Dickwella and Hiriketiya are laid-back beach towns with great surf and beautiful scenery.
Where to Eat in Dickwella/Hiriketiya
Verse Collective (Co-Working & Coffee)
For 1000 LKR, you get access to their WiFi, making it a great co-working spot. They serve excellent coffee (a rare find in Sri Lanka) and delicious meals like the spicy tofu bowl.
Dots Bay House
Located right by Hiriketiya Beach, they offer wood-fired pizza, flavorful prawn curry, and great burgers. If you’re lucky, they might have live music!
Bahia
A small but high-quality menu. The spicy prawn spaghetti was incredibly tasty—just be ready for real spice!
Smoke & Bitters
Though I didn’t make it there, this place is known for its amazing ambiance at night. Be sure to reserve in advance, as it’s always packed!
Things to Do in Dickwella/Hiriketiya
Surfing at Hiriketiya Beach – A small but popular surf spot.
Walking at Dickwella Beach – A long, scenic stretch perfect for a relaxing walk.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka’s coastline offers an incredible mix of surf, food, culture, and nightlife. Whether you're looking to catch waves, explore hidden gems, or just relax on the beach, this guide has got you covered.
Let me know if you’ve visited any of these spots or if you have any recommendations to add!
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