15 Hidden Beaches in Sri Lanka Worth Finding

Hidden beaches at a glance

The south coast

1. Unakuruwa

Unakuruwa is a small, pinkish-sand bay about two-thirds of the way from Hiriketiya to Tangalle, a little off the main coast road. It's around 700 metres long, with palms, rocky points at each end and a village feel. Crowds are rare. There are gentle surf breaks at both ends of the bay, suitable for beginners and intermediates, and a few small cafés serve rice and curry. Swim only when the sea is calm, as the shore break can be strong.

Nearby: Kudawella's gentle beach break and the Hummanaya blowhole, one of the largest blowholes in the world, especially impressive in the monsoon. See Hiriketiya and Tangalle.

2. Goyambokka and the Tangalle coves

West of Tangalle town, Goyambokka is a small, sheltered cove with golden sand and palm trees. Nearby coves along this headland are quiet and beautiful. In calm conditions, they're some of the best swimming spots around Tangalle, but always check the sea first.

3. Kalametiya

East of Tangalle, Kalametiya has a long, empty beach backed by a lagoon and a bird sanctuary. Take a boat trip on the lagoon to see herons, kingfishers and waders. The sea here can be rough, so it's better for walking than swimming. See bird watching and lagoons.

4. Rekawa

Rekawa is one of the most important turtle-nesting beaches in Sri Lanka. A community conservation project runs night-time turtle watching, where you may see a female turtle come ashore to lay her eggs. Follow the guides' instructions, use no torches or flash, and keep quiet. See turtle hatching.

5. Mihiripenna and Thalpe

Between Galle and Koggala, the coast at Mihiripenna and Thalpe is lined with boutique villas and small beaches. Thalpe is known for natural rock pools cut into the flat coastal rock. It's peaceful, yet only minutes from the restaurants of Unawatuna and the palm swing at Dalawella. See Dalawella Beach.

6. Talalla

Talalla is a long, curving beach east of Matara, with soft sand and very few people. It's a lovely place to walk, read and do yoga. Swim carefully, as waves can be powerful. See Talalla Beach.

7. Kirinda

Near Tissamaharama and Yala, Kirinda has a dramatic rocky headland topped by a temple, with wide views over the ocean. The beach is wild and the sea often strong, so it's better for exploring than swimming. It's a great stop on a safari trip. See Yala National Park and places to visit in Hambantota.

8. Mirissa's quieter corners

Even busy Mirissa has quieter spots: walk to the far ends of the bay, or try the small coves between Mirissa and Weligama early in the morning. See things to do in Mirissa.

The east coast

9. Marble Beach, near Trincomalee

South of Trincomalee, Marble Beach is a beautiful bay with very clear, calm water in season, managed by the Sri Lanka Air Force. There may be a small entry charge. See Trincomalee.

10. The quiet end of Nilaveli

Nilaveli is long and wide, so it's easy to find a quiet spot away from the main hotels. Take a boat to Pigeon Island for snorkelling with reef fish and sometimes reef sharks. See Nilaveli Beach and Pigeon Island.

11. Kalkudah

Right next to famous Pasikuda, Kalkudah is quieter, with a long sweep of sand and calm, shallow water in season. See Pasikuda Beach.

12. Okanda and the far south-east

South of Arugam Bay, Okanda is a remote beach and surf point beside the Okanda temple and the edge of Kumana National Park. It's wild and beautiful, with elephants sometimes seen nearby. See Arugam Bay and Kumana National Park.

13. Beaches around Batticaloa

The coast around Batticaloa has long, quiet beaches and lagoons, rarely visited by foreign travellers. See Batticaloa.

The north

14. Casuarina Beach, Jaffna islands

On Karainagar island, connected to the Jaffna peninsula by causeway, Casuarina Beach has shallow, calm water lined with casuarina trees. It's popular with local families at weekends but quiet on weekdays. See Jaffna and things to do in Jaffna.

15. Beaches near Mannar and Kalpitiya

On the northwest coast, Mannar's long, empty beaches and the sandy spits near Kalpitiya feel very remote. Kalpitiya is also known for dolphins and kitesurfing. See Mannar and Kalpitiya.

When to go

See the best time for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka and best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Safety on quiet beaches

Hidden beaches often have no lifeguards, and Sri Lanka's sea can be powerful. - Ask locals about currents before you swim. - Don't swim alone on empty beaches. - Avoid swimming in the monsoon season on that coast. - Watch for rip currents: calm-looking channels between breaking waves. - Avoid lagoon edges in some areas, where crocodiles may live. - Carry water and shade; there may be no shops.

What to bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• Plenty of water and snacks.
• Cash for small cafés and entry charges.
• Water shoes for rocks.
• A cover-up for walking through villages.

How to reach hidden beaches

Many hidden beaches are a few kilometres off the main road, down narrow lanes. Public transport rarely reaches them. The easiest way is with a private driver, who can wait while you swim and take you on to the next beach. Tuk-tuks are good for short trips from a nearby town. See our private driver page.

A sample south coast beach-hopping day

• Morning: Unakuruwa and Kudawella for a swim or surf lesson.
• Late morning: the Hummanaya blowhole.
• Lunch: seafood at a small café near Tangalle.
• Afternoon: Goyambokka cove.
• Sunset: Rekawa, then turtle watching after dark.

Hidden beaches on a Sri Lanka itinerary

On a south coast trip, add Tangalle and its coves after Mirissa, or base yourself between Hiriketiya and Tangalle for a few days. On an east coast trip from May to September, combine Trincomalee, Pasikuda and Kalkudah. See the south coast road trip from Galle to Tangalle, our east coast and north tour and our beach holidays.

Where to stay

Quiet beaches usually have small guesthouses, eco-lodges and private villas rather than big hotels. Book early in the high season. See beach stays for a holiday to Sri Lanka.

Responsible travel on quiet beaches

• Take all rubbish with you; quiet beaches often have no bins.
• Respect fishing communities: don't block boats or nets.
• Dress modestly away from the sand.
• Never disturb nesting turtles.
• Support local cafés and guesthouses.

See our responsible travel guide.

Hidden beaches for couples and families

Couples will love the quiet coves around Tangalle and the villas of Thalpe. Families should choose calmer bays such as Goyambokka, Kalkudah or Casuarina Beach in season, and always supervise children closely. See our honeymoon tour and family tour.

Surfing at hidden beaches

Many quiet bays have gentle breaks. Unakuruwa, Kudawella and Hiriketiya are good on the south coast from about November to April; Okanda and other points near Arugam Bay from about May to October. See surfing and water sports in Sri Lanka.

Quiet beaches near the main resorts

You don't always need to travel far for a quiet beach. Walk 10–15 minutes from the busy centre of most beach towns, and the crowds thin out. In Mirissa, walk to the ends of the bay; in Unawatuna, try Jungle Beach early; in Bentota, the northern stretch of sand is often empty; in Arugam Bay, head south towards Elephant Rock. See things to do in Arugam Bay and things to do in Bentota.

Hidden beaches and wildlife

Quiet beaches are often great for wildlife: turtles nesting at Rekawa, birds at Kalametiya lagoon, dolphins off Kalpitiya, and elephants near the beaches south of Arugam Bay. Bring binoculars, and go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. See turtle hatching.

Hidden beaches by trip length

Getting the best out of a quiet beach

Arrive early, bring everything you need, ask a local café owner about the sea, and stay for sunset. Many quiet beaches face west or south, so sunsets can be spectacular.

What to expect at a hidden beach

Expect fewer facilities: maybe one café, no sunbeds, no lifeguards and sometimes no phone signal. That's the charm. Bring what you need, respect the local community, and you'll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful, peaceful places in Sri Lanka.

Our favourite hidden beach day

Swim at Goyambokka in the morning, lunch on fresh fish near Tangalle, rest in the shade at Unakuruwa, and finish with turtles at Rekawa after dark.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Visiting a coast in its monsoon season.
• Swimming alone on empty beaches.
• Arriving without water or cash.
• Ignoring local advice about currents.
• Leaving rubbish on unspoilt sand.