The 80 kilometres of coastline east of Galle hold an absurd concentration of beautiful beaches, each with its own personality. Here's how our drivers describe them to guests on the coastal road.
Unawatuna & Dalawella
Closest to Galle Fort and great for families: calm, reef-protected swimming, the famous Dalawella palm swing and jungle-backed 'Jungle Beach' a short scramble away. Sunset from the pagoda viewpoint is superb.
Weligama & Mirissa
Weligama's long, forgiving beach break is the island's best place to learn to surf. Next door, Mirissa pairs whale watching with a proper beach-bar evening scene. Come early to Coconut Tree Hill for photos without the crowds.
Hiriketiya & Dickwella
'Hiri' is the south's darling — a tiny horseshoe bay of jungle, longboard peelers and specialty coffee. It gets busy in season; nearby Dickwella carries the overflow with a broader sweep of sand.
Tangalle and beyond
Keep driving east and the crowds fall away. Tangalle's wild, golden beaches front some of the island's loveliest boutique hotels, and by Rekawa, you're sharing the sand mainly with nesting sea turtles. This is where we send honeymooners.
