Trincomalee
A deep natural harbour on the north-east coast with calm, clear water, Koneswaram Temple on Swami Rock and the reef of Pigeon Island just offshore.
Hikkaduwa
A reef-fringed beach town known for easy surf, snorkelling with turtles and a lively beach evening.
Unawatuna
A calm, crescent-shaped bay minutes from Galle with a reef for snorkelling and the Japanese Peace Pagoda above the beach.
Tangalle
A quiet south-coast stretch of empty beaches and coves, home to the Rekawa turtle-nesting beach nearby, where green, olive ridley and leatherback turtles come ashore.
Arugam Bay
A far-eastern surf village built around Main Point, one of the world’s best right-hand point breaks, with lagoon safaris and barefoot evenings. Best from May to October.
Weligama
A wide, gently curling bay with some of the island’s most forgiving beginner surf and a lively row of cafés above the sand.
Mirissa
A palm-fringed bay famous for blue and sperm whale watching from November to April, with a crescent beach for sunsets.
Bentota
A long, easy beach beside the Bentota River and the Madu River estuary, ideal for water sports, boat safaris and slow resort days.
Galle
A UNESCO-listed Dutch fort still alive with galleries, cafés and families strolling the ramparts. Wander at golden hour and watch the sun drop behind the lighthouse.
Negombo
A lagoon-side fishing town just minutes from the airport, with sunset boats, Dutch-era canals and a working fish market. It makes a gentle first or last night.