Must-Visit Beaches in Galle

As the capital of the southern coastline, Galle is a beach lover’s dream come true in Sri Lanka. Home to its fair share of white, sandy beaches, the little pieces of paradise on offer in Galle are ranked among the best beaches on the island by no coincidence.

Travellers staying at Jetwing Kurulubedda will have easy access to this stunning beach in Galle which is known for its unusual crescent-shaped bay. As one of the more tranquil tourist attractions in Galle, Unawatuna Beach is not only ideal for swimming activities but also for every variety of water sports. Canoeing and Jet skiing are popular ways to pass the time at this beach surrounded by palm trees while the nearby lagoon also allows beachgoers to spend more time in the sun and enjoy an array of water-bound activities. The rich marine life off the coast of Unawatuna not only makes it a snorkeller’s dream destination but a great place to go scuba diving too.

Visitors holidaying on board the Yathra Houseboat by Jetwing or the Dedduwa Boat House will find that Bentota Beach is among the island’s finest beaches. Home to some of the best-known resorts and beachfront hotels in Galle, Bentota Beach is within easy driving distance of the Sri Lankan capital Colombo and is also a cultural hotspot in its own right. Surrounded by Buddhist temples and cinnamon gardens, Bentota holidaymakers can also tour Lunuganga Estate and the Brief Gardens by Geoffrey Bawa and his brother Bevis Bawa respectively. Seafood lovers will also find that Bentota is also known for its cycling trails and water sports activities.

If there’s a party hub among Galle’s stunning beaches, then it is surely Hikkaduwa Beach or Hikka Beach as it is affectionately known. Lined with chic beach bars and pubs, Hikkaduwa Beach is for the young and restless travellers in search of a beach town with a dynamic nightlife scene. Renowned for its coral reefs and marine life heritage, Hikkaduwa is also the perfect place to sign up for a snorkelling or diving tour while those who would rather stay dry can opt for a glass-bottom tour of the coast.

Couples and honeymooners on the lookout for a peaceful and serene beach in Galle free from large crowds will find no finer alternative to Akurala Beach. Offering beach lovers a welcome respite from Galle’s busier beaches, Akurala Beach is a secluded hideaway where one can enjoy the seaside atmosphere with a long walk or splashing around in the water without countless other vacationers looking on. The slow current conditions around the beach also make it ideal for swimming and families.

Guests lapping up the atmosphere of Paradise Beach Club Mirissa will be a stone’s throw away from this captivating beach which is also one of the island’s best whale-watching destinations. Tourists heading to Mirissa Beach from December to March will find that they are just in time to spot dolphins and the world’s largest mammals making their way across Mirissa and the Indian Ocean. Mirissa is also a great spot for birdwatchers and those who wish to witness sea turtles laying their eggs.

Within close range of the Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel, Jungle Beach is a popular beach for day-trippers. Regarded among Galle tourist places that are equally well-loved by locals and tourists, Jungle Beach is renowned for its turquoise-hued waters and snorkelling possibilities. The forest on the fringes of the beach is also perfect for hiking expeditions while several beachfront restaurants are also on-site for added convenience.