Joanna James
The southern coast of Sri Lanka is home to a diverse collection of beaches that caters to whatever you're looking for. Here are some of the best beaches around Matara that you should visit.
Located 2 kilometres from Matara, Polhena is a beach that is popular among local tourist, especially on poya (full moon) days and weekends. The beach has coral reef 4 kilometre in length that is home a stunning array of multicoloured fish, magnificent underwater flora, fauna and sea turtles. If you're an experienced surfer there's a place that's ideal for surfing 500 metres away from the beach. There's even an island called Galgodiyana island right in front of the beach that can be visited by boat. The beach strip is full of vendors that sell swimwear, goggles, beach snacks and water toys to the patrons who visit this beach.
A 30-minute drive away from Matara, Weligama bay is a long sandy beach that is perfect for newbie surfers. The water is so shallow that you can walk 200 metres into the sea without being in any kind of danger. The area surrounding Weligama is scattered with boutique hotels, Roti cafes, beach clothing stores, bars and hostels. It's a great place to enjoy the beach and relax as everything around the area shuts down by 11 PM whether you like it or not.
If you're looking for a quiet beach without many locals or tourist then Madiha beach is the ideal place for you. Located about a kilometre away from Polehena, the Madiha beach is a small beach strip decorated with long palm trees that gently sway with the wind. You'll see local fisherman expertly balanced on wooden stilts going about their business. The waves rise up to 350 metres, making it ideal for average or pro surfers. The doctor's house located on the Madiha is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with cool cocktails on a hot day.
Situated 16 kilometres from Matara, Mirissa beach is one the most popular beaches in the southern region of Sri Lanka. The gorgeous beaches of Mirissa are lined with shady palm trees and a wide variety of restaurants and bars that are open till the early hours of the morning. Unlike some of the other beaches on this list, Mirissa beach overflows with locals and foreigners who come to enjoy the surfing, beautiful beaches and the vibrant nightlife.
If you're staying at Soul Resorts, one of the many tranquil and serene boutique Matara hotels, then visiting the southern tip of Sri Lanka is something you should definitely do. The colonial lighthouse located in Dondra provides an amazing Panoramic view of the Indian ocean. While not a typical beach unlike the other places mentioned on this list, Dondra point is a great place to visit if you're a fan of colonial architecture.
If you have an international drivers' licences and want to go on an adventure then you should rent a scooter and head to Galle for the day. Located about an hour from Matara, Galle has several beaches to visit and explore. Hikkaduwa is a great place for snorkelling and purchasing local handicraft. Unawatuna, on the other hand, is a great place to grab a beer and sunbathe or read a book. While not as good as the nightlife in Mirissa, Unawatuna has several bars and restaurants that stay open quite late and play music for you to dance the night away!
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