The short answer
- Season
- December to April
- Galle Fort
- 1 to 2 nights
- Beach time
- 2 to 4 nights
- From the airport
- About 2.5 hours by expressway
The Portuguese built the first fort at Galle, and the Dutch rebuilt it in the 1600s as a walled town that still stands, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside its ramparts are churches, mansions turned boutique hotels and quiet lanes of cafés.
The coast east of Galle is Sri Lanka's classic beach strip, each bay a little different. Choose by the mood you want.
The south coast from west to east
What kind of beach stay do you want?
Choose an answer to see what we recommend.
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- History and boutique hotels: Galle Fort
- Stay inside the walls for sunset walks on the ramparts, then take day trips to the beaches.
- Calm swimming: Unawatuna and Jungle Beach
- A sheltered bay 15 minutes from Galle, with calmer water than most of the coast.
- Whales and nightlife: Mirissa
- Whale watching from December to April, Coconut Tree Hill and lively beach bars.
- Quiet and space: Tangalle
- Long, empty beaches and secluded villas. Strong currents in places, so swim with care.
- Surfing: Hiriketiya or Weligama
- Weligama for beginners, Hiriketiya for a small, laid back surf bay.
Things to do
- Walk the Galle Fort ramparts at sunset, past the lighthouse and the clock tower.
- Go whale watching from Mirissa between December and April. See our whale guide.
- Watch turtles at a nesting beach such as Rekawa, near Tangalle, with a licensed conservation project.
- See the stilt fishermen near Koggala, now mostly posing for photos.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Galle Fort worth staying in?
Yes, for at least one night. It is at its best in the early morning and at sunset, when day trippers have left.
Which is better, Mirissa or Unawatuna?
Unawatuna for calmer swimming and easy access to Galle; Mirissa for whale watching and a livelier scene.
When is the best time for the south coast?
December to April. From May to September the south west monsoon brings rough seas.
Sri Lanka month by month
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