Best Beaches in Colombo & West Coast Sri Lanka

Located just a stone's throw away from Colombo City Centre in a charming residential suburb, Mount Lavinia Beach is a sea-bathing spot of dreams. A short train ride from the capital city, a cheap fare goes far when travelling to this paradise location. Bustling full of life with friendly locals selling swimsuits or refreshing sour mango and manioca chips, the shore is also home to higher-end shops and restaurants such as Lavinia Breeze and The Steamboat. Be sure to only swim in the water where it is marked safe due to the larger waves, but do not stress as the stunning sunsets are equally colourful when viewed from the sand.

A stunning sweep of land found an hour and 30 mins south of Colombo, located in a calm bay protected by the high waves and strong currents by the natural coral reef. Beruwala Beach is a large coastline dotted with exotic palm trees embedded in sugary white sand. Almost uninhabited a few years ago, many hotels and restaurants, such as the stunning Cinnamon Bay Beruwala, have opened their doors here. Sporting equipment is easily rented here for some instructor-led deep-sea diving and snorkelling at the colossal ship wreckages and other tropical marine experiences.

The sprawling beach of Negombo is a fan favourite thanks to its proximity to the international airport 10km away. With gorgeous resorts around the perimeter, like the Heritance Negombo and Club Hotel Dolphin, visitors will stagger off their long-haul flights and flop onto the golden sand after they have checked in. Negombo beach varies in width and has a more rustic feel to it compared to other pristine bays nearby, however you’ll always find a lively crowd ready to celebrate a late night with great music and a cheap beer. Negombo town, located a few miles south, will offer an interesting introduction to Sri Lankan life, with lively markets, colourful wooden boats and a sprinkle of old-world colonial charm.

Named “Mora Wala” (Shark Pit) due to the fact this used to be a shark breeding home in the early years, but do not stress as this vast bay is now a children's haven as the coral reef has created a shallow pool perfect for splashing around in the dazzling waters. The warming sunset allows for this beach to be a photographer's paradise, with this location often being used for travel copy. Enjoy the sea breeze and bask in mother nature at her best.

Located in a small seaside town on the western shores of Sri Lanka, Wadduwa beach is a tiny slice of paradise. A stunning stretch of sandy beach, perfect for long strolls, with friendly locals fishing and crabbing along the shoreline using traditional methods. The community will make you feel welcome, and with plenty of hotels nearby, such as the Reef Villa Wadduwa, there are plenty of swimming options either in the shimmering sea or at the resort's amenities.

Panadura is a large town bustling with the joys of local life in Sri Lanka. A long stretch of beach that has boarded coasts banked with golden sand, mirroring the town of Panadura, the beach sparks warmth and elegance in its best form. The calm waters are perfect for some candid fun and is sun-drenched from dusk till dawn. The beach itself is often secluded and unlike other beaches in the Western Province, it is not popular for its water sports or hustle and bustle of nightlife, however a great backdrop for some simple family time and romance by the waters with your loved ones.

Kalutara is a long stretch of golden shoreline divided by the Kalu River estuary. The charming beach is within proximity to the capital of Colombo, so a day trip to enjoy the cultural and religious attractions in the area is a must unless you stay at the nearby Tangerine Beach or Turyaa Kalutara Hotels. The north of the estuary is favoured more, perfect for delectable seafood whilst enjoying the sunset, or taking in the views of locals flying kites and playing football on the sand.

A treasured coastal sanctuary along the western coast of Sri Lanka, Moragalla is a haven for holiday goers who crave a secluded spot. The wide bay, smothered in sugary gold sand just 4km from hotspot Beruwala, with the southernmost section of the bay at the estuary of the Bentota River. Due to the coral reef, the shallow water calls for great snorkelling, windsurfing and scuba diving, especially done in the mornings when the tide has retreated.

An almost uninhabited stretch of bliss, Katukurunda has an excellent amount of positive trip advisor reviews for a reason. A wide stretch of gold sand, blue waters and lush greenery collide to create a tranquil paradise. With safe swimming waters year-round, nearby supermarkets and seafood restaurants all within touching distance, you’ll be wanting to extend your stay.

Easily reachable by train from Colombo, this beach is one of the capital’s closest gems. Often occupied by more fishermen than actual tourists, this hub of activity will see charming colourful fishing boats dotted on the horizon as they make their way back to the pier with fresh produce, perfect for the vast majority of seafood restaurants along the banks of the sand, such as the popular Beach Wadiyo. Stroll along with the swaying palm trees and soak up the atmosphere just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of the city.