Mirissa is a popular beach destination in southern Sri Lanka, and for a good reason! The area has it all: beautiful Sri Lankan beaches, excellent surfing waves, and waters teeming with marine life ranging from turtles to large blue whales. Spend your days relaxing in your hammock, eating delicious food from beachside restaurants, and zipping around on your motorbike. Four days is the best time to soak up the laid-back culture of this sunny beach town while enjoying all of Mirissa’s top attractions.
Secret Beach, Mirissa
Secret Beach may no longer be a secret, but it still has the feel of a remote island paradise! The small, secluded beach is tucked around Mirissa’s central coast and is a little more challenging to find. As a result, fewer people visit the beach, and if you arrive early enough, you may even have the entire place to yourself! There are three amazing beaches to choose from on this headland, each with its distinct features ranging from rockpools to coconut palm trees. Spend the day relaxing in the crystal blue water, snorkelling among incredible marine life (keep an eye out for turtles! ), and taking in every moment of this slice of heaven.
Parrot Rock
Parrot Rock, a massive red-coloured mound that towers over the water, is directly in Mirissa Beach. It’s become one of the best things to do in Mirissa because of the stunning views of the palm-fringed beaches below.
Because Parrot Rock is out at sea, you’ll need to check the tides, as low tide is the safest time to cross (and you won’t get wet). Crossing during high tide can be dangerous, especially during the monsoon season when the waves are high.
Climb the rickety stairs to the top once you’ve reached the rock. Beautiful views of Mirissa can be seen from here. It’s viral at sunset, but it can get very crowded. As a result, we recommend waking up early and climbing at sunrise. You can see the beautiful early morning pinks and oranges of the Mirissa skyline, as well as the light filtering through the green palm trees at this time.
Top Things to Do in Mirissa at Coconut Tree Hill
Coconut Tree Hill is the most Instagrammable place in Sri Lanka and one of the best things to do in Mirissa. The private coconut farm is located just a 15-minute walk from Mirissa Beach and has some of the best views in the area!
The headland stretches out ahead of you once you reach the top of the hill, providing spectacular views of the ocean through the many leaning palm trees. We recommend going at sunrise when fewer people are around to take photos.
Google Maps shows the location of Coconut Tree Hill. You can walk along the beach if the weather is excellent and low tide. Aware that you may need to walk through the water at times. If not, you can walk along the road that runs along the coast.
Weligama
Weligama is a small beach town widely regarded as the world’s surfing capital. Surfers from all over the world come to enjoy the incredible waves and white-sand beaches. As a result, there is an excellent tourism infrastructure, including many trendy bars, cafes, restaurants, and beach resorts.
Visit Weligama for the day and sign up for a surf lesson at one of the many surf schools that line the beach. After your ocean adventure, eat some tasty and nutritious food or take a cooking class in your area.
Whale Watching, Mirissa
Mirissa is home to some of Sri Lanka’s best marine life. It is most well-known for its whale population, which can be seen from the end of November to the end of March. Whales migrate from the south at this time of year. Join a whale watching tour from the beach, and a guide will take you out into the deep blue Indian Ocean to see whales, dolphins, and turtles. You might even see a giant blue whale – the world’s largest animal – if you’re lucky!
Please do your homework that the company you are using follows international whale watching rules and works to protect these magnificent creatures. Sustainable and ethical businesses are concerned about conservation and never allow the boat to get too close to the whales.
Unawatuna & Galle Fort Day Trip
Unawatuna is the most popular beach towns on Sri Lanka’s south coast. It is well-known for its sandy beaches, hipster restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It’s ideal for a day trip from Mirissa because it’s only a 50-minute drive away.
Rent a motorcycle and ride along the coast to Unawatuna for the morning. Swim at the beaches, swing on the famous Dalawella beach or photograph the ocean views from the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Thanks to its beginner-sized waves, it’s also a great place to rent a surfboard and learn to surf.
Galle Fort
This 15-minute drive from Unawatuna and a must-see on any day trip! After surviving the Portuguese, Dutch, and British invasions, the ancient fort town is a cultural melting pot. It’s the best place to spend an afternoon browsing the cute boutique shops and admiring the charming, traditional architecture. Watch the sunset from the wall – it’s the perfect way to end the day!
Surfing
Sri Lanka is well-known for its surfing, and Mirissa Beach is no exception! It is famous for its waves, which draw both beginners and intermediates. Beginners will enjoy the mellow waves off the main beach, while negotiators will want to check out one of the reef breaks off the headland.
During the right season, surfing is one of the best things to do in Mirissa (October to March). Plus, after all that energy spent surfing, you’ll be able to refuel at one of the many beachside restaurants and cafes!
Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach is also very popular with holidaygoers who want to relax and swim. Although it can get crowded, the sandy bay nestled between coconut palms and a rocky outcropping is still peaceful. It’s also not overrun with surf schools, unlike some other spots on the southern coast, making it easy to cool off in the water.
On the beach’s edge, many excellent restaurants are serving a variety of cuisines. Spending an afternoon here, soaking up the laid-back Sri Lankan way of life, is a must-do in Mirissa.
Matara
In Matara, you can experience authentic Sri Lankan local life. Because the busy commercial town is not well-known as a holiday destination, there is little tourism. As a result, the city accurately represents Sri Lankan culture. Wander the streets, doing as the locals do: relaxing on the peaceful, sandy beach or participating in sports activities inside Matara Fort. The stunning Paravi Duwa Temple is one of the top things to see in Matara. This traditional Buddhist temple is located on an island surrounded by the breathtaking Indian Ocean. Most notably, the temple is linked to the town by a steel bridge.
Doctors House (Matara)
Are you ready for a fun afternoon party with a surf theme? The Doctors’ House is a must-see! The expansive garden has the ideal laid-back vibe, as well as great food, drinks, and live music. It’s also only a 15-minute drive from Matara.
