Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka

My third visit to Sri Lanka (my previous blog post here), Ive decided to allocate more time in Mirissa Beach!

Mirissa Beach is nestled along the coastline, this pristine haven beckons with its golden sands and azure waters, promising a relaxing chilled destination suitable for those seeking a Bali-like vibe as well as surfers. Let’s dig into this destinations and get to know a little bit more of it.

Mirissa, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, offers a diverse range of experiences across its various areas here’s a bit more to give you perspective.

Main Beach Area: This is the heart of Mirissa, bustling with activity. The main beach area is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports such as surfing and snorkeling. It’s also where you’ll find a plethora of beachfront restaurants and cafes offering fresh seafood and refreshing drinks (a list in below in this post!). The vibrant atmosphere here is ideal for those seeking a lively beach scene and socializing with other travelers. I’ve stayed here in a hotel called Tripe O six.

Secret Beach: Tucked away from the main tourist hub, Secret Beach offers a more secluded and tranquil setting. Accessible via a short hike or tuk-tuk ride, this hidden gem boasts pristine sands and calm waters, perfect for leisurely swims and peaceful sunbathing. Secret Beach is ideal for travelers looking to escape the crowds and unwind in a serene environment surrounded by nature.

Mirissa Harbour: The harbor area is bustling with fishing boats and offers a glimpse into the local fishing industry. Visitors can take boat tours from here to spot whales and dolphins in the surrounding waters, making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. Additionally, the harbor is a great spot to enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while soaking in views of the picturesque bay.

Coconut Tree Hill: Perched atop a hill overlooking Mirissa Beach, Coconut Tree Hill offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Visitors can climb the hill to capture stunning sunset shots or simply relax amidst the swaying palm trees and enjoy the breathtaking vistas.

Weligama Beach (nearby): Just a short distance from Mirissa lies Weligama Beach, renowned for its beginner-friendly surf breaks and iconic stilt fishermen. Weligama is perfect for those looking to learn how to surf or witness the unique fishing technique practiced by local fishermen. The beach also offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Mirissa, making it ideal for families and travelers seeking a quieter beach experience.

How to get to Mirissa?

• If you’re coming from Colombo, can catch a train to Weligama, then get a tuk tuk from there which is 15 minutes away.
• Option two which was my preference; rent a car with a driver and the drive from Colombo will be around 3 hours. It costed me around USD 190.

How to get around in Mirissa?

TukTuk is my preference and what I recommend as well! I’ve walked at many occasions and grabbed a Tuktuk for trips up to 45 mins. It’s convenient and I recommend it.

Brunch, lunch and dinners!

Some cafes and restaurants only took cash; make sure you have some and there are ATM’s around the area too!

• Shady Lane Mirissa (Brunch, Smoothies, Bowls)
• Mom Beach
• Aloha Gallery (no wifi, only cash payments)
• The Slow (Vegan, beach club)
• Wood Space
• Surf Bar Mirissa (Beautiful Sunset views)
• Mila (Brunch, lunch and amazing dinner)
• Lost Paradise (brunch)
• Salt Mirissa (Lunch)
• DelTano’s Wood Fired Pizza (Pizza, dinner)
• Loose Keys (Coffee)