Mirissa is one of the most popular beach destinations in southern Sri Lanka, and for a good reason! The area has it all: beautiful Sri Lankan beaches, great waves for surfing, and waters teeming with marine life, from turtles to big blue whales. We loved our days here, enjoying fresh coconuts in the hammock, eating tasty food from beachside cafes, and zooming around by motorbike. Four days is the perfect amount of time to absorb the laid-back culture of this sunny beach town; here are our favorite things to do in Mirissa!
Our Favorite Things to do in Mirissa
This small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka is all about laid-back beach vibes and relaxation. We’ve listed our favorite things to do in this guide and included our top tips for beachside cafes and hotels.
Did you know? Mirissa is considered the place to go for surfing, but there are endless other water activities as well, from snorkeling to canoeing.
1. Secret Beach, Mirissa
Secret Beach might not be a secret anymore, but it still feels like a remote island paradise! The small, secluded beach is tucked around the corner from the main beach in Mirissa and is a little harder to get to. Because of this, fewer people visit the beach, and if you get there early enough, you can even have the whole place to yourself! (See the location here)
There are 3 beautiful beaches to choose from on this headland, each with its own unique characteristics, from rockpools to coconut palm trees. Spend the day enjoying the crystal blue water, snorkeling among incredible marine life (make sure to keep your eyes peeled for turtles!), and enjoying every moment of this slice of heaven.
Tip: Thereโs no entry fee to visit the beaches, but please buy some food, drinks, sunbeds, or snorkels from the locals working here to support the economy.
To get there, search Google Maps for Secret Beach bar and ask a tuk-tuk driver to take you there. You will need to walk 10 minutes from the drop-off point as the road is too steep for tuk-tuks.
2. Parrot Rock
Parrot Rock sits directly in front of Mirissa Beach: a huge red-colored mound that towers over the water. Itโs become one of the best things to do in Mirissa as it has beautiful views of the palm tree-lined beaches below.
Because Parrot Rock sits out at sea, youโll have to research the tides, as low tide is the safest time to cross over (and youโll avoid getting wet). It can be dangerous to cross over during high tide, especially in the monsoon season when the waves are high.
Once you reach the rock, climb the rickety stairs to the top. From here, youโll see beautiful views across Mirissa. Itโs particularly popular to visit at sunset, but it can get very crowded. Because of this, we woke up early instead to climb at sunrise. It was so worth it to see the beautiful early morning pinks and oranges of the Mirissa skyline and watch the light filter through the green palm trees.
3. Coconut Tree Hill: Top Thing to do in Mirissa
Coconut Tree Hill is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Sri Lanka and one of the top things to do in Mirissa. The private coconut farm is just a 15-minute walk from Mirissa Beach and offers some of the best views in the area! (Here is the exact location)
Once you reach the top of the hill, the headland stretches ahead of you, allowing you spectacular views over the ocean through the many leaning palm trees. We recommend going at sunrise to take photos when fewer people are around.ย
If the weather is good and the tide is low, you can walk along the beach. Be aware that at certain times, you may need to walk through water. If not, you can walk along the road that hugs the coastline.ย Look at the tide times here.
Tip: True to its name, there are coconuts in the trees at Coconut Hill. Be careful, as they can fall, so never stand directly under the trees.
4. Weligama
Weligama is a small beach town widely known as the capital of surfing. Surfers flock here from all over the world to enjoy the fantastic waves and beautiful white-sand beaches. Because of this, thereโs also excellent tourism infrastructure; we loved all the trendy bars, cafes, restaurants, and beach resorts.
Getting there: Mirissa to Weligama is only a 15-minute drive. We rented a motorbike to get there (really reasonable price for the whole week we stayed in Mirissa). You can also pay for a tuk-tuk to drive you there.
Head to Weligama for the day and book a surf lesson at one of the many surf schools lining the shore. After your ocean adventure, eat some delicious and nutritious food or take a local cooking class.ย We didn’t do one, but this cooking class at Karu’s Kitchen looks really popular!
Visit an Animal Shelter
While you’re in Weligama, visit Animal SOS Sri Lanka, a sanctuary for stray animals that provides rehabilitation, medical care, and refuge. The shelter is open every day of the year and welcomes visitors between 10 AM and 2 PM. Go and show these beautiful animals some love, and don’t forget to donate! You can also donate easily online here.
Getting there: The animal sanctuary is 20 minutes from Weligama and can be reached by tuk-tuk. It’s really worth it; it was the most heartwarming experience of our trip.
5. Whale Watching, Mirissa
Mirissa has some of the best marine life in the whole of Sri Lanka. Itโs especially famous for its whale population, which can be seen from the end of November until March. This is the period when whales migrate from further south.
Join a whale-watching tour, many of which youโll find at the beach, and a guide will take you out into the deep blue Indian Ocean to see whales, dolphins, and turtles. If youโre lucky, you may even spot a big blue whale – the largest animal on the planet!
Please research your tour carefully and make sure the company you are using respects international whale-watching rules and works to protect these beautiful creatures. Sustainable and ethical companies will be passionate about conservation and never allow the boat to get too close to the whales.
Not planning a visit in that season? In the opposite season, it is one of the popular things to do in Trincomalee.
6. Unawatuna & Galle Fort Day Trip
Unawatuna is one of the most popular beach towns on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Itโs famous for its sandy beaches, hipster restaurants, and lively nightlife. As itโs only a short 50-minute drive from Mirissa, itโs the perfect place to visit on a day trip.
Hire a motorbike and drive along the coastline to spend the morning in Unawatuna. Swim at the beaches, enjoy the famous Dalawella beach swing, or snap some photos of the ocean views from the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
I also loved hiring a board and learning to surf, as itโs known for its beginner-sized waves. Book your surf lesson here!
Galle Fort
Galle Fort is a 15-minute drive from Unawatuna and a must-see on your day trip! The ancient fort town is a melting pot of culture, having survived the Portuguese, Dutch, and British invasions.
Book a guided walking tour to learn more about Galle Fort’s rich history while exploring landmarks like the Dutch Fort. Alternatively, spend the afternoon shopping at the cute boutique shops and admiring the charming, traditional buildings. Make sure to watch the sunset from the Galle Fort Wall – the perfect way to end the day!
Read more: Galle Fort, a trip back in history
7. Surfing
Sri Lanka is known as a surfing hotspot, and Mirissa Beach is no exception! It is known for its waves, attracting beginners (like us!) and intermediates. Beginners can enjoy the mellow waves off the main beach, and intermediates can look for one of the reef breaks off the headland.
In the right season (October to March), you can find ideal surfing conditions, and itโs one of the top things to do in Mirissa. Plus, after burning all that energy surfing, youโll be able to take advantage of the delicious food at one of the many beachside restaurants and cafes!
8. Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach is also exceptionally popular for holidaymakers who are simply looking to relax and swim. Although it can get crowded, the sandy bay sandwiched between coconut palms and rocky headland is still very peaceful. We also noticed that it’s not super busy with surf schools, unlike some other locations on the south coast, so itโs easy to enjoy a refreshing dip.ย ย
A handful of excellent restaurants are located on the edge of the beach, all offering different kinds of food. Spending an afternoon here, soaking up the chilledย Sri Lankanย way of life, is a top thing to do in Mirissa.
Restaurant tip: Try some delicious fresh seafood at Bunga Bunga, located directly on the beach.
9. Matara
Experience real Sri Lankan local life in Matara. The busy commercial town is not known as a vacation destination, so thereโs very little tourism. Because of this, the town is a true representation of beautiful Sri Lankan culture. Wander the streets, doing as the locals do: hanging around on the peaceful, sandy beach or playing sports inside Matara Fort.
To get to Matara, follow the coastline east from Mirissa by motorbike or tuk-tuk. The journey takes 30-minutes.
One of the top things to see in Matara is the stunning Paravi Duwa Temple. This traditional Buddhist temple sits on an island surrounded by the beautiful blue Indian Ocean. Most unique of all is that the temple is connected to the town by a steel bridge. (Here is the exact location)
Tip: Remember to cover your head, arms, and legs as a sign of respect, as this is a sacred place of worship for the local people.
Doctor’s House (Matara)
Ready for a great afternoon party with surf vibes? The Doctor’s House is the place to go! The 200-year-old Dutch Ayurvedic hospital has been turned into a bar/hotel, with an extensive garden. It is one of our top recommendations for a laid-back vibe, great food, drinks, and live music. Plus, itโs only a short 15-minute drive out of Matara. (Book your table here)
You can also stay overnight at the Doctor’s House. Book your room here.
How to Visit Mirissa
One of the best experiences in Sri Lanka is taking the iconic trains, which zigzag across the countryside in various directions. If youโre leaving from Colombo, you can take a train to the nearby stations of Weligama or Matara. From there, itโs just a short tuk-tuk ride away to Mirissa.
Another option is to opt for a private driver who will take you to whichever locations you need on your trip.
Where to Stay in Mirissa
Mirissa is relatively small, so most guesthouses and hotels will be within walking distance of the beach.
As with most areas in Sri Lanka, prices are low for accommodation, and you can find beautiful beachside hotels, with views of the ocean, for a lot less than you might expect!
Best Cafes and Restaurants in Mirissa
There are loads of delicious restaurants in and around Mirissa that offer a variety of different cuisines. Some of our favorites are:
- Little Tuna – Sushi
- Shady Lane – Healthy
- Ceylon Curry House – Sri Lankan (Book your table)
- DelTanoโs – Pizza & Pasta
- Bunga Bunga Beach – Best seafront location!
- Dewmini Roti Shop – Sri Lankan (You can also book a cooking class here!)
- RISE – Italian at Weligama (Book your table)
- Nomad Cafe – Weligama
The surfing culture of the South has brought with it an influx of trendy cafes, bars, and coffee shops. We were absolutely spoilt for choice! In fact, eating just might be one of the top things to do in Mirissa.
Best Time to Visit Mirissa
Sri Lanka has two separate rainy seasons, which happen on alternate sides of the island. In the south, the dry season runs from November to March.
However, we’ve visited before in the shoulder months of October and April and have experienced days of great weather too! Best of all, accommodation is lower-priced during this time.
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Very informative and great descriptions done. Keep it up.
Thanks
Raku