With shimmering seas, lively coastal streets, and restful retreats just around the corner, Unawatuna is your gateway to unforgettable holiday moments. You find vibrant experiences and peaceful escapes side by side, ready to suit every mood. Step beyond the shoreline and uncover the best vacation spots near this beloved beach paradise.
Explore Unawatuna’s Neighbouring Highlights
Where shimmering seas meet exciting new places to explore.
Unawatuna sits along Sri Lanka’s sun-drenched south coast, a beloved beach escape with soft sand, swaying palms, and warm, clear waters. It’s a place where laid-back days come naturally and coastal charm is everywhere you look. But the best part? Adventure waits just beyond the bay. This vibrant stretch of the island is filled with lively culture, scenic beauty, rich wildlife, and flavourful local eats. When you’re ready to explore, the best vacation spots near Unawatuna Beach are only moments away — each offering something special to enjoy under the southern sun.
Make your way to the beach at sunset to witness magic in action
Galle Fort
Just minutes from Unawatuna, you reach one of the south coast’s most captivating highlights — the Dutch Galle Fort. This iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site blends seaside beauty with centuries of coastal history. Wander through charming streets lined with colonial buildings, stylish boutiques, and cosy cafés that bring a Mediterranean flair to the old ramparts. As you explore, you’ll find touches of the past everywhere — from ancient cannons to hidden corners that open up to sweeping ocean views.
Walk along the ramparts and admire the land and the sea
Jungle Beach
Love the laid-back charm of Unawatuna? Jungle Beach offers a peaceful escape just a scenic walk away. Hidden among lush greenery, it’s a quiet cove ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and settling into pure tropical calm. The gentle waters stay sheltered behind a rocky headland, making it a cosy spot to unwind once you reach the sand.
Enjoy the wild vibes at Jungle Beach
And while you’re nearby, you can take a moment to visit the striking Japanese Peace Pagoda — another serene corner with sweeping coastal views.
Koggala Lake
For a change of pace from beachside buzz, Koggala Lake brings soothing views and a slower rhythm. Just a short journey along the south coast, its calm waters are framed by thick forest and little islands brimming with life.
Test your balance while stilt fishing
A boat ride here is a simple pleasure — birds flit across the treetops, monkeys leap through branches, and nature surrounds you on all sides. It’s one of the most relaxing vacation spots near Unawatuna, especially if you’re craving a quiet moment in the heart of the south.
Mirissa
If unforgettable ocean moments are calling, Mirissa delivers them in style. Just a short drive from Unawatuna, this lively beach town is loved for its thrilling whale- and dolphin-watching adventures — a true highlight of the south coast.
The Coconut Tree Hill is the best viewpoint to enjoy sunset
Soft sands make it a favourite for families, while beachside cafés and bars keep the good vibes going from day to night. And don’t miss Coconut Hill — a short walk that rewards you with palm-framed ocean views, especially magical at sunset.
Hikkaduwa
Craving a little more energy with your beach escape? Hikkaduwa brings a fun mix of surf culture, party spirit, and coastal beauty. Once a laid-back hippie hangout, it still holds that easygoing charm — until night falls.
One of the earliest tourist destinations in the island, Hikkaduwa still attracts a crowd
As the evening lights glow, beachfront spots fill up with music, food, and festive holiday buzz. By day, you can dive into colourful marine life with snorkelling right off the shore, or explore the famed marine national park. Hikkaduwa is one of the best vacation spots near Unawatuna when you want sunshine by day and excitement after dark.
Thalpe
Prefer quiet shores and calm moments? Talpe is the serene escape you’ll love. This beautiful stretch of coastline is steadily becoming a must-visit spot near Unawatuna, thanks to its clear waters, coconut-lined beaches, and peaceful atmosphere.
Experience the coastal charm of Talpe
Just a few minutes inland, you can also find Yatagala Temple — a sacred sanctuary tucked among ancient rock boulders. It’s a wonderful place to pause and reflect, adding a gentle spiritual touch to your south coast adventure.
Weligama
If surfing is on your holiday wishlist, Weligama is the place to be. Its wide bay offers gentle waves perfect for first-time surfers, with plenty of friendly surf schools ready to help you glide across the water.
But there’s more to Weligama than its waves. With beach cafés, relaxed coastal energy, and scenic surroundings, it’s a wonderful spot to enjoy the day at your own pace. Just a short drive from Unawatuna, this town blends ocean adventure with an authentic south coast vibe — making every visit feel like a perfect little getaway.
Don't leave Weligama without watching the sunset
Travel to Unawatuna
If you want to explore more destinations away from the south coast, join our Sri Lankan Beach Escape Tour or extend your visit during **A Week in the Tropics
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About Gayathri Kothalawala
A senior travel writer at BSL Tours, with an eye for Sri Lanka’s romantic landscapes and timeless charm. Through her words, she brings to life the island’s serene beaches, misty hills, and soulful traditions, inspiring travellers to uncover the most intimate side of Sri Lanka.
