Where to stay

Boutique hotels in restored Dutch houses, inside the walls. Walkable, quiet at night and close to the mosque; no beach on the doorstep.

A sheltered bay 10 minutes south of the Fort, with guesthouses, beach cafés and calm water for swimming in season.

Villas and small hotels along rock pools and reef-sheltered coves just past Unawatuna. Peaceful and family-friendly.

A surf village turned design-led stretch of cafés, yoga shalas and villas, 30 minutes from Galle.

A wide, gentle bay where beginners learn to surf. Good-value hotels and an easy hop to Mirissa.

A curved palm beach with the whale-watching harbour next door. Lively in the evenings; book early for late December.