The Best Things to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka’s Bohemian South Coast Paradise
When it comes to tourism on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Mirissa has long been the poster child.
A quintessential beachside town set up for backpackers, Mirissa’s expansive golden sand beach with wonderful surf (and a whale migration!), close proximity to Colombo, Galle, Udawalawe and Ella, and cheap accommodation and food, led to Mirissa attracting the masses, and by early 2020, it was Sri Lanka’s most popular southern town.
When we first visited in 2016, it still felt sleepy; beachside shacks served the day’s best catch, accommodation was mostly guesthouses run by wonderfully friendly locals, jungle still filled the hills and peninsula in which Mirissa sits, and the majority of restaurants were serving rice and curry.
A global pandemic, a proxy war in Europe, and mass migration of nationals have led to an altogether different experience in Mirissa.
This is why, after returning in early 2023, Mirissa was no longer the sleepy, backpacker hub on the southern coast (Hiriketiya and Ahangama are those, now). Development has exploded. High-rise hotels and apartment complexes dot the skyline. Trendy cafes line the streets and backstreets. And the laidback feel of town has gone.
Now, this is not to say Mirissa is worse than before. It’s actually still enjoyable. It’s just different.
You can still spend your days lazing by the beach, enjoying a beachside seafood feast. You can still watch the best sunset you’ll ever see. You can still learn to surf, see whales, or devour rice and curry.
But just expect to do so in a little less authentic environment.
Now, don’t let this put you off visiting Mirissa. It’s still an essential stop on any Sri Lankan itinerary and can form the perfect base for south coast explorations. This guide aims to showcase the very best things to do in Mirissa, plus where to eat and sleep, and the best time to visit. Oh, and transport tips to help you get there.
Love our photos? They were all edited using our Sri Lanka Preset Pack, which you can purchase here!
WHERE TO STAY IN MIRISSA
With the rise in popularity, so too has the rise in accommodation options in Mirissa.
THE BEACH HOUSE BY REVEAL
The Beach House by Reveal in Mirissa is an intimate haven blending luxury with the soothing rhythm of the ocean. The elegantly designed suites offer unobstructed ocean vistas, inviting you to wake up to breathtaking sunrises and sunset cocktails. The beachside pool is stunning, while the gourmet cuisine celebrates local flavours. All in all, this is the luxury haven you’re looking for.
BOOK | The Beach House Mirissa
THE SLOW VEGAN HOTEL
Enjoy understated, mindful luxury at The Slow Vegan Hotel in Mirissa. A haven for conscious travellers, this boutique gem combines sustainable living with thoughtfully curated spaces reflecting a blend of eco-chic aesthetics and coastal minimalism. You can also indulge in their incredible plant-based restaurant, while also enjoying yoga sessions on the sun-kissed deck.
BOOK | The Slow Vegan Hotel
BANANA BUNKS MIRISSA
Banana Bunks Mirissa personifies a carefree island. A vibrant hub nestled in the heart of Mirissa, this hostel exudes a bohemian charm that captures the spirit of Sri Lanka’s coastal vibe. From cozy dormitories to breezy private rooms, Banana Bunks offers an affordable haven for every wanderer.
BOOK | Banana Bunks Mirissa
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MIRISSA
CHILL OUT ON MIRISSA BEACH
Mirissa Beach may not be the best beach in Sri Lanka, but it’s certainly right up there, an idyllic south-coast haven that beckons with its sun-kissed shores, towering palms, and azure waters.
A typical day here is spent enjoying the rhythmic crashing of waves as you lounge beneath the sun on the endless golden sands. As the sun sets, a breathtaking palette of colours paints the sky, the perfect backdrop as you down yet another tropical cocktail at a chic beachside bar.
The small western cove is a haven for surfers, who enjoy its long barrels and shallow waters – and while Mirissa isn’t the best place to learn to surf (nearby Weligama is the place!), you can still learn to surf here.
The rest of the beach though, is perfect for lounging, swimming and doing little else. You can camp out under the shade of an umbrella (at a cost), or head down towards Parrot Rock to lounge under the shade of towering palms.
Lining the shore are beachside eateries and bars serving up the best of Sri Lankan and Western foods (W&D Beach Restaurant is the pick of the bunch – get there Yellow Fin Tuna), however, it’s the seafood that’s the star of the show here (there’s a nearby fisheries harbour, so you can guarantee the seafood here is fresh!). Our evening spent on the shore, enjoying a seafood feast, remains one of our most memorable in Sri Lanka – there’s just something about enjoying a candlelit meal on the beach that sticks deep in the memory bank.
Overall though, a trip to Mirissa is incomplete without spending multiple days lazing on the beach, embracing everything that makes Mirissa so special.
WATCH THE SUNSET FROM COCONUT TREE HILL
Although there are plenty of things to see and do in Mirissa, one of our favourite places to visit in Sri Lanka is the insta-famous and delightful Coconut Tree Hill.
Although it’s been plastered all over social media, it really is a beautiful and unique place to see with your own eyes, with literally hundreds of palms jutting out of this small, burnt orange hill.
Located at the eastern end of Mirissa Beach, the views over Mirissa are spectacular, and there are plenty of places to just chill and watch the world go by. Although it’s gaining in popularity quickly, early mornings are relatively free from crowds, while a clear evening will gift you some pretty epic sunset views from here.
THE DETAILS
Where | Mirissa Beach
How to get to Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa | Walk along Matara Rd out of Mirissa until you reach Maison D’hotes Sanda Beach. From there, follow the path on your right and you’ll come to a gate, from which you should be able to walk directly to the palm trees.
HAVE A LAZY AFTERNOON AT SECRET BEACH
The secret’s out – Secret Beach is no longer a secret. And while we’re a little mad about it, good things don’t stay hidden for long.
Located on a small peninsula separating Weligama and Mirissa, Secret Beach is tucked in amongst jungle and rocks, hidden away from the relative hustle of Mirissa beach and town.
Punctuated by two small coves, Secret Beach beckons with its powdery golden sands and crystal-clear waters that glisten under the caress of the sun. The best part about the beach, though, is the small pool created by rocks that make swimming here a far more sedate affair, especially when the Indian Ocean is stirring.
With the increase in popularity has come a range of beachside bars set back from the beach, which serves up basic food, beers and cocktails. Sit under the towering coconut trees, and enjoy the breeze while sipping a king coconut, before returning back to the sea.
You could easily spend the whole day here, but we suggest a half day so you have time to explore the other best things to do in Mirissa.
Getting to Secret Beach requires either a tuk-tuk or two legs. The former is fairly pricey, however, if you can handle the heat, we suggest walking there. The road passes typical Sri Lankan houses and shops, and it gives a great insight into daily life in Sri Lanka, away from the resorts. It’s about 4km return, so remember to pack your water bottle, or stop and grab a coconut to rehydrate.
THE DETAILS
Where | Secret Beach, Mirissa
How to get to Secret Beach | Follow this map for the best way to get to Secret Beach
TAKE A WHALE WATCHING EXPEDITION
Sri Lanka is home to an array of exceptional National Parks, which host a huge diversity of wildlife; 44 mammal species including elephants and leopards, and over 215 bird species, to be exact!
For such a small country, the wealth of wildlife viewing opportunities are virtually unmatched globally.
However, it’s not just on land that Sri Lanka’s wildlife viewing opportunities exist, but also in the ocean.
Off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, it’s possible to observe a range of whale species, and dolphins, in their natural habitat.
Between December – March, the waters of the Indian Ocean play host to migrating Blue Whales (dolphins, Bryde’s whales and sperm whales are sometimes also observed), which provide perfect whale-watching opportunities through a range of local operators.
If you’re in Sri Lanka during this period, we highly recommend joining a whale-watching expedition. Tours depart from Mirissa, where medium-sized cruisers take to the ocean in search of these incredible creatures.
This popular 4-6 hour whale watching tour is limited to a group of 40, providing greater whale viewing opportunities. The tour also includes breakfast, tea and coffee, as well as a highly trained crew and a tour.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, be warned – the tours are often bumpy, so take precautions to avoid falling ill.
THE DETAILS
Where | Tour departs from Mirissa, Sri Lanka
BOOK | Whale watching tour
STEP OUT ONTO PARROT ROCK
The vast Mirissa beach is punctuated by the tiny, ochre-coloured tidal island covered with vegetation, known as Parrot Rock.
Parrot Rock, named because it may or may not resemble a parrot (we’re undecided), has the most scenic view of Mirissa Beach and is another perfect place to watch the sunset (or sunrise, for that matter) after Coconut Tree Hill.
The rock itself is small and its position between two beaches means it’s highly susceptible to tides – at high tide, you can’t walk out, but at low tide, you can. A set of stairs leads you up to a small grassy knoll, where you can take the pretty spectacular view in. To your right, the vast Mirissa Beach, and in front, a coconut palm-fringed peninsula.
It all makes for the perfect snapshot of Mirissa, and definitely worth of a quick pit stop between Coconut Tree Hill and a beachside cocktail bar.
THE DETAILS
Where | Parrot Rock, Mirissa
LEARN TO SURF AT NEARBY WELIGAMA
The whole southern coast of Sri Lanka is a surfer’s paradise; awesome breaks at just about every corner attract sliders from all over the world.
For beginner surfers like us (we know, we’re terrible Australians!), it’s also a great place to learn, with warm waters, cheap boards and easy waves the perfect combination to catch that first wave.
The best place to learn to surf along the coast is Weligama, located around 2.5 hours south of Colombo or 30 minutes from the popular town of Unawatuna. Built for surfers, there are hundreds of surf schools located right on the beach – just turn up, speak to a tout and you’ll be learning your way around a board just a few minutes later.
A 1 – 1.5 hour lesson costs around LKR 2,500 per person, and will teach you the basics of surfing including how to stand up, paddling for a wave, surfing etiquette, and safety. Somehow, we both managed to stand within our first five waves, and the thrill was incredible. We’re now 100% converted to surfing.
If Weligama isn’t your jam, you can learn to surf in many places on the south and east coast, including Unawatuna, Hiriketiya, and Arugam Bay.
After a surf, go hang out with the legends at Ceylon Sliders, a boutique hotel-cum-cafe-cum-surf store celebrating surf culture in Sri Lanka. They happen to have some of the best food in Sri Lanka, as well as the coolest staff we’ve ever met.
THE DETAILS
Where | Weligama, Sri Lanka
Cost | Lessons cost around LKR 2,500pp
Where to stay in Weligama | We recommend staying at Ceylon Sliders. Alternatively, search and book your Weligama accommodation here
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO ALLURING GALLE FORT
In our opinion, Galle Fort is one of the unmissable points of interest on any Sri Lankan itinerary.
The Fort is unlike any other place we’ve found in Sri Lanka; a vaguely European-feeling city plonked in the deliciously salty tropics, a melting pot of culture and religion bursting with colour, and where, thankfully, the taste of Ceylon tea and cinnamon is never far away.
The Fort is rapidly gentrifying as chic boutiques, cafes, and hotels begin to restore the whitewashed Dutch colonial buildings back to their former glory, but it only takes ducking down a quiet laneway to feel as though you’ve travelled back to the 1700s again.
Alluring, exotic, and totally loveable, Galle Fort is one of the unmissable points of interest on your Sri Lankan itinerary. There is a heap of must-sees (we’ve written a blog post about the best things to do in Galle Fort) including:
- Galle Lighthouse
- Explore the exterior and interior of the Galle Fort, and visit the historical sights
- Shop till you drop. Galle Fort has the best shopping we encountered in all of Sri Lanka
- Watch the technicolour sunset from the Fort walls
THE DETAILS
Where | Galle Fort
Where to stay in Galle | Search and book Galle Fort accommodation here
READ | Our comprehensive Galle Fort guide, where to stay in Galle Fort
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN MIRISSA
BRUNCH AT SHADY LANE
A Mirissa institution, Shady Lane is a Bali-style oasis, where culinary delights blend harmoniously with the tropical paradise that surrounds you.
Set amongst the humble streets of Mirissa, Shady Lane has been serving up delightfully colourful brunches and smoothie bowls for years now, and it never disappoints.
Definitely one of our favourite places to eat in Mirissa, and even along the southern coast, we highly suggest the avo toast, banana oat pancakes and a smoothie bowl. Portions are super generous (you won’t leave hungry), but prices are a little higher than elsewhere.
Beyond the boho-concrete ambience, there’s a small shop to buy jewellery, clothes and other local products.
LOCAL DELIGHTS AT DEWMINI ROTI SHOP
Speaking of Sri Lankan institutions, Dewmini Roti Shop might be Mirissa’s #1-rated restaurant, serving up rice & curry, kottu, and their famous roti’s.
Hidden away in the streets of Mirissa, it feels as if you’re sitting in the owner’s backyard (well, you kind of are). It makes the ambience all the more wonderful. Food is made on site, using local-sourced ingredients and the result is perfection – dishes bursting with flavour. We suggest the kottu rotti, which might just be the best in Lanka. If you’re feeling naughty, definitely try the mango & chocolate roti… nom.
Prices are affordable, which is probably why this place is so popular.
They also offer cooking classes, which by all accounts are hands-on and wonderfully authentic.
EXCEPTIONAL GELATO AT MILKY WAVE
We love Sri Lankan cuisine. In fact, it might be our favourite cuisine in the world. However, eating rice and curry for lunch and dinner each day can leave a little curried out.
Thankfully, Mirissa is filled with Western-style restaurants, and one that stands out is the Italian-inspired Milky Wave. Set in a large, palm-covered courtyard, Milky Wave serves up homemade pasta made with fresh ingredients and hits the spot every time.
The best part though, is the range of homemade gelato, which rivals any we’ve had in Europe – think thick, creamy, flavourful gelato using local ingredients. It makes for the perfect afternoon/post-dinner snack. The cheesecake is a winner, too.
VEGAN GOODNESS AT THE SLOW
Vegetarians and vegans have it fairly easy in Sri Lanka, with the majority of curries served without meat. But beyond curries, it’s slim pickings. Enter, The Slow.
The Slow’s vegan offerings are an invitation to savour the art of conscious dining. The menu is a range of plant-based delights, including vegan starters, pasta dishes, burgers, healthy bowls and middle-eastern inspired dishes.
The boho-chic Slow is set right on the beach, beneath palm trees and with stunning views, and it really is a uber-cool place to spend a day.
We recommend arriving for lunch and spending the afternoon enjoying food, cocktails and a swim, before watching sunset.
Oh, and you can stay here too. The rooms are tropical minimal with large windows and doors that open to the ocean – the type you never want to leave.
NICE CREAM AND COFFEE AT ALOHA COFFEE GALLERY
Tucked away in the narrow streets between Mirissa town and Coral Surf Beach is Aloha, a small cafe serving brunch, nice cream, and Mirissa’s best coffee.
Modern, convivial, and relaxing, Aloha is everything you need after a morning in the water. Everything here is fresh and homemade, and the nice cream in particular is wildly popular.
OTHER PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK IN MIRISSA
- Loose Keys
- Brunch at Kuja
- Coffee at Cafe Mamba
THINGS TO DO IN MIRISSA BEACH MAP
We’ve created a detailed map of the best places to visit in Mirissa, as well as where to eat, which you can download for your visit.
To save our map, click the star to the right of the map title, which will download the map to: your places – maps in your Google account.
Easy!
MIRISSA BEACH TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS MIRISSA?
Beautiful Mirissa is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, around 150 km from the capital, Colombo, and just a short drive to some of Sri Lanka’s popular beachside enclaves, including Galle, Unawatuna, and Weligama.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN MIRISSA?
The length of time you wish to spend in Mirissa really depends on how long you’re planning to spend in Sri Lanka.
For short itineraries, we suggest spending 2 nights in Mirissa, before exploring more of the Southern Coast (Hiriketiya is best), or Udawalawe National Park and up to Ella.
For longer itineraries, 3 – 5 nights is agreeable, allowing you to enjoy the best things to do in Mirissa, while also relaxing and enjoying some beach time.
Either way, a stop in Mirissa is essential to any Sri Lanka itinerary.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MIRISSA?
Anytime from October – April is a good time to visit Mirissa Beacg, as the monsoon rains have passed and the temperatures are fairly stable.
That being said, the absolute BEST time to visit is between February – April, when low rainfall and calmer seas provide the perfect weather to explore.
We’ve been told to avoid visiting during early January when Sri Lankan holidays occur and Mirissa is teeming with local tourists.
HOW TO GET TO MIRISSA?
// TAXI / PRIVATE CAR
By far the quickest and most comfortable option, taking a taxi or private transfer to Mirissa will save you time, but cost a lot more than other options. If your budget permits, we suggest taking a taxi (we did this on our most recent trip and it was wonderful).
THE DETAILS
Cost | LKR 20,000 (AUD $100, USD $65)
BOOK | Book your Airport to Mirissa transfer here, or here
// TRAIN
The most scenic way to get from Colombo to Mirissa is via train to either Weligama station or Matara station – at which point you’ll need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk onwards to Mirissa.
The train, which runs along the palm-fringed coast the majority of the journey, is one of the best in Sri Lanka.
The Colombo Fort to Southern Coast trains departs 7 times a day (less on weekends), with the earliest departure at 6:55 am and the final departure at 18:05. It takes around 1.5 hours. We recommend travelling outside of peak hours to avoid packed trains and an uncomfortable journey (we’ve taken the 10:30 am train many times without issue).
We highly recommend you book your tickets in advance, which you can do here.
THE DETAILS
Cost | LKR 260 per person for 2nd class, LKR 145 per person for 3rd class
Departure Times | From Colombo Fort to Weligama only: commence 0655, 0835, 1030, 1425, 1550, 1646, 1730, 1735, 1805
BOOK | Book your Sri Lanka train tickets here
// BUS
Local buses depart Colombo Fort to Matara (#2 bus) every 15 minutes throughout the day and take around 2.5 hrs depending on traffic. Local buses tend to be busy, crazy and chaotic, but ultimately, super fun and cheap. From Matara bus station, take a 20 min tuk tuk to Mirissa.
Alternatively, you can take a private bus to either Galle or Matara and then a tuk-tuk from either destination. The A/C bus departs from Kudawela bus station in Colombo’s east and follows the newly completed inland highway. You’re guaranteed a seat, and the air-conditioning is a welcome relief in Sri Lanka.
THE DETAILS
Cost | LKR 350 – LKR 400 per person
Departure Times | Every 15 minutes from 5 am
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA
Responsible, sustainable travel is what we’re all about here at TCW HQ, and this is especially true when we travel to places suffering from climate change and plastic pollution, such as Mirissa.
TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON | Shoulder season is the time before and after the peak season when things are quieter, cheaper, and more enjoyable (especially in the Med!). Travel then to reduce over-tourism, and extend the season for local operators
DON’T BUY BOTTLED DRINKS | Please, for the love of the ocean: DO NOT BUY SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES! You’ll understand why when you see a bunch of plastic bottles bob past you in the open sea. Buy one of these fantastic bottles instead
USE LESS WATER | To help reduce the pressure on water supplies, keep your water usage to a minimum. We know that’s hard to do on holidays, but quick showers, and turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, cleaning etc. really help
OCEAN-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Everything that goes down the boat drain ends up in the ocean, try and make sure all your toiletries, sunscreen, shampoo is as ocean-friendly as possible! Solid bars are a great place to start (see below to buy some eco-friendly toiletries).
DO YOUR OWN CLEANUPS | See rubbish on the beach, forest or town? Pick it up, and dispose of it properly. If every traveller helped out during their holiday, the beaches, oceans and forests would be a much happier place for it
DON’T USE PLASTIC BAGS | Pack a reusable tote and use these to carry your snacks, drinks, or new souvenirs instead
LEAVE NO TRACE | Limit your consumption of plastic, and opt for sustainable / zero waste alternatives instead. Pack a reusable water bottle, bring your reusable coffee cup, and if you can’t sip your cocktails without a straw, bring a metal or bamboo one along instead. And never leave a trace…
BE ANIMAL-FRIENDLY | Observe sea creatures from a distance, don’t pick up wildlife like starfish or urchins, or grab onto turtles, dolphins, etc. If an animal wants to interact with you, it’ll approach you 🙂
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY | Visit a locally owned taverna for a meal, buy which means both supporting the local economy and community, and also giving you a real authentic experience.
ICE CREAM CONE | bonus tip – eat your ice cream in a cone, rather than a cup and plastic spoon for the ultimate plastic-free indulgence!
SRI LANKA PACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Sri Lanka comes with a unique set of needs.
To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allow us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!)
A TOTE BAG | The humble tote is a versatile little lifesaver when on the road. They’re plastic-free, small, easily foldable, and can pack a surprising amount! Check out this range of beautifully designed, personalisable totes bags here
BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
HAND SANITISER | This is not something we’d actually recommend normally, but we now live in Covid times… so this can be a bloody great investment
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADAPTER | You’ll need a European plug to keep your gear going!
POWER BANK | Don’t get caught out without power for your devices
EYE MASK | For those annoyingly early European sunrises!
BIO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Avoid damaging and chemical-heavy products and facial scrubs with microbeads altogether. We recommend Lush solid shampoo, conditioner and bodywash bars, ocean-friendly sunscreen (Stream2Sea), a mooncup is a great investment for “that” week and Lip balm for the sun
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA
If you can’t afford travel insurance, you really can’t afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world – and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo – COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing – COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire – a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF SRI LANKA
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!), Where to stay in Galle
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa, How to visit Yala National Park, and Udawalawe National Park
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
