Mirissa has sun-kissed beaches with calm, clear, warm Indian Ocean waters. The best beaches in Mirissa are Main Mirissa Beach and Secret Beach. Mirissa Beach is the main beach in Mirissa and is popular with beach lovers for swimming and sunbathing. It has chic cafes and seafood restaurants along the stretch.
Secret Beach offers a more secluded and tranquil experience. Often regarded as one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, Secret Beach is a hidden cove featuring beautiful clear waters and lush vegetation. Part of its allure lies in the fact that this beach isn’t the easiest to find, which helps maintain its status as a hidden gem. Adjacent to Secret Beach is another treasure, Niyunwella Beach, accessible via a stunning, cleared forest pathway that leads down to the shore.
Mirissa’s main beach has many hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes. It’s a long stretch of golden sand; palm trees sway gently in the breeze, and warm ocean waters greet the shore. Here, you can enjoy various activities such as swimming, surfing, snorkelling, or just soaking up the sun.
Mirissa Beach is famous and gets busy during the season. For a more private and secluded beach, head to Secret Beach. A 7-minute drive from Mirissa Beach, reaching the location requires treading through a narrow pathway and carefully navigating some rocks.
Secret Beach boasts pristine white sand and clear water, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying the beauty of nature. There are two main sections of the beach. The first beach is excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Watch for turtles, as plenty swim around in the sea here.
The second beach is just around the corner. It has a waist-deep lagoon that is perfect for floating around in. A rocky outcrop protects the lagoon, making it calm and easy to swim.
Niyunwella Beach is a smaller secluded cove than Secret Beach but is not well known and is a much more pleasant experience if you want to enjoy sunbathing away from the crowds of Secret Beach.
A small rocky outcrop about 50 feet from the beach, this enchanting rock islet offers a panoramic view of the beach and Mirissa’s golden shores. Snorkel around the area and discover a colourful underwater world around Parrot Rock. At this elevated viewpoint, you can take mesmerising sunset photos and admire Mirissa’s magical landscapes.
A small hill, approximately a 15-minute walk from Mirissa Main Beach, is adorned with swaying coconut palms that lean towards the ocean. As one of the most renowned Instagram locations, Coconut Tree Hill boasts breathtaking sunsets from its elevated ocean perch. Odin’s Bar, situated at the edge of Coconut Tree Hill, serves as the perfect spot to refresh oneself while continuing to enjoy the stunning ocean views at sunset.
Off the A2 highway in Mirissa
Approximately 4-5 km from Mirissa Town, Down Paradise Hotel is also known as Harbour Road. Turn off at Emerald Bay Hotel, and you can choose between two paths: the left path, which leads down a steep shortcut, or the straight road, which is suitable for tuk-tuks. No cars are permitted beyond a certain point, so you must hire a tuk-tuk or walk to the beach. (Signs will guide you to both Secret and Niyunwella Beach)
Open: Daily
No tickets are required; local vendors will charge a fee for hiring sun loungers or snorkelling equipment.
