Unawatuna is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known beach towns and is the ultimate spot to relax and enjoy some island-life vibes. The soft, golden sands of Sri Lanka’s south coast are perfect for sunbathing, chilling and swimming, making this a popular spot among families. Unawatuna is also home to some epic surf spots, indulgent spas, incredible monuments and top-quality restaurants. While away your days in a sunshine haze before hitting the beachside restaurants for fresh seafood and cocktails!
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | Beaches, watersports, wildlife, spas | 84 miles | * ** | * * | * *** | ** * | * * * | ** * | ** |
What is Unawatuna known for?
Unawatuna is, first and foremost, a beach town. Sun worshippers and watersports enthusiasts make up the main body of tourism here and it’s also a hit among families. If you want to while away a few days (or weeks) on the soft sands of Sri Lanka’s coast then this is the perfect spot for you! When you want to take a break from the delights of the beach, you can mix things up by checking out the Japanese Peace Pagoda or nearby turtle hatchery. The town is also home to dozens of spas and excellent eateries, so you can really spoil yourself during your stay!
Who should go to Unawatuna?
The beaches of Unawatuna are a big draw for most travellers in the area, where you can while away your days in sun-soaked bliss. The calm, clean waters and soft, golden sands are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. This chilled-out beachside town is, therefore, particularly popular among families and couples.
- Families
- Romantic couples
- Surfers
Best time to visit Unawatuna
For the weather
Temperatures in Unawatuna stay consistently high throughout the year, ranging from 29 – 30 C (84 – 86 F). Rainfall, however, can vary dramatically depending on the season. Visit in January, February, March, June, July or August for your best chance of sunny skies!
To beat the crowds
December, January, July and August are especially busy months in Unawatuna. Many vacationers plan their visit for this time of year to coincide with the school holidays. If you’re hoping for a peaceful trip, check out Unawatuna in February, March, June or September.
Things to see and do in Unawatuna
Try your hand at surfing or stand-up paddleboarding
Watersports fanatics will adore Unawatuna, with many travellers visiting for the surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Intermediate and experienced surfers will find the swell at the Unawatuna Surf Break powerful enough to present a challenge, especially if you head over for high tide in the evening! Newbie surfers needn’t miss out either, as there are plenty of companies offering lessons on the basics of surfing.
If you want to try something a little different, rent a paddleboard and give stand-up paddleboarding a go!
Snap the perfect shot at the Dalawella Beach swing
The Wijaya Beach swing is one of the most insta-famous spots in the whole of Sri Lanka, and the perfect place to snap some holiday shots! Finding the swing is pretty easy, though it’s a little out of town. Take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from Unawatuna to Dalawella Beach, then walk along the sand until you find a guesthouse called Dream Cabana. The guys here built the swing for their own amusement, but this simple backyard attraction has become a huge hit with travellers!
The rope is long enough to send you soaring over the ocean, an incredible experience that’s even more magical at sunset.
Bring a few dollars so you can buy a beer or snack at Dream Cabana, and don’t forget your camera!
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Visit the Habaraduwa hatchery to see the baby turtles
Sea turtle conservation is a hot topic in Sri Lanka, where overdevelopment of the coastline is threatening the natural habitat of these stunning creatures. Despite being one of the world’s most important breeding grounds for sea turtles, populations in this part of the world are steadily declining. Fortunately, there are many organisations dedicated to boosting their numbers, and the Habaraduwa Hatchery is one such place!
Habaraduwa is located just 8 km down the road from Unawatuna and is the perfect place for a day trip. If you’re travelling as a family, kids will especially enjoy visiting the baby turtles! Learn more about the life cycle of sea turtles, see some eggs and even hold the babies at this small, but informative, hatchery.
Check out the Japanese Peace Pagoda
The Japanese Peace Pagoda is Unawatuna’s most famous landmark and a popular attraction among visitors. This snowy-white Buddhist stupa has a unique design and is an awe-inspiring monument to peace and unity regardless of race or religion. Wander around the building to soak up the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the calming vibes of this incredible monument.
The Peace Pagoda can be found atop a hill overlooking the ocean, making this a sensational place to view the sunset!
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage
Unawatuna is all about relaxation, and what better way to unwind than with a massage? The town is home to dozens of spas and parlours where you can lose yourself in any number of heavenly treatments. With so many options to choose from, finding your dream massage is easy! From acupressure to Ayurveda, everything is on offer in Unawatuna. Indulge yourself in the ultimate relaxation and enjoy the professional service and natural products used by Sri Lanka’s skilled masseurs!
Off the beaten path…
Hike your way to Jungle Beach
Escape the crowds at Unawatuna Beach with a hike to Jungle Beach! This secluded bay can be found at the end of a 40-60 trek through the jungle and the walk is almost as pleasant as the beach itself. The trail is uneven and steep in places, making this an awesome activity for the adventurous traveller. Once you’ve emerged from the greenery of the jungle scenery, you’ll find yourself on the soft sands of Jungle Bay. The first part of the beach is packed out with sunbeds but if you walk just a few minutes more you’ll come to a second and much quieter bay. Here you can enjoy almost complete seclusion, leaving you free to relax, read or swim.
Make sure you take plenty of water with you – the humid weather conditions and challenging hike are a perfect recipe for dehydration!
Where to eat in Unawatuna
Pink Elephant
If you’re travelling with children, Pink Elephant is the ideal destination for dinner. Their large and varied menu features dishes from around the globe, so you’re sure to find something to suit everyone’s taste! Their wide range of international offerings, reasonable pricing and exceptional service make them one of the most popular dining spots in Unawatuna. From Mediterranean food to traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and cocktails, Pink Elephant has it all!
Sunrise Seafood Restaurant
If you’re a fan of fresh fish, give the Sunrise Seafood Restaurant a try while you’re in Unawatuna. Their unbeatable location in a quiet corner of Unawatuna Beach affords the place a tranquil vibe; perfect for a leisurely lunch! Both their food and drinks are superb. If you’re feeling especially indulgent, give their seafood platter a try!
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Black & White Restaurant
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a relaxed, romantic meal by the sea, Black & White is the obvious choice. Not only do they offer generous portions of delicious seafood, but their cocktails are also superb. Drop by one evening to enjoy their unbeatable ambience and top notch service!
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Where to stay in Unawatuna
For serene surroundings
Unawatuna is generally pretty chilled-out; however if total tranquillity is what you crave, look for accommodation a little off the main strip. The nearby villages are home to some incredible luxury villas which are a perfect retreat from the outside world. These sensational houses are surrounded by lush, rolling rice paddies but are still only a few minutes’ drive from the attractions of the town and the beach.
To be by the beach
If you came to Unawatuna to get the best of Sri Lanka’s beaches, finding somewhere by the sea is probably a top priority. There are many hotels situated right by the sand, so you can roll out of bed and be on the beach within minutes of waking up!