11 Best things to do in Unawatuna, Sri-Lanka, in 3 days

Introduction

Hey everyone! In this article, we’re sharing the best things to do in Unawatuna—one of Sri Lanka’s most vibrant beach towns. As our journey through Sri Lanka was coming to an end, we spent our final two nights in Unawatuna, the perfect spot to unwind after Mirissa and before heading back to Colombo and eventually to Europe.

We chose Unawatuna not only for its laid-back beach vibes but also because of its great location near Galle Fort, one of the most iconic and historic places to visit in Galle. From relaxing on tropical beaches to exploring nearby temples and the charming streets of Galle, there’s plenty to do in this coastal gem.

Among the top things to do in Unawatuna are:

• Visiting its beautiful beaches
• Exploring the Japanese Peace Pagoda
• Discovering the colonial charm of Galle Fort
• and of course, enjoying some hammock time or a swim by the pool.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything we experienced and loved in Unawatuna, including a few Galle things to see if you’re planning to explore the area.

So if you’re heading to Unawatuna, or just curious about the best things to do in Galle and its surroundings, let’s dive right in!

Read: The perfect 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

Getting there

Depending on where you’re coming from, there are several easy ways to reach Unawatuna—a must-stop on any south coast Sri Lanka itinerary.

• If you’re traveling from Mirissa, the easiest and most flexible option is to hire a tuk-tuk. The journey takes less than an hour, and it’s a scenic ride along the southern coast. On the way, you can even stop at a turtle hatchery, which makes for a nice little break and a chance to learn about local conservation efforts.
• For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a local bus from Udupila Station in Mirissa to Welle Dewalaya in Unawatuna. Hop on the 350 bus heading to Galle Central Bus Station—Unawatuna is one of the stops along the route, and the whole trip costs just a few euros.
• If you’re coming from Colombo, the most comfortable choice is to hire a private driver. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic, and costs between €45 to €60. It’s the best option if you’re traveling with luggage or arriving directly from the airport and want to head straight to the coast.
• Another scenic option from Colombo or Galle is to take the coastal train. You can hop off at Unawatuna Station, just a few minutes from the beach by tuk-tuk

No matter how you get there, Unawatuna is easy to reach and well-connected, making it the perfect base to explore nearby attractions like Galle Fort and other Galle places to visit.

Here are all your hotel options in Unawatuna and Galle.

Moving Around

The best way to move around Unawatuna is definitely by scooter. We rented one directly from our accommodation, and the process was super easy. With a scooter, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, whether that’s hopping between beaches, heading to Galle Fort, or finding a hidden sunset spot. It’s also more affordable than other forms of transport—perfect for travelers on a budget.

If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, tuk-tuks are widely available. For the best rates and peace of mind, ask your accommodation to arrange one for you. That way, you’ll avoid negotiating prices on the street and know exactly what to expect.

Whether you’re cruising the coast or heading into town, getting around Unawatuna is simple and stress-free

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Unawatuna depends on what you’re looking for—whether it’s sunshine, swimming, or fewer crowds. Each season offers something unique on Sri Lanka’s south coast, from beach days to exploring the best Galle places to visit.

• Dry Season (December – April): Perfect for Beach Days & Exploration: This is the ideal time to visit Unawatuna, with sunny skies, calm seas, and warm temperatures (27–32°C / 81–90°F). It’s the best season for swimming, sunbathing, and discovering the top things to do in Unawatuna, including day trips to Galle Fort and nearby beaches. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and slightly higher prices.
• Shoulder Season (May – June & October – November): Quieter & Still Beautiful. These months bring a mix of sunshine and light showers, but the sea is usually still swimmable. It’s a great time to enjoy Unawatuna and Galle with fewer crowds, and accommodations are more affordable. You’ll still be able to enjoy many things to do in Galle and the surrounding area—just pack a light rain jacket.
• Monsoon Season (July – September): Wet, Rough Seas & Fewer Tourists. This is the rainiest period in Unawatuna, with heavy showers and rough ocean conditions. Swimming and snorkeling are not ideal, and some beach cafés may close temporarily. However, this is the best time for slow travel, enjoying quiet coastal walks, and grabbing great deals on stays.

Best months to visit Unawatuna: January to March for perfect beach weather and clear skies. We visited in April, and although it was the start of the off-season, we still enjoyed sunny days and warm evenings.

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Where to Stay

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking to treat yourself, here are our top accommodation picks in and around Unawatuna and Galle:

• (€): The Horizon Hill Top Villa: A budget-friendly villa with amazing views over the bay. Simple, comfortable, and surrounded by nature, it’s a great choice if you don’t mind being a little uphill from the beach.
• (€€): Sergeant House: A boutique stay with lots of charm. The colonial-style setting, peaceful garden, and pool make it perfect if you want something more intimate and relaxed while still close to the beach.
• (€€€): Agnus Unawatuna: A luxury stay perched on the hillside with incredible views of the ocean. Modern design, spacious rooms, and high-end facilities make it one of the best choices in the area if you’re looking for comfort and style.

Here are all your hotel options in Unawatuna and Galle.

What to Eat

One of the highlights of staying in Unawatuna is the amazing food scene—a perfect mix of local flavors and trendy cafés. Whether you’re after a healthy breakfast, fresh seafood, or a cozy dinner spot, there’s something for every taste and budget.

Here are our favorite places to eat in Unawatuna:

• SkinnyTom’s Deli – The go-to spot for great coffee, smoothie bowls, and tasty brunch dishes. A must for breakfast lovers.
• The Social Unawatuna – A lively restaurant and bar with a relaxed atmosphere and a menu full of international and Sri Lankan fusion dishes.
• Koha Surf Lounge – Surf vibes, beach views, and great cocktails. Perfect for a sunset meal or chilled evening out.
• Society Unawatuna – Stylish and delicious. Expect beautifully presented dishes, vegetarian options, and a peaceful garden setting.
• La Bohème – A cozy and artistic place known for its wood-fired pizzas and candlelit dinners—great for a romantic night out.

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or exploring Galle places to visit, Unawatuna’s cafés and restaurants are the perfect way to refuel. Don’t leave without trying a local coconut roti or a fresh seafood curry—some of the most authentic things to do in Unawatuna revolve around food!

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Best things to do in Unawatuna

Explore Galle Fort

Let’s start with the most iconic of all Galle places to visit: Galle Fort. Just a short ride from Unawatuna, this historic site is an absolute must-do when exploring the things to do in Unawatuna and its surroundings.

Originally built in 1588 by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century, Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautifully preserved blend of colonial charm, architecture, and coastal views.

Inside the fort, you’ll find a maze of quaint streets filled with colonial buildings, boutique shops, art galleries, cafés, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to stroll slowly, admire the architecture, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. There’s even a small beach tucked inside the fort walls if you want to take a break and cool off.

But our favorite thing to do? Wander aimlessly. The fort isn’t very big, and it’s easy to explore all the streets in a couple of hours. Whether you’re into history, photography, or just taking in the coastal breeze, Galle Fort is one of the best things to do near Unawatuna.

Here are all your hotel options in Unawatuna and Galle.

Swim at Turtle Beach

One of the most famous beaches around Unawatuna is Turtle Beach, also known as Dalawella Beach or even Wijaya Beach. It’s a top contender on any list of things to do in Unawatuna—and for good reason.

What makes this beach special is the natural rock pool that forms just offshore, creating a calm, shallow area protected from the strong ocean waves. This makes it an ideal and safe spot for swimming, especially if you’re not comfortable with rough seas.

But the real highlight? Sea turtles. This natural pool is home to several resident turtles, and sightings are almost guaranteed. You’ll often see them surfacing or gliding through the water right next to you—and you don’t even need a snorkel to spot them. Just wade in and enjoy this magical experience!

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

The Famous Beach Swing

On the other side of Turtle Beach, you’ll find one of those Instagram-famous rope swings hanging from a palm tree. While it used to be considered a must-do in Sri Lanka, today it feels a bit overhyped and touristy.

To use the swing, you’ll need to pay a fee, and the experience isn’t as magical as it once was. The swing scene in Unawatuna—and Sri Lanka in general—has faded, and it no longer ranks among the most authentic or exciting things to do in Unawatuna.

If you’re nearby and curious, it might still be worth a quick stop or a photo. But in our opinion, there are better ways to enjoy Unawatuna’s beaches, like relaxing by the water, snorkeling, or spotting turtles in their natural habitat.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Watch the Stilt fisherman

A little further down the coast from Unawatuna, you’ll come across the iconic stilt fishing poles still standing in the water. These wooden structures were once used by local fishermen who would perch on them for hours, balancing above the waves to catch fish—a practice unique to Sri Lanka.

Today, however, stilt fishing is more symbolic than practical. In many places, the fishermen no longer use the stilts regularly, and it’s become more of a photo opportunity for tourists. In fact, in most spots, you’ll have to pay to see a fisherman climb up and pose on the stilts.

While it’s still an interesting sight and part of the local heritage, it’s worth knowing that it’s now more of a staged experience than an authentic fishing method. Still, if you’re exploring the coast for Galle things to see, it’s a nice cultural touchpoint to pass by during your day.

Here are all your hotel options in Unawatuna and Galle.

Walk along Heenwella beach

Heenwella Beach is one of our favorite hidden spots in Unawatuna. This peaceful stretch of golden sand meets the clear, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, creating the perfect backdrop for a quiet escape from the more crowded areas.

We visited in the early morning, and the beach had a wonderfully serene vibe. What we loved most was watching local fishermen begin their day—casting their nets and preparing their boats. It gave us a glimpse into daily life and made the experience feel much more authentic.

If you’re looking for things to do in Unawatuna that take you off the beaten path, Heenwella Beach is a beautiful and calm spot to add to your itinerary. It’s also a great complement to the more popular Galle places to visit, offering a different perspective on coastal life in Sri Lanka.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Explore the Thalpe Natural Pool

Just next to Heenwella Beach, you’ll find the Thalpe Natural Pools—a fascinating and lesser-known stop near Unawatuna.

These rectangular rock pools were carved by locals over 50 years ago directly into the coral reef. Originally, they were used to soak coconut husks, helping to separate the coir from the husk—a key step in traditional rope and mat production. This work was usually done in April and May, when the sea was calm and the weather clear.

However, once the importance of protecting the coral reef became widely understood, the practice was stopped. Locals shifted their soaking pits inland, leaving these striking pools as a quiet reminder of the region’s cultural and economic history.

It’s a peaceful and scenic spot to visit, and if you’re exploring lesser-known things to do in Unawatuna or looking for unique Galle things to see, the Thalpe Natural Pools are well worth a stop.

Check our Google Map of Sri Lanka

Relax at Jungle Beach

Jungle Beach is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Unawatuna and a top spot on any list of things to do in Unawatuna. Tucked away behind a patch of coastal jungle, this beach feels like a secret escape—quiet, scenic, and surrounded by nature.

To get there, you’ll need to take a short hike through the forest, but don’t worry—it’s not too long or difficult, and the reward at the end is well worth the effort.

Jungle Beach is actually split into two separate coves, connected by a narrow path. Each side has its own charm and feels completely secluded, making it easy to find a quiet spot even during high season.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Learn at a Turtle Hatchery

Between Mirissa to Unawatuna or north of Galle Fort, you can visit a turtle hatchery.  The hatchery we visited turned out to be a positive and educational experience.

We learned a lot about Sri Lanka’s sea turtle species, their life cycles, and the threats they face in the wild. From a regular traveler’s perspective, the turtles seemed well cared for, and it was clear that the center played a role in protecting hatchlings and releasing them into the ocean.

While opinions on these hatcheries vary, we felt that this particular one was making a difference. If you’re interested in marine life or conservation, it’s a worthwhile and informative stop—especially when done thoughtfully.

Here are all your hotel options in Unawatuna and Galle.

Visit Unawatuna Beach

Of course, one of the main reasons to visit Unawatuna is for its beaches—and Unawatuna Beach itself is the most iconic of them all. It’s likely the longest beach in the area, and definitely the most central, located right off the main street of Unawatuna.

This is a lively and developed beach, lined with restaurants, beach bars, and cafés, making it the perfect place to spend the day or enjoy a drink at sunset. If you’re looking for water activities, this is where you’ll find it—jet skis, paddleboarding, and snorkeling tours are all available.

It may be more crowded than nearby spots like Jungle Beach or Dalawella, but Unawatuna Beach is still a must on any list of things to do in Unawatuna. It’s also the ideal base if you want to mix beach time with easy access to shops and some of the most popular Galle places to visit just up the road.

Visit the Peace Pagoda

The final spot on our list of the best things to do in Unawatuna is the Japanese Peace Pagoda—a place of peace, spirituality, and stunning views.

Built in 2005 by Japanese Buddhist monks, the pagoda is part of a global initiative started in 1947 by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Japanese monk who dedicated his life to promoting peace by building Peace Pagodas around the world. Today, more than 80 exist—including this serene one in Unawatuna.

The structure itself is striking: a brilliant white stupa surrounded by golden Buddha statues, perched atop a hill overlooking the coast. The circular walkway around the shrine offers breathtaking panoramic views—of the jungle, the Indian Ocean, and even Galle Fort in the distance.

Here are all your hotel options in Unawatuna and Galle.

Other Activities

And that’s it for our favorite things to do in Unawatuna! But beyond sightseeing and exploring, we highly recommend taking the time to simply enjoy your accommodation, especially if it has a swimming pool. During the hottest hours of the day, nothing beats lounging by the pool, sipping on a fresh juice, and recharging before your next adventure.

Also, don’t miss out on Unawatuna’s vibrant food scene. While restaurants here are a bit more expensive than in other parts of Sri Lanka, the quality and variety make it worth it. With so many cafés and eateries to choose from, it’s the perfect place to try new flavors—whether it’s local Sri Lankan dishes with a twist or healthy international meals.

Unawatuna has a little bit of everything—beaches, history, culture, and food—and paired with nearby Galle places to visit, it’s a destination that really captures the magic of southern Sri Lanka.

Read: The perfect 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary