Galle Fort
A living Dutch fort of cobbled lanes, boutique cafés and a white lighthouse. Walk the ramparts at sunset as the cricket games wind down.
Mirissa
A crescent of golden sand with the best whale watching in Asia, coconut tree hill and lazy seafood dinners on the beach.
Arugam Bay
A chilled surf town with point breaks for every level, lagoon safaris and rice-and-curry shacks. The east coast shines when the south is rainy.
Trincomalee
One of the world’s finest natural harbours, with snorkelling at Pigeon Island and the cliff-top Koneswaram temple.