Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Mirissa Beach
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
301 within 3 miles
Attractions
14 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,073 reviews
Excellent
1,665
Very good
955
Average
284
Poor
90
Terrible
79
Brian T
Kuwait City, Kuwait637 contributions
Feb 2022
I recently visited Mirissa Beach. It is a very nice beach with beautiful sand and very clear and clean sea water. It is a very busy beach with many hotels and restaurant dotted along the beach, so it gets very busy and at night it quite noisy. Not good if you want a quiet nights sleep, lol.
Otherwise it is worth a visit. It is a very popular beach for tourists.
Otherwise it is worth a visit. It is a very popular beach for tourists.
Written February 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Heidi L
13 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Mirissa is clean. Plenrty of cafes which allow you to use their sunbeds and shades if you buy drinks /food. Waves are strong. At night it transforms with lights, bouncing music and fires. Also cafes will serve lots if fresh fish, ssome with free beer
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robyn W
Melbourne, Australia290 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Mirissa beach is quite touristy but not in an unpleasant way. It’s a must do if you’re staying near by especially to sit with a drink as the sun sets to watch the last of the hopeful surfers and before you wander down past all the restaurants with their freshly caught fish on display. Stop at any restaurant, select your fish and they’ll cook it for you while you sip another drink.
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ben
United States11 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
A beautiful stretch of beach with some quite strong waves. Perfect for a romantic stroll at sunset and having a bite to eat in one of the many beach restaurants.
However beautiful this beach is during the day, in the evening the techno-terror starts. From early evening until early morning the beach is covered by the bum-bum and electronic drums of the local techno-beach club. The basses are hamming through every wall.
What a pity. One single dance club destroying this previously pristine location with its noise.
Sad to say that I will not return anymore.
However beautiful this beach is during the day, in the evening the techno-terror starts. From early evening until early morning the beach is covered by the bum-bum and electronic drums of the local techno-beach club. The basses are hamming through every wall.
What a pity. One single dance club destroying this previously pristine location with its noise.
Sad to say that I will not return anymore.
Written December 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jezz2544
83 contributions
Feb 2020
Despite being a very charming beach, it's almost impossible to find a shack, bar or restaurant with comfortable padded seating. Most have solid wood or plastic chairs without cushions. Also, the food is generally uninspiring, lacking imagination and limited menus, all much the same. Beer is reasonably priced but wine and spirits are extremely expensive.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sam Fox
Bristol, UK6 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We visited Mirissa for 10 days and visited 4 beaches, ate at several restaurants, swam with wild seat turtles, watched baby turtles hatching (by shear luck and coincidence) surfed, was taught yoga, had massages and met lovely people.
The beaches we visited were all beautiful to look at as you might expect. The main beach to the west was the largest and were we spotted the turtles. Perfect for lazy days and strolling along rather than using the road that runs parallel. It has an abundance of restaurants all selling fish (some fresher than others). At night is is quite noisy with every restaurant and bar trying to out do the other with trance/ dance music which kind of ruined the atmosphere for us a little. The smaller bays to the east are far more relaxed and just as beautiful with some lovely bars and hammocks. The music can still turn a little hectic but you can still find some chilled spots to drink and hang out.
There are some scenic spots to check out (perfect for intsergrammers) but if you like to go to them to see the beauty for what it is rather than take a picture of yourself in a “just stumbled across me like this pose” it can be a little annoying as they are everywhere!
On the whole its a great place to base yourself and check out the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Turtle Bar was one of our favourites to hang out at. The staff are super friendly and the food was the best of all the restaurants we ate at.
The beaches we visited were all beautiful to look at as you might expect. The main beach to the west was the largest and were we spotted the turtles. Perfect for lazy days and strolling along rather than using the road that runs parallel. It has an abundance of restaurants all selling fish (some fresher than others). At night is is quite noisy with every restaurant and bar trying to out do the other with trance/ dance music which kind of ruined the atmosphere for us a little. The smaller bays to the east are far more relaxed and just as beautiful with some lovely bars and hammocks. The music can still turn a little hectic but you can still find some chilled spots to drink and hang out.
There are some scenic spots to check out (perfect for intsergrammers) but if you like to go to them to see the beauty for what it is rather than take a picture of yourself in a “just stumbled across me like this pose” it can be a little annoying as they are everywhere!
On the whole its a great place to base yourself and check out the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Turtle Bar was one of our favourites to hang out at. The staff are super friendly and the food was the best of all the restaurants we ate at.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David S
Waterford, Ireland125 contributions
Mar 2022
Just returned from Sri lanka, where we stayed for 3 nights in Mirissa beach. We had stayed in Unawatuna on a previous visit, so wanted to try a different beach this time. Having spent 7 days on the east coast, which was off season, Mirissa was nearing the end of peak season and much livilier.
We wanted a place on the beach side of the road, so choose Sea World hotel, which had fantastic views and excellent breakfast. We didnt book evening meals, because the daily blackouts meant that we had to choose places with a generator. The blackouts during the day didnt bother us, as we spent most of this time travelling around to different beaches and places. Cold beers and food was always available somewhere.
The beach bars and restaurants on Mirissa beach were mostly all open day and evening, and even when the blackouts came there were plenty of candles making it even more romantic.
I had heard the road along Mirissa beach was very busy and no footpaths and I would have to say it was really dangerous when we were there, especially at night when there was no street lighting. It really was a challenge to avoid speeding tuk tuks and buses.
If I was to compare Mirissa to Unawatuna I would say that Unawatuna is at the end of a small road far from the main road, so much safer to walk around the main street and go in and out of bars shops etc
We wanted a place on the beach side of the road, so choose Sea World hotel, which had fantastic views and excellent breakfast. We didnt book evening meals, because the daily blackouts meant that we had to choose places with a generator. The blackouts during the day didnt bother us, as we spent most of this time travelling around to different beaches and places. Cold beers and food was always available somewhere.
The beach bars and restaurants on Mirissa beach were mostly all open day and evening, and even when the blackouts came there were plenty of candles making it even more romantic.
I had heard the road along Mirissa beach was very busy and no footpaths and I would have to say it was really dangerous when we were there, especially at night when there was no street lighting. It really was a challenge to avoid speeding tuk tuks and buses.
If I was to compare Mirissa to Unawatuna I would say that Unawatuna is at the end of a small road far from the main road, so much safer to walk around the main street and go in and out of bars shops etc
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Remzi G
Istanbul, Türkiye30 contributions
Dec 2022
Don't leave Sri Lanka without seeing Mirissa Beach. It is one of the longest and widest beaches we have seen on the south coast. It is a great place to swim all day long and spend time in the waves of the ocean. After sunset, don't forget to taste the fresh seafood at the restaurants on the beach. And of course visit the Coconut Tree Hill.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
@Veg Style Travel
London, UK92 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The main bay is lively with tourists but not too packed. We enjoyed playing in the choppy waves and then we strolled across the beach for sunset. We saw a wild monkey in the palm trees. There's lots of restaurants serving seafood. The ambience for dining is great, although our experience of food was not amazing but ok - you pay a premium for the setting.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kai Wah
Malaysia2,790 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We came here in the late afternoon stroll along the beach when it’s not too hot under scorching sun. This is a busy beach with a stretch of hotels and restaurants. Hence, it’s very crowded, but still a lovely place to hangout for late afternoon stroll; to enjoy the sea breeze; to play with the strong wave; to relax on the beach, etc. The sunset at the beach was lovely and we had an unforgettable time spent at the beach. There are other nearby attractions where is worth to check out are the Parrot Rock Bridge with lots of crow flying around and the Coconut Tree Hill for the breathtaking sunset view!!!
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Romina Bonafina
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain105 contributions
Any restaurant open
For tourist??
which beach better for night life bentota or mirissa?
Kish A
Greater Sydney, Australia15 contributions
Mirrisa. Have fun.
How far is it from colombo?
carterkenny
Phuket, Thailand165 contributions
Hi, It depends on mode of travel. Car, bus or train. But an average of 2 hours is about right.
Ashley S
Wanaka, New Zealand47 contributions
We are travelling to the south beaches next week but have been told to stay on the east coast as it gets super windy down south at this time... Is it windy people!?
250antoinettev
73 contributions
We had very little wind in the three days that we were in Mirissa. There is enough to make it surfer friendly, but it did not affect us on the shore at all. We can’t wait to go again.
jojolesgrosbras42
st etienne26 contributions
bonjour
Mirissa est un bon plan pour le mois d’août Pas trop de pluie
quelles excursion proches de Mirissa,
mERCI
jOE
Nancy P
Pine, AZ472 contributions
Whale watching is a great activity you can do from there.
JuaniJayne
Sheffield90 contributions
I'm confused. I'm hoping to visit Mirissa beach for one week in mid January but I saw the video of the govt. bulldozers demolishing 21 beach bars and restaurants ; also recent comments from tourists advising to stay away as it's now just a dump.
And yet just recently, there are many Triip Adviser reviews of beach restaurants , as recently posted as this week, even today , stating how great all the beach bars and restaurants are ?
The restaurants web sites are all posting opening times etc . So are the beach bars and restaurants back in business and can you hire sun loungers and lie on the beach in
comfort , as before . I've put my whole trip to SL on hold as a return to Mirissa was the
main reason for this 2nd trip ,it was SO good.
PLEASE , someone must know the state of play . Has anyone been there recently ?
Vicky R
2 contributions
Hi,
I’ve just come back from Mirissa! The nightlife has picked up and there is a party at a different bar every night. Also there are lots of bars and restaurants if you want a quiet night. I’m not sure what it was like before but it was beautiful and enough for me. Each night a different bar on the beach has a big party! Very friendly and lots of fun
Hi im in mirisa tomorow, how is the weather and beaches?
Any recommendations?
Susanne O
Stockholm, Sweden53 contributions
Oh! I haven’t see this until now! Sorry!
is this beach dog friendly?
scarlett b
Manchester, UK23 contributions
When we went there were lots of dogs. Depends how good yours is with others. We found there were a lot of dogs that appeared to be stray but one of the cafe owners said they are all owned, it’s just people let them roam.
Jennifer I
1 contribution
Any updates on the situation in Mirissa? We are also planning to travel there for 4 nights in October between stays in Hiriketiya and Cape Welligama. Not after raging nights but had hoped for little night life and a nice beach. Should we consider another beach? Any suggestions? Or will Mirissa still be nice?
228pieterk
Stockholm, Sweden37 contributions
Head up here, I know that you tore large portions of restaurants and bars by Merrisa Beach in March-April. What's good is that you choose to go when it is high season. so there are lots of nice places to visit, and generally there are not many miles in between them in the southern parts of Sri Lanka. Have a good trip now.
Best regards.
Pieter
Kennib1
Leeds39 contributions
Hi,
When did you visit Mirissa?? I am booked to visit in Oct, but have read that there are hardly any bars now on the beach as they have all been closed down??
Thanks
Kenni
Isabelle S
Ayen, France523 contributions
Well, let's say that in the wet season and their "winter", lots of beaches are closed down or at least running low.
But in October it should slowly come back to life, even if still early in the season.
There's a nice place to stay at the far right end of the beachwhen facing the sea, Surf and Breeze if I remember well. Nice people, very clean, good food, the beach is more a rocky cove but no big waves. Shady too.
Another great place to stay, not on the beach this time, is Secret garden. They also have an amazing spa/massage place Calle Secret Root. Lovely setting in a garden with frangipani. That's where we stayed six years ago for our first visit to Sri Lanka.
If you have a look at my reviews concerning Mirissa and the rest of Sri Lanka, you might find answers to other questions.
Enjoy the discovery of this beautiful country. It does wear well it's name of pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Hope this will help.
Mirissa Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Mirissa Beach
- Mirissa Beach is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Mirissa Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 149 Mirissa Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Mirissa Beach:
- Snorkeling with Whales in Mirissa (From $348.72)
- Most Popular Round Tour in Sri Lanka (From $55.00)
- Whale Watching Experience in Mirissa (From $70.00)
- 10 Days Tour in Sri Lanka (Hotels with Breakfast & Luxury Car) (From $700.00)
- 7 Night in Sri Lanka Heritage Private Tour (From $512.83)
- Hotels near Mirissa Beach:
- (0.01 mi) Sun Shine Beach Inn
- (0.02 mi) sri lanka pauschalreisen
- (0.03 mi) Ocean Moon Guesthouse & Cabanas
- (0.07 mi) Dream Palace Family Guest House
- (0.10 mi) Space Garden Hostel Mirissa
- Restaurants near Mirissa Beach:
- (0.01 mi) Sun Shine Beach Bar & Restaurant
- (0.01 mi) Amigo Restaurant & Bar
- (0.02 mi) Central Beach Inn
- (0.02 mi) W&D restaurant
- (0.03 mi) BRIZO Mirissa
- Attractions near Mirissa Beach:
- (0.00 mi) Mirissa Point Surf Camp
- (0.03 mi) Watching Lanka
- (0.08 mi) Thinuli Tea Center
- (0.08 mi) Sandaruwan Handicraft & Gift Store
- (0.08 mi) Srilanka Taxi Mirissa