- Sri Lanka
Lois Weeterings
Content
Hiriketiya might just be the coziest coastal town in Sri Lanka. While the south coast is full of hidden gems, the laid-back surf vibe of Hiriketiya is truly unique and incredibly appealing. This small bay, tucked away between palm trees and surrounded by crystal-clear waters, is a place where you’ll effortlessly want to stay for days. Discover the most beautiful beaches in and around Hiriketiya, catch your first wave during a surf session, or settle in at one of the many trendy spots for a smoothie bowl or fresh seafood curry. Hiriketiya is the south coast destination where you’ll spend your days carrying your surfboard under your arm, doing yoga at sunrise, and fully enjoying tropical beach days. It’s laid-back yet lively, with cozy hangouts for great food and parties that go late into the night. In this article, I’m sharing my best tips on what to do, where to eat and drink, and the best places to stay that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
What to do in Hiriketiya: the best tips and activities
When you're travelling to Hiriketiya during your round trip in Sri Lanka then there’s a good chance you’re coming for the relaxed surf vibes and tropical beaches. Maybe you’ve already seen many of Sri Lanka’s famous highlights and just want to take it easy for a while. Feet in the sand, a fresh coconut in hand, and the sound of the waves in the background… I totally get it! But there are still a few things you really shouldn’t miss when visiting Hiriketiya. From catching your first wave to exploring hidden beaches and indulging at cozy hotspots, these are my top tips for an amazing time in this charming bay.
1. Learning to surf in Hiriketiya
The bay of Hiriketiya Beach is the perfect spot to learn surfing because it’s compact and sheltered. The waves here are usually small and gently roll onto the shore. Of course, you can surf further along the bay where the waves are bigger, but that’s not the place for beginners. Along the beach, you’ll find several surf schools where you can rent a board or book a lesson. I paid about 5,000 Sri Lankan rupees for a 1.5-hour surf lesson. On the beach, they first explain how to paddle, and then how to stand up on your board. It might seem easy, but once you’re in the water, you’ll realize it’s a bit trickier to get all the steps right. That said, it’s incredibly fun, and speaking for myself, definitely something I’d love to do again. And here’s a tip: go in the morning. It’s usually less crowded then, and the conditions are ideal for catching your first waves.
2. Discover Nilwella Beach and Blue Beach Island
Just under a ten-minute drive from Hiriketiya lies the peaceful Nilwella Beach. It’s a small, golden sandy beach where you’ll hardly run into other travelers. You might have seen it on social media before, this is the spot where a narrow sandbank connects the mainland to a small, photogenic island called Blue Beach Island. Nilwella Beach isn’t really a place for a relaxed beach day, but it’s definitely a great spot to cool off with a refreshing swim.
When you walk across the narrow sandbank to Blue Beach Island, look out for a sign that says ‘entrance.’ From there, you can follow a path through lush green forests that winds across the island. The trail takes you past stunning views of the Indian Ocean, with palm trees leaning over the coast and stretching out above the sea. Eventually, you’ll reach a rocky area where you can relax with a cool breeze in your hair. Take it all in before heading back to Nilwella Beach.
3. Relax among the swaying palm trees at Silent Beach
Silent Beach lives up to its name, you’ll find pure tranquility here. There are no busy beach bars or rows of sunbeds, just a wide stretch of sand lined with swaying palm trees and the sea. There are a handful of sunbeds, around ten, that you can rent from a local on the beach. So make sure to bring your own towel, plenty of snacks, and water, because there are basically no facilities at this beach.
Silent Beach is tucked away on Sri Lanka’s south coast, near Tangalle, about a 30-minute drive from Hiriketiya. It’s without a doubt the most beautiful beach I’ve visited in Sri Lanka. The sand is soft, the water a clear blue, and the swaying palm trees make it feel like an idyllic paradise. With a bit of luck, you might have the beach almost all to yourself if you arrive early. Swimming is possible in some spots, but the sea can often be rough, so be sure to stay cautious if you decide to take a dip.
4. Take a refreshing dip in the sea at the pristine Hiru Beach
One of the best things about traveling around Sri Lanka is that you can do it yourself with your own tuk-tuk, an amazing adventure that gives you so much freedom. That’s how I ended up at the picturesque and undiscovered Hiru Beach. A small, narrow road led us to the beach, where only three little boys were playing with their kites and bikes. Apart from them, there was no one else around. Completely impressed by how untouched and beautiful this beach was, I laid out my towel and took a refreshing dip in the water. The sea here is calm and stays shallow for quite a while, making it a great spot to swim and relax, even if only for a little while. There are no facilities here, so keep that in mind if you decide to visit Hiru Beach!
5. Work out at Fitness Jungle Hiriketiya
You might be thinking, “This isn’t really my thing.” That’s totally fair! But after two weeks of traveling around Sri Lanka (and enjoying all the delicious food), I really felt the need to get moving. Fitness Jungle in Hiriketiya is a fun gym that’s a bit different from what you’re used to. All the equipment is made of wood, and it’s an open-air gym. In short, it’s a creative space, but one where you can definitely challenge yourself.
6. Buy handmade souvenirs at The Village Collective
The Village Collective is a small, creative shop in Hiriketiya where you can buy handmade jewelry, postcards, clothing, and other unique creations. It’s located right next to my favorite hotspot, Locos, where you can grab a great coffee and delicious smoothies. Everything at The Village Collective is made by local artisans and artists. It’s a wonderful way to take home a meaningful souvenir while supporting the local community. I personally bought a beautiful postcard that captures our Sri Lanka trip perfectly: the three of us exploring in a tuk-tuk, learning to surf, and enjoying plenty of coconut stops along the way.
The best hotspots in Hiriketiya
Hiriketiya is packed with cozy, flavorful hotspots where you can unwind and enjoy great food and drinks after a day at the beach. From healthy bowls to fresh seafood and excellent coffee, here are our favorite spots in Hiriketiya:
Locos Cafe & Store is my absolute favorite spot in Hiriketiya. Their menu is packed with fresh, local ingredients and healthy options like smoothie bowls, vegan wraps, and freshly brewed coffee.
At Garlic Cafe, you can enjoy a fusion of Sri Lankan and international flavors. Their curries are finger-licking good, and in the evenings, the place often has a lively, buzzing atmosphere.
For a night out with unique cocktails and an elegant yet relaxed vibe, Smoke & Bitters is a must-visit. Here, you can enjoy exceptional drinks and a refined fine dining experience. Just be sure to book in advance, as this place fills up quickly!
La Playa is a laid-back beach shack right on Hiriketiya Beach. You can take a dip in the pool or just step straight into the sea. If you’re hungry or thirsty, we highly recommend their pizzas and don’t miss the pineapple juice!
And for a fun drink or a night of dancing, Dots Bay House is the place to be. With its cool jungle vibe and great music, you can party here well into the late hours. It’s also a fantastic spot for breakfast and lunch!
My favorite places to stay in Hiriketiya
During our trip, we stayed at Dots Bay House, a cozy and welcoming accommodation right on Hiriketiya Beach bay. The location is fantastic, you wake up to the sound of the sea and can easily dive into the lively evening atmosphere from your bungalow. It’s a place where you quickly feel at home and that perfectly matches Hiriketiya’s relaxed vibe.
One thing to keep in mind is that during the high season, Dots Bayhouse often hosts parties. This creates a lively atmosphere but can also be a bit noisy if you’re a light sleeper or looking for complete peace and quiet.
If you prefer a quieter stay, The Yard Hiriketiya and Salt House are great alternatives to consider. Both accommodations offer a peaceful and charming atmosphere, with comfortable rooms within walking distance of the beach and many fun hotspots.
Why Hiriketiya is a must-visit
Along Sri Lanka’s south coast, you’ll find many beautiful beaches and lively seaside towns, but Hiriketiya truly stands out from the rest. This crescent-shaped bay, located near the quiet town of Dikwella, has everything you want for a perfect coastal getaway: tropical beauty, a relaxed vibe, and a great mix of locals and travelers.
It is not a place of mass tourism or big resorts, but rather of small boutique hotels, colorful cafes and surfboards lining the walls everywhere. Here, life is relaxed: breakfast overlooking the sea, heading to the beach on your flip-flops, and enjoying fresh fish in the evening as the sun sinks into the ocean. Hiriketiya fits perfectly into your Sri Lanka itinerary, especially if you are looking for a destination where you can be active and relax.
More tips for an adventurous trip to Sri Lanka
Want to combine Hiriketiya with other unique spots along the south coast and beyond in Sri Lanka? These tips will make your road trip truly complete:
Explore the charming town of Ella: surrounded by lush tea plantations and stunning views, it’s the perfect spot for hikes and relaxation in Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.
Discover the laid-back Ahangama: a cozy surf spot with quiet beaches.
Visit historic Galle: a beautiful colonial fortress with atmospheric streets, boutiques and breathtaking views of the ocean.
A Sri Lanka trip tailored just for you
Experience Sri Lanka exactly the way you like! We’re here to help create your dream trip. During a video meeting, we’ll dive into your wishes together: from the perfect route and unique places to stay, to unforgettable experiences that will stay you'll cherish forever. Celebrating something special? We’ll make sure to add those extra magical moments. As your personal travel advisors, we passionately create a fully tailor-made journey. After that, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy a worry-free, enchanting trip through Sri Lanka.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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