Unawatuna is the beach that everyone in southern Sri Lanka will point you to first. A crescent of golden sand curves around a sheltered bay just five kilometres east of Galle, protected by a reef that keeps the water calm enough for swimming most of the year. It is smaller and more laid-back than Hikkaduwa further up the coast, and that is exactly the appeal.
The bay is backed by coconut palms and a small dagoba sits on the headland to the east, giving the place a character that goes beyond just another beach stop. The reef makes for decent snorkelling right off the sand, and there are several dive operators running trips to nearby wrecks. Surfing has caught on too, mostly with locals who will happily rent you a board.
Along the beach road and the parallel Yaddehimulla Road you will find a string of guesthouses, cafes, and restaurants serving rice and curry alongside the inevitable banana pancakes. Unawatuna is not a party town, but there is enough going on in the evenings to keep you entertained for a few days. Most people use it as a base for exploring Galle and the south coast.
Getting here is easy: take the train to Galle and then a tuk-tuk for the short ride south. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the southwest monsoon is dormant and the bay is at its calmest.