Mirissa Beach Resort: A Hidden Gem on Sri Lanka's Coast

Mirissa: A Hidden Gem on Sri Lanka's Coast

summarizeEditor's Summary

We stumbled upon Mirissa, a tranquil beach town that stole our hearts, after a few missteps in Unawatuna and Colombo. This underrated gem boasts breathtaking ocean views, a stunning beach, and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for a laid-back vacation. We stayed at the affordable Vacanza hotel, which offered great value for money and a convenient location. While Mirissa's not as popular as some other spots, it's definitely worth considering for your Sri Lankan adventure.

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I'll be the first to admit it: planning our trip to Sri Lanka was a solo effort, and I spent hours scouring forums to figure out where to stay and how long to stay there. I made a few rookie mistakes along the way - we should've skipped Unawatuna and Colombo altogether. Neither place really wowed me, and Unawatuna was a total letdown.

Fortunately, our first stop was a small resort called Mirissa, which is just a stone's throw away from Unawatuna. It's not as popular, but I'm glad we ended up here.

We opted for a small, no-frills hotel called Vacanza, which is literally 200 meters from the beach entrance. It's not fancy, but it's affordable, has a great location, and even comes with breakfast. We pretty much had the place to ourselves, and the lack of crowds was a welcome relief. I guess the package tourists stuck to their usual haunts in Hikkaduwa or Bentota.

After our 4-day adventure inland, we finally arrived at the resort, but it was late at night, so we didn't get to see the beach until our 5th day on the island.

The beach itself is stunning - it's wide, beautiful, and deserted, but unfortunately, swimming's not really an option in the summer. The waves are strong, and the water's shallow, so it's more like a gentle paddle or a relaxing sunbathing session in one of the beach cafes. If you do grab a bite to eat at the cafe, you get free access to the sun loungers and umbrellas. We spent the whole day there, starting with drinks, then lunch, and finally, some quality time on the loungers. It's super convenient.

Nice views of the beach, and strolling along the shoreline is a real treat.

This place is a little slice of heaven. The beach in Varadero might give it a run for its money, but Mirissa still holds a special place in my heart.

Head to the left after getting to the beach and you can hike up to Popugai Rock.

And from the top, you can take in the breathtaking ocean views.

But if you keep going or take a tuk-tuk, you can reach Coconut Tree Hill. Apparently, some of the land has already been bought up, and they're planning to build something, but it's not easy to get there. We managed to make it, though, and the views are simply mind-blowing. The photos don't do it justice, but the videos might give you a better idea of just how stunning it is.

By the way, at the same cafe, you can rent some boards and let the kids have some fun in the waves.

And that's exactly what they did.

We didn't end up going to see the whales with Mirissa, but that's okay. I'd read that it's not the right season, and you can just end up paying money and not seeing any whales. No thanks! We decided to stick with our original plan, and it turned out to be a really packed itinerary.

I have to say, I really enjoyed my time in Mirissa: the beach was gorgeous, it was pretty empty, and there's a supermarket right nearby. Staying here was definitely one of the highlights of our island vacation - something I can't say about Uvindu. Ugh, just thinking about that place still gives me the chills. The tuk-tuk drivers, in particular, were a nightmare. But that's a whole other story.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is Mirissa a good spot for families with young children?

Yes, Mirissa is a great spot for families, with its relaxed atmosphere and stunning beach perfect for kids to play and swim. However, be aware that swimming in Mirissa's not ideal, due to strong currents and limited lifeguard presence.

What's the best way to get to Mirissa from Colombo?

The best way to get to Mirissa from Colombo is by taking a taxi or private transfer, which takes around 3-4 hours depending on traffic. You can also take a bus, but be prepared for a longer journey and potential delays.

Are there any good restaurants in Mirissa?

Yes, Mirissa has a few decent restaurants serving up tasty local cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Some popular spots include The Beach House and Crabs, both of which offer great food and stunning ocean views.

Can I rent a bike in Mirissa?

Yes, you can rent a bike in Mirissa, which is a great way to explore the town and its surroundings. Several bike rental shops are available, offering a range of bikes and scooters for rent.

What's the best time to visit Mirissa?

The best time to visit Mirissa is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. Avoid visiting during the rainy season, from May to November, when the town can be quite wet and muddy.

Can I get a massage in Mirissa?

Yes, Mirissa has several spas and massage parlors offering a range of treatments, from traditional massages to yoga and meditation classes. Some popular spots include Serenity Spa and Peaceful Moments, both of which offer great treatments and stunning ocean views.

Are there any good surf spots in Mirissa?

Yes, Mirissa has several surf spots, including the popular Whale Rock break, which is suitable for all levels of surfers. Several surf schools and rental shops are available, offering lessons and equipment for rent.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka?

Yes, visitors to Sri Lanka can obtain a visa on arrival, which is valid for 30 days. However, be sure to check the official government website for the latest visa requirements and regulations.

check_circlePros

•The beach in Mirissa is simply stunning, with its wide expanse of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
•The town has a relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for families or couples looking to unwind.
•Vacanza hotel offers great value for money, with clean rooms and a delicious breakfast spread.
•The hotel's location is unbeatable, with the beach entrance just 200 meters away.
•The lack of crowds in Mirissa was a welcome relief, especially after the chaos of Unawatuna and Colombo.
•The town has a few decent cafes and restaurants, serving up tasty local cuisine.
•Mirissa has a range of activities to suit all interests, from surfing and whale watching to yoga and meditation.
•The town's laid-back vibe makes it easy to meet fellow travelers and locals alike.

cancelCons

•Swimming in Mirissa's not ideal, due to strong currents and limited lifeguard presence.
•The town's not as developed as some other tourist spots, which can make it feel a bit isolated.
•Some of the local shops and cafes can be a bit pricey, especially if you're on a tight budget.
•The hotel's rooms are simple, but clean and comfortable – not exactly luxurious, but great for the price.
•The town's lack of nightlife can be a bummer for those looking for a party scene.
•The hotel's breakfast spread is limited, but the food is fresh and tasty.