Sri Lanka was the last place I traveled to outside Europe, and it really is a hidden gem! There are still few tourists, the beaches are stunning, with palm trees, clear blue water and white sand, the locals are friendly and it has the best curries you can imagine.
If you’re traveling to Sri Lanka, make sure you don’t skip Mirissa! It was the highlight of my trip. We met so many backpackers and even some expats who opened their hostels or surf schools there. There were amazing sunset parties, mouth-watering smoothie bowls everywhere and, of course, incredible and varied activities to do.
(Pssst: if you’re visiting Sri Lanka, make sure to read my Sri Lanka Itinerary & Travel Guide!)
I felt really good in Mirissa – the vibe was incredible, and I’m sure you’ll love it too. To make sure you don’t miss anything, I wrote this post to share my recommendations for the best activities to do there. Follow along!
Visit the Coconut Tree Hill
If you’ve seen photos of Mirissa, then you must have seen a bunch of influencer photos in this spot, and for a good reason ‑ it’s really pretty and photogenic!
The place is filled with palm trees and it’s located at the top of a small hill, so you’ll also have amazing views to the pristine blue water. I’d advise you to arrive there early, since they’re usually a bunch of people in line to take a photo. After taking your photos and sinking in the beauty of a place, just go down the hill directly into the beach and go for a swim!
Click here to access the Google Maps location.
Have a smoothie bowl… every day!
Fruit in Sri Lanka is incredibly tasty and sweet. You’ll probably be high on fruit sugar all the time, if you’re a fruit lover like me. It’s so nice to wake up in the morning, have a refreshing smoothie bowl and then just go straight to the beach for a swim! You really can’t beat that.
There are many nice cafes around that serve smoothie bowls and general brunch food, like toast. My favorite ones were definitely Shady Lane and Wood Space. The toast at Shady Lane is also preeeetty good.
Try the palm tree swing
This popular palm tree swing is located in Dalawella Beach, very close to Mirissa. You can catch a Tuk Tuk there, it should cost around 5€. It was built by the owners of the Dream Cabana Beach Bar, and they’re happy to let you use the swing in exchange for a few rupees (at the time it was 500).
Then, you can choose to swing either from the bottom of the tree or just start on the sand. I tried swinging from the bottom of the tree, but it looked so scary that I ended up just swinging from the sand! Still, the experience was liberating and unforgettable. Can you picture yourself swinging on a palm tree rope with crystal clear blue water beneath you?
Click here to access the location!
Climb the parrot rock
This small rock is located in Mirissa beach and offers stunning views of the whole beach. If the tides are low, you can easily climb this rock and just chill there, apart from the world. I actually saw some people sunbathing on the top of the rock, with a book on their hands.
Go fruit shopping
Fruit shopping in Sri Lanka is FUN. There are so many strange and tropical fruits to try!
You’ll see a bunch of fruit stalls on the main road, so feel free to stop for some fresh tropical fruit. You won’t regret it!
Go for a surf lesson
Whether you know how to surf or are a newbie (like me), Mirissa is a great place to surf. There are waves for everyone, large and small!
I didn’t surf while I was there, but I seriously regret it because it’s one of the best places to learn how to surf. If you’re into that, make sure you go for a surf lesson or just rent your own surf board. The hostel I stayed at, Green Hill, offers surf lessons and rentals, so you can try going with them!
Go for a sunset party at The Doctor’s House
Ok, now hear me out: this hostel has the BEST parties in Mirissa (and also the best food).
The Doctor’s House was built on the ruins of an old Dutch Ayurvedic hospital and the vibe is amazing. You can chill there during the day while you have a Poké Bowl, do some shopping (they do sell really cute and unique clothes) or go for a drink in the evening.
They host sunset parties quite frequently, so make sure you don’t miss them ‑ you’ll be dancing in the ruins with an amazing sunset and really good cocktails.
Go for an outdoor yoga class
Sri Lanka is very famous for its yoga lessons, so now it’s your chance to try one! You’ll be doing yoga in the Nature, with all the tropical sounds and light, and I can guarantee you’ll be delighted.
Surf n Yoga Mirissa are pretty famous for their outdoor Yoga Lessons.
I hope this post gave you some light on what activities to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka. One thing is for sure: you will never be bored there, since there’s so much to do and activities for every taste.
If you’re going to Sri Lanka, make sure to read my Sri Lanka Itinerary & Travel Guide!