Hiriketiya Beach Guide: Everything You Need to Know Including My Favorite Hotels, Restaurants & Things to Do

Last Updated on April 11, 2025 by Oliver

Hiriketiya Beach is hands down my favorite spot in Sri Lanka—no contest. I’ve spent well over three months in the country, trying to explore as much as possible, but somehow, Hiriketiya Sri Lanka is where I got stuck for over a month.

I don’t know exactly what it was. Maybe it felt more secluded and off the beaten path compared to places like Mirissa or Ahangama. Maybe it was because I visited during shoulder season, so it wasn’t busy at all. Or maybe it was the incredible food scene and the amazing surf. Honestly, it was probably a mix of all of those things.

I’ve already written quite a few guides and blog posts about Hiriketiya Beach, but I haven’t made one that puts everything together in one ultimate travel guide—until now. This is everything you need to know: the best hotels, the best cafés and restaurants, what to do in Hiriketiya Beach, and everything else at a glance. Because I know how annoying it is to dig through four different articles just to piece together the info you actually need.

So here it is—my ultimate Hiriketiya Beach guide, with everything you need to know to (most likely) get stuck in this little paradise on Sri Lanka’s south coast, just like I did.

Hiriketiya Beach 101: What to Know Before You Go & Travel Tips

Before we dive into all the fun stuff, here’s a quick rundown of Hiriketiya Beach—your Hiriketiya Beach 101, if you like.

Hiriketiya is a small beach community and surf town, about an hour’s drive from Mirissa. One of the first things you’ll notice is that it’s tucked away from the main highway. If you’re taking the bus, it won’t drop you off right in town—instead, you’ll be let off on the side of the road, where you’ll have to follow a small street for about 15 minutes on foot before you actually reach the beach. And honestly? I love that.

One of my biggest gripes with places like Mirissa, Weligama, and Ahangama is that the busy main road runs straight through them—it kind of kills the vibe. But Hiriketiya is different. Since it’s off the highway, there’s barely any traffic. No loud buses or tuk-tuks zooming past—just a handful of little streets where everyone walks around in flip-flops and swim shorts. It’s laid-back in the best way possible.

Surfing and yoga are the main draws here. I’m not saying there’s no nightlife, but it’s definitely more about slow mornings than late nights. There are plenty of surf camps, yoga studios, cafés, and restaurants—enough to keep things interesting, but not so many that you’re overwhelmed with choices.

All in all, Hiriketiya is the perfect little beach town in Sri Lanka. It’s got that more laid-back, off-the-radar feel while still having everything you need.

Where to Stay in Hiriketiya Beach Sri Lanka

There are plenty of great boutique hotels, hostels, and guesthouses around Hiriketiya Beach. I haven’t tried them all, of course, but I’ve checked out quite a few while searching for the perfect spot for a long-term stay. Here are my personal favorites:

Salt House // Best Place to Stay in Hiriketiya Beach for Yoga

Salt House is a charming little boutique hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, a yoga shala, and an on-site café. I haven’t stayed here myself, but I’ve spent plenty of time here for the café and yoga classes. The rooms are beautifully designed with a stylish, minimalist touch, but the real highlight is the yoga shala. It’s upstairs, offering incredible views of the surrounding jungle—easily one of the best spots to practice yoga in Hiriketiya.

Dots Bay House // Best Place to Stay in Hiriketiya Beach for Nightlife

Dots Bay House is one of the better hostels in Hiriketiya, and at first glance, it definitely has that Selina Hostel vibe (if you’ve traveled a bit, you probably know the chain). It’s colorful, well-designed, and has a great outdoor area sorrounded by palm trees, with a café and restaurant that’s open to everyone. There’s also a co working space and a swimming pool, though those are for guests only. If you’re looking for a social spot, this is probably the number one place for events and parties on the weekend.

La Playa // Best Luxury Hotel in Hiriketiya Sri Lanka

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, I’d definitely recommend La Playa. It’s one of the few luxury stays at Hiriketiya Beach (there aren’t many!) and one of the best places to stay in Hiriketiya Beach. It’s also the closest thing to a beach club in town. The rooms are beautifully designed, and some even have direct ocean views, which is pretty cool. The pool area is super relaxed, and the on-site restaurant serves some of the best pizza in town—though not the best (that title goes to Bacuzzi, but we’ll get to that in the restaurant section below).

Barefoot Backpackers // Best Hostel in Hiriketiya Beach

Barefoot Backpackers is easily the most social hostel in Hiriketiya—a proper backpacker spot where everyone’s just looking to have a good time. The dorms are clean and simple but still have a bit of charm. The best part, though, is the outdoor area and the location. It’s got a little garden with plenty of green space to chill, and since it’s right on the oceanfront, you can literally step out and be at the beach. Hard to beat that!

Click here for bookings & more information

The Verse Collective (The Rez) // Best Long-Term Stay in Hiriketiya Beach

The Verse Collective is one of the few co-working and co-living spaces near Hiriketiya Beach. Technically, it’s located at Dikwella Beach, just a 10-minute walk around the corner. It’s got rooms to stay in, workspaces, a really cool outdoor area, and a restaurant. They also host plenty of events, so overall, it’s a pretty fun spot.

I stayed at The Rez instead, which is their little apartment complex about halfway between The Verse Collective and Hiriketiya Beach. The apartments come with a full kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, plus they’re beautifully designed and just a short walk from the ocean. Another huge plus, It’s right next to MOND Hiriketiya Beach—one of my favorite cafés in the area.

Click here for bookings & more information

Things to Do in Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka

Hiriketiya isn’t exactly a hotspot for sightseeing, but let’s be real—that’s not what you’re here for. This little beach town is all about surfing, relaxing, and soaking up the laid-back vibes. I spent over a month here, so here’s the rundown of my favorite things to do.

Take Some Surf Lessons

If you’re in Hiriketiya, you have to try surfing. Whether you’re a total beginner or already know your way around a board, this is the perfect place to hit the waves. Since I had never surfed before, I took lessons right on the beach at one of the local surf schools.

For beginners, they usually take you to a secret beach nearby, where the water is shallow and the waves are perfect for learning. Hiriketiya itself has deeper water and a pretty rough beach break, so it’s not always ideal for first-timers.

Try Some Traditional Local Food

You have to try some proper Sri Lankan food while you’re here. My favorite spot was Lemon Grass Cafe, which you can find on Google Maps near Clics Coliving. It’s run by the sweetest Sri Lankan lady, and they serve a set menu of the day with 5–6 different curries, rice, salad, and other delicious dishes—all for an insanely cheap price. Plus, there’s a little fruit and veggie shop next door where we’d stock up on fresh produce. It’s a proper hidden gem and has some of the best Sri Lankan cuisine.

Another solid option is Garlic Cafe, which is a bit more well-known among tourists. They usually do a curry buffet, so it’s a great way to try a mix of different dishes in one go.

Day Trip to Silent Beach

If you have time, definitely take a trip to Silent Beach. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Hiriketiya and is the perfect spot for a quiet, crowd-free beach day. There aren’t many restaurants or shops, so bring whatever you need. You can also hike up the hill next to the beach for some beautiful views of the coastline.

Spot Sea Turtles in the Ocean

There are sea turtles all over Hiriketiya Bay, but they can be tricky to spot depending on the surf conditions and how crowded the water is. I had the best luck around midday when most of the surfers were gone or early in the morning on a day with bad waves.

They usually hang out on the right-hand side of the bay, where the water is shallower. Just be patient—this is also the busiest area for beginner surfers, so you might have to wait for the right moment to see them.

Take a Day Trip to Yala National Park

One of my absolute highlights in Sri Lanka was the Yala National Park safari. You can do a day trip from Hiriketiya, and you’ll be back by night—it’s 100% worth it.

You’ll spend the day spotting elephants, leopards, and tons of other wildlife in one of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks. You can even book a safari as part of your transfer—there’s a tour that picks you up in Hiriketiya and drops you off in Ella, saving you a travel day (I’ll link it!).

Watch the Sunset at Dickwella Beach

I love watching the sunset at Dickwella Beach. Since Hiriketiya is a small bay, you don’t actually get a full ocean sunset view—for that, you need to walk over to Dickwella Beach (near Verse Collective).

Right on the beach, you’ll find a few chill little beach bars—nothing fancy, just cold beers and a front-row seat to an amazing sunset.

Have a Date Night at Smoke & Bitters

If you’re looking for a fancy dinner or a proper cocktail, Smoke & Bitters is the place to go. It’s actually ranked as one of the Top 50 Bars in Asia, which I definitely didn’t expect in a place like Hiriketiya.

The vibe is super cool and romantic, making it perfect for a date night or just a fun dinner with friends. The cocktails are amazing, and the food is just as good. Definitely worth checking out while you’re here.

Where to Eat & Best Hiriketiya Beach Restaurants

I already mentioned that the food scene in Hiriketiya Beach is a bit smaller than in places like Ahangama or Mirissa—but honestly, that’s totally fine. No one needs 20 different cafés serving avocado toast in the morning. I’d much rather have just a few solid spots to go to, and these are my favorites:

MOND Hiriketiya Beach

My personal favorite place in Hiriketiya is MOND. It was right next to where we stayed (The Rez), so we basically went there every morning. They do a fantastic breakfast and, in my opinion, the best coffee in Hiriketiya Beach. The whole setup is super cool, with amazing views over the ocean. They also make great cocktails and have live music, so it’s a fun little bar to grab drinks at for sunset.

Bacuzzi

For the best pizza in town, head to Bacuzzi, right near the beach. Their pizza menu changes all the time, but we tried the burrata pizza, the bruschetta, and the spicy pepperoni—all amazing. The owner is Italian and super friendly. When we visited, he had just opened up and was still figuring things out, but he was so welcoming that we kept coming back.

Smoke & Bitters

Smoke & Bitters just casually made it onto the list of the 50 best bars in Asia—can you believe it? Honestly, I’m not surprised. It’s a super cool outdoor spot a little outside of town. Their cocktails are next level, using different styles of bitters and smoke for some really unique creations. The food is also top-notch—definitely try the slow-cooked goat tacos and the octopus, both are insanely good.

Raa Hiriketiya

Unfortunately, Raa Hiriketiya wasn’t open yet when we were there, but friends raved about it, so I had to add it to the list. It’s located at the far end of Hiriketiya Bay and is supposed to be one of the best sunset spots. It’s a beachfront cocktail bar with stylish seating areas and great drinks.

Duni’s Hoppers

If you haven’t had a hopper yet, Duni’s Hoppers is where you need to go tomorrow morning. Hoppers are a Sri Lankan breakfast staple—a crispy, bowl-shaped pancake usually served with an egg in the middle. At Duni’s, they do modern twists on them, topping them with things like avocado, egg, and cheese. They also make great smoothie bowls, coffee, and fresh juices.

There are plenty more options to explore, but since this is just a quick Hiriketiya guide, I’ve kept the restaurant list short. For a full rundown, check out my guide to the best restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach!

Best Hiriketiya Beach Surf Camps

Hiriketiya Beach has two major surf camps—Kima Surf and Salty Pelican—both offering full surf, stay, and yoga packages. Since surfing is huge here, you’ll also find plenty of smaller surf schools and board rentals right on the beach if you’re not looking for an all-inclusive camp.

Kima Surf

If you’ve been to Bali, you might already know Kima Surf—they have multiple locations there, plus another in Weligama, Sri Lanka. Their Hiriketiya location is absolutely stunning—tucked away in the jungle near Dickwella Beach, surrounded by palm trees, with a pool in the middle and private cabanas for guests. It’s basically a dream surf retreat.

They offer everything you’d need—surf lessons, yoga, wellness programs, jeep transfers to Hiriketiya Beach, and amazing food.

The only downside, in my opinion, is that it’s not actually on Hiriketiya Beach, so you’re kind of stuck at the camp unless you take a tuk-tuk to go out for drinks or dinner. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Salty Pelican

Salty Pelican is located between Hiriketiya Beach and Dickwella Beach, only a 5-minute walk from Hiriketiya. This location is just as stunning as Kima, but in a different way. It’s a super modern surf retreat with a yoga deck on the terrace offering amazing views, a huge pool, and really comfortable rooms.

Their surf packages are pricier, but it’s also a more upscale surf camp, so you get what you pay for.

One key difference: Salty Pelican leans more into yoga and wellness, offering more massages and yoga sessions compared to actual surf lessons. Kima Surf, on the other hand, is way more surf-focused. So if you’re after intensive surf training, Kima is probably the better pick, while Salty Pelican is ideal for a more balanced surf & yoga retreat.

Yoga in Hiriketiya – My Favorite Yoga Studios

I’ve mentioned it before, but yoga is really popular in Hiriketiya. While there isn’t a dedicated yoga studio, plenty of places offer amazing classes. My top picks are Salt House and Dots Bay House—both provide yoga mats, so no need to bring your own!

Salt House

In my opinion, Salt House has the best yoga classes in Hiriketiya. Their yoga shala is on an upstairs terrace overlooking the jungle, which makes for a pretty incredible setting. They have rotating yoga instructors, so the style of the class can vary, but the instructor I had was great.

They offer drop-in classes at 7 AM starting at $10 USD, and if you’re staying there, I’m pretty sure classes are complimentary. They also have a 10-class pass, which brings the price down to around $7 per session.

One of the best parts is that after class, you can relax by the pool and grab a coffee, juice, or breakfast from their in-house café.

Dots Bay House

Dots Bay House also has a yoga shala on an upstairs terrace with beautiful views. The classes are similar to Salt House, and like them, the experience depends on which yoga teacher is currently leading.

Their usual schedule includes 8 AM classes (which is great if 7 AM feels too early) and 5 PM sessions. Right now, they also offer Pilates and fitness classes, but the schedule can change, so it’s best to check their Workshop Instagram page for updates.

Classes typically cost around $10 USD.

Best Co-Working Places in Hiriketiya Beach

When I first got to Hiriketiya Beach, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of co-working spaces available. Okay, it’s not a massive selection, but for the size of the town, it’s definitely more than enough.

That said, all the co-working spaces here have a super casual vibe. If you’re a freelancer or just working part-time, they’ll do the job. But if you have a full-on 9-to-5 with constant calls and meetings, these spaces might not be the best fit for you.

The Verse Collective

Since my apartment at The Rez came with a desk and chair, I worked from there quite a bit, which was perfect. But if you need a more social workspace, The Verse Collective is the obvious go-to spot.

It’s a huge property just outside Hiriketiya Beach, over at Dickwella Beach, and I personally think it’s a great place to get some work done. There’s plenty of space, so it doesn’t feel too crowded, and the WiFi is reliable.

Since I was staying at The Rez (which is part of The Verse Collective), I didn’t have to pay anything for the co-working space. If you’re not staying there, I’m not sure what they charge, but their outdoor restaurant is massive, so I feel like you could just buy a coffee or breakfast and work from there without any issues.

Dots Bay House

Dots Bay House has a small co-working space, but there’s also a little shop in the same room, so staff are walking in and out occasionally.

The room itself has good WiFi and air conditioning, so it worked fine for me when I needed a few hours to write or edit. But if you have a more demanding job, it might not be enough.

Clics Coliving

Clics Coliving is a super cute boutique hotel that comes with 24/7 co-working access—but it’s for guests only, so you can’t just drop in and work unless you’re staying there.

The space is really well-designed, with both an outdoor co-working area in the garden and an indoor air-conditioned space. They also have super fast WiFi, which is a big plus. If you actually need to lock in and focus for a few hours, this is probably the best option since there are no distractions—no outside guests, no café noise, just a quiet workspace.

How to Get to Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka

Getting to Hiriketiya Beach isn’t too complicated, but it does take a bit of effort since it’s tucked away off the main road. Here are the best ways to reach this little slice of paradise on Sri Lanka’s south coast:

By Train & Bus

If you’re coming from Colombo, the easiest way is to take a train from Colombo Fort Station to Matara bus station. It’s a scenic ride along the coast and usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. From Matara, you can either hop on a local bus heading toward Tangalle and ask to be dropped off near Dikwella or Hiriketiya, or just grab a tuk-tuk for the last stretch (which is much easier).

By Bus

I personally wouldn’t recommend this; it takes a long time and is quite uncomfortable.

If you’re on a budget, taking a direct bus from Colombo to Matara (or Tangalle) is the cheapest option. From there, you can transfer to a local bus or tuk-tuk to Hiriketiya Beach. There’s no bus stop right at the beach, so expect to be dropped off on the main road and walk about 15 minutes down a side road to get into town.

By Tuk-Tuk

If you’re already on Sri Lanka’s south coast—say in Mirissa, Weligama, Ahangama or Tangalle—the easiest way to get to Hiriketiya is by hiring a tuk-tuk. It’s not too expensive for short distances, and the ride is part of the experience.

By Taxi or Private Driver

This is what I did, and I’m so glad because we basically got caught in a monsoon. I was very happy to be inside the dry taxi and not in a tuk-tuk!

For the most comfortable option, you can book a private car or taxi from Colombo, the airport, or anywhere along the coast. It’s obviously pricier than a bus, but it’ll get you straight to Hiriketiya Beach without any hassle.

FAQs About Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka

Where Is Hiriketiya Beach?

Hiriketiya Beach is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, near the town of Dickwella. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Tangalle and roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Colombo by car. It’s a small, horseshoe shaped bay surrounded by palm trees and is known for its laid-back vibe, great surf, and cozy cafés.

What to Do in Hiriketiya Beach?

Hiriketiya isn’t a place packed with sightseeing spots, but that’s part of the charm. It’s all about surfing, chilling, and soaking up the slow island life. Some of the best things to do include taking surf lessons (or just renting a board and going for it), eating at local cafés and trying authentic Sri Lankan food, and spotting sea turtles in the bay. If you want to explore beyond Hiriketiya, you can take a day trip to Silent Beach for a quieter beach escape, go on a safari at Yala National Park, or watch the sunset at Dickwella Beach with a cold beer.

How Many Days to Spend in Hiriketiya Beach?

I’d say at least three to four days to really enjoy the beach, surf, and food without feeling rushed. But if you love the vibe, you could easily spend a week or more—a lot of people (myself included) come for a few days and end up staying way longer.

How to Get to Hiriketiya Beach?

There are a few ways to get to Hiriketiya. The easiest option is to book a private car from Colombo or the airport, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. If you prefer to take the train, you can travel from Colombo to Matara and then take a tuk-tuk or bus to Hiriketiya, which takes about 45 minutes. There are also local buses from Colombo to Matara or Dickwella, followed by a short tuk-tuk ride to Hiriketiya. The bus is the cheapest option, but it can be a long journey.

Final Thoughts on Hiriketiya Beach Guide Sri Lanka

I’m a huge fan of Hiriketiya Beach, and when you visit Hiriketiya Beach for the first time, you’ll see exactly why. The town is small and charming, with a golden sand beach where you can easily rent a surf board and enjoy the waves. There’s a solid food scene, a bit of nightlife, and even some coworking spaces, so it really has everything you’d need from a little beach town (the only thing missing is a good supermarket, but I can live without it).

I hope this guide to Hiriketiya Beach helped give you an idea of what to expect and how to plan your trip.

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