Unawatuna and Galle are two of Sri Lanka‘s most beloved coastal destinations, perfect for combining tropical beaches, historic sights, and cultural experiences in one trip. Unawatuna is famous for its golden beaches, relaxed vibe, and excellent surfing and swimming spots, while Galle is known for its beautifully preserved Dutch Fort, cobblestone streets, and charming cafés. Here are my best things to do for exploring Unawatuna and Galle.
Where to stay in Unawatuna?
We stayed in the Sun N Sea Hotel right at Unawatuna beach with an amazing view of the beach.
1) Galle Fort
After visiting Negombo and Colombo in half a day, we drove on to Galle to visit its UNESCO-protected Dutch Fort. The fort was first built by the Portuguese, but not long after, the Dutch conquered Sri Lanka and drove the Portuguese away. The Dutch fortified and expanded the fort. They’ve done that so well that when the 2004 Tsunami hit Galle, the Fort had no damage. They also built a hospital in the fort to heal their soldiers. Later on, the Fort was conquered once again by the British.
2) The Dutch Reformed Church of Galle
We started our tour in the Fort at the Dutch Reformed Church of Galle. This church was built in 1755 and is one of the oldest Protestant churches in Sri Lanka. The Dutch Commander of Galle donated money for the church and waited to baptize his daughter until the church was completed. When you enter the church, you’ll find the original baptismal clothing of that girl on your left.
3) Old Dutch Hospital
The Old Dutch Hospital is one of the oldest buildings in Galle. It was the main hospital when the Dutch ruled over the city. Today you’ll find some (expensive) restaurants and hotels in it.
4) Galle Lighthouse
If you leave the Old Dutch Hospital behind you, you’ll end up at the Galle lighthouse. This is a perfect spot to take a photo. From this point, you can also walk on the walls of the fort. This tour will take you around 1.5 hours and is 4 km long.
5) Unawatuna Beach
Our Hotel Sun N Sea is located on the edge of Unawatuna Beach. This gave us a beautiful view of the small bay. The beach has golden sand, beautiful palm trees, and friendly dogs to accompany you on your walk. The beach is a 15-minute drive away from Galle. If you’re staying longer in Unawatuna, discover the many beaches in its surroundings, go snorkeling, or take some surf lessons.
Instagram Tip: Swing the Palm Swing on Delawella Beach. It costs 500 rupees to swing on it.
6) Stilt Fishermen
Stilt Fishing is a traditional fishing method of Sri Lanka, starting just after World War II. If you want a photo, you have to pay for it. You will see them everywhere on the south coast.
After this stop, we drove further to Tissamaharama to visit Yala National Park.
What should I pack for Sri Lanka?
Light, breathable clothing is best due to the tropical climate. When visiting temples, shoulders and knees should be covered. Make sure to bring these top 5 items on your trip to Sri Lanka:
- Snorkel set: for seeing all the fish and coral in the sea
- Camera: to take amazing photos of your trip!
- Sunscreen: don’t get sunburned when visiting Egyptian temples!
- Microfiber towel: compact towel to take everywhere with you & that dries quickly!
- Sturdy Hiking shoes: to make amazing hikes
Use my ultimate packing list to have everything in your luggage for your trip
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Galle & Unawatuna
🌅 What is the difference between Unawatuna and Galle?
Unawatuna is a laid-back beach destination famous for its golden beaches, relaxed vibe, and excellent surfing and swimming spots, while Galle is known for its beautifully UNESCO-listed Fort, cobblestone streets, and charming colonial cafés.
📍How far is Unawatuna from Galle?
Unawatuna is a 10-15 minute drive from Galle, making it easy to combine both destinations in one trip.
🕒 How long should I spend between Galle and Unawatuna?
Many travelers spend 1-3 days exploring both: one day Galle for heritage and fort visit, 1-2 days Unawatuna for beaches & relaxation.
🏖️ What are the best beaches in Unawatuna?
Unawatuna Beach is the main go-to beach, but Jungle Beach and Dalawella Beach are also popular for calmer swimming and snorkeling.
🛌 Where to stay in Unawatuna and Galle?
We stayed in the Sun N Sea Hotel right at Unawatuna beach with an amazing view of the beach.
🧳 What should I pack for Sri Lanka?
Light, breathable clothing is best due to the tropical climate. When visiting temples, shoulders and knees should be covered. Use my ultimate packing list to make packing easy!
