Mirissa

Mirissa is a fishing bay that grew into the south coast's favourite beach town without entirely losing the plot. Between November and April the deep water just offshore draws blue whales, sperm whales and enormous pods of spinner dolphins, and boats leave the harbour before dawn.

Back on land the day runs on beach time: Coconut Tree Hill for sunrise photographs, a long lunch under the palms, surf lessons on the gentler eastern end, and grilled fish on the sand once the light goes. It pairs naturally with Galle, forty minutes west.