Trincomalee (or Trinco to locals) may be best known for its beaches, but it’s also one of the country’s oldest port cities with a history spanning over two millennia. With one of the world’s largest natural deep-water harbors, this ancient city served as a vital port for seafarers, pilgrims and traders from Asia and Africa since 400 BC, and later became a prized strategic spot fought over by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. It’s also home to the Koneswaram Temple, or Thirukoneswaram Kovil, a major Hindu temple complex and pilgrimage site on top of Swami Rock.

This isn’t to say that the beaches here aren’t exceptional, because they are, and far less crowded than some on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Upavelli is the most popular, with pristine white sand and translucent water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Dotted with beach bars and sunbeds for hire, you could easily while away a day here, watching the boats bob along the waves as they fish. Nilaveli is a little fishing village about 20 min drive from Trincomalee, with a more tranquil and less developed beach – picturesque that has so far escaped international, or social media, notice.

When you’re not waist-deep in the salty waves, you’re also in the perfect place for whale watching, snorkeling off Pigeon Island, or wandering through the historic streets of Fort Frederick. To get a real sense of how daily local life runs here, go to the fish market. It’s fun without feeling overwhelming.