Weligama means ‘Sandy Village’, but it’s changed a lot since its humble days as a quiet fishing hamlet. Now, it’s a polished beach resort with a long sandy bay and a convenient abundance of hotels, restaurants and cafés to choose from. It may not be the prettiest spot on Sri Lanka’s south coast, especially with some of its newer development, but there’s a reason this is such a well-trodden hub.

For those looking to learn to surf, this is widely recognized as the best place for it, with consistent, gentle waves and surf schools running up and down the beach. It’s also well-placed for exploring some of the best beaches on the south coast, so you don’t have to choose between them. To the east, there’s Ahangama, packed with trendy cafés and a relaxed surf scene. Drive 20 minutes west, and there’s Mirissa, the ideal spot for a whale watching boat trip or sun-worshiping on Secret Beach. For something more secluded, Jungle Beach in Weligama is accessed down a short path through the palms, with golden sand backed by cliffs and greenery. This is where the more advanced surfers flock, but be warned, the water can get rough.