Secret Beach (Mirissa), Sri Lanka

Secret Beach is a pair of small coves tucked behind the headland west of Mirissa harbour. It's no longer a secret, and signs now point the way. Even so, it remains much quieter than the main beach, with clear rock pools, a couple of simple beach bars and jungle-covered slopes behind the sand.

How to get there

The beach is about 2 km from the centre of Mirissa.

• On foot: walk west towards the fishing harbour, and then follow the signs up the steep lane over the hill. It takes 25 to 30 minutes from the main beach. It's a hot walk in the middle of the day, so carry water.
• By tuk-tuk: drivers know it well. The final section of road is steep, narrow and rough, and some drivers stop at the top, leaving you a short walk down.
• By scooter: possible, but the last stretch is tricky when wet.

Arrange a pick-up time with your tuk-tuk driver, or be ready to walk back up the hill.

The beach

There are two coves, separated by rocks.

• The first cove has the beach bars, sunbeds and most of the people.
• The second cove, a short scramble further on, is smaller and quieter.

A shelf of rock and reef lies just offshore, which breaks the waves and forms shallow natural pools at low tide. On calm days, it's a fine place to float and snorkel among small reef fish. The seabed is rocky, with sea urchins in places, so water shoes are a good idea.

When the swell is up, waves break hard over the rocks, and swimming isn't safe. The sea is calmest between December and April. There are no lifeguards. Our beach safety guide explains what to look out for.

Food and facilities

The beach bars serve cold drinks, fresh fish, rice and curry and fruit juice, at prices a little higher than in the village. Sunbeds are usually free if you order food or drinks. There are basic toilets. Shade is limited, so bring sun protection.

Best time to go

Go in the morning, before 10 am, to enjoy it at its quietest. By early afternoon in high season, the first cove fills up. Low tide is the best time for the rock pools. Sunset is lovely too, but allow time to get back up the hill before dark.

Nearby

Combine it with sunrise or sunset at Coconut Tree Hill at the other end of the bay. For other quiet beaches along this coast, see our guide to the best beaches in Sri Lanka, and for a wider route, the south coast itinerary.