Two Sri Lankan beaches, Mirissa Beach and Bentota Beach, have been recognized among Asia’s top coastal destinations in the 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches list, unveiled by Tripadvisor.
Mirissa Beach earned the fifth spot on this esteemed list, while Bentota Beach was placed seventh among Asia’s most acclaimed beaches.
According to Tripadvisor, the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best designation signifies the pinnacle of travel excellence. This accolade is awarded to destinations that receive a substantial number of outstanding reviews and feedback from the Tripadvisor community over a span of 12 months. Out of more than eight million listings on the platform, fewer than one percent achieve this distinction.
Mirissa Beach, positioned along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, is celebrated for its scenic sandy shores and clear waters. Tripadvisor describes it as a destination that offers both relaxation and adventure, including swimming in calm waters near rock formations and surfing at the well-known “Mirissa Right” break on the western side. The beach is also famed for its vibrant evening atmosphere, with seafood restaurants lining the shore and panoramic sunset views from Coconut Tree Hill.
Bentota Beach, located on the island’s southwest coast, is widely recognized for its water sports, such as jet skiing and kitesurfing. Tripadvisor highlights its soft white sands and picturesque sunsets, noting that the beach is ideal for leisurely walks and sunbathing.
The top-ranked beach in Asia this year was Banana Beach in Phuket, Thailand.
Other destinations featured in the top ten list include:
- Banana Beach – Phuket, Thailand
- Kelingking Beach – Nusa Penida, Indonesia
- Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, India
- Palolem Beach – Canacona, India
- Mirissa Beach – Mirissa, Sri Lanka
- White Beach – Panay Island, Philippines
- Bentota Beach – Bentota, Sri Lanka
- Railay Beach – Krabi, Thailand
- Nusa Dua Beach – Bali, Indonesia
- Cenang Beach – Langkawi, Malaysia
See the full details here.
