Mirissa and Bentota named among Asia’s best of the best beaches by Tripadvisor
February 23, 2026 11:42 am
Two Sri Lankan beaches — Mirissa Beach and Bentota Beach — have been ranked among Asia’s leading coastal destinations in the 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches list released by Tripadvisor.
Mirissa Beach secured fifth place on the prestigious list, while Bentota Beach was ranked seventh among Asia’s most celebrated beaches.
According to Tripadvisor, the Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best designation represents the highest level of excellence in travel. The accolade is conferred upon destinations that receive a significant volume of exceptional reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Of more than eight million listings on the platform, fewer than one percent achieve this distinction.
Mirissa Beach, located along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, is renowned for its scenic sandy shores and clear waters.
Describing the destination, Tripadvisor noted that it offers opportunities for 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 known for its vibrant evening atmosphere, with seafood restaurants lining the shore and panoramic sunset views from Coconut Tree Hill.
Bentota Beach, situated on the island’s southwest coast, is widely recognised for water sports such as jet skiing and kitesurfing. Tripadvisor highlighted 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 are:
1. Banana Beach – Phuket, Thailand
2. Kelingking Beach – Nusa Penida, Indonesia
3. Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, India
4. Palolem Beach – Canacona, India
5. Mirissa Beach – Mirissa, Sri Lanka
6. White Beach – Panay Island, Philippines
7. Bentota Beach – Bentota, Sri Lanka
8. Railay Beach – Krabi, Thailand
9. Nusa Dua Beach – Bali, Indonesia
10. Cenang Beach – Langkawi, Malaysia
See the full details here.
