Lighthouse Beach

Located at Point Utrecht Bastion on the eastern end of Galle Fort, Lighthouse Beach is a prominent seaside attraction of the city. Cradling the Galle Lighthouse, the beach offers unencumbered views of the Indian Ocean. One can spend the day relaxing at the beach, engaging in water sports like swimming, scuba diving, and surfing. The beach is also famous for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

Lighthouse Beach is a well-known picnic spot. There are mobile vendors selling refreshing coconut water as well. The beach here is dotted with rocks and boulders which are worth trodding over for a fun experience. To the extreme south of the beach lies a naturally occurring giant rock used by the Portuguese to hoist their flag in 1733, earning it the name Flag Rock. 

The Galle Lighthouse or Point de Galle Light stands 26.5 meters tall. Erected in 1939, this remnant of Dutch colonialism is the primary highlight of the beach that gives it an Instagram-worthy backdrop. Pedlar Street nearby is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops.