Matara

Travel Guide

A beach with clear turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and palm trees.
A busy harbor with numerous boats docked along the shore.
A beach with clear turquoise waters, palm trees, and a sandy shore.
A rocky shoreline with clear turquoise water and waves crashing against the rocks.
A person sitting on a white bench overlooking a rocky shoreline with waves crashing against the rocks and a palm tree in the foreground.
Neem Boutique Hotel

Neem Boutique Hotel

4 out of 5
Pubudu Mawatha Kamburugamuwa Matara
$123 nightly
The price is $145 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$145 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Matara. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Madiha Beach are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"The property is stunning and beautifully crafted, every corner of the property was picture perfect and aesthetic. The staff were extremely friendly and the manager, Rohan was super helpful - he helped us book our safari and massages. The pool is beautiful and looks exactly like the photos and is ..."

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2026

Neem Boutique Hotel
Hotel Ferola

Hotel Ferola

3 out of 5
Beach Road, Polhena Matara SP
$78 nightly
The price is $92 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$92 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Matara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Madiha Beach are located ...
Hotel Ferola
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
700 Matara Road, Pelana Weligama
$184 nightly
The price is $227 total per night from Oct 11 to Oct 12
$227 total
Oct 11 - Oct 12
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Weligama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (276 reviews)
"Love the food, location and service"

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2026

Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
See all 1,692 properties in Matara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mirissa Beach Villa

Mirissa Beach Villa

3 out of 5
Palawardena Watta Thalaramba
Book a stay at this beach villa in Thalaramba. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Coconut Tree Hill Viewpoint ...
Mirissa Beach Villa
Sri Lankan Villa

Sri Lankan Villa

3 out of 5
No 126, Giniwella Road Koggala Southern Province
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Koggala. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kathaluwa Old Temple and Stilt Fisherman ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Sri Lankan Villa was one of the best places we stayed in Sri Lanka, and the cleanest. Everything in the villa had been thought through, and our stay was so comfortable and easy. Lovely balcony too for relaxing. The location was perfect - close to Koggala lake, the beach, our favourite little Café ..."

Reviewed on Aug 26, 2026

Sri Lankan Villa
Blackwood Villa Ahangama

Blackwood Villa Ahangama

2 out of 5
Dharmarama Mawatha Ahangama Galle
Stay at this villa in Ahangama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Mirissa Beach and Ahangama Secret Beach are located ...
Blackwood Villa Ahangama
See all properties in Matara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Matara attractions

A rocky shoreline with clear turquoise water and waves crashing against the rocks.
Photo by Botak Jon
Open Photo by Botak Jon

Polhena Beach

8.2/10 (31 reviews)
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Polhena Beach during your travels in Matara? Amble around the area's seaside or visit its temples.
See properties

Things to do

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

$25
per adult
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa

$28
per adult
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
Private Snorkeling Adventure in Mirissa with GoPro and Transfers

Private Snorkeling Adventure in Mirissa with GoPro and Transfers

$25
per adult
Private Snorkeling Adventure in Mirissa with GoPro and Transfers
Whale Watching Boat Tour in Mirissa

Whale Watching from Mirissa on Shared Boat

$65
per adult
Whale Watching from Mirissa on Shared Boat
Picture 5 for Activity Mirissa: Snorkeling Experience with Turtles

Mirissa: Snorkeling Experience with Turtles

$26
per adult
Mirissa: Snorkeling Experience with Turtles
Galle light house

Galle day tour

$90
per traveler
Galle day tour
See all activities in Matara

Frequently asked questions

Is Matara worth visiting?
Matara is worth visiting for its historical attractions, including Our Lady of Matara Shrine and the impressive Star Fort. Travelers can also explore a variety of culinary experiences, with options ranging from delicious Asian to classic Italian dining.
When is the best time to visit Matara?
The best time to visit Matara is in January, when the weather is typically pleasant and ideal for exploring. For fewer crowds and better value, consider traveling during the quieter months of May through August, when you can still enjoy the destination with more tranquility.
What is Matara known for?
Matara is known for its key landmarks, including Our Lady of Matara Shrine and the historic Star Fort. Travelers can also explore Parevi Duwa, a small island featuring a church. This city in Sri Lanka also offers a strong Asian food culture, with diverse culinary experiences available.
What is a good itinerary length for Matara?
A good itinerary length for Matara is two to three days to see highlights like Our Lady of Matara Shrine, Star Fort, and Parevi Duwa, plus a guided factory visit for handmade products. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can enjoy a day trip to Galle, Mirissa, or Weligama with an Udawalawe safari, and go whale and dolphin watching. See Matara Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Matara?
Matara offers a mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and unique local experiences for travelers:

  • Stroll along Wellamadama Surfing Beach
  • Explore Star Fort, a historic landmark
  • Visit Our Lady of Matara Shrine
  • Go whale watching to see dolphins and whales
  • Take a guided factory visit for handmade products.

How do I plan a trip to Matara?
To plan your trip to Matara, book flights and hotels in advance. Explore landmarks like Our Lady of Matara Shrine and Star Fort. Consider activities such as a Guided Factory Visit or a safari day trip. Plan outdoor time for early morning or late afternoon. A rental car offers flexibility for exploring the area.
What cuisines can you find in Matara?
In Matara you can find Sri Lankan cuisine, with popular dishes such as flavorful rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti. Travelers can also enjoy other options, including Italian, European, and North American food.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Matara?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Matara by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Matara with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Matara trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Matara?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Matara can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Matara trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Matara trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Matara trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Matara trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Matara?
If it's your first trip to Matara, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Matara hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Matara hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Matara

A beach with a sandy shore, gentle waves, and a hill with vegetation.

Talalla

An aerial view of a tropical island surrounded by turquoise waters, with a sandy beach and dense greenery.

Kamburugamuwa

A yellow temple with intricate carvings and a blue roof.

Dondra

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