Galle

Lunch or dinner inside the fort's heritage buildings.

The oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka and a classic fort photo stop.

Walk the 17th-century fort walls; best at sunset from Flag Rock Bastion.

Fort cafe for coffee by day and dinner by night.

Historic Aman hotel inside the fort; also recommended for afternoon tea.

This beachfront boutique hotel pairs spacious, elegantly furnished rooms with villa pools, jacuzzis and exceptional food and service. The author recommends the Zen and Weera rooms, sunset afternoon tea and breakfast on the lawn; turtles visit the beach from November to April.

Two-hour guided history walk through the fort led by a fifth-generation local, Praveen Mohottige.

The author’s top pick for sunset cocktails in Galle Fort, this bar inside The Charleston uses locally grown ingredients. Recommended drinks include the Pomegranate Sour, Wadamala Collins and off-menu Rampe Dust.

Good to knowVisit at sunset for cocktails with a view.

Restaurant at The Fort Bazaar; order the curries.

Highlighted among the hotel's main nearby attractions, this beach is just a nine-minute walk from Candella House.

An Unawatuna stay featured in the author's selection of hotels for enjoying Sri Lanka's coastal beauty and luxury.

A villa in Talpe featured in the author's collection of stays for a luxurious coastal escape in Sri Lanka.

Picked as the best ice cream in Galle Fort.

Golden sand and turquoise water, 10-15 minutes from Galle.

Coffee shop with a leafy courtyard where monkeys sometimes appear.

A Galle-area stay featured among the author's hotel choices for a Sri Lankan coastal getaway.

Traditional stilt fishermen near Galle; stop at the fish market on the way.

This four-bedroom heritage villa combines Sri Lankan architecture with contemporary design and colorful local artwork. Two peaceful courtyards, a movie room and a rooftop overlooking Galle Lighthouse add to its appeal; the author recommends the Master Suite.

Good to knowWatch the sunset from the rooftop terrace.

A resort listed in the author's Galle selections for a luxurious Sri Lankan coastal getaway.

Picked for the best cocktails in the fort, and for lunch or dinner.

This nine-room boutique hotel sits at the southern edge of Galle Fort with views of the ramparts and Indian Ocean. The author highlights its distinctive experiences, including sunrise yoga, mixology sessions and a five-course courtyard dinner.

Good to knowChoose the Courtyard Room with Balcony (Room 1).

The author lists this beach as a main attraction within easy reach of the hotel, about seven minutes away by car.