Set near Sri Lanka’s south-western tip, the town of Galle is most famous for its charming Fort. Built as a fortified trading post by the Portuguese and later expanded by both the Dutch and the British, Galle Fort is a fascinating spot for history and culture aficionados to discover — it also has some superb shops, restaurants and hotels. Accommodation options range from chic boutique spots within the Fort’s enormous walls to tranquil hideaways on the edge of the surrounding town, fit for a whole array of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Galle are exceptional heritage properties, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s multi-layered past.
Galle Fort itself is the main attraction for travellers. Now a UNESCO Heritage Site, the Fort’s winding cobbled streets brim with independent boutiques, cafés, galleries, restaurants and residences. There is still a vibrant Sri Lankan community living here, and you’ll find throngs of school children spilling out of class at lunchtime, or boys playing cricket in the Court Square and on the edge of the ramparts around sunset. Stroll along the ramparts to admire the British-built lighthouse, the clock tower and the striking mosque. The Dutch Reformed Church and the Portuguese Black Fort are also very special.
Beyond the Fort is the bustling town of Galle — also well worth a wander. Pop to the market for fresh fruit, watch the fishermen haul in the day’s catch at the beach, and lose yourself in little lanes where you can buy all manner of clothing and household goods. For a day of sea and sand, hop aboard the bus or take a three-wheeler to nearby Unawatuna Bay, or Dalawella Beach in Talpe, where you can swim with turtles.
This is a tremendously popular place to visit and hotels tend to be small and intimate — book your trip well in advance to guarantee a room at one of the best places to stay in Galle. Hotels fill up fast when there's a cricket match at the nearby Galle International Stadium.
