Crow Island Beach

Located just North of Colombo, this small beach is not the easiest to find but can be a rewarding experience to visit. Nestled in an old residential town way past its glory days, Crow Island beach is a little bay that is somewhat polluted but affords some of the best views of the Colombo coastline you can find.

Skirt around the lovers crouched among the rocks beneath colorful umbrellas, the bored young men wandering around, the occasional optimistic fisherman throwing a line and immerse yourself in a beach that has a long history associated with trade, colonialism and war. Crow Island Beach has been an important landing point and small port since before the Portuguese came here, and long been used for trade with the western hemisphere, and no doubt saw many a Greek or Arab visitor.

Near Crow Island beach you can find temples, kovils and mosques aplenty, an evidence of a thriving and vibrant multicultural community. The area is particularly glorious around sunset, with locals coming out in hordes to worship, relax and spend time with their families. If you’re into street photography then Crow Island beach is a must visit.