Barefoot Backpackers Hostel is a small, social hostel family on Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast, with three unique locations in Hiriketiya and Ahangama. Whether you’re travelling SOLO, with friends or as a couple, Barefoot is all about meeting people, surfing, exploring and enjoying the laid-back Sri Lankan beach lifestyle.
From the surf breaks and tropical beaches of Hiriketiya to the cafés, many surf spots and relaxed atmosphere of Ahangama, each of our hostels has its own character — but the same welcoming Barefoot community.
Our hostels are designed for travellers who want more than just a place to sleep. Expect small but comfortable rooms, air-conditioning, lockers and cosy beds, alongside social common areas and plenty of space to hang out with fellow travellers. Throughout the season, we bring people together with social dinners, beach volleyball, yoga, surf sessions and other activities.
Not a surfer? No problem. There are beautiful beaches nearby where you can swim, relax in the sun, go for a morning run or simply grab a sunset drink with your new friends.
Looking for a social hostel in Sri Lanka where it’s easy to meet people? Choose your Barefoot experience in Hiriketiya or Ahangama and become part of the Barefoot Backpackers Family.
Looking for a SOCIAL and small family oriented hostel in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka, made for SOLO backpackers? Welcome to Barefoot Backpackers Hiriketiya Beach — the original Barefoot hostel, where our story began on Sri Lanka’s beautiful South Coast.
Our cosy hostel sits right by the sea, with Hiriketiya Beach just a few minutes outside your door and beautiful sunsets to enjoy from Barefoot itself. 🌅
Hiriketiya is the perfect place to surf, explore, relax and meet fellow travellers. At Barefoot, we’re especially focused on creating a social atmosphere for SOLO backpackers, with social dinners, surf sessions, sunset sessions, beach volleyball and plenty of opportunities to make new friends.
Come for the surf, stay for the people, and experience the original Barefoot. 🌴🏄♂️
Our newest addition to the Barefoot family, Strand Hostel by Barefoot Backpackers is our third hostel, just 50 metres from Hiriketiya Beach. The name Strand means “beach” or “shore” in at least 10 countries, which felt like the perfect name for a hostel this close to the ocean. 🌴
Strand is the perfect choice if you want to be VERY close to the beach, while having a little more space to slow down and enjoy the Barefoot atmosphere.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with 2 or maximum 3 friends, Strand is a great place to meet other travellers, relax and enjoy everything Hiriketiya has to offer. With the beach, surf, restaurants and beach bars all just a short walk away, you never have to go far.
And because we’re Barefoot, all of our rooms have been given their own surf-inspired name — a little reminder that wherever you stay, the ocean is always part of the experience.
Beach on your doorstep, good people around you, and the Barefoot family waiting to welcome you. 🌊
Looking for a social hostel in Ahangama, Sri Lanka, made for SOLO backpackers? Barefoot Backpackers Ahangama Beach is just a 3-minute walk from the town centre, putting cafés, restaurants, shops, beach bars and Ahangama’s nightlife right on your doorstep. No scooter needed to enjoy the town — everything is just a short walk away.
But the real highlight for surfers? Dozens of surf spots are within a short walk from the hostel. Whether you’re looking for your next wave, want to explore different breaks along the South Coast or simply spend the day at the beach, Ahangama is an incredible base for surf lovers.
And of course, we’ve got plenty of activities planned throughout the week, making it easy to meet fellow travellers and turn new faces into new friends. From getting out in the water to hanging out together at the hostel, there’s always something going on.
Come for the surf, stay for the people, and enjoy the laid-back Barefoot vibe — with great cafés, nightlife and some of Sri Lanka’s best surf spots all around you. 🌴🏄♂️
