Good question — the coastal stretch between Galle and Colombo has a lot of towns and different vibes so the best place to stay depends on what you want. Below are the main towns along the coastal route (north from Galle to Colombo), what they’re good for, and who they suit — plus a couple of practical tips.

Towns and why you might stay there

• Unawatuna / Galle outskirts (10–20 min from Galle) — Great if you want easy access to Galle Fort but prefer a beachside guesthouse or boutique hotel. Good for swimming, restaurants, and easy day trips into Galle.
• Hikkaduwa (≈30–50 min north of Galle) — Surfing, snorkeling, lively beach bars and a broad range of budget and mid-range stays. Good if you want nightlife and water sports.
• Ahangama / Weligama (≈40–60 min) — Surfing and relaxed beachside cafes; more boutique villas and surf camps. Weligama bay is family-friendly and shallow for learners.
• Mirissa (a little east of Galle) — Best for whale watching (seasonal) and a relaxed beach town—if your itinerary allows a small detour from the direct coastal road.
• Ambalangoda (≈1 hr) — Quieter, traditional coastal town; good for cultural stops (masks and crafts) and low-key stays.
• Bentota / Aluthgama (≈1–1.5 hr north of Galle) — The “halfway” option. Good beaches, water sports, river tours (Bentota River), broad choice from budget guesthouses to larger resorts. Good for families and couples who want a beach-resort feel with a short drive to both Galle and Colombo.
• Beruwala / Kalutara (≈1.5–2 hr) — More local coastal towns with good beach hotels and easier access to Colombo; Kalutara has a few larger resorts and temples.
• Panadura / Moratuwa (closer to Colombo, 30–50 min south of Colombo) — Best if you want shortest trip into Colombo the next day but still want a quieter coastal stay.
• Colombo suburbs (Mount Lavinia, Dehiwala) — If you need to be in/near Colombo late or early, Mount Lavinia has a famous beach and hotels; Dehiwala is convenient for Colombo access.

Which to pick by preference

• Beach + lively scene / surfing: Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Unawatuna.
• Relaxed/romantic resort + halfway point: Bentota / Aluthgama.
• Culture + Galle Fort access: Unawatuna or stay inside Galle Fort.
• Quiet, local experience: Ambalangoda, Beruwala, Kalutara.
• Easy access to Colombo next morning: Panadura, Mount Lavinia, or stay in Colombo suburbs.

Practical tips

• Travel times (by car) from Galle to Colombo: roughly 2–3 hours depending on traffic and stops; Bentota is about halfway. Trains run the coastal line (Galle–Colombo) — scenic and convenient, but can be crowded; expressway (E01) is faster for cars.
• Best season for the southwest coast: November–April is the driest and most popular. Expect higher prices/availability during December–March.
• Book ahead in high season and if you have specific needs (pool, family room, airport transfer).
• If you want a “stopover” between cities, Bentota/Aluthgama or Hikkaduwa are the best-balanced choices (beach + good onward connections).

If you tell me your travel dates, budget, and whether you prefer surf/quiet/luxury/family-friendly, I can recommend 3–6 specific properties in the town that fits you.