Goa Beaches
Which is your favourite Goa Beach?
Long, beautiful & pristine Goa Beaches
Covering 131km of the coastline, Goa has more than two dozen beaches to choose from. In fact, you can have the pick of the best. Each Goa beach is unique in itself.You will find beaches in both North and South Goa. Fringed by coastal trees and lapped by waters of the Arabian Sea, Goan beaches make for that perfect picture-postcard setting that enchants you. Options are plenty - you can soak up the sun for that perfect tan, leisurely sip the famous feni drink, go for a brisk swim or take part in adventure sports.
Goa Beach - Visitor on Palolem BeachGoa beaches are also famous in India and worldwide for rave parties. I'm fortunate enough to attend many beach parties on my visit to Goa. Which is the best beach in Goa ? this was the question I asked many times before my first visit to Goa... still after my various trips to Goa, I am unable to answer this question... because each Goa beach is best and beautiful... each of them is unique and different... so, it is very difficult to choose best from the best... But I do have my list of favorite beaches... which you will find below in detail... I have also included pictures which I took on my Goa vacation... Cooler months (November to March) are the best months to enjoy these beautiful beaches. Most beaches have derived their names from adjoining villages or village where they fall in.
North Goa BeachesKeri to Siridao Beach
Keri BeachThose who yearn for peace and want to de-stress, should head to Keri Beach, the perfect place to be in. It is one of the least frequented beaches on the northernmost extreme of Goa's coast.Arambol BeachThe Arambol beach is just a walking distance from the Keri beach. The Portuguese interpretation of the name of the village "Hamal" gave Arambol its present name. Apart from the usual run of activities, the beach provides options like body painting, t'ai chi and yoga.
Ashwem BeachDown to the south from Arambol beach is the stretch of three beaches in Pernem taluka. Immediately down, south to Arambol is Ashwem. Unlike other Goa beaches in the south this beach is quiet and an ideal place to relax. The wind-touch, white sandy stretch adds to the beach`s charm.
Mandrem BeachCompared to Morjim and Ashwem, Mandrem is the most captivating beach and offers the best option to spend the night. However, during high tide, access to the beach is difficult. So, hoteliers around the area have constructed a makeshift bamboo bridge to reach the beach.
Morjim BeachMorjim, located in Pernem, is the southernmost beach of the taluka. Interestingly, the beach is a natural choice for Olive Ridley turtles for breeding. The hatchlings can be spotted easily during the nesting season, which lasts from November to March. It is an unusual sight to see the tiny hatchlings make their way from their nests to the sea. Local authorities, however, want to avoid a stampede of tourists and visitors which could affect the turtles' breeding.
Vagator BeachThe beach, crowned by the Chapora Fort, is skirted by Anjuna Beach to the south. Vagator is divided into three beaches, North Vagator, Ozrant Beach and Tel Aviv Beach. The three beaches cater to a large number of Israeli and British tourists.
Anjuna BeachThe sheer beauty of the beach is indescribable. With its rocky crescent and swaying palms, it's a delight to be here. Visit the beach to have a first-hand experience of how pleasurable it can be. Going to the Flea Market can be fun. For revelers, beach parties on the full moon are a must. In a time zone of their own, such parties throb with life and effortlessly convert night to day.
Baga BeachMiles and miles of sand, dotted with sun decks, is what this beach is all about. It is the perfect sun strip for holidaymakers. From the Baga-Anjuna Hill, the view of Baga Beach is amazing. The Baga River flows to the north of the beach. Numerous hotels and restaurants are lined up on the beach coast.
Calangute BeachFamous as the "Queen of the Goa beaches”. Calangute is thronged by visitors. The beach is a 7-km-long coastal stretch. Calangute is Goa at its best, you name it, it's there - the beach, nightspots, restaurants, night-markets, t'ai chi, yoga sessions and adventure sports. And the most unusual of them all are the village vaddos, or traditional village wards.
Candolim BeachCandolim Beach, in Bardez taluka, is lined with shacks and bars. The beach is adjacent to Fort Aguada. This is one clean and straight stretch of sand in North Goa. Candolim is said to be the native village of the famous Abbe Faria, one of the founding fathers of the science of hypnotism.
Sinquerim BeachThe battlements of the Portuguese Aguada Fort overlook this beach. A beautiful beach, it's the venue of Fort Aguada Beach Resort, the Taj Holiday Village and Hermitage. The lighthouse has a fine vantage point and gives a bird's-eye view of the area. You can walk down the hillock to where the waves crash against the coral rocks. Or climb down to find a cave dug in by the waves.Miramar BeachOften regarded as the Marine Drive of Goa, the Miramar Beach is close to the heart of Panaji. Located at the place where Mandovi merges into the sea, it is considered the city's leisure zone. It is particularly crowded on evenings and on Sundays. During mid-May, many women visit this beach to take what is called the sea cure by bathing in its salty waters. It is believed that during high tide, if you can brave the crashing waves on your back, you will be cured of arthritis and joint pains.
Dona Paula BeachLegend has it that this beach was named after Dona Paula de Menzes who threw herself off the cliff because her love for a poor fisherman could not be realized. The story has been debated and contested. However, the beach gives a great view of Mormugao Harbour and the Arabian Sea. Its beauty has made it a perfect location for Indian filmmakers.
South Goa BeachesBogmalo to Galjibaga BeachBogmalo BeachThe Bogmalo Beach, a small and sandy stretch, is surrounded by three hills, lush with greenery. Unlike other beaches in Goa, this attractive beach is clean and less crowded. The Bogmalo Beach Resort is huge and dominates the beach.
Velsao BeachThe fact that this seaside village was short listed as a venue for the Inter-national Film Festival of India speaks volume about this place. The beach here is quiet and peaceful.
Arossim BeachJust to the south of Velsao Beach is the beautiful stretch of Arossim Beach. Arossim is home to the family of Tristao Braganza Cunha, a pioneer of Goa's freedom struggle and one who advocated nationalism.
Utorda BeachTo the south of Majorda and north of Colva is the Utorda beach, which has some resorts on the beachfront. A decided plus is the exotic seafood sold in local restaurants and beach shacks.
Majorda BeachMajorda Beach, unlike other famous beaches of Goa, is not crowded. The fact that the village has few places to accommodate visitors helps to keep the beach quiet and serene.
Colva BeachColva beach, in south Goa, is a hit with tourists looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of other beaches. It remains quiet and uncluttered for most parts of the year. However, in October it gets overcrowded because of a mountain influx of pilgrims visiting Colva Church to pay obeisance to infant Jesus.
Benaulim BeachBenaulim is a lovely beach. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Parasuram's arrow landed at Benaulim when he shot it into the sea and Goa got extended further into the sea.
Sernabatim BeachThe Sernabatim Beach, which is quiet and secluded, is near Colva. It's a perfect time for visitors to spend some time by themselves.
Varca BeachVarca has one of the longest stretches among the beaches in Salcette. The vast expanse of white sand is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. The only ones to intrude are local vendors selling their wares. The place is often referred to as two beaches - Varca and Fatrade.Mobor-Cavelossim BeachThe Sal River forms the Mobor Peninsula when it merges with the Arabian Sea. Earlier, this was a lonely stretch of sand, with only the Cavelossim Village and a few huts of fishermen. Now there are luxury resorts, bustling with tourists. Mobor is towards the south of Colva, at the southern end of the Salcette coastline, where Sal meets the Arabian Sea.Betul BeachThe Betul hillock rises on the opposite bank from where the Mobor sandbank ends. Witnessing the sunset from the beach is an exhilarating experience. With fruit trees surrounding the beach, it makes for a beautiful sight - one that is not to be missed.Agonda BeachWith very few tourists visiting the three-kilometer-long Agonda Beach, it is peaceful and quiet here. Agonda is 10km north of Palolem, on the Canacona coast. Agonda Beach is an almost completely untouched 3km stretch of white sand.
Palolem BeachPalolem is the beach in Canacona, the southernmost town of Goa. The market town of Canacona is also known as Chaudi. This mile-long beach is very picturesque, with shady palm trees and silvery sand. At the far end is an island-like promontory and you can walk to it during low tide. During evenings, the beach is beautifully lit. There are colourful lampshades in shacks made of rice straw, jute, bamboo, papier mache or plain cloth. The shacks lend colour to the coastline at night.
Check back often, I will try to add more photos and videos here on Goa beaches page.If you love Goa beaches as much as I do, I invite you to share your photos or reviews on a beach, I will happily create a page just for YOUR Goa. WARNING: Few Goa Beaches are not safe for swimming. So please read safety and warning boards before entering into these beaches. You will find many lifeguards on various Goa beaches, this doesn't mean that you can go far from the shores. Always follow the rules and safety guidelines. Please do take care of yourself and your family members (especially kids), not only on Goa beaches but on every beach you visit in your life. Accept my best wishes for your happy and memorable holidays in Goa.
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