Goa, a state on India’s West coast, is a former Portuguese colony with a rich history. Spread over 3,700 square kilometres with a population of approximately 1.4 million, Goa is small by Indian standards. It has a unique mix of Indian and Portuguese cultures and architecture that attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors each year. Beaches in Goa attracts the most visitors.
Since the 1960s, Goa has been attracting a steady flow of visitors, first the hippies and returning expatriate Goans, then the charter tourists, pilgrims visiting Catholic and Hindu shrines, those opting to settle in Goa as their home.
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15 Best Beaches you should visit in Goa:
Goa is famous for its beaches, ancient temples and churches, and the Goan carnival. In this post we will see about the best beaches in Goa.
Agonda Beach
Also known as Turtle Beach, in the south.
Anjuna beach
Close to the Chapora Fort, its key attraction is a magnificent Albuquerque Mansionbuilt in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore tile-roof. Anjuna was the second home (and main location) of the hippies in Goa in the 1960s and 1970s, after other destinations like Calangute got too “crowded” for them. It is still the venue of a (vastly-changed and more mainstream) flea market held each Wednesday. In the nearby village of Arpora, two colourful Saturday night bazaars are held in the non-monsoon seasons. This is still part of “alternative” Goa, though charter and other tourists also visit in increasing numbers to “get a feel of the hippy years”.
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Arambol beach
A quiet beach in North Goa near Pernem. Not too many facilities in terms of hotels or eateries. The water is shallow and good for swimming.
Asvem beach
Quieter beach in extreme north Goa’s Pernem Taluka.
Baga beach
Family beach and charter tourist destination just outside Calangute.
Benaulim beach
A popular beach visited locally and by tourist alike.
Calangute beach
Queen of all Beaches in Goa. Once highly rated. Now crowded. Expect traffic jams along the main crowded street. This beach is full of Indian tourists, provides a lot of noise, a lot of souvenirs, and some water sports beggars. You won’t get peace here, but it does have many famous clubs, and some nice dining options.
Candolim and Sinquerim
Beaches in North Goa’s Bardez taluka. Once humble fishing villages. Now the crowded concretised coast of North Goa. Goa’s Benidorm. Or quickly getting to be as crowded.
Chapora
Home of the Chapora fort. Close to Vagator and Anjuna beaches. Also site for a fishing jetty where trawlers (introduced into Goa in the 1960s and 1970s, amid protests from traditional fishermen, who were affected by them) bring in their catch. Dil Chahta Hai Movie’s one song was shot at this fort. Although in pretty damaged state, Chapora fort offers mesmerising views of sea and both beaches. It’s a bit difficult to find the way to the fort, but bikers won’t mind it. Built on a hill top, fort offers some resistance for climbing up.
Colva beach
Known for its scenic beauty. This is part of Salcete, Goa’s only Catholic majority sub-district. Once a very hospitable area, now relations are getting monetised thanks to tourism. Salcete’s beach stretch starts with Velsao beach and ends at Betul which is where the Leela and Holiday Inn hotels are located. The other popular beaches on this stretch are Utorda, Majorda, Arrosim, Benaulim and Varca. The Southern beaches are beautiful, quieter and have a lesser number of shacks. It is easier to enjoy the natural scenic beauty of the Goa here versus the beaches in the Northern part of the state that are more commercialized. The southern beaches are more family geared and generally cleaner and more beautiful.
Mandrem beach
In the extreme north Goa’s Pernem Taluka.
Morjim beach
A beautiful beach, inhabited by Russian tourists. This place is popular among kitesurfers due to the shallow depth of the sea and a very wide beach. Prices are high, with many restaurants offering Russian cuisine. Nightlife is vibrant here.
Palolem beach
Southernmost beach in Goa, situated in Canacona taluka. Scenic and quiet with nearby islands. Good eating options. It is becoming pricey (by local standards) and getting a bit crowded, but still less crowded compared to other popular beaches.
Patnem beach
Small and quiet beach in Canacona Taluka.
Vagator beach
In Bardez, neighbouring Anjuna. Frequented by Western backpackers and home to raves.
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