Goa might be the smallest state in India but the journey of India can’t be complete without visiting Goa. Rated as India’s Little Sunshine State, Goa is the best travel destination in India not only because of its beaches but also its pleasant weather, historic monuments, vibrant nightlife, adventurous water sports and delicious seafood.
The 100 Km plus coastline of Goa is filled up with a total of 35 beaches and most of the beaches are unique in their own way. Some of the beaches are quite relaxing and peaceful while some are known for the happening nightlife.
If you’re planning to visit Goa then visiting beaches must be one of the things to do but where to go for the best beaches in Goa – North Goa or South Goa? Well, it is considered that beaches in North Goa are known for their nightlife and parties while beaches in South Goa are quite relaxing and less crowded. Therefore, if you’re going with friends you should go to North Goa otherwise beaches in south Goa are best for family vacations. So here is the list of the best beaches in Goa:
Best Goa Beaches :
1. Morjim Beach – Little Russia
Morjim beach is quite different from other beaches of North Goa. It is one of the less crowded and calm beaches in North Goa. It is the best place for those who look for a peaceful and calm environment to spend their time in.
There you can see the huge inhabitation of Russians who come here to stay for more than a month. Therefore, it is known as Little Russia. Apart from it is nicknamed Turtle beach because it is a nesting ground of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. So come here and spend time with these beautiful creatures but don’t disturb them.
Wildlife watching is one of the best things to do here such as watching Kingfishers, cuckoos, sand plovers, seagulls, beautiful water birds and dolphins swimming along the horizon in the deep sea. Also here you can find Russian cuisine in lots of restaurants along with Goan food.
- How to reach: Morjim beach is located around 30 KM from Panaji, the capital of Goa. It is well connected to Panaji and other major parts of Goa by train and bus. It takes 1 hours to get here from Panaji. If you’re traveling by air then Panjim Airport is the nearest airport to reach here. From there you can take bus or hire paid taxi to reach Morjim beach.
2. Baga Beach
Baga beach is one of the most commercialized and developed beaches in Goa with its never-ending nightlife, thrilling water sports, and delicious food. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa that stays awake the whole night therefore, it is also known as “The Hometown of Nightlife”. Cafes like Tito’s and mambos are known for their amazing nightlife.
This is the place in Goa where the party never ends. The loud music and mouth-watering food invite you to dance to the beat of late-night music.
The coastline of Baga beach starts from the end of Calangute beach along with Sinquerim and Candolim beach. There are plenty of options to stay and eat at the most loved beach of Goa.
How to reach: Baga beach is located in North Goa, 16 Km from the capital city of Goa, Panaji and 9 Km from Mapusa. The beach is well connected by the major cities of Goa. It takes around half an hour to reach the beach from Panaji via taxi. You can also hire bike or cycle to reach here.
If you’re traveling by air then Goa International Airport, Dabolim is well connected by the beach and only 43 KM away from the beach. The fare of a pre-paid taxi is around 1300 INR.
Things to do: Try some water sports like parasailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, jet skiing, banana boat riding and wakeboarding. Also, dolphin watching is another popular thing to do at Baga beach. Along the beach, you will find plenty of shops and markets where you can do shopping. And don’t forget to enjoy the famous nightlife of Goa at Baga beach.
3. Sinquerim Beach
Located just 13 KM away from Panaji, Sinquerim beach is an amazing combination of thrill and relaxation. It is one of the best beaches in Goa where you find lots of water sports like windsurfing, scuba diving, jet-skiing, parasailing and swimming. This beach is also known as the first tourist beach of North Goa.
The famous Aguada fort is located just next to the beach which was built by the Portuguese in order to protect themselves from the attacks coming via sea. Apart from it, this beach is also famous for its Sunburn festival which held every year in December.
The water at the beach is just so refreshing and perfect for swimming. Therefore it is a perfect place for swimming with family and friends in North Goa. It is home to some of the famous night club of Goa. Also, here you can find lots of restaurants and shacks that offer delicious seafood and cocktails to refresh yourself.
You can also find here lots of hotels and resort at the beach that offers a comfortable stay in affordable rates.
- How to reach: Sinquerim beach is located just an hour’s drive away from the Goa International Airport (40 KM). Also 23 KM away from Thivim Railway station. You can also get buses or private taxis to reach the beach from other major cities of Goa.
4. Vagator Beach – Most Photographed Beach In Goa
Located away from other tourist spots in Goa, Vagator beach is one of the most scenic beaches in North Goa. The beach itself is split into two parts by a headland – when you stand on the headland facing the sea then the beach on your right is known as Big Vagator beach and the beach on the left is known as Little Vagator beach or Ozran beach.
It is a perfect picnic spot without any external disturbance while looking at the beautiful sunset. Apart from it, you can also try variety of water sports available at the beach.
One part of the beach is called Disco Valley which is the best place for party lovers in Goa since the 1980s. Here you can find few famous nightclubs in Goa that attract people to the beach.
The beach is separated by the Morjim by the Chapora River. And overlooked by the famous Chapora Fort which enhances the beauty of this beach.
- How to reach: Vagator beach is located 22 KM away from Panjim, the capital of Goa. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to travel from the Panjim to Vagator beach. There are many buses or taxis available at Panjim which takes you to the beach with ease. Also, if you’re traveling by air then Goa International Airport is located just 43 KM away from the beach.
5. Arambol Beach
Arambol beach is rated as the best beach in North Goa. It is a part of fishermen’s villages and borders Mandrem and Keri beach on two sides. The Bohemian vibes of the beach attract tourists from all over the world. Therefore, during the New Year season here you will find more international tourists as compared to locals.
The beach itself is divided into two parts – the main beach and the sweet water lake. The main beach is like the other beach of Goa but the sweet water lake is beautiful as its name. It is located just a short walk away from Arambol beach.
Arambol beach is a less commercialized beach as compared to other beaches in Goa. However, here you’ll lots of huts on the beach where you can stay for a night. The price may vary from 500 to 1500 per night. Apart from it, the streets of Arambol beach are filled with the number of eateries and street-side vendors.
Every year, Arambol beach host 2 of the main festivals held in Goa – the Tribal Dance Festival and the Indian Juggling Convection. Also, the beach is often used for sunset parties and barbecue events.
- How to reach: Arambol beach is located 35 KM from Panaji along Querim Arambol Agarwada road. It takes around 1 hour via car or bus to reach the beach from Panaji. And if you’re traveling by air then it is situated 58 KM away from the Goa International Airport. From there you can take the bus to Panaji then to the beach.
6. Candolim Beach
Located next to Calangute beach, Candolim beach is one of the longest beaches in Goa. The beach starts from the footsteps of the famous Aguada Fort which was built by the Portuguese in 1612.
Candolim beach is less crowded and quite peaceful compared to other beaches in Goa. Therefore, it is a perfect spot for relaxing with family and friends. And for adventure lovers, there are some water activities like water skiing, parasailing and kayaking. The people who look to seek some peace in Goa usually book their stay near Candolim beach.
The beach is quite famous among people from the Rajneesh Ashram in Pune who come here for a short break. Apart from it, many foreigners also visit this beach due to its quiet and peaceful environment.
The nightlife of this beach is quite famous in Goa with guzy surprises and entertainment. Here you’ll find disco and clubs like Club LPK, Shiro Nightclubs, SinQ etc. where large number of tourists come to enjoy dancing, music and drinking.
- How to reach: The beach is located just 15 KM away from Panaji. It takes half an hour to reach the beach from Panaji and the price of the bus may vary from 30 to 40 INR. Also, if you’re traveling by air then it is located just an hour away from the Goa International Airport. Renting bike or scooter is another way to explore Candolim beach.
7. Dona Paula beach – Lover Paradise
The lover paradise of Goa, Dona Paula beach is a place where romance flows in the air because of the myth attached to it. As per the legend, Viceroy’s daughter Dona Paula de Menezes is madly in love with the son of the Fishermen. But her family refused the marriage alliance between the two and due to that, she jumped off the cliff. Therefore, the beach become popular with the name Dona Paula.
Apart from its name, the beach also has its own significance because it is located where the two major rivers Zuari and Mandovi meet in the Arabian Sea. The beach offers a stunning view of the Mormugao harbor and is dotted by palm trees and casuarina woods.
The story and location of the beach make it an interesting place to visit. Therefore, every year a large number of tourists come here to enjoy the beauty of this beach, especially honeymoon couples.
- How to reach: The beach is located just 6 KM away from Panaji. You can easily get a taxi, cab or bus from Panaji to reach the beach. It will take around 15 minutes to reach the beach from Panaji. Also, it is located just 38 KM away from the Goa International Airport.
8. Colva Beach
Colva beach is one of the most visited beaches in Goa. It is a fabulous beach with a 2.5 KM long stretch of white powdery sand dotted by large coconut trees. It is quite a crowded place as the tourists enjoy the water sports, getting sunbath and enjoying the Goan cuisines.
The beach is famous for its beautiful sunset and calming blue waves. Also if water sports excite you then you should visit this place as here you can enjoy lots of water activities like swimming, banana boat riding, water scooter, parasailing and jet-skiing.
The street of the beach is filled with lots of restaurants, beach shacks and hotels along with Portuguese villas and houses.
- How to reach: Colva beach is located 38 KM from the capital city of Goa, Panaji and just 6 KM away from Margao city. The bus, taxi or cab is the best way to reach here from Panaji. Also, you easily the Colva beach from the other major cities of Goa as it is a popular tourist attraction of Goa.
9. Butterfly Beach
Imagine that on one side thousands of beautiful butterflies dance and harbor over the beach and other side dolphins are dancing in the middle of the sea. Yes, you can catch this beautiful surrounding on the Butterfly beach of Goa which is located north of Palolem beach in South Goa.
Golden sand bordered by high rocks and dense green jungles will make you like you’re in heaven. This unique sight can’t get to explore anywhere else in Goa.
Butterfly beach is also known as the honeymoon beach of Goa because lots of honeymoon couples come here to seek some privacy in the lap of nature. You can spend your full day with your partner while enjoying the beauty of the beach with some wine. While the tides get low you can glimpse beautiful marines of the Arabian seas such as redfish, goldfish, sea cucumbers and sea urchins.
Buttery fly is one of the most photogenic places in the whole Arabian sea coastline.
- How to reach: The only way to get to Butterfly beach is by water. You can easily get a boat ride from the Palolem or Agonda beach to Butterfly beach.
10. Palolem Beach
Located in Canacona in South Goa, Palolem beach is known for its picturesque natural beauty, vibrant nightlife and luxurious shacks. The one-mile stretch of golden-white sand is surrounded by the thick forest of coconut palms on one side and the vast blue sea on another side. This beach is recommended as one of the best beaches in Goa.
Palolem beach is quite famous among backpackers and family vacationers. If you come here with family then you should go to the Northern side of the beach that is quite calmer as the tide is low in this area. But if thrill excites you then you should pay to visit the southern side of the beach as this part of the beach is more uncertain with heavy tides. Therefore, you can also take part in various water sports such as kayaking, boat ride, parasailing and jet-skiing. Dolphin watching is one of the best things to do at Palolem beach.
- How to reach: Palolem beach is located just 10 minutes away from the Canacona railway stations. From there you can easily get an auto-rickshaw or bus to Palolem beach.
11. Benaulim Beach
Located 10 KM away from Margao, Benaulim beach is a fishing beach that is known for its quiet, calm and clean nature. It is less commercialized and crowded as compared to the beaches of North Goa. Therefore, it is one of the cleanest beaches in Goa. The only time it gets crowded is in the evening when the stunning sunset attracts tourists.
If you’re looking to seek some peace away from the crowds then Benaulim beach is the place you should visit. It is a long stretch of beach with soft white sand in fact due to the long stretch sometime you’ll see almost nothing. But there are some restaurants, beach loungers and shacks available on the beach.
As it is a fishing beach so it is visited by the local fishermen and it is interesting to see them doing their daily work.
- How to reach: The beach is located 10 KM away from Margao city which is the largest city in South Goa. From there you can easily get public transportation to reach the beach.
12. Majorda beach
Located between the Utorda and Betalbatim beach, Majorda beach is one of the prettiest beaches in South Goa. The long stretch of golden sand along with the Arabian sea dotted with coconut trees, beach shacks and sunbed, are all sight that attracts tourists from all over the world. Generally, Majorda beach is crowded with Russian tourists. So don’t be surprised if you get a spicy Russian delicacy.
There are plenty of beach shacks where you can have famous Goan Food. Also, you can take the umbrella and sunbed for free but first, you are expected to place the order. Around the beach, you’ll see lots of churches that display great Portuguese architecture.
Apart from sunbathing and relaxing, Majorda beach offers lots of adventurous things including parasailing, water skiing, banana boat riding, speed boat riding, jet skiing and dolphin watching.
- How to reach: Majorda beach is located just 11 KM away from Margao city where you’ll get bus, taxi or cab to reach the beach. If you’re traveling from Panaji then it is located just 28 KM from the beach. You can easily reach here within 30 to 40 minutes from Panaji.
13. Agonda Beach
The 3 KM long stretch of white sand dotted with colorful beach shacks and palm trees makes Agonda beach the perfect beach destination in Goa. It is a perfect place for anyone who wants to relax. Its refreshing breeze and calm vibes create the perfect atmosphere to roam all day long.
If surfing excites you then you should head up to Agonda beach. Its calm, smooth waves are perfect for first-timers. Even you can take training at local surf schools like Aloha Surf Indian, they’ll help you to get the full fun in the playground of the blue ocean. And if you’re lucky enough, you can even spot the Olive ridley sea turtles on the beach.
- How to reach: Agonda beach is located 39 KM away from Margao city and 70 KM from Panaji. You can catch a taxi from Margao city to the beach which charges you around 500 to 800 INR. Local and Government buses are the best way to reach the beach.
14. Kakolem Beach – Tiger’s Beach
Hidden between tall cliffs and coconut trees, Kakolem beach is the most beautiful isolated beach in Goa. The rich vegetation, green landscape and tall cliffs make it more beautiful. Being hidden from the outer world makes it a perfect place for nature lovers.
The beach is mostly isolated without any safety and rescue services so it is not advisable to swim here. There are no shacks or restaurants so pack your own food and tent to roam all day long on the beach. There is only one resort named Palm Discoveries where tourists usually stay and eat.
How to reach: The beach is located 7 KM from the Cabo De Rama beach in South Goa. Due to the remote location, it is not easy to reach here. You need to hire private vehicles to reach the beach. You need to take NH66 highway towards cola village or follow the GPS. The cab doesn’t take you to the beach directly, it will drop you to a platform from there you need to trek to the beach.
15. Ashwem Beach
Tired of crowded & party beaches then visit Ashwem beach, one of the most unspoiled & secluded beaches you ever find in North Goa. While being there you’ll enjoy solitude with nature. The views of sunrise & sunset are one of the best in Goa.
Situated to the north of Panajim, Ashwem beach is famous for its spectacular ocean vistas dotted with coconut trees. If you’re one who loves to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of city life then make sure you add this beach to your bucket list.
- How to reach – Ashwem beach is located in North Goa and reaching there is not a big deal as there are many options to reach the beach like auto rickshaws, cabs and buses. It is situated 15 KM from Chapora fort, 33 KM from Panjim and 57 KM from the airport.
- Things to do – Enjoy the spectacular views of sunrise & sunset. And taste delicious Goa cuisine at beach shacks & resorts.
16. Mandrem Beach
Tucked between the Ashwem and Arambol beaches, Mandrem beach is another peaceful beach in North Goa. If you take a walk along the shore then you’ll find the cliff which separates it from Arambol beach. Unlike other beaches in North Goa, Mandrem beach is much emptier as it doesn’t have many beach shacks and sun beds due to being a turtle nesting site. So, if you’re looking to spend a day then make sure to bring a towel and an umbrella if you’ve one.
Mandrem beach is meant to spend a peaceful day without doing much and not having options of ordering drinks and food. There are few beach shacks & villas where you can stay and eat.
- Things to do – Paddleboarding, boating, swimming, surfing, and taking a long beach walk.
17. Galgibaga Beach
One of the cleanest beaches in Goa, Galgibaga beach is popular as Turtle beach because its northern part is protected as the nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles, a protected species. The beach comes under the forest department which means no loud music, no beach shacks, and no sunbeds. Therefore, it is one of the most secluded and serene beaches in Goa. This 1.5 KM long beach is truly a paradise for beach photography.
The best part about this beach is the backwater which gives you the feeling of a lagoon. And the thick forest of the pine tree on the back of the beach gives it a unique look. To ensure your safety lifeguards are available on the beach.
- Things to do – Swimming, photography, turtle nesting, watching the sunset and relaxing are the best things you can do at Galgibaga beach.
- Best time to visit for turtle nesting – Dec to February is the best time to watch turtle nesting.
- Location – It is located deep in south Goa, about 47 KM from Colva beach and 44 KM from Margao.
18. Betul Beach
Situated on the confluence of the Sal River and Arabian sea, Betul beach is a calm & serene beach away from the peak tourist influx. The beach gets its name from the nearby village Betul, a small fishing village. Therefore, you’ll see many fishing trawlers going into the sea and river.
Betul beach is dotted with many palm and casuarina trees which enhance its natural beauty. On the opposite side of Sal river, there is a lighthouse named Betul lighthouse which is open to the public. So, don’t forget to go up there are click some amazing photographs of the golden horizon.
On the north side of Betul, there are two major beaches of South Goa – Mobor beach and Cavelossim beach.
- How to reach – It is located 21 KM from Margao via MDR43 road which takes around 45 minutes to reach. If you’re coming from the Dabolim airport then you’ve to take the Dabolim-Cavelossim road and the MDR43. This 40 KM route takes around 1 and a half hours to reach Betul beach.
19. Bogmalo Beach
If you’re looking for a private beach to laze around the sandy shore then Bogmalo beach should be on your list. Situated amidst the coconut palms and fishing villages, Bogmalo beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Goa.
There you can enjoy typical beach games like beach volleyball and frisbee. And if you’re an adventure lover like me then there are plenty of activities to do like jet-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, scuba diving, swimming etc. The beach is boarded by plenty of resorts, cafes, pubs and nightclubs.
A short distance from the shore there is a spot where you can spot dolphins. Watching these little playful sea animals would be an amazing experience.
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