40 Goa Beaches : Choose your pick!
It is said that in Goa there is a beach specially made for you. Yes, with nearly forty beaches that dot the 131 Km Goa coast, there are plenty of options and each of the beaches have an individuality of its own. If you take time to get to know the beaches better, you will find that nature has exclusively created one for your liking. Here we give you a quick rundown on the important Goa Beaches.
Pictures speak better than words. Click on the beach name and get to know more about the beach by watching the video or the slideshow.
North Goa Beaches and South Goa Beaches
Traditionally, Goa beaches are classified as North Goa beaches and South Goa beaches. North Goa beaches are stereotyped as "happening beaches" with all night parties at the numerous nightclubs and a carefree attitude. On other hand south Goa beaches are projected to showcase their scenic beauty, calm waters and safe for swimming waters.
There is some reality in the stereotypes as north Goa beaches have better tourist infrastructure and budget accommodations that are backpacker’s favourites. North Goa beaches are the favourite Indian tourist destination for back packer. If one is expecting a throbbing party scene at Goa, then be prepared to be surprised by the tame nightlife. Goa has consciously moved away from attracting "hippes" and now woos moderately to well heeled tourists.
South Goa beaches still remain undiscovered and are home to expensive resorts that are way too expensive for a typical backpacker
If you want to just sit on the clean beautiful beaches and relax, then opt for South Goa. If you seek action and partying all night and drink to compete with a fish, then opt for North Goa beaches.
Highlights of the Popular Goa Beaches
| Beach | Highlights | Nightlife | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keri Beach , North Goa | This is Goa's northern most beach . A tranquil and quiet beach - ideal it you seek solitude | . | |
| Arambol Beach , North Goa | Arambol is popular with long stay tourists. Others visit Arambol for Paragliding (Uwe Niesslbeck's Arambol Paragliding School Tel: 09822867570) | Has most of the hippies
who stayed back in time-wrap. Currently Arambol is popular with Israelis Loekie cafe, Mango tree are popular Arambol nightlife hubs |
Basic beach huts are available at Arambol. |
| Mandrem Beach , North Goa | A gorgeously secluded beach with white sands. At Mandrem, pay a visit to the Organic farm run by Suhas Parsekar | ||
| Morjim Beach, North Goa | A fairly secluded beach. Temb at the southern end of the beach is famous as nesting centre of endangered Olive Ridley turtles (Around November is the time when turtles arrive). | ||
| Vagator Beach, North Goa | North Vagator Beach (Big
Vagator)and Ozram Beach (Little
Vagator ) constitute the
visually impressive Vagator beach. Big Vagator with its car park and
bus stand is more crowded. Little vagator is more secluded. At the end
of the little vagator, down a steep path, is the stone
sculpture of Shiva (an artwork
of anonymous sculptor from the hippie era.) From the vagator beach, one can sight Chapora fort. Climbing the fort is recommended for the commanding view of the sea and the beach. |
Impromptu parties are
quite common at the small valley between vagator and little vagator (it
is called disco valley) and of course at Hill top above little vagator
beach which hosts legendary new year party. Nine Bar, above the beach, with its loud trance music has teeming nightlife. Alcove and Temptations are other popular joints |
|
| Anjuna Beach, North Goa | One of the top rated north Goa beaches that stretches for over 20 Kms. It shot into prominence in mid 60s as the "happening hippie" beach. Anjuna Wednesday Flea market has survived from the hippie era - be prepared to haggle and bargain as prices are typically inflated 300% or more | Popular for its rave
scene and acid house parties that are held on Full moon days. Paridisio ia a trance bar that is extremely popular. Curly's Bar at the south end is another popular night club. Not to be missed is the Club Cubana atop the arpora hill |
Hotels in Anjuna Beach |
| Calangute Beach, North Goa | Queen of the North Goa beaches and by far the most popular and crowded of the Goa Beaches. Today, it looks tired and jaded. Plenty of water sports option around Calangute beach. | Numerous shacks and pubs have impromptu parties. | Calangute Beach Hotels and Resorts |
| Baga Beach, North Goa | Almost an extension of Calangute beach - Of late, much of the action has moved from Calangute to Baga Beach | Titos
– the
most famous of the Goa night spots and next door
Cafe Mambo
make Baga the most "happening" of Goa beaches . INGOs Saturday night market is more exciting than the more popular Wednesday Anjuna flea market |
Baga Beach Hotels |
| Candolim Beach, North Goa | Candolim stretches from Fort Aguada in the south to Calangute in the north. It is popular with charter crowds. Pay a visit to Fort Aguada for stunning views. | Peacock
pub and J29 |
Candolim Beach Hotels |
| Coco Beach, North Goa | Quiet and safe for swimming beach. Famous for the Dolphin crusies that are organised from Coco Beach | ||
| Bogmalo Beach, South Goa | Picturesque beach with hills on three sides | Bogmalo Resorts | |
| Colva Beach, South Goa | Popular with Indian crowd. Has good water sports facilities. | Try Outback Bar and Restaurant | Colva Resorts |
| Palolem Beach, South Goa | For many, this 1.5 Km moon crescent shaped beach with white sands is the most attractive Goa Beach. If Palolem gets crowded, try Polem and Patnem beach | Palolem Beach huts |