Baga Beach is located about 15 km from Panaji and gets its name from the Baga river at the north end of the beach that flows into the Arabian Sea. Situated at about 8 kms from Mapusa in the westward direction, it adjoins the Calangute Beach in the south and the Anjuna Beach in the north. It is one of the most happening beaches on the coast. It figures in the list of most crowded and busy beaches of Goa. The whole of the beach is covered with beach umbrellas and beach beds where foreign tourists can relax and enjoy sun bathing. One can also relish feasting on the everlasting supply of cocktails, mocktails and food. The rare view of the joining of the river and sea at Baga Beach is also astounding.
Famous For: Shacks serve authentic seafood and local drinks with foot tapping music, and create a perfect atmosphere of enjoyment and excitement!
Things to do: Indulge in a salt bath, as this famous beach of Goa is blessed with huge and powerful sea waves.
Calangute Beach, which is seven-km long and located about 15 kms from Panaji, is one of the busiest beaches in Goa. Some believe that it getS its name from the Konkani Word-'Koli-gutti'(Land of Fisherman), some say that it is derived from the native word-'Kalyangutti'(Village of Art) while others connect it with Konvallo-ghott (Strong pit of the coconut tree). It is also known as Queen of Beaches. Tourist here enjoy sun bathing along with delicious fried prawns, beers and much more that are sold in the stalls spread all over the beach. It is a perfect paradise for adventure lovers with water sports like parasailing, water-skiing and wind surfing. Swimmers are required to swim with caution since there is a sudden rise and drop of waves in the sea here.
Famous For: Its uber cool clubs, restaurants serving Goan food, and a lot of shops selling colorful Goan apparels ensure its spot among the best beaches in Goa.
Things to do: The famous beach in Goa is a perfect place for seafood lovers to enjoy the authentic food and indulge in a lot of shopping. Also, indulge in some of the best water activities like parasailing and water-scooter rides.
Candolim is a small town in the western Indian state of Goa. Standing on the shores of the Arabian Sea, it’s known for Candolim Beach and, to the north, lively Calangute Beach. Located about 18 km from Panaji, Candolim Beach is a straight three-km long beach that forms a part of the Arabian Sea coastline. It lies in north Goa starting from Fort Aguada and extending till Chapora Beach. It is also the birth place of the Goan Freedom fighter, Abba Faria, who is also the father of hypnotism in India. The environment at this beach is very serene. It is a beautiful silvery beach with limited commercial activities that makes it more peaceful as compared to other chaotic beaches of Goa. Candolim Beach consists of large number of dunes covered with scrub that draws tourist attraction.
Famous For: Scrub-covered sand dunes are the major attractions of this famous beach of Goa.
Things to do: Have amazing fun and excitement with ‘Dive Goa’ activity here makes the spot one of the best beaches in Goa
Nestled at a distance of 13 km from Panaji, Sinquerim beach is the first tourist beach of Goa. It is located adjacent to Aguada Beach and is an ideal location for tourist to enjoy nature's pristine beauty. Since it is quieter as compared to other beaches of Goa, tourist love to relax and get tanned by the sun on the coast of the beach. It is a long beach with glistening and soft sand where tourists admire taking long leisure walks. The cool breeze and the greenish blue sea alongside gives immense peace to both body and mind. Tempting food and drinks are served at a large number of restaurants nearby that remain full of tourists. For people loving water sports it is a perfect place offering adventurous activities like fishing, water-skiing, scuba- diving, para-sailing and wind-surfing with international class facilities. Beach volleyball and swimming are activities that people visiting Sinquerim Beach can enjoy.
Famous For: Fort Aguada which is a perfect example of engineering marvel, Aguada Lighthouse, and water sports facilities make this beach one of the best among the list of beaches in Goa.
Things to do: Snorkeling, banana ride, and parasailing are some of the most popular activities among the tourists.
Vagator Beach is a scenic beach situated in Bardez Taluka, 22 km away from Panaji and 9 km away from Mapusa. Located in North Goa, it is a bay between the rocky headlands. It is covered with soft white sand and is dotted by palm and coconut trees and huge black rocks. As compared to other beaches, it is little more laid back and is not very crowded. The only crowd seen here is young European and domestic travelers. The smaller southern part, also known as 'Little Vagator' or Ozran beach, and red ramparts of Chapora Fort can be seen while the larger northern part is secluded. It also offers a very beautiful sunset view. Local cuisines like Bebinca, coconuts and bananas are available in plenty. On reaching Vagator Beach, one must visit the two water springs here. 'Zor' is a water spring located in the Ozran beach, while the other is located at the north Vagator Beach. One can also visit the Chapora village to have a feel of local life.
Famous For: Rave culture and the Chapora Fort famously referred to as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ Point.
Things to do: Relax, stroll, or rave; indulge in the laid-back activity of your choice.
Located about 8 kms to the west of Mapusa (north Goa), Anjuna Beach is spread over 30 kms in length. It forms a part of the coastline of Goa along the boundary of the Arabian Sea and is situated in Bardez Taluka, 18 kms away from Panaji. Curled up between the Arabian Sea and the hills looking over the beach, it covers an area of five square miles. It provides a rejuvenating view of natural beauty with the swaying palm trees and soft white sands. The beach is marked by the presence of strikingly unusual rocky formations enveloping a small inlet of white sand and black rock that extends into the sea. This region was known as Jewel of Anjuna or 'Ozran'.
Famous For: Wild rave parties and full moon parties with trance music.
Things to do: Visit Wednesday Flea Bazaar, which offers an extensive range of Goan apparel, funky jewelry, mementos, and so much more.
Colva Beach, located in southern Goa, is about 8 km from Margao and 40 km from Panaji. It is the oldest beach of Goa. It is about 2 kms away from the Benalium Beach. It is usually less crowded as compared to Anjuna or Calangute Beach and has gained popularity very lately. People visit here to relax and feel the tranquillity in the natural beauty of the beach. The beach is covered with white sand and surrounded by coconut palms along the coast. You can see a large number of fishermen's motor trawlers anchored offshore. Silver carpets of mackerels laid by fisherman over the beach for drying can be seen. A large number of food stalls and drink stalls at the Colva Beach provide you with delicious sea food cuisine and you can also enjoy the famous drink named feni made of cashew or coconut.
Famous for: The local food stalls serve delicious seafood, and that’s one major crowd pleaser.
Things to do: Parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, and speed boat rides.
One of the best beaches in South Goa, It is a quiet beach ideal for chilling, swimming, walking, eating and just generally doing nothing. Agonda Beach is located 37 km from Margao. Agonda is another quiet beaches located just 15 minutes from Palolem. The beautiful stretch of the sand and the sea is just an awe moment, the beauty the beach displays is just breathtaking. This is also one of the beaches that are home to the olive ridley turtles to lay eggs. There is no signal so don’t bother making calls. Just forget about everything and relax and enjoy your holiday to the fullest. It is advisable for swimming provided you stay off limits. The setting of the Agonda Beach is just perfect. So, if you are looking for a romantic stroll with your special person while the sun is setting it couldn’t get any better.
Famous for: The beach is known for being a peaceful hideout.
Things to do: Dolphin spotting, Yoga, meditation, and hiking
One of the best and most beautiful beaches in Goa, it is the most secluded and unexplored beach. It is a good place to spot fishes, crabs and even dolphins. It’s dotted with Palm trees, lots of greenery and of course butterflies. Butterfly Beach is situated 39 km south of Margao, However, the only way to reach Butterfly Beach is to take a boat from Palolem or Agonda. Located in the North of Palolem Beach, Butterfly beach is a part of the beautiful Arabian Sea. The name butterfly is because the beach sustains life of many different varieties of Butterflies. The beach is surrounded by forest and thick trees and bushes so getting to this place through road by bike or car is impossible unless of course, you’re awesome at trekking where I am like zero! The most convenient way to travel here is by taking a boat ride to Palolem beach and walk towards the butterfly beach. Due to its location and problems faced to arrive here, not many people do and those who make it have the place all to themselves.
Famous for: The beach is known only among avid travelers, for its peaceful vibes, and of course variety of butterfly species that add further charm to the beachscape.
Things to do: Yoga, photography, and dolphin sighting.
