16 best beaches in Goa โ which one to choose for recreation, photo, description, map
Fine white sand, coconut palms along the coast, lonely sunbeds, endless expanses of the ocean and luxurious hotels with excellent service โ this is probably how many people imagine the perfect vacation. Where to follow him? In the small Indian state of Goa. It is completely different from this country, but colorful and interesting in its own way. By the way, there are corners here for avid party-goers, and for extreme people, and for any other tourists who have their own ideas about relaxation. Let's talk about the best beaches in Goa.
south goa
South Goa is a respectable holiday. The coast is not crowded here, the prices are quite high. There are practically no nightclubs. But there are elite restaurants with sea views and numerous spas. Most of the beaches in this region resemble a picture from a bounty advertisement โ the perfect place for a calm, carefree relaxation.
Cooking
A favorite place for romantics and honeymooners. It seems that everything is in moderation here: there are enough hotels of different levels โ from luxurious five-star hotels to quite democratic bungalows, a good selection of cafes and restaurants that do not disturb the tranquility of vacationers. In terms of service on Varka, everything is also right โ it is there, but at the same time it cannot be called intrusive. Pleasant additions to all this โ fine white sand, warm water and the opportunity to see dolphins, sailing on a boat very close to the coast.
Cavelossim
Located away from the bustle of the city, 12 kilometers from Benaulim. It attracts guests not only with its cleanliness and well-developed infrastructure, but also with fantastic landscapes. The coast, covered with fine white sand, is surrounded by black rocks โ such a panorama looks spectacular and bewitching. At the same time, Cavelossim, unlike Varka, cannot be called a calm place.
There are boat rentals and water activities, where guests are happy to offer water sports and, if necessary, instruct beginners. In the vicinity you can find local markets and shops, Indian artisan shops, many cozy cafes and restaurants.
In the morning
A rather long idealistic stretch of coast, located between two other famous beaches of South Goa, Majorda and Arrosim. A wide space covered with white silky sand is separated from the bustle of the resort by a palm alley. A small river flows through the territory, which divides the land and forms small natural islands. This is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday with the whole family, walks along the water's edge and peaceful relaxation on the warm sand. There is practically no active entertainment here. But there are enough cozy cafes that offer national cuisine, fresh seafood and juices from exotic fruits.
Majora
This is a 30-kilometer sandy coastal strip, surrounded by palm and fruit groves, indented with bays and lagoons, along which there was a place for colorful local villages, luxurious five-star hotels, and democratic bungalows. Despite the fact that this is one of the most popular beaches in Goa, it is always clean, calm and quiet here. Entertainment is represented by a few cafes and restaurants where guests are offered seafood dishes, and rental equipment for water sports.
Colva
Of course, South Goa is not the best place for party-goers and party-goers. However, even in the midst of this peace and tranquility, there is a beach where fans of nightlife gather โ this is Colva. It is famous for its parties on the sand, numerous bars and a special atmosphere, serenity and carelessness. In addition to party-goers, Colva is loved by locals and fishermen โ on the coast you can see many boats and colorful huts. Several colonial-style villas have been built for guests.
Cola is considered the most uncivilized in all of southern Goa. Indeed, the infrastructure here is poorly developed. The lack of amenities is fully compensated by the natural beauty โ the reddish sand looks especially impressive against the backdrop of bright green palm trees and the purest endless ocean. This is the perfect place for those who. wants to enjoy peace, listen alone to the sound of the waves and, perhaps, forget for a while about everything in the world. But for a family holiday, Colva is not very suitable. The entry into the sea here is quite sharp. In addition, sharp stones can be found in the water, which are dangerous.
Agonda
Another famous beach of South Goa, which civilization did not have time to reach. True, unlike Cola, this is an ideal place for a family holiday to the sound of waves and the rustle of palm trees. If you want to stay here for a long time, you can rent a bungalow on the coast and even put up a tent. Of the entertainment on Agonda โ only boat trips, during which there is a high probability of meeting dolphins.
Palolem
One of the most popular in the whole state of Goa. This is a real tropical paradise, as it is depicted on advertising brochures and postcards. Picturesque bay, fine white sand, colorful palm trees. Not far from the coast is a small uninhabited island, which is often visited by tourists. Going on a boat trip, you can admire the dolphins โ they are frequent guests in these places.
There are no hotels, shopping centers and shops near Palolem โ peace and tranquility reign here, which nature itself gave to the world. If you want to enjoy the world of a tropical beach to the fullest, you can stay in one of the bungalows in the palm grove. Despite the fact that Palolem is incredibly popular among holidaymakers, it is never too crowded here.
Donna Paula
A small secluded beach unlike any other in Goa. This is a place of lovers, with which a beautiful legend is associated (although the inhabitants of the surrounding villages assure that this is a real story) โ about the daughter of the local governor (it's easy to guess that her name was Dona Paula), who fell in love with an ordinary poor boy. The father was against this connection and the girl, unable to withstand his pressure, committed suicide โ she threw herself into the sea from a cliff, where she often visited with her chosen one. Local fishermen claim that the image of a white bride with a pearl necklace around her neck hovers in these parts to this day, and some even had a chance to meet her. Whether to believe in mysticism is a personal matter for everyone. Dona Paula is really handsome and worthy of attention.
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north goa
If South Goa is a serene relaxation, then North Goa is an endless holiday. With the sunset, life here begins to play with new colors, numerous bars open their doors, fiery rhythms are heard everywhere. Not surprisingly, the beaches here are somewhat different than in the south โ not as clean, and the pictures from the bounty ads do not come to life on them. But every evening, guests who are ready to rock right on the sand in the open air are met by world-famous DJs and bartenders who are ready to work until the morning.
Arambol
One of the busiest and most diverse. There is a place under the sun here for both creative people and informal people, for those who are looking for harmony with the outside world, and for avid party-goers. On the outskirts of Arambol there are corners where adherents of various spiritual practices live on a permanent basis. As for the infrastructure, it is really well developed.
Along the coast there are many hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, souvenir shops. Concerts and show programs are held periodically in the open air, parties are held. All this is quite affordable, as it is mainly aimed at young people.
Low
Not as busy and noisy as Arambol. A few years ago, it could even be called poorly equipped and even wild. However, the tourism industry โgotโ here quite quickly โ today Baga boasts a large number of cafes and restaurants located along the coast with modern hotels. In addition, Baga's calling card is numerous sun loungers and umbrellas, under which you can hide from the scorching sun. Fans of nightlife and incendiary parties after sunset can look into one of the famous nightclubs โ Titos or Mambo. Both are located close to the coast.
Kalangut
Continuation of the famous Baga beach. There is no formal boundary between them, the differences are rather atmospheric. Calangute is positioned as a place for an elite holiday. It is cleaner, quieter, but the prices are much higher. This is an ideal place for those who have a rest with the whole family. An oasis of calm on the party coast of Goa.
Candolim
Another calm place on the north coast of Goa. It seems that nature itself took care of protecting it from the influence of civilization โ before you find yourself near the coast, you will have to not only walk along the city streets with old buildings, but also overcome steep slopes. The infrastructure here is not well developed. From entertainment โ only a few colorful cafes that serve national cuisine, seafood and juices from freshly squeezed juices from exotic fruits.
Anjuna
This is the center of cultural and party life. Here, 24 hours a day, there is some kind of movement, all kinds of noisy and fun events are constantly organized, including quite spontaneously, and on Wednesdays a flea market opens at all. In general, vacationers on Anjuna will not be bored for sure.
Vagator
One of the best in North Goa, it regularly occupies a leading position in various ratings. It is popular among young people and party-goers โ incendiary events, creative meetings and even open-air concerts are constantly held here. A nice addition to them are beautiful natural landscapes. In addition, the picturesque Chapora Fort, dating back to the 17th century, is located nearby.
Morjim
Cozy and calm, separated from the village of the same name by a palm grove. Despite its small size, it boasts excellent infrastructure โ guests are always welcome in colorful cafes, there are water sports equipment rentals. A local attraction is the sea turtles that have chosen this stretch of coast.
Mandrem
A beautiful place with white sand, which is separated from the urban bustle of the resort by a small river with wooden and bamboo places thrown over it. They are a local attraction in their own right. Old, broken in places, but still reliable. Numerous bars await guests who find themselves on solid ground. Walking along the coast, you can stumble upon colorful fishing villages (Mandrem is quite long). After sunset, the bar counters turn into DJ stands, and the coast turns into an open-air dance floor.
Ashvem
Another popular beach in North Goa is Ashvem. This is the mecca of kitesurfers, as well as lovers of other water sports. Nearby is a lively street with many bars and nightclubs. In addition, Ashvem is famous for its beautiful natural pools.
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white sand beaches
It is with the legendary white sand from the brochures that many associate Goa. Soft, warm and pleasant to the touch. It is not surprising that many plan their holidays in such a way as to be exactly on the beach, where there is this natural wealth. In Goa, both in the northern and southern parts, there are enough of them. Traditionally, the ratings of white sand beaches are headed by lively and noisy Arambol. However, many are stopped by the fact that it is always crowded and restless there โ after sunset, life is just beginning.
An excellent alternative for those who are not a fan of parties, but still prefer to relax in North Goa โ calm Calangute, Morjim or little-known Kerim. Outdoor enthusiasts can take a closer look at Ashvem. The rating of white-sand beaches of South Goa, as a rule, is headed by Benalium. This is a place that reminds many of heaven on earth. And some even believe that it was here that the bounty ad was filmed (although this, of course, is not the case). Coconut palms, small cozy guesthouses, colorful cafes and fine white sand โ what else do lovers of a relaxing holiday need, who dream of taking a break from the urban bustle?
Compete with Benalium may well located nearby Colva โ the oldest and very respectable resort of South Goa. If you want to forget not only the bustle, but also civilization in general, enjoying the warmth of the white sand, you can go to the picturesque Palolem. Patnem, also located in South Goa, is not popular with tourists. In addition, it is considered one of the most isolated in the region. Those who still managed to get here can fully enjoy not only white sand, but also colorful thatched-roof bungalows, local cuisine and low prices.
Which one to choose for families with children
Going on vacation with children, you need, first of all, to take into account the peculiarities of Goa. Naturally, the southern part of the region is more suitable for this. Here you can choose any beach except Colva and Palolem (they cannot boast of a smooth comfortable entry into the sea, which means that the question of safety arises). The only downside is the rather high prices. If the budget does not allow you to go to southern Goa, you can choose more budget resorts in the northern part of the region for a family vacation. In this case, you need to pay attention to quiet calm places: Kerim, Morjim, Ashvem or Mandrem.
Hotels with private beach
One of the main features of Goa beaches is that they all belong to the state. That is why, even in the best hotels, no one can deny access to the coast to local residents, merchants, and even tourists vacationing in other places. What is the difference between a โhotel (if you can call it that in India) beach from the rest? First of all, the fact that on the coast only guests are given the opportunity to use a number of services โ free umbrellas and sunbeds, sometimes a cafe.
When choosing a hotel with its own beach, you need to consider that, as a rule, these are only expensive โfiveโ and โfourโ located on the first coastline. There are more of them in South Goa (it is believed that the best hotels are located here), in the north โ less. In terms of infrastructure, almost all such hotels are the same. Some miracles, even from the best, should not be expected. If some inexpensive three-star hotel located a kilometer from the coast declares that it has its own beach, then most likely this is a hoax.