Goa is a state that roughly encompasses an area of 3,702 km, Out of its total perimeter of about 260 km, more than 120 km is coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea. Divided into two districts South Goa and Noth Goa with district headquarters Madgaon and Panjim respectively. Its has a long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. Here are the best beaches in Goa.
North of Goa
Popular Beach of North Goa are Miramar Beach, Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Vagator Beach, Anjuna Beach, Ashwem Beach, Morjim Beach, Arambol Beach, Mandrem Beach
Morjim Beach
It is also locally known as “Little Russia” because lots of Russians inhabiting this beach and its surroundings. That is the reason why local eateries and restaurants sell a lot of Russian cuisine along with Goan food. It is famous for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles also Enjoy the beach with watching dolphins swimming in the deep sea, diving for seagulls, look out for waterbirds including beautiful kingfishers, kites and other species.
Calangute Beach
The beach is the largest in North Goa and visited by thousands of domestic and international tourists alike. The peak tourist season is during Christmas and New Year, and during the summer in May. The beach offers water sport activities like parasailing and water skiing, among others.
Baga Beach
It is located at the north end of the contiguous beach stretch that starts from Sinquerim, Candolim leads to Calangute, and then to Baga. Dolphins can be located at around 1–2 km from the shoreline. The beach contains rows of shacks and fishing boats. The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach. It is also famous for water sports, such as parasailing and banana rides, and dolphin cruises.
Also Read: Best places to visit in Goa
Candolim Beach
Candolim Beach is famous for hosting India’s biggest electronic music dance festival, the Sunburn Festival held for three days every year. Candolim offers all kinds of water activities for adventure freaks. So, everyone should try your hand at jet-skiing, bump rides, banana rides, catamaran sailing, parasailing, water skiing, wind-surfing, and other water sports.
Sinquerim Beach
At the bottom of the Candolim-Calangute-Baga beach, you’ll find Sinquerim. Sinquerim Beach is one of the few beaches in Goa where you can rent windsurfers, water skis, and other water toys without having to be a guest at a hotel. The closest railway station is Carambolim and the Sinquerim Beach is approximately 16 km away from Panjim.
South of Goa
Popular Beach of South Goa are Colva beach, Majorda beach, Benaulim beach, Mobor beach, Varca Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda beach, Arossim Beach, Utorda Beach, Bogmalo beach
Cola Beach
It is also known as ‘Khola’ beach. It’s one of the remote beaches of Goa that is suitable for those seeking a lovely place for complete peace and relaxation. Their is no public transport available here try to hire vechiles two-hour drive from Panjim and 10mins drive fraom Agonda beach you can take scooters on rent.
Palolem Beach
It is largely unspoiled and is inhabited by both local fishermen. Things to do on Palolem beach includeWater Sports, yoga classes, dolphin-spotting trips, Ayurvedic massages, and silent discos. The nearest railway station is at Canacona, which can be reached from the major Madgoan junction railway station in just 30 mins. There are bus services every half an hour between Palolem beach and the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) Bus Depot in Margao. The nearest KTC depot is at Canacona.
Arossim Beach
Clear blue water, a dense set of palms lining the border and gentle waves make Arossim one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. Like all beaches on this amazing, beautiful endless South Goa coastline of the Indian Ocean, Arossim Beach also has dazzling white sand, green dense palm trees, and colorful fishing boats.
Mobor Beach
The beach gets its name from the village, which has the same name. It is a small green village with tall trees and many traditional homes. Most of the locals are fishermen. Madgaon in Margao city is the nearest railway station to Mobor Beach. On reaching the railway station, tourists can take a taxi or bus to reach the beach.
Majorda Beach
This is one of the prettiest beaches in the south. Majorda beach in itself is about half kilometer long but is part of a 25 kilometer wide stretch of sand along the Arabian Sea. Enjoy water sports at the Majorda beach. There are many activities to choose from like speed boat and banana boat rides, parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. It is 11.6 km from Margao.
Image of beaches in Goa
Map of beaches in Goa
Quick FAQs
10 Popular Beach of North Goa are Miramar Beach, Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Vagator Beach, Anjuna Beach, Ashwem Beach, Morjim Beach, Arambol Beach, Mandrem Beach
10 Popular Beach of South Goa are Colva beach, Majorda beach, Benaulim beach, Mobor beach, Varca Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda beach, Arossim Beach, Utorda Beach, Bogmalo beach
No, beaches never get closed in any season. But most of the shack houses at the beachside get closed in monsoon as Goa attract little tourist in monsoon. Similarly, water sport activities may not be available due to high and rough seas. Most of the famous street market is also closed.
There are around 50 beaches both North & South Goa combined.
Beaches that offer water sports are Palolem Beach, Mobor Beach, Rajbaga Beach, CalanguteBeach, Colva Beach, Miramar Beach, Anjuna Beach, Sinqurim Beach, Candolim Beach, Bambolim Beach, Arambol Beach.
Bogmalo and Baina beach are the closest one from the Airport.
Colva Beach is the nearest beach.