The resort region continues to amaze travelers with its surprises. The state has a huge number of beaches yet to be discovered by foreign tourists. The local infrastructure borrows a lot from European countries.
The beaches of South Goa hold enormous potential. Because of this, the coastal area is transforming right before our eyes.
Even the wild beaches of the state can surprise with pleasant conditions for relaxation. This is an important advantage of the region. Every year, more and more tourists come here for solitude, silence, and the proximity to pristine nature.
Varca
Considered one of the best in the state, located 30 km from the capital of Goa. The entrance to the beach is free, but the level of service, as many travelers note, is excellent. This recreation area spans about 3 km. It has fine, clean, light sand. The most comfortable place on the beach is a 150-meter-wide sandy spit in its central part.
Varca has a convenient gentle slope into the water. Families with children and married couples prefer to relax here. There are hardly any noisy youth parties on the coast. However, experienced travelers advise entertainment enthusiasts to rent accommodation and stay in its hotels. This is because there are many interesting party spots nearby where accommodation prices are higher.
Here you can conveniently observe bottlenose dolphins and small nimble crabs. You can also order an excursion, massage, virtually any spa treatment, or purchase a fashionable Ayurvedic remedy without leaving your sunbed.
The recreation area is surrounded by hotels and restaurants where the level of service is not inferior to Europe. This fact directly affects the infrastructure and amenities of the beach. Local authorities and businessmen do everything possible to ensure the area is well-maintained. They have arranged for the opening of a volleyball court, a water scooter rental point, and various service points on the coast.
Recommended nearby hotels:
- Caravela Beach Resort Varca: Guests can attend free yoga classes on the beach.
- The Zuri White Sands, Goa Resort & Casino Varca: Pool and several restaurants and bars.
- Club Mahindra Emerald Palms Varca: Kids can have fun in the game room.
Colva
The resort village in the Salcete area is known far beyond India. It is a popular tourist destination. It is logical that the beach area (located near the settlement) does not go unnoticed. The most popular vacation time here is winter, when there are no strong winds, and heavy rains are rare.
The beach area spans 2.5 km. Nearby are two popular mass recreation sites: Sernabatim and Betalbatim. The three places share common features: fine light sand, cleanliness, and many palm trees.
Features: The coastal strip where tourists and locals relax is 120 meters wide. It often becomes a place for festive celebrations, acrobat, dancer, and magician performances.
Nearby is a market, and many cozy restaurants and cafes are open. Free showers and toilets for customers are equipped right in them. There are also many rental points for sports equipment and water sports gear. An important plus: you can always find inexpensive guesthouses and 2-3* hotels (without meals) with good conditions here.
Recommended nearby hotels:
- Sea Queen Beach Resort & Spa Colva: Buffet breakfast in the mornings.
Majorda
The recreational area on the coast shares its name with a village located 20 km from Dabolim Airport. Majorda has long been known as the pearl of the state. Tourists come here to comfortably engage in water sports, see famous historical monuments, Hindu and Christian temples (a legacy of Portuguese colonizers).
Noisy parties and discos are rare here, but many hotels with moderate room prices are open. The Majorda beach area spans 1.5 km. Many families with children vacation in this area. The gentle slope into the water, well-maintained coastal area, clean sand, reasonably priced restaurants, sports equipment rental points, and boats and yachts (with teams) offered for rent are all here.
Even with a large influx of tourists, Majorda does not feel overcrowded. What is the secret? The coastal area is wide, and the service points and restaurants are strategically located.
However, on some days, travelers may feel that there are more cows in Majorda than people. Sacred animals behave peacefully and boldly. The beach is also a favorite habitat for crabs and starfish.
Recommended nearby hotels:
- Diwa Club by Alila — A Hyatt Brand 5*: General area — 48,562 sq. m. Dining options: breakfast, half board, full board, all-inclusive. Two restaurants: Spice Studio and Bistro. Drinks can be ordered at the bar.
- Alila Diwa Goa — A Hyatt Brand 5*: 900 meters from the shore. Dining options: BB, HB, FB, AI. Mini-club for children 6-11 years old. Outdoor freshwater pool of 884 sq. m.
Cavelossim
Located in the town of the same name. The entrance to the beach is free. The sandy strip is adjacent to tall trees. In this part of the coast, lava rocks are often found. The recreation area itself spans 4 km.
There are well-equipped areas with sun loungers and umbrellas. They belong exclusively to catering establishments. These establishments provide them to their clients for free.
Gourmets and sweet tooths love to relax here. Freshly prepared seafood and various exotic sweets can be bought on the coast for a symbolic price. The beach area is considered sparsely populated, but during the high season, it is often crowded in the evenings due to evening shows, discos, fireworks, and performances by famous Indian illusionists. They attract large crowds of spectators of all ages.
No stray cows are found on the coast, but it is a favorite spot for crabs and beautiful birds. This part of the coastal zone has a long shallow area with a soft sandy bottom, and underwater currents are very rare here.
Cavelossim is most liked by fans of quiet relaxation, sea fishing enthusiasts, and those who come on vacation with children for magical experiences.
Recommended nearby hotels:
- Radisson Blu Resort, Goa Cavelossim: Outdoor pool, spa center, and fitness center.
- Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort Cavelossim: 5-minute walk from the beach.
Utorda
Many travelers claim this is one of the most beautiful recreation areas on the Goan coast. It is located between the well-known resorts of Arossim and Majorda. Utorda is called one of the safest swimming spots in the state. The area is perfect for leisurely solitary walks and meditations. Vendors and touts behave more quietly here than in other state resorts.
Utorda has long been favored by economical, pragmatic Europeans (including Germans, Austrians, and Brits). The sand here has a special silver shade, and the beautiful semi-deserted beach has a convenient slope into the sea. The cafes and restaurants always have a great selection of seafood dishes, and the prices are lower than on neighboring beaches.
Several cozy guest houses and hotels are located right on the territory. They compete and try to outdo each other in terms of discounts, additional free services, and amenities to the delight of economical and comfort-loving tourists.
Utorda is incredibly loved by romantic couples. They consider it one of the most beautiful places for dates and declarations of feelings. Utorda does not abound in entertainment venues, but all the shops on the coast are geared towards tourists.
This has a huge plus because you can buy swimsuits, beach accessories, skincare products, and, of course, authentic Indian souvenirs and jewelry at moderate prices and with discounts.
Recommended nearby hotels:
- Kenilworth Resort & SPA, Goa 5*: General area — 64,750 sq. m. 420 meters from the shore. The largest pool in Goa. Kids club and playground. Four restaurants and two bars.
- Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Goa 5*: Comprehensive meal plans — Planet Dailies (international cuisine), Fame (a la carte), Beach Grill (seafood). 100 meters from the shore.
- Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa 5*: Suitable for family vacations. Meal plans: breakfast, breakfast and dinner, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is a bar and two restaurants on the territory.
Palolem
There is always a buzz here. The capital city (Panaji) is only 70 km away, but travelers often feel like city residents have moved here en masse to settle on the shore. It is a very colorful place. It is literally dotted with fishing boats and restaurants where chefs prepare fresh catches. There is also a convenient gentle slope into the water, and there are almost no strong winds or big waves.
Locals have an entrepreneurial spirit. Not every buyer has the strength to bargain with them for long. However, hearing a compliment from a foreigner about the beauty of the beach, they may significantly lower the price for an excursion or boat ride. Why? Out of principle and patriotism.
Because Indians love being around people who admire Palolem. The coast is adored by hippies and representatives of other subcultures. At night, discos and bars operate until morning. Interestingly, the local population has also shown its amazing mentality, paradoxicality, and ability to make unexpected moves.
The elite of the state and the country (who have villas here) managed to get a ban on loud music after 10:00 PM. How to be, since many love to dance on the beach? A solution was found.
As a result, tourists and locals party at night with headphones, dancing wildly to hits. Thanks to ubiquitous YouTubers, the discos have become famous far beyond India, becoming a tourist feature of Palolem and gaining fans worldwide.
Recommended nearby hotels:
- Sobit Sarovar Portico Palolem: Free private parking is available.
Agonda
The village is located 15 km north of Panaji Airport. The beach is named after the settlement. Agonda spans more than 2.5 km. The width of the coastline is 80 meters. Agonda claims to be the cleanest section of the coast. There is no mass construction, and crowds of tourists are rare.
Yes, cows (as everywhere in the region) walk along the coast, but local services take good care of cleaning the area, not allowing it to turn into a dump or dirty cattle yard. This spot is most suitable for lovers of silence, relaxation, and delicious food.
Favorite activities of travelers: surfing, diving, sunbathing, boat rides (to see dolphins), massage sessions, tasting national cuisine. The quality of products is always excellent in Agonda’s cafes, restaurants, and shops. Meditation sessions, which are very popular, are also often held here.
Mystics believe Agonda is on one side of the “square of power places.” The corner of this energy formation is the nearby temple of the god Shiva.
Note: Loud music is prohibited in the area at any time of day. This is important for the comfort of olive ridley turtles. The laws of the state protect and safeguard these fauna representatives. The turtles have become a real pride and the main tourist feature of Agonda. This species of sea turtles has been completely eradicated by humans in other parts of the world and Goa.
Another warning for novice travelers: There is no point in buying jewelry even with discounts in Agonda. Beach vendors heavily market such items to tourists, asking exorbitant prices for primitive, low-quality things.
Recommended nearby hotels:
- OYO 28005 Agonda Diva Beach Resort Agonda: Breakfast is served for guests in the morning.
Dona Paula
The name of the tourist village near Panaji reminds of the time when the state was a Portuguese colony. It is the most romantic spot in the region, where couples can be seen everywhere from October to May. The beach is located in an amazing place: where two rivers flow into the Arabian Sea.
Important to know: This part of the state has the highest real estate prices, rental costs, and almost all service fees. Nonetheless, many tourists still strive to come here to visit locations where famous Bollywood films were shot. Experienced travelers usually advise newcomers not to expect anything fantastic from the resort town’s beach. They are only partially right. The coast is suitable for water sports, but swimming in the sea may greatly disappoint tourists.
The water here is murky, and the bottom is covered with stones, but it is wonderfully pleasant to sunbathe and do nothing on the shore. All the resort’s game and entertainment areas are located away from the coast.
The main attraction here is the sailing club. It offers tourists a variety of services, from yacht rentals to organizing underwater diving, water skiing, and more.
Mobor
Located 52 km from Panaji. Length: 2 km. Width: 100 m. As locals joke, it could have been bigger, but the palms, lawns, and elite hotels limited it. Many wealthy Europeans vacation in Mobor, but visiting the beach area is still free.
The coast is well-organized. In its various corners, you can admire luxurious lilies blooming right in the ponds. Mobor is divided into several sections, each considered a separate beach. Mobor is an important part of the protected natural reserve. Local authorities and police ensure that natural attractions are not harmed by tourist vandalism.
The sand in this area is snow-white, making the sand dunes look fantastic against the blue sea and endless sky. The water entry here is convenient and gentle.
The best time for swimming is from November to March. During these months, the water near the shore is crystal clear. However, there is a nuance: the closer to the mouth of the Sal River, the murkier and cooler it becomes. In the southern part of the recreation zone, large sharp stones can be found underwater.
Arossim
This resort area in the south of the state is relatively small. Its length is about 1 km. The width of Arossim beach reaches 100 m. It is not strictly limited by constructions, hotel territories, entertainment venues, or markets.
There are catastrophically few palms here, so experienced travelers advise taking care of umbrellas and sun protection in advance. The area is perfect for family vacations due to the gentle slope into the water and calm waves. It is pleasant to have picnics and dates here, so romantics love Arossim.
The calling card: the sand. This is probably the only place in the state where all types of sand found in Goa are present in one section of land: from fine to coarse, from dark gray to snow-white and shell.
There are no sacred animals, i.e., cows, wandering here (and therefore no waste products from their activities). This fact can be compared to an Indian sensation of national importance.
Recommended nearby hotels:
- ITC Grand Goa, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa Arossim: Fitness center, spa and wellness center.
Cabo de Rama
Named after the fortification built here by Portuguese colonizers. Many consider it a mystical place. Here you can often meet yogis, hippies, astrologers, and people practicing magic.
There is an irony in this, as the colonizers once did everything possible to convert the local population to Christianity, not shying away from Inquisition bonfires.
To be fair, Cabo de Rama should be called a wild beach. Here you can admire pristine nature in all its beauty. The sea at Cabo de Rama is crystal clear. Wild animals are not afraid of people. There are no guides and touts running along the promenade, and vendors do not impose goods. However, there is a hotel and a famous cliff-top restaurant.
These attract many travelers. Tourists who end up here fall in love with Cabo de Rama and return to relax on its pleasant, gentle sand and enjoy the calm atmosphere. Notably, there is a river that flows into the sea here, but the water in this part of the coast remains clean, and it is safe to swim at the point where the water bodies meet.
Benaulim
The recreational area is easy to find on the state map, as it is next to Varca beach. The recreation zones are adjacent to each other, but they are significantly different. Benaulim spans 2 km. It borders the village of the same name, where Hindus come to worship the god Vishnu. Beautifully winged butterflies live here.
There is a belief that seeing such insects brings happiness. Faith in miracles became one of the reasons for the emergence of beach infrastructure. Pilgrims were joined by tourists. They liked the beach because of its clean water, convenient water entry, and the nearby dolphins. Many restaurants are located on the shore. However, the amenities left much to be desired, as tourists mentioned in blogs, social media, and forums.
As a result, local authorities became concerned about the beach’s condition. Free showers and toilets appeared here. Restaurant owners also began to set up play and entertainment areas next to their establishments.
An important advantage: a good level of safety. Benaulim is perfect for peaceful relaxation and enjoying nature’s beauty. Families with children and those who come to India for meditation and spiritual practices mainly relax on the coast.
Recommended nearby hotels:
- Fairfield by Marriott Goa Benaulim: Restaurant, free private parking, fitness center.
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa: Outdoor pool and six restaurants.
Bogmalo
Located near Dabolim Airport. Named after the village of Bogmalo. Foreigners rarely choose this place for vacation, but Indians love the resort village and its small bay with crystal clear sea water.
The sea entry here is gentle, but mainly foreigners and those Indians who have adopted European habits swim here. Others appear on the beach fully dressed, walk for hours on the clean sand, meditate, and have picnics. The recreation zone spans about 1 km. It is surrounded by palm trees, which set its natural boundary.
There are no noisy parties or dance shows on the coast of Bogmalo. Additionally, jewelry vendors behave strangely by tourists’ standards. You can buy beautiful, high-quality earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces directly on the beach.
This honesty can be explained quite prosaically: the goods are initially intended for Indians. Citizens of India are well-versed in stones, pearls, and precious metals and will not spend rupees on fakes.
Velsao
Tourists have only just begun to discover this place. The beach infrastructure here is still developing. Mainly fishermen relax here.
Velsao can be succinctly described in three words: silence, solitude, tranquility. The nature here is very picturesque, but the water entry is uneven. As a result, you can walk for a long time in shallow water and then suddenly find yourself in a dangerous sea abyss.
Another downside: a shortage of umbrellas and sun loungers. However, the rescue service is well-organized, and the maintenance service works efficiently, keeping the area clean.
Budget travelers and those who love peace mostly choose Velsao. Accommodation prices near the beach area are low. Locals are friendly to tourists. They will kindly advise where to find a restaurant with moderate prices or which fisherman to rent a boat from for a sea trip.
Cansaulim
This is another spot on the state map that noisy crowds of foreign tourists have yet to reach. The recreational zone spans less than a kilometer. It is pleasant to relax here with small children. The sea in Cansaulim is calm, and the coastal area is clean. The beach is not wild. There is a rescue service, and the service sector is well-developed.
The beach area seems deserted due to the absence of crowds of vacationers and party-goers. The place is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. There are equipment rental points, and diving instructors can always be found. Additionally, Cansaulim is immensely loved by gourmets. Its restaurants prepare European and Asian dishes according to old recipes.
This zone cannot boast a large number of beach shops. The objective need for many trading points in Cansaulim is currently absent. Tourists come here for a pleasant homey atmosphere, not for shopping.
Recommended nearby hotels:
Heritage Village Resort & Spa Goa 5*: 2nd line. Privileges for Grande Club Rooms. Various types of meals, including “all inclusive.”
The Postcard Cuelim 4*: Suitable for family vacations. Breakfast (buffet), lunch and dinner (a la carte). Parking is organized.