The beaches of Goa are famous for their golden sand, vibrant nightlife and beautiful nature. People often come here to engage in spiritual practices, chat with interesting people and just relax from the daily hustle and bustle.
If in the 70s and 80s on the beaches of Goa mostly rested locals, but now it is a popular place, which is visited annually by more than 500 thousand tourists. This article contains a list of the best beaches in Goa, as well as their main characteristics and location.
North Goa
Mandrem
Mandrem village, famous for its beach, is located 25 km from Panaji (the largest city in North Goa). This is one of the quietest places in the region – there are few people, no noisy parties and there is always the opportunity to retire on the beach.
The entrance to the sea is gentle, the bottom is clearly visible. There are no rocks or debris. The sand is soft and golden. The only danger that can wait for tourists is underwater currents, which are quite strong here.
On the shore of Mandrem Beach in North Goa, there are plenty of sun loungers and changing places, sheki and bars are open.
For more information about Mandrem Beach, see this article.
Morjim
Morjim is a famous Goan resort located 27 km from Panaji. Despite the fact that it is not easy to get to the village, there are always a lot of tourists (especially Russian-speaking ones) here. This can be explained by the fact that the beaches are very clean, there is everything you need for a comfortable stay: there are sun beds with awnings, toilets, shower rooms. On the coast there are the best cafes and sheki, in the evening there is an entertainment program.
The entrance to the water is not sharp, the sand is fine. There are no strong undercurrents or rocks. Lifeguards work on the beach of North Goa.
Sinkerim
Sinkerim beach is famous for its picturesque sunsets, wide coastline (it is more than 110 meters) and its length – 1.5 km. The sand here is soft and yellow, the entrance to the Arabian Sea is not sharp, but in several places it is difficult to enter the water due to erosion.
The beach has all the necessary infrastructure: sun beds, toilets and changing areas. But with cafes and bars, things are worse – there are very few of them. There are no night bars at all. Shops, souvenir shops and large hotels are located in the central part of the village. Due to the fact that the beach is usually visited by wealthy tourists, there are not many travelers here, and the prices are quite high.
Sinkerim Beach in North Goa is well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can go diving, snorkeling, surfing and banana boats. The area is also ideal for those who enjoy hiking, fishing and water treatments.
It is also a great place to stay near Sinkerim Beach for those who want to explore historical sites. The nearest is the Portuguese port of Aguada (built in the 17th century), which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area.
Positive:
- purity;
- large selection of hotels;
- well-developed transport system in North Goa.
Minuses:
- the cost of living is higher than on the neighboring beaches of North Goa;
- lots of homeless people;
- in the off-season, large waves rise.
Location: North Goa, from Dabolim Airport (south direction) – 34 km.
Arambol
Arambol is a fishing village known for one of the longest beaches in North Goa (4 km )and vibrant nightlife. It is also a very colorful place: there are practically no luxury villas and hotels here, but you can feel like a local resident by renting a small shack or bungalow.
The sand on the beach is gray, the entrance to the sea is smooth, without rocks and stones. The shallow water line is very wide, making this area ideal for a family holiday. The infrastructure of the northern part of the beach is well developed: there are a lot of beaches on the shore.
The resort is described in more detail here.
Candolim
Candolim is located a few km from Calangute (North Goa), so there are always a lot of people here. There are no problems with the infrastructure – there are grocery stores everywhere, there are sun beds. There are travel agencies on the main street of the resort.
The surface on the beach is shallow, yellow in color. The entrance to the sea is not sharp, there are no rocks and stones. Dogs and cows often walk along the shore.
Chapora
Chapora Beach is located on the outskirts of the village of the same name, 42 km from Dabolim Airport. There are always a lot of people here, and because of the huge number of fishermen, surfers and merchants, this place is hardly suitable for a relaxing holiday. But still, the nature here is really beautiful (tall palm trees with coconuts, soft warm sand and bright sunsets), and it is often attributed to the best beaches of North Goa.
There are no problems with the infrastructure: a huge number of cafes, the best bars and restaurants right on the beach. There are also sun beds and tables with umbrellas, toilets. It is interesting that often groups of fishermen gather on the beach, who like to cook their own lunch here and discuss the latest news.
The characteristics of Chapora in North Goa are as follows: yellow and soft sand, a gentle bottom, and no rocks. However, there is one significant disadvantage – these are very strong underwater currents, which can be dangerous even for experienced swimmers.
The best attraction on the beach is the Chapora Fort, perched on a mountain. It is worth climbing here to see the amazing beauty of the landscape and take a couple of beautiful photos of the beach in Goa.
Positive:
- beautiful nature;
- low prices (some of the best in North Goa);
- nearby points of interest include:
Minuses:
- very noisy;
- strong undercurrents.
The distance from Dabolim Airport (southbound) is 42 km.
Vagator
The list of the best beaches in Goa will be incomplete without a Vagator. This is a very busy beach, which is “squeezed” between the rocks. There are always a lot of people, cows and dogs here, so if the purpose of your trip is meditation, it is better not to come here.
On the beach there are sun beds, there are several cafes and shops. Changing rooms and toilet cubicles are also available. The entrance to the sea is gentle, there are no sharp stones and shells. The sand is yellow.
Be careful! There are strong undercurrents in this place, so it is advisable not to go swimming for those who feel insecure in the water.
Baga
If you still don’t know which beach to choose in Goa, check out Baga, a resort town 15 km from Panaji. In fact, this is a fishing village, which over time “overgrown ” with hotels and cafes, but has not lost its flavor. There are a lot of foreign visitors here, but the local beach is very large, and there is always the opportunity to retire.
There are sun beds on this North Goa beach, but to use them for free, you need to order a meal or drink at one of the cafes.
The bottom of the Arabian Sea in this place is flat and sandy, there are no algae. There is garbage, but it is removed twice a day. The sand is fine and has a characteristic sound similar to the crunch of snow.
For more information about Baga Beach holidays, see this page.
South Goa
In our list – top 9 places to stay in South Goa. We will tell you which beach in Goa is best to relax on and where to stay for the night.
Agonda
Agonda is a small resort town 60 km from Dabolim Airport. People come here to meditate, contemplate nature and take a break from everyday worries. A lot of tourists from Europe.
On the beach there are both the best luxury hotels and small guesthouses. There are a huge number of bars and fast food shops, there are sun beds and straw gazebos for relaxation.
The sand on the beach is very fine, the sea floor is clearly visible, there is no debris and stones. As a rule, there are not many people.
Mobor
Mobor is an elite holiday destination in South Goa, where Europeans and Americans prefer to relax. For example, Bill Clinton and Paul McCartney were seen here. Since the prices are quite high, there are not too many people here, and the town itself and the beach are well-groomed.
The sand is white (very rare for Goa), the entrance to the sea is smooth. The sea floor is clearly visible. There are seashells and rocks, and garbage is cleaned regularly. It is better to stay in the southern part of the beach – on the northern side there are stronger undercurrents.
Pay attention to the local flora and fauna. For example, in the lagoons located in the southern part of the beach, you can see real lilies and rare bird species. If you take binoculars and go to sea on a rented boat, you can even meet dolphins.
Near the beach of Mobor there are several luxury hotels, restaurants and cafes. There are no noisy night clubs to be found here. There are also no large stores and a huge number of shops.
Positive:
- clear;
- one of the best white sand beaches in Goa;
- few people;
- rich flora and fauna.
Minuses:
- no cheap housing;
- lack of nightlife.
Dabolim Airport (southbound) is 35 km away.
Utorda
Utorda is probably the most peaceful and relaxed beach in South Goa. There is absolutely no nightlife here and there are several cafes and bars. There are also no luxury hotels – guest houses are popular here.
Despite the fact that very few people come to rest in Utorda, the beach here is no worse than in neighboring resorts. There are straw umbrellas and sun beds, recently installed changing booths and toilets. However, you can use all this only if you order something in a cafe (for example, a drink).
The sand on the beach is yellowish. The entrance to the sea is not sharp, there are no rocks and shells. The beach is long and wide, so you can quickly reach other beaches and resorts.
Utorda beach is ideal for lovers of peace and quiet, but for those who want to play sports or go on excursions, it is better to find a more noisy place.
Positive:
- few tourists;
- the beach is ideal for families with children, as well as for the elderly;
- beautiful nature;
- lots of affordable housing.
Minuses:
- there are few cafes and shops.
The distance from Dabolim Airport (southbound) is 31 km.
Varka
Varka Beach is one of the cleanest beaches on the Arabian Sea coast. There are few tourists here, because prices for housing and food are higher than the national average. However, those who have been here at least once tend to get here again.
There are a dozen cafes and bars in the town. The main highlight of this resort is beauty salons for those who came to Goa in order to improve their health.
The sand is very fine, has a white-golden hue. The entrance to the sea is smooth, stones and small shells are not found. The beach is equipped with toilets and showers. For more detailed descriptions of the beach and resort, see this page.
Cavelossim
Cavelossim is a fishing village located between the Sal River and the Arabian Sea. It attracts tourists with its color and lack of luxury hotels.
The local beach is divided into 2 parts – wild and tourist. On the first floor there is nothing, but on the second there are many sun loungers, straw gazebos, there are cafes and shops where you can buy drinks, desserts and freshly caught fish.
The surface on the beach is yellow, sometimes there are stones. There is not much garbage, cows and dogs like to walk along the shore. The bottom is flat, there are no algae.
Benaulim
Benaulim is a place for relaxing outdoor activities. There are not many tourists here, and they mostly come to this resort town in order to practice yoga by the sea, or admire butterflies (in the southern part of Goa there are especially many of them).
There is no day or night entertainment in Benaulim, only a couple of cafes are open. The beach has everything you need for a relaxed stay.
Fine sand has a golden hue, sometimes there is shell rock. The entrance to the sea is smooth and not sharp, there are no strong undercurrents.
More details and photos of Benaulim village in Goa can be found here.
Majorda
Majorda Beach is one of the best beaches in South Goa, known since ancient India. This is a unique place because it was here that the Jesuits discovered coconut juice, and the Goans learned how to bake bread.
Now it is one of the most popular resorts, located 18 km from Dabolim airport. There are always a lot of people here, so there is enough housing – there are both expensive 5* hotels and guesthouses. Sheks and bars are open at almost every step, and in the evening numerous night clubs open their doors. The beach is equipped with straw umbrellas and sun loungers.
The sand on the beach is soft and golden. The sea floor is smooth, with no rocks or seashells. It is difficult to find shade, because palm trees grow at a decent distance from the shore.
Tourists who have visited Majorda Beach are advised to visit the olive and coconut grove, which are located near the beach. If you walk a few km deep into the rainforest, you can see how the Goans grow rice (this is one of the best places to visit).
Positive:
- opportunity to find affordable housing;
- good conditions have been created for families and elderly people to relax;
- there are travel agencies where you can purchase a guided tour;
- beautiful nature.
Minuses:
- a large number of tourists.
The distance from Dabolim Airport (southbound) is 15 km.
Palolem
Palolem is one of the extreme southern points of the state of Goa, lying 43 km from Margao (the largest city in South Goa). There is always a lot of life here: during the day, travelers relax on the beach, and in the evening they go to discos, where they dance until the morning.
On the shore there are many bars, shops and small guesthouses. On the beach, you can relax on sun loungers or use the toilet.
The sand is golden, the bottom is flat. At the entrance to the sea, rocks and seashells are sometimes found. There is a lot of garbage, but it is removed several times a day.
More information about Palolem can be found on this page.
Kansaulim
Kansaulim is the most cozy beach in South Goa, the length of which does not exceed 800 meters, and the width of the coast is 20. Since there are no powerful undercurrents, high waves and gusty winds, this place is suitable for families with young children.
The sand is fine and yellow, the bottom is flat. There are no rocks or debris, but sometimes seaweed comes ashore.
Periodically, especially at the end or beginning of the season, Kansaulim beach looks completely empty due to the fact that most tourists rest on neighboring Arossim. However, this is not a wild beach, and there are lifeguards and several cafes. Beach chairs and straw umbrellas are installed on the Kansaulim coastline, and changing areas are provided.
Booking a hotel or guesthouse is also not difficult – the choice is quite large for such a small village.
Positive:
- small number of tourists;
- large selection of hotels and guesthouses;
- beautiful sunsets.
Minuses:
- very few stores.
The distance from Dabolim Airport (southbound) is 20 km –
The beaches of Goa are an ideal place for both active and passive recreation.
