Goa has always attracted tourists for its numerous beaches. With a fabulous coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea, these lovely strips of sand play host to vigorous partying the year round. The Cabana beds laid out on the beach, with the beach umbrellas over them, is an alluring sight.
Both North and South Goa have their fair share of beaches that offer something unique to offer to the visitors. While some of them are lined with food shacks that are eagerly looked forward to after a swim, others offer an exciting variety of water sports that really make one’s day. Head to these 10 incredible beaches in Goa for your holiday and enjoy a vacation of a lifetime.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach lies about 18km from Panaji, and is renowned for its happily swaying palm trees, the comfortable soft sand and an eccentric rocky formation lying on top of them. It was brought to prominence by the “flower power and peace” generation of the sixties and early seventies.
One of the top attractions here is the Flea Market, which is held here every week. Held on Wednesdays, it draws visitors in large numbers, all looking to lay their hands on some exciting item or souvenir. However, learn the art of haggling before visiting this market. It will come in handy!
Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach, located in South Goa, is a long stretch of sand enveloped by tranquility. Decorated with palm and casuarina tree, this wonderful beach is overlooked by a large hill to the south. Extending to almost 3km, it offers the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If all you want is peace, then this is the place to come to. One of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, its devoid of tourists, souvenir stalls and restaurants. It’s only you, the soft sand and the unending sea ahead. A little distance from the beach stands the Cabo de Rama Fort, and visiting it is a pure delight in itself.
Benaulim Beach
Benaulim Beach is associated with an interesting piece of mythology, according to which, this was the place where legendary Parshuram’s arrow landed, thereby creating the region we know today as Goa. Situated less than 2km south of Colva, it also offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional handicrafts of this region.
Interestingly, this beach is not very popular with the domestic tourists, so when you make your way here, you will find peace in plenty. In the evenings and on weekends, though, the beach can get pretty crowded with local visitors.
Palolem Beach
Another of the popular beaches in South Goa, Palolem Beach consists of delightful white sand that rests cozily between two headlands. The northern headland is dotted with little wooded islands. On this beach, you will find a few shacks selling seafood, snacks and bright clothes.
This beach is perhaps most famous for its “Silent Noise” parties. These parties do away with loud blaring music, and instead, are marked by people listening to different genres of music on their earphones and dancing away happily.
Candolim Beach
Candolim Beach is the first beach which you come across from the city of Panaji. One of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, this place offers excellent opportunities for water sports. It also serves as the gateway to other famous beaches. Apart from enjoying sunbathing here, the various kinds of water sports that tourists can enjoy are parasailing and waterskiing.
Chapora Beach
Chapora Beach, situated around 10km from Mapusa in North Goa, is as fascinating a beach as any you will ever come across. A beach clothed in white sand, it is very popular for fishing and boat-building. However, this beach remains crowded for most part of the day.
From sunbathing to taking a leisurely stroll, the opportunities for leisure are numerous here. The beach lies in close proximity to the Portuguese Fort and Chapora Fort.
Terekhol Beach
One of the factors which make Terekhol Beach immensely popular with the tourists is its raw beauty, which still gives a feeling of being untouched. Lying on the northern bank of the Terekhol River, it’s a great place to hang out and while away your time.
An added attraction is the Maratha Fort, which is located on a higher ground and faces the sea. Enclosed by a dry moat on three sides, it offers wonderful sightseeing opportunities.
Vagator Beach
Vagator Beach holds the distinction of being the most photographed beach in Goa, and it’s hardly surprising. This wonderful stretch of sand, located about 22km from Panaji, forms a perfect curve from the headland to the hillock and is overlooked by the Chapora Fort.
Majorda Beach
One of the amazing things to do in Goa is visit its fabulous beaches, one of which is the Majorda Beach. It is a small stretch of sand extending to about 5km north of Colva Beach. However, what it lacks for in size, it more than makes up for it in beauty. In the Goan version of Ramayana, Lord Rama was kidnapped as a child and raised at Majorda.
Apart from this, it’s also the place where the Goans were first trained in the art of baking European breads, and even today, its residents are the best bakers in all of Goa. This beach is also dotted with several hotels, with the most famous on amongst them being Majorda Beach Resort.
Baga Beach
Baga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa, and is situated 30km north of Panaji. It offers amazing views of the sunsets and is the best place to enjoy the cool morning breeze. It’s nightlife is also something to look out for.
Apart from these, it also offers a variety of water sports, along with an exciting nightlife, with some of the famous clubs being Britto’s, Mambos and Tito’s.
