15 best beaches of Goa

As I stood on the fine white sand beach, looking at the emerald blue water stretching indefinitely in front of me, a realisation hit me for the first time. That Goa, although small, has such a varied stretch of beaches. And what is best, is that, one can easily hop between these in a week or two. Although this was my fourth visit to Goa. Finally on this trip, I visited some of the most exquisite beaches which had alluded me in the previous trips. So, here I list for you the 15 best beaches across Goa. In order from the best beaches of South Goa to the best beaches of North Goa. So that you can hop through them during your trip to Goa in a systematic fashion. So, lets get started.

Galgibaga Beach – cleanest beach of Goa

The fist beach you catch glimpses of while entering South Goa is Galgibaga Beach. It is the cleanest, most pristine beach of Goa with fine white sand. Although, it is not very commercialised. As this beach is reserved for turtle breeding. Be specific not to disturb the ecology or the little turtles on this beach when you visit here. Also, you will not find vendors on this beach. So, if you really want to spend some peaceful and quality time with your family, pack a picnic and head here. Galgibaga beach definitely qualifies for one of the best beaches in Goa for family as well as one of the best beaches for couples in Goa.

Where to stay near Galgibaga Beach

Like I said, it is not a commercialised beach. But we can always stay at around 30 minutes drive, at Palolem Beach Goa where there are plenty of options to stay.

Palolem Beach – the most beautiful beach of Goa

I am not sure why, but to me, Palolem Beach appeared to be the most beautiful beach of Goa. It has a bit of everything. Beautiful fine sand coastline, ideal sea for swimming, palm grooves and tropical mountain along the shore line that give it a totally filmy look. And a lot of other beautiful island – beaches that one can easily hop on to including Butterfly beach and turtle beach to name a few. What’s more? You get descent sea facing beach cottages and beach huts at very reasonable prices. And also, one of the best markets in Goa to shop for garments, footwear and some local crafts. We spent some of the best moments of our trip on Palolem beach when we went on our worcation in Goa last year. Palolem is definitely one of the best beaches of South Goa. And it also qualifies for one of the best beaches in Goa for family as well as one of the best beaches for couples in Goa.

Where to stay near Palolem Beach

If staying at Palolem beach, you must try a stay in a beach hut for at least one night. There are a lot of options including O3 beach resort, Oxygen beach resort, Palolem beach hut etc. For a more sophisticated stay, you can also stay at Sovit Sarovar.

Agonda Beach – another pristine beach of South Goa

Around 9km from Palolem beach lies another pristine beach of South Goa, Agonda beach. It is yet another favourite beach of South Goa for families and couples alike. Agonda beach has many more luxurious beach huts and beach facing cottages. like Agonda Serenity Resort. They are not as cheap as the cottages in Palolem. And that might explain the lesser crowd at Agonda beach.

Where to stay near Agonda Beach

The one we stayed in this year was Forget Me Not resort. It is a pretty descent accommodation right on the beach if you want to spend a couple of nights.

Cola Beach – the hidden gem of Goa

A blue fresh water lake overlooking dense palm grooves and a beach both side by side – Cola beach was long time hidden secret of Goa. That started gaining popularity only recently. This is one of the unique beach. To reach here, you need to drive up the hill that hides this beach. And then park there and take a flight of stairs down to the beach. Or, you can hire a local auto rickshaw for your round trip around the beach. Either ways, go early in the morning. There are a few beach side restaurants here which serve delicious breakfast. And also provide changing rooms. So, you can take a plunge in the fresh water lake. And get fresh before having a hearty breakfast. Cabo da Rama Fort is also very nearby.  So, you can as well club your visit to Cola beach and Cabo da Rama fort together.

Where to stay at Cola Beach

Cola beach is perhaps one of the smallest beaches of South Goa. But also one of the best beaches of Goa. Staying here is definitely a unique experience. But there is only one or two luxurious options – resorts located on the slope of the hill overlooking the beach. The one I will definitely like to stay in and cover on my blog someday.

Benaulim Beach – South Goa beach favourite among families

Next on our list of best beaches in Goa comes Benaulim Beach. Again, pristine, fine white sand beach. Clean and beautiful. And not so crowded. We spent some of the best days of all our Goa holidays combined together, on Benaulim Beach, during our workcation in Goa. The beach is not overcrowded. And the currents are also idle for swimming. It is dotted by many beach side restaurants. And some beach cottages as well. If you plan to spend some quality time with family or with friends in Goa, while avoiding the crowded beaches and still having great food, beach sports, swimming and other such activities, then Benaulim beach is the place for you.

Where to stay at Benaulim Beach in South Goa

We stayed at Biera Mar Beach Resort in Benaulim for 2 weeks. Wherein we worked from there. You can read our complete review staying in Biera Mar Beach Resort here, and book it from here. Apart from the resorts, there are many homestays, airbnbs and rental apartments also available in Benaulim and in this South Goa region. Benaulim beach is almost next to Colva beach. There is a good market between the two beaches where you will find all your daily need stuff , grocery, basic medicines etc. And the area is dotted by many restaurants. Although not as fancy as the restaurants of North Goa, they have a wide range of delicious food.

Colva Beach, South Goa

One of the best known beaches of South Goa, Colva beach comes next on our list of best beaches in Goa. Again, it has fine white sand and pristine beach. Although there is a public entrance to the beach, around which it is pretty crowded. With Hawkers, beachside restaurants and water sports Colva beach definitely qualifies as the most happening beaches of South Goa. Near the public entrance to the Colva beach, there is a very good market on Colva Beach Road. And also a good public parking area where you can conveniently park your vehicle. Again Colva beach is an apt beach to stay at for family, group of friends or even solo traveler.

Where to stay at Colva Beach in South Goa

 

We stayed at Beleza by the Beach – a luxury accommodation right by the Betalbatim beach next to Colva, on our second trip to Goa. And thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. We had private access to beach from the resort. And there was hardly any crowd on this stretch. You can book this resort from here.  However, during our recent workcation from Goa trip, we visited Colva beach while staying in Benaulim. That is when I saw how crowded this side of the beach is. Nevertheless, I will recommend staying in a beach side property in Colva. Private access is even better.

PS: If you want to hop through the beautiful beaches of Goa through a private tour, we recommend this one.

Candolim beach, North Goa

I will say Candolim is situated at the heart of Goa, right in the center of all the actions. It is very near to Fort Aguada and Panjim. Thus, making it convenient to base yourself here. And explore upto south Goa. At the same time, it is located at a stones throw away from Calangute and Baga – the most popular beaches of North Goa. Also, it is close to Aropra, the locality famous for its Saturday Night Market and buzzing nightlife. And above all, it has a beautiful clean beach for families to enjoy! This is one of the more developed localities of Goa with market, medical needs and fine restaurants, all at a stones throw from where ever you stay in Candolim. I see a lot of good airbnb options in Candolim area in particular. We almost finalised one this time but that got booked before we could reserve.

Calangute beach, North Goa

One of the best beaches of North Goa. Famous for its night life, countless restaurants and cafes, pubs and night clubs and beautiful markets. Calangute beach is definitely one of the most popular beaches of North Goa. And this is where we stayed during our first trip to Goa. Wherein we also did a one day trip exploring the best of Goa. Definitely accessibility wise, Calangute is almost in the centre of Goa. It is very near to Panjim. The most famous churches of South Goa are also just an hours drive away. The night market of Arpora and the wednesday market of Anjuna are also approachable. And the most famous beach of North Goa for its party scene and happening night life – Baga is walkable! It makes Calangute beach one of the best beaches of Goa for bachelors, friend groups, and even couple and families.

Although, the beach here is a golden sand beach, much more coarse than the fine sand beaches of South Goa we visited above. But this is one of the beaches idle for swimming and water sports. Because of relatively less strong under currents. So, if you are up to see the happening Goa that most of us know it to be, Calangute beach is definitely one of the perfect beaches for you to explore.

Where to stay at Calangute Beach in South Goa

 

We stayed at Resort Terra Paraiso which was just 500 meters from Calangute Beach in South Goa. It is a beautiful resort, with vast spread of delicious buffets for breakfast and dinner, as I remember it. You can check it’s complete review here. Also, there are many other places to stay in Calangute that you can choose from. Calangute is very rich in accommodation options for all budgets. It has a lot of airbnb homes and flats, service apartments, hotels and resorts and even high end luxury stay options.

Baga Beach, North Goa

“The” most happening beach of North Goa, with the best known for nightlife, clubs, pubs, markets, buzzing restaurants and quaint cafes – is Baga Beach. Walkable from Calangute beach, although lying in North Goa, it can easily qualify as the central hub of Goa. It is one of the most crowded beaches, often overbooked. The sand is golden like Calangute. The Baga beach is lined with beach shacks, restaurants and huts. And you will see it buzzing with life round the clock. With people sunbathing, enjoying water sports, or having delicious sea food meals in the beach side restaurants. The markets of Baga are one of the most famous for their garments, souvenirs, fashion jewellery and other stuff, many of which are also imported from Thailand. Baga beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Goa to stay for first timers. And also those who want to enjoy the nightlife and buzzing vibes of Goa.

Where to stay at Baga Beach in South Goa

Somehow, so far I have stayed away from staying right on Baga Beach. But then I am not that much into the buzz and the nightlife. My reasons for visiting Goa are always to enjoy the beautiful beaches, lush green hills and natural surroundings, while staying in a calm location.

Anjuna Beach – the beautiful rocky facade in North Goa

Better known as the hippie paradise of Goa, Anjuna beach is one which has attracted me since my first trip to Goa. When we were doing a day trip exploring the major attractions of Goa, we had lunch at one of shacks on Anjuna beach, Goa. While I watched the waves crash against the waves, one thing I knew for sure was that I was never going to get tired of this scene. And finally on my fourth trip to Goa, I returned to Anjuna beach. Just in time to catch the Anjuna Flea Market as well, which is held every Wednesday. But more on that in a different post. For now lets talk about Anjuna Beach.

Although, staying in Anjuna is not my first choice since this beach is crowded and the whole area more commercialised. But, I will highly recommend visiting here at least once. For, the landscape of the beaches of Goa changes dramatically as you move gradually from white sand beaches of South Goa to the coarse golden sand beaches of central Goa. And Anjuna beach completely stands out as perhaps the only beach with highly visible and accessible black coral rocks. Although, not an idle beach for swimming compared to other Goa beaches, it’s landscape definitely calls for spending one evening at Anjuna Beach.

Vagator Beach – another dreamy beach of North Goa

We finally stayed at Vagator Beach on our fourth trip to Goa. Although it is a bit north of the most commercialised beaches like Calangute, Baga and Anjuna. But it still is very crowded. And one of the busiest beaches of Goa. Partially rocky and partially sandy, this beach provides for a dramatic landscape. And offers something for everyone – family and friends alike, including people of all age groups. Although, if staying just to relax on the beach, or having a nice quiet beach side family vacation in Goa, Vagator won’t be my preference.

But, Vagator is one of the best beaches for nightlife, vibrant beachside music shows and dance parties. So, if that is on your radar, you are going to love Vagator. For me, being based out of Vagator also provided me the opportunity to explore Goa beyond the beaches. We trekked up to the famous “Dil Chahta Hai fort” or the “Chapora Fort”. And watched a mesmerising sunset from there. Also, I easily visited Anjuna beach and the famous Wednesday market at Anjuna because it was conveniently located just 4 km from where I stayed at Vagator. Also, when time permitted, we drove to further north visiting some of the most beautiful beaches of North Goa like Morjim, Ashwem and Arambol beach.

Where to stay at Vagator Beach in North Goa

We stayed at The grand leoney resort in Vagator. It is very close to the beach, so, you can walk over there. Parking is also available within the campus. And good speed wifi is also available. Idle to stay for a few days. Another luxurious stay right overlooking the Vagator beach is W Goa.

Morjim beach – the starting point of peaceful North Goa beaches

As you cross the Chapora River, you come from Vagator to Morjim. And the landscape as well as mood changes drastically. In a way, I felt like calling the beaches down south of the Chapora River as “North Goa beaches” and the beaches up north of this river as “North of north Goa beaches 🙂 ” . As, these are less commercialised and more family friendly. With fine sands and shallow beaches where even kids can easily swim and enjoy the waves. Plus there are numerous beach side sacks, offering you mouth watering food in front of beautiful views. Morjim beach is the starting point of this slice of heaven in North Goa. It has several beautiful beach side resorts also to stay in. And have a wonderful vacation.

I visited Morjim beach one morning while I was staying on Vagator. And I was pretty impressed. In fact, Abhishek kept repeating that this is the beach for us. And this is where we should have stayed with our family. As Vagator was comparatively much more crowded and a smaller beach per say. Nevertheless, next time we are definitely going to plan to stay here. Given, the trips to Goa are never ending!! 🙂

By the way, Morjim is also home to a variety of birds. And it is a nesting site for Olive ridley sea turtles as well.

Ashwem beach – another beautiful North Goa beach

As you keep walking north of Morjim beach, you arrive at another very pristine beach of North Goa – Ashwem beach. Also called as Ashvem beach. The landscape remains as serene as Morjim. And the sand equally fine. This is another beautiful beach where water is perfect for swimming and other water activities. If you are looking for a quiet vacation while soaking up in the sun and a little surfing or swimming, then Ashwem beach is perfect north Goa beach for you.

Mandrem beach North Goa

Clean, serene and peaceful is what best describes Mandrem beach. Along with Ashvem and Morjim beach, this is another less crowded beaches of North Goa, perfect for that idle family vacation. Although we didn’t stay here so far, we plan to do so on our next trip to Goa.

Arambol beach – the synonym of Palolem beach in South Goa

One of the northern most beaches of Goa. Also one of the cleanest beaches of Goa. And one with a really long shoreline. But it is also a very happening beach. With a plathora of beach shacks offering all kind of delicious food, open air events, live music gigs, and vibrant night life. It has something for everyone – people who visit here in groups of friends or families with young kids. Actually, this beach has a bit of bohemian vibe as well. Which seems to attract a lot of foreign tourists also from all over the world. In short, Also, it is dotted with dense palm grooves. And the beach lies right in the shade of the Arambol mountain. Offering it a very picturesque landscape.

There are several trekking trails in the Arambol mountain, for those who wish to explore Goa beyond the beaches. And some of these reward you with the best arial views of the Arambol beach and the Arabian sea!!

Arambol beach sounds like a perfect package in itself.

 

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