The 11 best beaches in Goa for every traveller!
Want to know about the best beaches in goa? Well here’s a little something about the place that is known as the land of sun and sea- it has some of the most pristine beaches in the entire country!
It’s a magnet for national, as well as international tourists due to its lovely beaches, verdant vegetation and colorful flea markets. Be it the parties, the casinos, the flea markets or the beach shacks— what Ibiza is to the world, Goa is to India!
In Goa, you are never far from the beach. You may enjoy a crowded one with people, voices, overflowing shacks, water rides or you may like a serene secluded beach- Goa has it all.
In my umpteen visits to Goa, I have been to both types, depending on the mood & the company.
Here, I’ll be telling you about the best beaches in Goa for family, couples and of course, the solo traveler. Find a beach that is perfect for your group and matches your vibe. 😀
Your next read: The best shacks in North Goa
Best time to visit Goa
The best time to enjoy the beaches of Goa to the fullest is October to February. Again, for the monsoon lovers, June to September is perfect to catch the serene rains & have a peaceful stay. This being an off-peak season will give you a chance to have Goa all to yourselves.
March to May is hot, but it’s also summer time. You can step outside only in the early mornings & late evenings during this weather…enjoy your siesta!
If your destination for the holiday season is Goa then here is a list of the best beaches in Goa that you need to tick off your checklist.
1. Baga Beach
One of the most famous beaches in Goa, Baga is an unmissable part of your visit to Goa!
It has a fantastically vibrant atmosphere defined by an unbroken line of aromatic and welcoming beach shacks- all placed beside a long stretch of golden sand.
Baga beach is one of the best beaches in Goa and is popular as the party hub, being home to the most amazing pubs and clubs including the famous Tito’s and Cafe Mambo! It is popular with the young crowds because of the obvious: nightlife.
For some fine dine and wine, there are many appreciable restaurants in the area too. For veggies too, this area has some pure veg restaurants.
Baga beach is also popular among tourists because of the watersports like Jet Ski, Banana Boat Ride, Parasailing, and Speedboat Ride.
There is also Tibetan market here which is especially great for those shopaholics who can strike bargain deals amongst rows & rows of shops selling clothes, beachwear, trinkets and more.
- Good for: Couples, Families, Solo traveller.
Things to do: Enjoy the nightlife, Shop from the Tibetian market, Chill on the beach shacks, Try the water sports like parasailing, banana boating, motor boat rides and jet skiing.
Read next: Your guide to the best casinos in Goa
2. Calangute Beach
Known as the Queen of Goa Beaches, Calangute Beach, is famous for its golden sand with rows of amazing shacks that offer authentic Goan cuisine. It’s filled with foreigners tanning themselves on rows of sun lounges lined up side by side and is undoubtedly amongst the best beaches in goa.
It is the largest, busiest and most commercial beach in Goa that lies between Candolim and Baga.
Calangute Beach is also one of the friendliest beaches of Goa for tourists from outside the country.
Trying the delicious Goan curry in one of its beach shacks is a must! It is one of the most famous beaches in Goa to indulge in authentic seafood.
For veggies too, this area has many pure veg restaurants.
Like Baga, it’s filled with shops selling beachwear, dresses, party ornaments & cashews. It’s the right place to buy cashews of all kinds BTW.
Nilu’s protip:
Cashews are sold in pre-packed packets. Buy the one with a clear see through cover where you can check the quality, else you could end up with cashews worth throwing away.
Good for: Couples, Families, Solo traveller.
Things to do: Unwind on the beach shacks, Relish on some authentic Goan food, Buy some beachwear, Enjoy water activities like parasailing and water-scooter rides.
3. Vagator Beach
Vagator Beach, north of Anjuna, is located at the bottom of a steep cliff and is divided into two sections—Big Vagator (the crowded main stretch of beach), and Little Vagator which is also known as Ozran beach (further south past the rocks, more popular with foreigners).
This is the best beach in Goa to enjoy a beautiful sunset along with some amazing seafood. The hues of lovely white sands is broken by beautifully contrasting black rocks. The lush greenery around this beach will definitely leave you mesmerised.
Vagator offers everything ranging from water sports, shopping and luxury accommodation. It is a mix of local art, music, and nightlife making it one of the best beaches in goa to visit.
Hugely popular with backpackers, Vagator Beach in Goa is lined with numerous shacks, quaint cafes, and lots of budget shacks and hotels as well.
This area is known for psy-trance with the legendary party spot, Disco Valley & Thalassa, nearby.
Good for: Solo travellers & Backpackers
Things to do: Wild rave parties & full moon parties with trance music, Visit a cliff side restaurant, Enjoy the watersports, Watch the sunset by the cliff (MUST DO).
4. Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach was once known for the hippies. They’ve now moved on but their legacy still remains.
Here is where to get the party started! A number of popular beach clubs and shacks in its vicinity make it a personal favourite. Curlies plays a lot more chill-out music & is a landmark for Anjuna beach. The Chapora Fort famously referred to as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai Point’ is nearby too.
Anjuna is an ideal area for backpackers and budget travelers, as numerous funky hostels and a host of cheap yet surprisingly good eateries by the beach have opened up in recent years. If you’re wondering which are the best beaches in Goa, this is the place to be. The Wednesday Anjuna Beach flea market is bigger than ever and continues to remain popular.
Good for: Young couples, Solo travellers/ Backpackers.
Things to do: Visit Chapora Fort, Attend a wild rave or full-moon trance party, Visit Wednesday Flea bazaar for Goan apparel, funky jewelry etc.
5. Candolim Beach/Sinquerim
Candolim Beach is a beautiful beach with a vast expanse of golden sand. If a laid-back beach vibe is what you are looking for, this ranks highly amongst the best beaches in goa which offer you exactly that. This is literally your place to be.
It borders Calangute, but is much cleaner and much more peaceful. There are dozens of shacks with sunbeds where you will find people getting a tan. Take a bed, eat and drink in the shack, have a massage and work that tan baby!
It’s a brilliant plan for those who wish to follow the relaxed ideology of Goa. Undoubtedly the best beach in Goa to unwind.
You’ll find many luxurious hotels and homestays here.
Candolim beach joins the smaller and quieter Sinquerim Beach to the south, which is where Aguada Fort is situated.
Rows of coconut palms adorn the Sinquerim Beach that gives the traveller a sense of seclusion from the hustle bustle of the outer world. It is amongst the best beaches to try water rides and other water sports in Goa.
Good for: Couples, families, solo travellers.
Things to do: Fort Aguada, Aguada Lighthouse, Water sports like snorkeling, banana ride, and parasailing.
6. Morjim/Ashwem Beach
The serene ambiance of Morjim Beach will vanish all your fatigue away. Take a stroll along the unsurpassed beauty and calm that only a few beaches in Goa offer, even in the peak winter season!
Attracting a wide species of fauna & its popularity as one of the hatching sites for the Olive Ridley turtles, Morjim is a must-visit for nature lovers! Watching these tiny turtles taking their first steps towards the sea is one of the coolest things to do in Goa.
The famous Ashwem beach is yet another name in the list of most isolated yet best beaches in Goa.
These serene beaches have become quite trendy & hip in recent years FYI. Groovy beach bars & beach huts as well as a few fashionable resorts, can be found there.
Morjim beach is also referred to as “Little Russia” as Russian tourists come here in majority, you’ll also find a lot of yoga retreats here.
Good for: Young couples, Solo travellers
Things to do: Watching turtles hatching, Witness the glorious sunset, Unwind at a yoga retreat, Parasailing.
Best beaches in South Goa
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7. Colva Beach
The golden sands of this famous beach are fringed with towering coconut trees and is one of the best beaches in Goa. Beach shacks and pubs make it a happening spot which is the most crowded among South Goa beaches but less crowded than its northern counterparts.
It also has a large range of hotels, homestays and serviced apartments catering to all budgets making it ideal for someone who wants to stay at the best beaches in Goa with an affordable price range. There are some excellent veg food options around here too.
Amongst the best beaches in Goa, Clova specifically is a favorite amongst domestic Indian tourists- on the weekend the crowd increases with locals as well. You’ll find lots of food stalls, small restaurants and bars around but the nightlife here is minimal.
Good for: Couples, Families.
Things to do: Restaurants with seafood, Parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, and speed boat rides.
8. Majorda /Utorda Beach
Among all the beaches in Goa, there is none as picturesque and serene as Majorda.
The calm arena of this beach gives it a feel of one of those hidden beaches in Goa making it one of the cleanest and best beaches in Goa. It also has a mythological connection with Lord Rama…this beach is blessed with a canopy of palm trees, clear blue water, and soft white sand.
Majorda has a good nightlife with excellent clubs around & is also a foodie’s paradise. Along the coastline you’ll find a small selection of beach shacks where you can try tasty Goan delicacies and enjoy a cool drink.The choice of bakeries, seafood joints, and luxury accommodation make it amongst the famous beaches in Goa.
If you head north to Majorda Beach then you’ll stumble upon the beautiful Utorda Beach. This beach looks spectacular with white sand and fringes of palm trees. Relax on the sunbeds for as long as you want and enjoy your vacation in Goa to the fullest.
Good for: Couples, Families, Solo traveller.
Things to do: Enjoy the nightlife, Relish on some seafood & bakeries, Have fun paragliding and snorkeling.
9. Benaulim & Varca
Benaulim Beach is a picturesque fishing village dotted with paddy fields and still retains its Portuguese feel.
It’s perfect for couples looking for a relaxing, lovely & uncrowded spot. The long stretch of soft white sand with verdant palm trees is soothing beyond words. You can soak up the sunshine on a sunlounger or you can get into water sports and dolphin watching too!
Varca Beach is amongst the best beaches in Goa. This beach is known for its calm blue water, mesmerizing vibe, and lots of fishing boats. It has many resorts and elegant hotels around and is an ideal place for enjoying water activities.
Good for: Couples, Families, Solo traveller
Things to do: Relax in the beach shacks, Watersports such as Parasailing, Water Skiing, Speed Boating, Banana Boat Riding.
10. Palolem Beach
Often labelled as Goa’s finest beach, Palolem’s tag ensures it has a lot to live up to, and this breathtaking beach consistently delivers. Palolem has an array of great restaurants and cafes. It is in fact the most lively beach in south Goa!
For bars and nightlife, head to the busier southern end of the beach; here you will also find a silent disco (a Silent Night Disco is a different kind of disco, where the party goes on late into the night with headphones on).
Hiking around this beach is one of the most popular things to do in Goa. You can also indulge in water sports like paragliding and wind-surfing here.
Palolem boasts two islands where travelers can visit by hiking or canoeing. It is popular among couples and offers beautiful views of the horizon. You can visit the Monkey Island with a small hiking trip and it is again a lovely place to relax and enjoy the sunset. Palolem and the best beaches in Goa are almost synonymous.
Good for: Young couples, solo traveller.
Things to do: Dolphin spotting, Watersports, Yoga classes, Ayurvedic therapies.
11. Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach is a pristine beach, with lesser tourists. This is a beach in Goa that you will absolutely fall in love with. Solo travellers, yogis, painters and writers make up the crowd at Agonda.
Located beside Agonda Village, this beach has an interesting market with local shops and really good restaurants. Having amazing waves here, people come over for swimming, relaxing and sunbathing; this beach makes it on top amongst the best beaches in Goa. Agonda Church in the middle of the beach is also a popular attraction.
Good for: Young couples, Solo travellers.
Things to do: Dolphin spotting, Yoga & meditation, Sunbathing and a relaxed stay.
These are some of the best beaches in Goa according to me.
Goa is truly paradise for beach lovers!
But this beach haven has many other hidden gems too…some of the lesser known but worthy to be counted as the best beaches in Goa for a serene and isolated vacation are: Mandrem Beach, Chapora Beach and Dona Paula Beach in North Goa
There is another extensive list for beaches in South Goa for the same: Betalbatim, Cavelossim, Arambol, Patnem, Mobor and Butterfly beach.
So take that trip to Goa with your gang that you’ve been planning since forever. C’mon! Make your Goa plan work…I believe in you. Haha.
And do let me know which according to you are the best beaches in Goa! 😀
Very good post. Highly informative for travellers who want to visit the famous beaches of Goa. Keep up the good work.
Thanks a bunch Cedric !
It’s my home town. Most of beaches are crowded nowadays. Except couple of or if it is private beach.
But we’ll described and covered
True Harshad, but that’s what happens when you are a popular destination 🙂
It is really a good post. I remember one more beach 2-3 km far from Ashwem i.e. Arambol beach. The beauty of the beach is that there is a sweet water lake which merges into the sea and one can differentiate between the two.
For party lovers there is one more place which I like the most i.e. Leopard Valley in south Goa.
If you plan to visit Goa again u can give these places a try…worth visiting.
Rest, I like your posts very much.
Keep travelling….keep posting
Regards
There are lots of gems in Goa…could mention only a few here! Leopard Valley sounds good for a try…next trip
Hey fantastic … u gave the entire search pack i needed
So glad about that Frank!
What an engrossing write up .it was like I am.travelling with you .
Great Going ..Keep on writing and sharing
Thanks a lot Vishal 🙂
Awesome blog on Goa…I’ve noted the beaches which I’ve missed…next time I’ll cover those ones too. Fabulous Nilima 👏👏👏
Glad you enjoyed the read! Call me up before your Goa trip…
Thank you for taking me to all the beaches with you through this lovely write up Neelima. You rock
Thanks a bunch Manju 🙂
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much
more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more
often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Outstanding
work!
Nilima – I will be going to a beach in India this December!
I will be on a women’s tour of India in November, then in December am going to the Himalayas; in between, I’m trying to decide between Goa and Kerala. Sounds like Kerala may have a 2nd monsoon during that time?
So – what do you recommend for me? Older solo woman, quieter more relaxing beach, but good seafood meals on the beach. Not into partying. Would love to stay somewhere right on the beach, mid-price.
Please email me directly or reply on the FB group International Solo Travelers.
Replied in detail on the group. Hope it was of help:)