Best Beaches in Goa: For Couples, Families, and Foreigners
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Want to visit the best beaches in Goa? There are many to choose from!
Find a selection of the best beaches in Goa in this post including tips and quick information. This article includes
- The top 6 best beaches in Goa
- The best beaches in North Goa
- The best beaches in South Goa
It will also help you figure out which are
- best beaches in Goa for couples
- best Goa beaches for families
- best beaches in Goa for nightlife
- best beaches in Goa for foreigners, etc.
Goa is my most favourite destination in India and that’s why I have visited it over twenty times. I keep visiting Goa whenever I find some free time off work and on every trip I try to cover as many different beaches and areas as possible. Based on my experience of visiting Goa, I can state that the best beaches in Goa in terms of scenic beauty are the ones in extreme North of Goa like Ashwem and Arambol, and the extreme South of Goa like Palolem and Talpona. The other beaches in Goa may not be as scenic but are suitable for specific purposes such as nightlife, family-friendly vibe, etc.
In this post, I get into the specifics of what the best beaches in Goa have to offer. You can accordingly decide which beach would best match your travel style and choose in the nearby area of that beach.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read the disclaimer for more information.
6 Best Beaches in Goa: Quick Overview
According to me, the top beaches in Goa for various travel purposes are as follows:
Most popular beach in Goa: Calangute
Best beach in Goa for couples: Mandrem
Best beach in Goa for families: Benaulim
Best beach in Goa for foreigners: Arambol
Best beach in Goa for nightlife: Baga
Best beach in Goa for scenic beauty and peace: Palolem
The details of all the above beaches as well as a few more of the best beaches in Goa are given below.
Best Beaches in Goa: Map
Why should you be wondering about the best beaches in Goa before your trip?
If you find it absurd that I am dedicating an entire article to this topic, you should understand the importance of beaches in Goa.
Goa has a coastline all throughout its west side. This means that its entire western length is covered with numerous beaches. The reason why is it important to understand more about the best Goa beaches is that
- each beach has a different personality. Some are quiet, some are loud, some are crowded, some have scenic beauty etc.
- each beach attracts a slightly different type of crowd depending on its personality
- tourists tend to spend a lot of time on the beach close to their stay. So it’s important to choose where to stay depending on what type of a beach you like.
- the kind of accommodations, things to do, places to eat are different for every beach area.
Best Beaches in Goa: Insights & Things to do
Best beaches in North Goa
This section will give you the details of what I consider to be the best beaches in Goa for various reasons.
Candolim
Location:
North Goa near Aguada Fort and Nerul River, South of Calangute
Suitable for:
Families, first-timers in Goa
(Not suitable for solo travellers or budget travellers)
Why is it one of the best beaches in Goa?
It is relatively less crowded than other popular beaches, is very scenic and is close to most of the key tourist attractions in Goa.
Candolim Beach information
- Golden sand, shallow waves, good for a swim
- Moderate number of shacks
- Moderately crowded
- Mostly attracts Indian crowd
- Best for family outings, walks and eating at shacks
- Lots of parking available outside the beach
Candolim beach – nearby area
- There are many lovely cafés like 📍Café Candolim and 📍Café Chocolatti.
- Plenty of good restaurants. Evenings are very buzzy with live music restaurants. 📍Tomato’s is my favourite restaurant.
- Many stay options in the nearby area- mostly all are 3-5 star properties.
Key things to do in Candolim
- Visit Aguada fort and Reis Magos fort
- Boat ride at Nerul river and dolphin watching ride
- Watersports at Sinquerim beach (next to Lower Fort Aguada)
Where to stay near Candolim Beach
Stay in a property on the main road outside Candolim. Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Calangute
Location:
North Goa, north of Candolim and South of Baga. Close to main bus terminal.
Suitable for:
Families, party-lovers and budget travellers
Why is it one of the best beaches in North Goa?
It has a buzzing vibe, many popular shacks and plenty of things to do at the beach and in the nearby area.
Calangute Beach information
- Golden sand, moderately big waves
- Large number of shacks
- Most crowded beach in Goa
- Best for families, eating at shacks, partying at night on beachside party decks, watersports
- Mostly attracts Indian crowds
- Lots of parking available outside the beach
- The beach is once referred to as the ‘Queen of beaches in Goa’ but unfortunately is one of the least clean beaches in Goa.
Calangute beach – nearby area
- There are many roadside eateries and good family restaurants in the nearby area.
- Many affordable stay options in the nearby area.
- A large tibetan market and many street-side vendors selling clothes, bags, jewellery, cashews etc can be seen here.
Key things to do in Calangute
- Visit the beach and eat at a famous restaurant like 📍Pousada by the Beach
- Engage in watersport activities
- Party with friends and family
- Go shopping
Where to stay near Calangute Beach
Stay in a property close to the beach. Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Baga
Location:
North Goa, north of Calangute and South of Anjuna, near Tito’s.
Suitable for:
Party-lovers, first-timers in Goa
Why is it one of the best beaches in Goa?
Unlike other beaches in Goa, Baga is the biggest party place in Goa. Both on the beach and in the lanes surrounding the beach, you will find loud music and dance parties.
Baga Beach information
- Golden sand, moderately shallow
- Full of shacks
- One of the most crowded beaches in Goa
- Best for party-lovers, those who like buzzing vibes – many shacks turn into party places at night and serve delicious food during the day.
- The crowd is mostly Indian.
- Lots of parking available outside the beach (Especially for two-wheelers, four-wheeler parking is difficult to get during peak hours)
Baga beach – nearby area
- Food court serving inexpensive food is situated outside Baga beach. There are also many restaurants in the nearby area. 📍Fat Fish is one of the best seafood restaurants in North Goa and is lcoated close to Baga.
- Stay options catering to all budgets available in the nearby area.
- Many street-side vendors selling clothes, bags, jewellery, cashews etc can be seen here.
- Many nightclubs, fish pedicure parlours, tattoo shops are present in the nearby area.
Key things to do in Baga
- Visit the beach and eat at a famous restaurant like 📍Britto’s
- Party at a beachside shack in the night. For those who don’t mind splurging, visit a famous nightclub like 📍Tito’s, 📍Hammerz or 📍Club Cubana.
- Go street-shopping
Where to stay near Baga Beach
Stay in a property close to the beach if you want to party. If you want more peace, choose a property near Baga river. Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Calangute vs. Baga:
Which one to choose from the two most popular beaches in Goa?
Since both Baga and Calangute are equally crowded and offer pretty much the same vibe, it doesn’t matter where you choose to stay.
But here is a quick help table to help you make a choice
| Choose Calangute | Choose Baga |
| if you want to be closer to the bus stand | If you want to be closer to nightclubs |
| If you want to be closer to Aguada fort, Candolim and Sinquerim beach | If you want to be closer to the vibey area Anjuna (more details below) |
| Check Calangute accommodation here | Check Baga accommodation here |
Anjuna
Location:
North Goa, north of Baga and South of Vagator
Suitable for:
Solo travellers, backpackers, foreigners and friends
Why is it one of the best Goan beaches?
The beach is scenic and one of the best beaches to watch a sunset from. The rocky formations in the waters add to its visual appeal. The shacks and cafés in the nearby area are some of the best in all of Goa.
Anjuna Beach information
- Golden-white sand, with rocks along the coast, big waves
- Moderate number of shacks
- Moderately crowded beach in Goa
- Best for watching the sunset from a nearby shack or café, clicking Instagrammable pictures from the rocks, grabbing a drink after sunset, shopping in the market nearby
- The crowd is mostly Indian. But you will also find a few hippies.
- Lots of parking available outside the beach. From the parking area, you need to climb down a bit to reach the beach
Anjuna beach – nearby area
- The Anjuna flea market sits here every Wednesday that’s extremely popular.
- Lots of street shops open on all days selling excellent souvenirs,handicrafts, accessories, clothing and more!
- Some of the best cafés and restaurants in Goa are located in Anjuna.
- Many hostels, homestays are also located nearby attracting solo travellers. But large luxury hotel properties like 📍The Westin are also located here.
Key things to do in Anjuna
- Visit the beach and eat at a beachside shack like 📍Curlies or 📍Cafe Lilliput.
- Click Instagrammable pictures with the backdrop of the rocks and a gorgeous sunset.
- Visit a famous café like 📍Eva’s or one that I prefer a bit more 📍Morgan’s Place by the Sea or the artsy café 📍Artjuna
- Eat at 📍Purple Martini or at 📍Pisco by the Beach
- Go street-shopping or visit the Anjuna flea market on Wednesday
Where to stay near Anjuna Beach
If you don’t mind splurging, stay at📍The Westin. If not, stay at one of the many hostels, homestays or mid-range hotels near Chapel Road or Market Road, Anjuna. Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Vagator
Location:
North Goa, north of Anjuna and Ozran Beach and South of Chapora River, Near Chapora Fort
Suitable for:
Couples, solo travellers
Why is it one of the best Goan beaches?
Vagator is famous for its spectacular backdrop of the Chapora fort, clean water, soft golden-hued sand and a picturesque view of the sunset.
Vagator Beach information
- Soft golden sand, few rocks and shallow, clean water
- Few shacks
- Not too crowded during the day, fills up a bit around sunset
- Offers one of the best sunset views.
- Ideal for some relaxed beachtime, football on the beach, watersport activities during the day.
- Pre-pandemic, Vagator beach was also famous for its rave parties.
- It attracts a few foreigners but majority of the crowd is still Indian.
- Lots of two-wheeler parking available outside the beach. Not enough parking outside for four-wheelers.
Vagator beach – nearby area
- The famous Chapora fort is located behind Vagator Beach
- The more deserted Ozran beach known for its Shiva Rock is situated at the southern end of Vagator
- Few street shops outside the beach and plenty more enroute the top of Chapora fort
- Lots of lovely eateries, bakeries, hostels and mid-range hotels around.
Key things to do in Vagator
- Visit the beach watch the sunset.
- Click Instagrammable pictures with the backdrop of the Chapora Fort.
- Try out watersports during the day.
- Visit the less visited part of the beach – the Dream Beach further
- Attend a rave party (if taking place around the time you visit)
- Visit the Chapora Fort.
- Shop from a nearby street shops.
- Eat to your heart’s content – Breakfast at 📍Jaws Bakery, Fish Thali for Lunch at 📍Vinayak’s or fancy Greek lunch at📍Thalassa, healthy vegan meals at 📍Bean Me Up or sumptuous meals at a street side stall.
- Attend the Saturday Night Bazaar at the Vagator clifftop.
Where to stay near Vagator Beach
Stay at one of the many properties on Vagator Beach Road or Ozran Beach Road or splurge at W Goa. Check out the best-rated accommodations
Morjim
Location:
North Goa, north of Chapora, separated from the touristy beaches by the Chapora River, South of Mandrem Beach.
Suitable for:
Couples, foreigners
Why is it one of the best Goan beaches?
Morjim is the most scenic beach in North Goa thanks to its white sand, palm trees and crystal clear water.
Morjim Beach information
- Soft white sand, flat surface, moderately high waves
- Moderate number of shacks
- Never really crowded
- Plenty of sunbeds
- Nesting center of Olive Ridley turtles
- Ideal for relaxing under the sun, spending some time in the company of the nature, watching turtles in the evening
- It attracts a plenty of Russian and Israeli foreigners.
- Enough parking at the entrance
Morjim beach – nearby area
- The nearby area is quiet and peaceful just like the beach.
- There are a few famous restaurants and bars in this area that are worth visiting
- Plenty of mid-range stay options available in this area
- Many artistically done cottages and boutiques that are excellent for foreigners
Key things to do in Morjim
- Go for long walks in the morning or evenings
- Spend lazy afternoons on a sunbed
- Check out the Olive Ridley Nesting site and watch for turtles roaming freely on the beach around sunset
- Visit famous restaurants like 📍Tomato’s or 📍Jardin D’Ulysse for musical evenings
- Attend in-house parties at beachfront resorts
- Shop from a nearby boutique.
Where to stay near Morjim Beach
Morjim Beach is surrounded with some of the most tastefullydone cottages and resorts. Pick one that meets your aesthetic but make sure it’s close to the beach. Check out the best-rated accommodations
Mandrem
Location:
North Goa, north of Morjim and Ashwem, South of Arambol in Pernem district
Suitable for:
Couples, Foreigners, slow travellers
Why is it one of the best beaches in North Goa?
Mandrem is one of the most deserted and clean beaches in North Goa.
Mandrem Beach information
- Clean white sand, flat surface, surf-friendly high waves
- Few shacks
- Never really crowded
- A few sunbeds
- Good beach for beginner surfing lessons
- This is also a turtle nesting area.
- Ideal for relaxing under the sun, spending some time in the company of the nature away from crowds
- It mostly attracts foreigners.
- The best way to reach Mandrem is by crossing a river. Park outside on the main road subject to availability. Two-wheelers will find a few parking spots nearby.
- Ashvem beach merges into Mandrem beach and there is no clear land distinction between the two beaches.
Mandrem beach – nearby area
- The nearby area is peaceful just like the beach.
- There are a few famous restaurants and bars in this area that are worth visiting. A few have closed during the pandemic though.
- Stay options are mostly cottages, beach huts and guesthouses. You will also find accommodation in yoga retreats.
- There are a few surf schools in Mandrem too.
Key things to do in Mandrem
- Go for long walks in the morning or evenings
- Carry your own towel and relax under the sun
- Watch the tiny Olive Ridley turtles along the coast
- Visit small restaurants and cafés along the main road outside the beach. The famous 📍Artjuna also has a cute café here that’s less crowded and a must-visit.
- Attend a yoga retreat or a yoga class. Check out the 📍Jamboree creek at Ashvem.
Where to stay near Mandrem Beach
Mandrem Beach is surrounded with some of the best cottages and guesthouses. Most have mid-range price tag and are suitable for foreigners, couples wanting to escape the crowds or for families looking for a more relaxed beach outing. Pick one that meets your style and budget but make sure it’s close to the beach. Check out the best-rated accommodations
Morjim vs. Mandrem:
Which one to choose from the two most scenic beaches in North Goa?
Since both Morjim and Mandrem are scenic and relatively less crowded, here is a quick help table to help you make a choice
| Choose Morjim | Choose Mandrem |
| If you want a wider choice shacks and beachside restaurants | If you want fewer shacks and more scenic beauty |
| If you want to be closer to the touristy side of Goa | If you want to be closer to the hippie Arambol side of Goa |
| Check Morjim accommodation here | Check Mandrem accommodation here |
Arambol
Location:
North Goa, north of Mandrem and Ashwem, South of Querim in Pernem district
Suitable for:
Foreigners, those who like vibey but less crowded beaches
Why is it one of the best beaches in Goa?
Arambol is one of the northernmost beaches in Goa – thus it is less frequented by tourists (especially Indian or foreigners on a short visit) and clean. Arambol beach also has its own vibe thanks to the long term foreigners who stay here, the beach market and the drum circles.
Arambol Beach information
- Clean whitish golden sand, flat surface, surf-friendly high waves
- Plenty of shacks serving excellent local and global food and drinks.
- Moderately crowded
- Plenty of sunbeds
- Good beach for beginner surfing lessons
- Very scenic with a mountain next to it. Colourful building dotting the mountain add to the beauty.
- Home to an evening foreigner bazaar and drum circle.
- Ideal for relaxing under the sun, people-watching, chilling in a shack by the beach, shopping or enjoying musical evenings.
- It attracts a lot of foreigners and culturally diverse people
- Enough parking outside the main entrance
Arambol beach – nearby area
- There is a sweet water lake near Kalacha Beach – a small beach to the North of Arambol. The lake is safe to swim in.
- There are quite a few restaurants and cafés nearby. Many of these Arambol cafés and restaurants cater to the taste of foreigners. Some are even run by longer-staying foreigners.
- Probably the most number of guesthouses in any area are in Arambol. Hotels are mostly budget or mid-range properties.
- There are a few surf schools in Arambol.
- Arambol is also home to unique experiences like mudbaths, reiki centers, ‘spiritual’ healers and music academies.
Key things to do in Arambol
- Spend time on the beach. The beach has a unique vibe with people from different cultures coming together. Some will be playing sports, some doing yoga, some strumming the guitar. Arambol is an excellent beach for people watching
- Spend time on a sunbed. Most sunbeds will have a nominal fee attached. But you can spend the whole day there.
- Eat delicious food at a beach shack. For Indians, try 📍Maitree, many people also love 📍Laughing Buddha
- Visit small restaurants and cafés in Arambol Village. A few gems are 📍La Muella (vegetarian, lesser known place) or the famous 📍Garden of Dreams (vegan), 📍Rock Lobster Lounge & Bar (seafood)
- Attend a yoga retreat or a yoga class.
- Swim at the sweet water lake north of Arambol
- Get a mudbath
- Attend drum circle evenings at the beach
- Shop at the bazaar that sits on the beach in the evening
Where to stay near Arambol Beach
Many of the Arambol beachside shacks have accommodation facilities right behind the restaurant or on upper levels. The accommodation is fairly affordable and great for those that like to stay on the beach. If you want to spend time in the village experiencing the hippie side of Arambol, you can choose from the many guesthouses near Arambol. Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Best beaches in South Goa
Okay, before we jump to specific beaches. Let me get it out of the way – South Goa beaches are super dull compared to North Goa beaches.
But they are full of natural beauty, have a lot more local Goan feel to them. If you like less busy tourist places, you will instantly love the beaches down South.
Majorda
Location:
South Goa, north of Betalbatim and Colva and Ashwem, South of Uttorda. About 30 minutes away from the airport.
Suitable for:
Couples, slow travellers
Why is it one of the best beaches in South Goa?
Majorda is one of the least crowded beaches in Goa. Its beach is very photogenic and clean with very few shacks and commercial outlets.
Majorda Beach information
- Soft golden sand, flat surface, wide beach, moderate depth of water
- Very few shacks
- Never really crowded
- Lots of empty unoccupied space
- Good beach for beginner surfing lessons
- Ideal for relaxing under the sun, watersport activities, walking, swimming
- It attracts a mix of Indian and foreign tourists.
- Park outside on the main road entrance. Parking is usually easy to find as the beach hardly gets crowded.
Majorda beach – nearby area
- The nearby area is peaceful just like the beach.
- There are a few luxury resorts in this area.
- The restaurants inside the luxury resorts are the most popular. There are very few local restaurants and shacks in the nearby area.
- Plenty of beautiful local churches around.
- Car and bike rentals can be found outside the resort property.
- Betalbatim beach, next to Majorda, is known to glow at night.
Key things to do in Majorda
- Go for long walks on the beach in the morning or evenings
- Carry your own towel and relax under the sun
- Enjoy watersport activities from the few vendors on the beach
- Eat a beachside shack. Most are in a small central area on the beach. But the one towards the southern end 📍Antonio’s serves excellent seafood.
- Indulge in football, cricket, volleyball or some other sport on the beach
- Visit small restaurants and cafés in the nearby area.
- Visit the nearby Betalbatim Beach and Uttorda beach. Both are equally quiet but have a slightly different vibe.
- Book a staycation at the luxury property📍Alila Diva
Where to stay near Majorda Beach
Majorda Beach is surrounded with some exotic properties and cottages. Check out the best-rated accommodations
Colva
Location:
South Goa, south of Majorda and Betalbatim and north of Sernabatim and Benaulim. About 30 mins away from Madgaon.
Suitable for:
Family travellers, first-time visitors to Goa
Why is Colva one of the best beaches in Goa?
Colva is one of the busiest beaches in South Goa but it is still much less crowded than touristy North Goan beaches. There are plenty of local shacks serving excellent food here. The beach is also great for watersports, beach sports and casual walks.
Colva Beach information
- Soft golden sand, flat surface, not too deep.
- Plenty of beach shacks
- Quite crowded compared to other South Goan beaches
- Good beach for family time, watersport activities, beach sports, swimming and eating at beachside shacks
- It mostly attracts Indian tourists
- Parking available near the beach but can get full on weekends and around sunset.
- Many food and ice cream carts located near the entrance as well.
Colva beach – nearby area
- The nearby area has a plenty of mid-range and high-end hotels.
- The famous restaurants are mostly on the beach but there are also quite a few local shacks in the nearby area.
- The nearby area has supermarkets, pharmacies, grocery stores and ATMs.
- The Sernabatim to the south of Colva is much quieter.
- Car and bike rentals can be found outside most resort properties. Booking a tourist cab or commute to the airport or railway station is also easily possible due to the touristy nature of Colva.
Key things to do in Colva
- Go for long walks on the beach in the morning or evenings
- Enjoy watersport activities from the vendors on the beach (usually there is a lot of rush and the prices are higher than other South Goan beaches)
- Eat a beachside shack. I can’t recommend a particular one. Most deliver comparable service and the menus are also similar.
- Indulge in football, cricket, volleyball or some other sport on the beach.
- Visit nearby restaurants. The one that my husband particularly loves is 📍Mickey’s near Betalbatim. It serves delicious, fresh seafood.
- Visit the nearby Sernabatim Beach for a quieter vibe. Also check out the neighbouring Betalbatim beach. It is known to glow at night.
- Book sightseeing tours from Colva. The location is ideal for visiting most places in South, Central and offbeat Goa.
Where to stay near Colva Beach
Colva Beach is surrounded with resorts and hotels catering to various budgets. Book one on the Colva Beach Road for quicker access to the beach. Check out the best-rated accommodations
Benaulim
Location:
South Goa, south of Colva and North of Varca and Cavelossim. About 20 mins away from Madgaon station and about 45 mins away from the airport.
Suitable for:
Family travellers
Why is Benaulim one of the best beaches in South Goa?
Benaulim beach is a beautiful, clean beach with some really great shacks. It has a lovely family vibe. The beach is suitable for watersports, casual walks and watching the sunset.
Benaulim Beach information
- Soft golden white sand,fairly flat, moderately shallow water
- Moderate number of good beach shacks
- Moderately crowded. Less crowded than Colva, more crowded than other South Goan beaches
- Excellent beach for family time, watersport activities, beach sports, swimming, and eating at beachside shacks.
- It attracts Indian and older foreign tourists
- Parking is available at the beach entrance, especially for two-wheelers. But it can quickly fill up around sunset.
- A few good restaurants are located at the entrance.
- Many resorts have a shortcut access opening right at the beach.
Benaulim beach – nearby area
- The nearby area has a plenty of hotels, resorts and guest houses that cater to all budgets. A few heritage properties are also found here. The area is also famous for its timesharing resort properties.
- The shacks on the beach are famous. But there are also a few really good shacks and restaurants on the road leading to the beach.
- The nearby area has supermarkets, pharmacies, grocery stores and ATMs.
- Car and bike rentals can be found outside most resort properties. Booking a tourist cab or commute to the airport or railway station is also easily possible due to the presence of many properties in this area.
Key things to do in Benaulim
- Go for long walks on the beach in the morning or evenings
- Enjoy watersport activities from the vendors on the beach (a bit cheaper than Colva beach)
- Eat a beachside shack. 📍Roger’s serves delicious food, ideal for proper meals or even for finger food during swim breaks.
- Try out the seafood at 📍Johncy’s or the delicious wood-fired pizza at 📍Goodfellas.
- Have breakfast at the local favourite – German bakery.
- Visit the local church.
- Stay at some of the prettiest beachside properties like 📍Azaya or 📍Taj Exotica.
- Book sightseeing tours from Benaulim. The location is ideal for visiting most places in South, Central and offbeat Goa.
Where to stay near Benaulim Beach
Benaulim has a wide range of properties in the mid to high budget range. Stay at a property close to the beach or on Benaulim Beach Road. Check out the best-rated accommodations
Read my detailed post on Benaulim with best things to do and places to eat here
Colva vs. Benaulim:
Which one to choose from the two most popular beaches in South Goa?
Since both Colva and Benaulim are both popular South Goa beaches, here is a quick help table to help you make a choice
| Choose Colva | Choose Benaulim |
| If you don’t mind slightly higher number of tourists, especially Indian | If you prefer slightly fewer tourists or prefer an area with a mix of Indian and foreign tourists |
| Check Colva accommodation here | Check Benaulim accommodation here |
Cavelossim
Location:
South Goa, south of Benaulim and Varca and North of Mobor and Betul . Near Sal River.
Suitable for:
Couple or luxury travellers
Why is Cavelossim one of the best beaches in South Goa?
Cavelossim beach is one of the cleanest golden white sand beach in Goa. It is very photogenic and suitable for travellers who want to escape the crowds.
Cavelossim Beach information
- Soft golden white sand,completely flat, wide beach, moderately high waves, few trees.
- The Sal river meets the Cavelossim beach at the end.
- Few beach shacks near the entrance.
- Never really crowded
- Excellent beach for watersports, snorkeling and diving.
- It attracts Indian and older foreign tourists
- Not much parking available at the entrance. Two-wheelers may find a few parking spots though.
- The area a few meters away from the entrance is always empty.
- Many luxury resorts line the coastline near Cavelossim.
Cavelossim beach – nearby area
- The nearby area has a plenty of and resorts. Most hotels are in the mid to high range.
- Many famous restaurants in the area around Cavelossim offering river view and delectable local cuisine.
- Many restaurants inside luxury hotels and timesharing hotels are also famous, especially for family travellers.
- Boat rides, bird-watching rides are easily available in the nearby Sal river.
- The nearby beaches Mobor and Betul are also very beautiful. The lighthouse at Betul is an excellent but lesser known tourist spot.
- Car and bike rentals can be found outside most resort properties. Booking a tourist cab or commute to the airport or railway station is also easily possible due to the presence of many properties in this area.
Key things to do in Cavelossim
- Go for long walks on the beach in the morning or evenings
- Enjoy watersport activities from the vendors on the beach
- Go snorkeling or diving. Dolphin watching tours are also available.
- Eat at a beachside shack. 📍Seaway’s Beach Shack serves delicious food.
- Spend some time on the sunbeds near the entrance or bring your own towel and lie in one of the less crowded areas of the beach.
- Eat at one of the many famous seafood restaurants around like 📍Fishermen’s Wharf or 📍Seaway’s Beach or 📍Mike’s Place. Try out a local seafood thali at one of the riverfront restaurants.
- Visit the Betul lighthouse.
- Go on a boat ride in the river. Go early morning for bird watching.
Where to stay near Cavelossim Beach
Stay at a luxury beachside property like 📍The Leela or 📍Novotel or a property that suits your budget near the beach. Check out the best-rated accommodations
Agonda
Location:
South Goa, south of Cavelossim, Mobor and Betul, North of Palolem, and Varca and North of Mobor and Betul.
Suitable for:
Couple travellers, backpackers who need absolutely peace and quiet
Why is Agonda one of the best Goa beaches?
Agonda is the quietest and the cleanest beach in Goa. It is the best beach for a relaxed vacation. The clear blue water, the attractive rocks in the water, the wide shoreline and the tiny turtles together provide a rejuvenating treat for nature-lovers.
Agonda Beach information
- Soft golden sand,fairly flat, wide beach, deep waters with currents around the mid-water rocks.
- Many beach cottages on the beach that also have an in-house restaurant.
- Not many sunbeds. Most sunbeds are right outside the cottages allowing a wide beach area.
- Excellent beach for kayaking trips.
- It attracts Indian and foreign tourists
- Limited parking near the entrance.
Agonda beach – nearby area
- Most of the activity at Agonda takes place on the beach and the nearby area is quiet.
- Many restaurants and beach cottages on the beach.
- Few local shops selling clothes, jewellery etc. outside the beach.
- A scenic backwater area behind the beach.
- A rock formation photography point at the southern end of the beach
- Many small beaches like Butterfly beach, honeymoon beach and cola beach are located nearby and can be reached by boat.
Key things to do in Agonda
- Spend your whole day on the beach. It’s always fairly deserted and clean.
- Go kayaking from the beach. You can go for a rock-viewing tour to appreciate the many rocks in the waters here.
- Spot Olive Ridley baby turtles on the beach.
- Go on a boat trip to the nearby beaches, otherwise not easily accessible like Butterfly beach, honeymoon beach and Cola beach.
- Eat at a beachside shack. Most beachside shack are comparable. The vibe at📍Snoopy’s is beautiful, especially in the evenings.
- Shop at the few shops outside the beach.
- Take a trip to Palolem – the bigger beach to the south of Agonda.
Where to stay near Agonda Beach
Agonda has the best beachside cottages in all of Goa. The only other beach that offers comparable beach facing accommodation is Arambol to the extreme north. But in South Goa, staying at a beach cottage like Agonda Cottages or Ramas can be an extremely relaxing experience. Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Palolem
Location:
Extreme South of Goa, south of Agonda, North of Patnem and Talpona.
Suitable for:
Solo travellers, couples, foreigners and those looking for scenic beauty.
Why is Palolem one of the best beaches in South Goa?
Palolem is one of the most scenic beaches in South Goa. There are plenty of things to do on and around the beach like kayaking, boat trips in the backwater, eagle feeding etc.
Palolem Beach information
- Soft golden sand,fairly flat, wide beach, gradually sloping beach with moderately high waves, ideal for swimming.
- The water is ideal for kayaking, paddling, SUP and surfing.
- Quite a few sunbeds on the beach
- Many beach huts with in-house beachfacing restaurants on the beach
- No watersports allowed here.
- It attracts a large number of foreigners as well as a few Indians
- Sufficient parking available near the main entrance
Palolem beach – nearby area
- Many hostels, budget accommodation options available in the nearby area.
- Some of the best cafés (including vegan cafés and work cafés) and restaurants situated in this area.
- Few local shops selling clothes, jewellery etc. near the beach.
- A scenic backwater area behind the beach.
- A famous shark-like rock on one end of the beach.
- Many small beaches like Butterfly beach, honeymoon beach and cola beach are located nearby and can be reached by boat.
- A few yoga classes also available in the nearby area that particularly attract foreigners.
Key things to do in Palolem
- Spend your whole day on the beach. It has a unique busy but peaceful vibe.
- Go kayaking or paddling. Book an affordable kayak or paddle from the beach.
- Walk till the shark rock on one end.
- Go on a boat trip to the nearby beaches, otherwise not easily accessible like Butterfly beach and honeymoon beach
- Eat at a beachside shack. The best shack is 📍Ciarans.
- Shop at the few shops outside the beach.
- Visit a few nearby cafés. The one that I loved a lot was 📍Kopi Desa. Also try out a few restaurants away from the beach. A favourite is 📍Avocado Garden.
- Attend yoga classes or spend time at a yoga retreat.
- Visit the more deserted but stunning beaches down south – Patnem, Talpona and Galgibaga right at the Karnataka border. Galgibaga is also a turtle nesting beach.
Where to stay near Palolem Beach
If you’re on a budget, there are a few really great hostels in Palolem that you can find on Hostelworld. If you want to stay on the beach, stay at one of the tastefully done beach cottages. Check out the best-rated accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best beaches in Goa
Which part of Goa has the best beaches?
The areas that are not too touristy have the most beautiful beaches in Goa. Thus beaches in Pernem district in North Goa like Morjim, Ashvem, Mandrem and Arambol are the best while the ones in the extreme southern region of Goa like Agonda and Palolem are also exceptionally scenic.
Which is the cleanest beach in Goa?
Agonda, Cavelossim and Majorda in South Goa are the cleanest while Morjim, Ashvem and Mandrem in North Goa are the cleanest beaches in Goa amongst those that allow an easy access to tourists.
Which beach is very famous in Goa?
Baga and Calangute are amongst the most famous beaches in Goa. In the South, Colva and Benaulim are also quite famous. Which beach has white sand in Goa?
Morjim beach in North Goa is a stunning white sand beach. Palolem beach in the South is also a white sand beach. Both these beaches attract quite a few foreign tourists.
Travelling to Goa soon? Read more articles:
- Epic guide on the 46 best things to do in Goa – read article
- Where to stay in Goa? 17 Best areas + accommodation options – read article
- An Ultimate 5 day Goa trip plan – read article
- Best places to visit in North Goa in 3 days – read article
- 12 Solid tips to visit Goa on a budget – read article
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TOP TRAVEL RESOURCES
Here is a list of our favorite travel resources- the ones that I absolutely swear by when planning almost every trip. Go through this list to plan a hassle-free trip and save a lot of money!
Flight Booking: Check the availability of tickets, the best time to fly, and the cheapest fares on Skyscanner.
Accommodation: I absolutely love booking through Agoda. In most countries and particularly in Asia, I often find the best fares on Agoda. But I also love the no prepayment and no cancellation fee policy of Booking.com. For cheap accommodations and hostels, nothing beats Hostelworld.
Car Rentals: DiscoverCars is the best car rental aggregator. Sure, it doesn’t service all regions but the ones where you get multiple Discovercar options – you just don’t have to look for another vendor. It’s hassle-free and reliable.
Guided Tours: I absolutely love GetYourGuide for local sightseeing tours, walking tours, history tours, and food tours. The booking process is seamless, and the tours are super affordable. But in Asian countries, I prefer Viator or Klook for their affordably priced tours.
Lounge Access: Get Priority Pass – my personal favorite card that gives me unlimited access to premium airport lounges all over the world
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