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Whether you want to party like there’s no tomorrow, build a beautiful sandcastle, stroll along the shores of an isolated beach, or simply sip on cold mocktails while you sunbathe, Goa is where your mind instantly goes to. Although Goa may be one of the smallest states in India, it is packed with more beaches (which are all equally gorgeous) than any other coastal region in the country. No matter what your idea of a perfect holiday destination is, this coastal state will never fail your expectations and amaze you to no end.
The beaches in Goa all have got something unique to offer and choosing the ones that you want to visit can be a tough decision. But don’t worry, we got your back! We’re sure that you’ll have the time of your life with our picks of the best beaches in Goa that you must visit.
Sandwiched between the mighty Arabian Sea and the Sal River, Cavelossim Beach is perfect for those who enjoy wandering across the sandy shores of the Arabian Sea and enjoy trying out different types of watersport activities. Away from the chaotic city life, this romantic hideaway is known for its vibrant nightlife and dolphin rides. Set against the background of lush green paddy fields, this beach offers you a chance to experience the raw natural beauty of Goa.
The contrasting landscape comprising the sturdy black rocks strewn across the gleaming white sands enhances the overall beauty of the beach. Dotted with several shacks, eateries, and marketplaces, Cavelossim Beach keeps you entertained throughout the day. This beach town also houses several magnificent churches because of which it has been dubbed the ‘Abode of Holy Places’. While vacationing at Cavelossim Beach, don’t forget to pay a visit to Cabo de Rama, the Leela Spa, and the Church of Cavelossim which are some of the main attractions of this town.
Also read: Goa Travel Guide.
The Palolem Beach is a gem of South Goa which is famed for its stunning blue waters and upbeat party atmosphere. Located in Canacona, this mile-long beach offers some of the quirkiest staying options to vacationers. The locals of Goa set up some temporary, yet charming coco huts on the Palolem Beachside every year so that the vacationers have the option of spending the night at this wonderful beach.
Although these huts don’t offer the luxurious amenities offered by most of the hotels and homestays in Goa, they do offer you unlimited access to the beach at any point of time during the day as well as at night. The locals set up some comfy lounge chairs near your hut so that you can laze around in the sun and relax to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Apart from that, Palolem Beach is also well known for its silent discos. Maintaining the tranquility of the beach on one hand and offering the youth a chance to party like crazy on the other hand, these silent discos have been an instant hit amongst the vacationers. If that wasn’t enough, this beach is also filled with some of the finest restaurants of Goa that let you relish the authentic Goan dishes against the backdrop of the gorgeous sea.
Also read: Luxury Hotels In Goa.
You cannot plan a beach vacation in Goa and miss out on spending time at the ‘Queen of Beaches’, i.e., Calangute Beach. Appealing to all sorts of thrill-seekers, party animals, as well as nature enthusiasts, Calangute is naturally one of the most popular beaches in Goa. The tall coconut trees, dense palm groves, and foamy waves enhance the beauty of the shoreline. People can lazily lounge in the sands or the lounge chairs and enjoy some drop-dead gorgeous sunsets and sunrises from here.
Undeniably, Calangute Beach is one of the most happening and lively beaches in Goa. Lined with some vibrant markets, you can find several interesting things like quality booze, junk jewelry, colorful beachwear, pawn items, trinkets, etc., here. After spending a beautiful day on the beach, you can create some unforgettable memories with your friends by partying like there’s no tomorrow at places like the Café Mambo, Club Ivy, Club Tito’s, etc. From pubs, nightclubs, serene shorelines, mouth-watering food, and great marketplaces, Calangute Beach ensures that you have one of the best beach holidays of your life.
Also read: Fun Things To Do In Goa During Monsoon.
While some vacationers prefer partying on a beach, others prefer lying on the cool sand under a starry night and stare at the waves lapping up against the shores. Known for being one of the cleanest beaches of Goa, Varca Beach will certainly leave you mesmerized with its 12 km long stretch of white sands and crystal blue oceanic waters. Not to mention the black lava rocks that adorn the shoreline and the lush green woodlands that surround the beaches.
While some parts of the beach are safe for swimming, other parts let you enjoy adventure activities such as banana boat rides, motorboat riding, parasailing, and whatnot. You’ll realize the true meaning of calm and peace while you laze around on the white sands of this beach. The coastline of Varca is dotted with several luxury villas, resorts, and hotels that ensure that you enjoy a top-notch holiday in Goa.
The beach shacks that are located around the beach cook up some delicious native dishes for the vacationers. If de-stressing in the hugs of nature is what you need, don’t look any further, straight-away head to Varca Beach!
Also read: Experiencing Goa During New Year.
Captivating the attention of those travelers who are on the lookout for the hippest vibes in Goa, Anjuna Beach is a small slice of heaven located in the northern part of Goa. Known for its trance music parties, wildest rave parties, trendy nightclubs, and live music venues, the atmosphere at the Anjuna Beach is simply electrifying. A great blend of ravishing natural beauty, vibrancy, and liveliness of North Goa, Anjuna Beach provides you with a chance to plan an adventurous holiday with your buddies.
The water sports available here will certainly get your heart pumping. Set aside some time to go snorkeling, parasailing, jet-skiing, bungee jumping, and banana boat riding while you are at Anjuna. The stunning scenery consisting of white sand, emerald blue waters, and a few rocky surfaces here and there make Anjuna a photographer’s haven. Apart from that, Anjuna is also popular for its Wednesday Flea Market which is filled with local and foreign vendors selling everything from handicrafts, bags, to funky jewelry, tattoos, and clothes.
Also read: Authentic Food Hideouts In Goa.
Home to the local fisher-folk of Goa, Galgibaga is among relatively unexplored beaches in Goa. As this location isn’t a mainstream tourist attraction, it never had to bear the negative effects that accompany the waves of commercialization. The glistening golden sand, the crystal-clear ocean water, and the cool sea breeze make any day perfect for strolling across the shoreline and picking up some lovely seashells.
What sets this beach apart from the other beaches in Goa is the fact that it is visited by the Olive-Ridley Sea Turtles during the winters. Also known as the ‘Turtle Beach’, Galgibaga Beach lets you observe these delightful creatures in an intimate setting without having to battle your way through the throngs of tourists. Pack your bags and enjoy a beautiful picnic at Galgibaga Beach if you want to get away from the tourist crowd in Goa.
Don’t forget that this beach does not have any shacks or eateries. This means that you’ll have to pack adequate food and drinking water when you set out to spend a lovely day at this gorgeous location.
Also read: Best Cafes In Goa.
Arambol Beach used to be a quaint fishing village that was untouched by the mainstream tourist crowd. However, the location has recently become massively popular and is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. Let your spirits run free and enjoy a backpacking trip across the stunning shoreline of Arambol Beach.
Known to be the paradise of those who value spirituality and self-care, Arambol Beach has offered numerous activities that help you rejuvenate yourself. Not only can you laze around on the beach, but you can also learn tai-chi, listen to the soothing sounds of the waves ad immerse yourself in guided meditation, partake in relaxing yoga sessions, rejuvenate your mind with reiki classes or even dance in circles to the rhythmic drum beats at night.
The Indian Juggling Convention and the Tribal Dance Festival are two of the most culturally significant events that are organized at Arambol Beach. Apart from that, Arambol Beach is one of the only beaches (apart from Agonda Beach) where the surfing scene has suddenly exploded. You can now choose to attend surfing lessons and rent out surfboards at Arambol Beach.
Also read: Best Restaurants And Cafes With Live Music In Goa.
Saving the best for the last, Butterfly Beach is hidden away in one of the remotest corners of Goa. This secluded location can be reached only by the sea route. All you have to do is catch a ferry from Palolem or Agonda Beach and enjoy the sea-breeze and the view of the endless ocean till the time you reach Butterfly Beach. Not only do you get to experience the much-needed solitude here, but this pristine beach also offers you a chance to interact with the diverse aquatic life.
If you’re lucky, you might spot some joyful dolphins while you are on your way to this beach. Once you are there, you can dive into the ocean and go snorkeling. After witnessing numerous sea dwellers like goldfish, redfish, sea urchins, etc., you can enjoy a peaceful day with the view of millions of colorful butterflies fluttering around the semi-circular beach. Because of how secluded and bewitchingly beautiful this location is, Butterfly Beach is particularly popular amongst young couples and honeymooners.
Also read: Best Hostels In Goa.
Which Part Of Goa Has The Best Beaches?
If you wish to immerse yourself in the raw natural beauty of Goa and experience calm and peacefulness, you should head to South Goa. Adorned with several untouched, rustic, and remote beaches, South Goa offers you a chance to unwind and spend some relaxing time without having to worry about the tourist crowd. Butterfly Beach, Palolem Beach, and Varca Beach are some of the most popular beaches of South Goa.
Which Is The Cleanest Beach In Goa?
The following are some of the cleanest beaches in Goa.
Which Beach Is Only For Foreigners In Goa?
Although the state or the country hasn’t legally restricted the entry of Indians to any of the beaches in Goa, the locals of Goa often don’t allow Indians in certain parts of Anjuna Beach.
How Many Days Are Enough For Goa?
You can certainly experience the true essence of Goa in 2-3 days. Spend your mornings sunbathing or enjoying watersports at one of the ravishing beaches, explore the ancient forts and the churches in the afternoon, go on a shopping spree at the flea markets in the evening, and party like there is no tomorrow in the night.
What Should I Wear In Goa?
You can choose to wear any of the following items while you are in Goa.
Which Is The Best Location To Stay In Goa?
Here are some of the best neighborhoods of Goa that will make your holiday peaceful and unforgettable.
Can We Sleep On The Beach In Goa?
Legally speaking, you can spend as much time as you want on the beaches of Goa as there’s no closing time. This means that you can spend the night or sleep on one of the beaches of Goa. However, do make sure that the beach where you plan to spend the night is not too isolated or unsafe. Beaches like Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute tend to be crowded throughout the night which means that it is relatively safer to sleep on the beaches.
Where Can I Enjoy The Nightlife In Goa?
Here are some of the best nightclubs of Goa where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife of this coastal destination to its fullest.
