Looking for the best beaches in Goa to add to your itinerary? Not sure if you should spend more time on Butterfly Beach or Orzan Beach?
Don’t worry, we have you covered! Goa is home to over 50 beaches and it is not possible to cover them all on a single trip. There are a few beaches that are good for partying while a few have a peaceful vibe and will be perfect for a honeymoon trip.
With this guide, we will help you find the top beaches in Goa to make your holiday amazing and memorable here.
My Favorite Beaches in North Goa
Querim Beach
One of the hidden gems of Goa, Querim Beach in North Goa is the perfect escape from a hectic life. Also known as Keri Beach, it has pleasant and undisturbed scenery and there is also a hidden cave here which makes it a paradise for explorers.
Keri Beach is one of the quietest beaches in North Goa which is great for lazing around on the sand. However, since the waves are rough, it is not recommended for swimming.
What to Do Here: Paragliding and Sunbathing.
Why Should You Visit: If you are looking for a quiet beach to spend some time on, then you should visit Querim Beach.
Mandrem Beach
Known for its unspoiled white sand and gorgeous sunsets, Mandrem is Surrounded by palm trees with several bamboo bridges to cross the creek, this beach offers a romantic setting to all couples.
You can laze and spend an afternoon here, take a romantic walk with your partner, or participate in a yoga class. There are several beach shacks available here that serve delicious food and drinks to enjoy as you watch the sun slowly set and get submerged in the ocean.
What to Do Here: Yoga, Sunsets, and Walks.
Why Should You Visit: This is a great place to spend a romantic evening with your loved one.
Arambol Beach
Earlier known as being a fishing village, Arambol Beach has become one of the best beaches in Goa for bachelors and has been turned into a backpacker’s paradise. Travelers can relax on the beach while enjoying the ocean views or hang out in one of the cool cafés as they enjoy their workation.
There are lots of unique and fun things to do at Arambol such as learning yoga, practicing tai chi, indulging in guided meditation, enjoying the drum music, and so on. If you wish to learn surfing, then this is a great beach to do that and you will find a couple of surf schools to enroll in.
This beach offers a hippie vibe and is close to a cliff so there are several hiking options available as well. One can hike and reach the Arambol Sweet Water Lake or the top of Arambol Mountain to enjoy the ocean views.
What to Do Here: Surfing, Hiking, Yoga, Live Music, and Meditation.
Why Should You Visit: If you are looking to meet other backpackers on your trip or want to go on a few hikes, then Arambol Beach is the perfect choice for you.
Siridao Beach
If you are someone like me who loves to collect shells and oddities from the beach, then Siridao Beach is the perfect destination for you. This is a peaceful beach that offers the best sunsets to the visitors and is great for just sitting and watching the calm movement of the waves.
You can also go to the Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth that is located on the top of the nearby hill or explore the mysterious caves that are a part of this beach.
What to Do Here: Beach Combing
Why Should You Visit: Siridao Beach is great for exploring caves and enjoying the natural beauty of Goa.
Ashvem Beach
Located next to Morjim Beach, Ashvem Beach is another great beach to explore in Goa. This is one of the best bikini beaches in Goa as you will find more foreigners here who don’t care what you wear.
One of the most noteworthy things about this beach is that it is also the home to the famous Olive Ridley Sea Turtles who tend to nest here in a particular season. You can watch the tiny turtles make their way to the ocean but be careful to not disturb them.
If you want to spend time on a white, exotic beach that is less crowded, then this is the perfect beach for you. You will also notice the cashew plantation and can watch the locals fishing in the area. Later, you can enjoy seafood at one of the beach shacks or exquisite restaurants at this beach.
What to Do Here: Swimming, Shopping, and Watching Olive Ridley Turtles.
Why Should You Visit: There are lots of amazing boutiques and markets here to shop at and you might also end up seeing Olive Ridley Turtles if you are lucky.
Morjim Beach
Morjim is known for more wild and natural scenery. Lined with beach huts and sunbeds, this beach is a great place to watch birds and animals in Goa. One can easily spend hours sighting the birds such as the kingfisher, sand plovers, cuckoos, and more.
That’s not all, this is a popular beach for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles who generally come here during the nesting season. Visitors are requested to be careful while visiting the beach and to not disturb the creatures found here.
Offering a serene environment, Morjim Beach is also home to some popular food joints such as the Burger Shack and is a great place for watching sunsets too. If you are lucky, you can even spot some dolphins from here.
What to Do Here: Bird watching, Dolphin watching, Sunset.
Why Should You Visit: If you love watching birds and animals, then you should plan a visit to this beach. You can even visit it during the Olive Ridley Turtle nesting period and watch the magic unfold.
Miramar Beach
Also known as the Golden Beach, Miramar Beach is one of the loveliest beaches in Goa that is famous for its palm groves. This beach offers a stunning view of the river Mandovi merging with the Arabian Sea and is great for experiencing a river cruise in Goa.
If you love the serenity and gorgeous sunset and sunrise views, then Miramar Beach is perfect for you. In terms of entertainment, you will find lots of casinos both onshore and offshore here.
What to Do Here: Jet Skiing, Water Skiing, Casinos, and Sunsets.
Why Should You Visit: Miramar Beach is a great place to experience the casinos in Goa and is one of the top places to watch a sunset in this state.
Chapora Beach
One of my personal favorites and the most secluded beach in North Goa is Chapora Beach. This beach is located next to the Chapora Fort and can be reached after a 10-minute hike from the fort.
Perfect for adventurous and nature lovers, this beach is not as crowded as Vagator Beach. Moreover, you won’t find any beach shack or restaurant here so do carry your snacks when visiting this beach.
What to Do Here: Wind Surfing
Why Should You Visit: If you are looking for a place to try windsurfing in North Goa, then this is the beach for you.
Vagator Beach
Vagator Beach is surrounded by red cliffs and is known for its rustic beauty and green scenery. Over the years, it has become quite popular and crowded and is currently another favorite beach of bachelors visiting goa.
Why so? Well, because there are many party places here such as Chronicle, Hill Top, 9Bar, and so on. The beach resembles a crescent moon and has something to offer all kinds of travelers including water sports, markets, local art scenes, nightlife, and more.
What to Do Here: Shopping, Water Activities, Nightlife, and Art.
Why Should You Visit: This is a great place to watch the sunset or enjoy adventurous activities such as paragliding, jet skiing, and more.
Ozran Beach
Ozran Beach is an extension of Vagator Beach and is known for its gorgeous shoreline. With amazing sunsets and fun activities to do here, Ozran is perfect for anyone who wants to escape the hustle-bustle of Vagator and Anjuna Beach.
Several beach shacks have sundecks from where the guests can enjoy the sunsets while eating and drinking delicious food. You will also find a rock sculpture of Shiva here that is a must-see when you visit.
What to Do Here: Swimming and Banana Boat Rides
Why Should You Visit: This is an awesome beach to watch a sunset in Goa and has a great coastline for enjoying a relaxing walk on the beach.
Anjuna Beach
Known as the hippie beach, Anjuna Beach is a classic that offers many amazing beachside shacks and cafés such as Curlies, Café Lilliput, Eva Café, etc. to enjoy. There is plenty of space on the beach to sunbathe or groove to the Bohemian live music playing within the restaurants.
It is one of the best beaches for nightlife and one can attend Bollywood or Trans Music nights every weekend here.
Apart from the food and clubbing, Anjuna Beach is also known for the Wednesday Anjuna Flea Market where you can buy a wide range of items at a reasonable price. From hippie clothes to wooden deity statutes, you will find it all in this market.
What to Do Here: Nightlife, Shopping, and Cafés.
Why Should You Visit: Make sure you visit Anjuna Beach on a Wednesday so that you can buy some Goan jewelry, clothing, etc. from the famous Flea Market.
Baga Beach
Baga is a popular beach in Goa that is lined with luxury resorts and beach cottages. Another great beach if you want to enjoy the nightlife, Baga has several nightclubs such as Tito’s, Mambos, etc., and holds many beach parties as well.
Apart from being the party hub of Goa, this beach is also popular due to the water sports such as parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boat ride, and so on. If you are looking for a happening beach to spend your days and nights, then Baga is IT for you!
What to Do Here: Nightlife and Water Sports.
Why Should You Visit: Baga Beach is the best place for partying in Goa and is home to beach shacks that serve the most authentic and delicious seafood.
Calangute Beach
Connected to the famous Baga Beach, Calangute Beach is known for its golden sand and is lined with beach shacks that offer delicious Goan cuisine and drinks.
If you love seafood, then you will find lots of good options at this beach. Moreover, the beach is near shops and clubs so, you have a lot to do around here.
What to Do Here: Shopping, Parasailing, Nightlife, and Restaurants.
Why Should You Visit: If you want to shop for Goan clothes, eat Goan food, and party in clubs, then Calangute is a great beach to visit.
Candolim Beach
A classic beach in Goa that is lined with beach shacks and cafés, Candolim Beach is where most tourists end up experiencing Goa. This is one of the best beaches in Goa for water sports and offers water activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boat rides, and more.
The unique thing about Candolim Beach is that it has natural dunes in the background which aren’t present on most other beaches of Goa. It is less crowded than Baga Beach but close enough to visit anytime you want. Candolim is perfect for anyone who wants a quiet time in the evening before heading to a party in Baga.
And one of the best things about this beach is that it is an amazing place to watch sunsets in Goa.
What to Do Here: Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Banana Boat Rides, and Sunsets.
Why Should You Visit: If you want a slightly different beach to explore, then the dunes of Candolim Beach are a great place to start.
Sinquerim Beach
Another one of the top beaches in Goa for water sports, Sinquerim Beach is beautiful with the golden sand and the Aguada Fort in the backdrop. You can even take the Dolphin Watching tour here and see dolphins near the Aguada Fort.
Apart from the water sports, the beach is lined with beach shacks that serve delicious Goan food. You can head to the Aguada Fort after spending time on this beach or indulging in the water activities here.
What to Do Here: Snorkeling, Dolphin Watching, Parasailing, and Banana Boat Ride.
Why Should You Visit: This is another good beach to try water sports.
Caranzalem Beach
Located at a distance of 4 km from Panjim, Caranzalem is a 3.5km-long beach that offers white sand and clear water for visitors to enjoy. Since this is not a popular touristy beach, it is more peaceful and you would find locals enjoying a picnic at the beach.
This is a safe beach for swimming as well and there are several water sports facilities available here to enjoy. If you are craving Goan food, then you will find good restaurants and shacks here serving authentic Goan food.
What to Do Here: Picnic and Water Sports
Why Should You Visit: If you are tired of the popular tourist beaches around Panjim, then you can come to Caranzalem and enjoy a quiet evening here.
Dona Paula Beach
One of the best beaches in Goa for honeymoon couples, Dona Paula Beach is located in the suburbs of Panjim and is also known as the ‘Lovers’ Paradise’.
This beach has a fascinating love story attached to it. According to the locals, Dona Paula was the daughter of a Portuguese viceroy and fell in love with a Goan fisherman. Her father forbade her to see the fisherman so, she jumped into the Arabian Sea.
The viceroy was devastated after this loss and named this area after her. Honestly, it is quite easy to fall in love with this beach. Palm trees are lining the beach that offers shade to the tourists and the calm seawater compliments the magical sunset that one can witness here.
What to Do Here: Kayaking, Parasailing, Water Skiing, Snorkeling, Windsurfing, Casinos, and Sunsets.
Why Should You Visit: There are many boutique and luxury beach resorts here and lots of water activities to keep the visitors entertained during their visit to Goa.
Bambolim Beach
One of my favorite beaches in Goa, Bambolim Beach is a secluded spot in Goa and is quite famous among the locals. This beach is great for planning a picnic with family and stays hidden from tourists.
You won’t find any beach shacks or food stalls here but can enjoy making sandcastles or watching the sunset. Don’t forget to carry snacks and drinks when you plan to visit this beach. There are a few luxury accommodations here that you can choose for your luxury Goa trip as well.
What to Do Here: Picnic
Why Should You Visit: If you want a tourist-devoid beach, then this is the beach for you.
My Favorite Beaches in South Goa
For those, who would be spending more time in South Goa, here are some beaches to explore.
Bogmalo Beach
Bogmalo Beach is at a distance of 5 km from the Dabolim Airport, making it one of the top beaches in Goa for entertainment. Earlier, this beach was a fishing hub but it has become a popular destination among families and backpackers.
This small beach offers a lot of fun adventure activities and is a great picnic spot as well. One can watch a magical sunset here. Some several restaurants and pubs come to life during the night.
What to Do Here: Nightlife, Water Sports, and Sunbathing.
Why Should You Visit: This beach is known for its amazing nightlife, sea cuisine restaurants, and bars.
Cansaulim Beach
A great place for picnics, Cansaulim Beach is a peaceful and scenic beach to visit in South Goa. Although it is not commercialized or crowded, the beach does offer several fun activities such as windsurfing, diving, fishing, parasailing, and so on.
There are a few luxury resorts here where one can stay to get access to the beaches and explore the Goan villages nearby. You have lots of markets for shopping and restaurants for trying Goan cuisine here too.
What to Do Here: Water Activities and Shopping
Why Should You Visit: If you are tired of visiting or staying at the popular beaches, then Cansaulim Beach with its natural beauty is a good choice.
Utorda Beach
Plan a visit to this gorgeous white sand beach with fringed palm trees that lies north of Majorda Beach. Utorda Beach is one of the top beaches in Goa for relaxing and sunbathing while taking in the ocean views.
You can also indulge in the Goan food that is available at the shacks, especially the seafood. This is one of the few unexplored beaches near Vasco Da Gama where you can enjoy your Goan vacation.
What to Do Here: Swimming and Sunbathing
Why Should You Visit: This is the perfect beach to relax and sunbathe in South Goa.
Velsao Beach
Another beach that is close to Dabolim Airport, Velsao Beach is great for honeymoon couples as well due to its unparalleled scenic beauty. This beach is home to white sand, luxury accommodations, and gorgeous sunsets, making it an ideal beach for honeymoon couples to stay at.
Enjoy your stay at this beach and take in the lakes covered with lilies, seashore lined with starfish and seashells, coconut groves, and the gentle breeze of the Arabian Sea. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and romantic beaches that you can visit with your partner.
What to Do Here: Kayaking and Jet Skiing.
Why Should You Visit: This beach offers a romantic environment with lakes decked with lilies and colorful sunsets in the evening.
Majorda Beach
Situated north of Colva Beach, Majorda Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in South Goa. The beach offers an amazing selection of beach shacks and luxury accommodations where you will get delicious Goan food and cheap beer.
Since this beach is secluded with private beach access, it is also one of the best bikini beaches in Goa where you can sunbathe without worrying about people looking at you. That’s not all, this place also offers great nightlife and has adventure sports such as paragliding, skiing, and more.
What to Do Here: Paragliding, Water Skiing, and Nightlife.
Why Should You Visit: This beach is a foodie’s paradise and is the best place to try seafood, toddy, and local bakery items.
Reis Magos Beach
Another offbeat beach to visit in Goa, Reis Magos Beach is located in front of the Reis Magos Fort and is one of the least frequented beaches in Goa. Lined with palm trees and rocks, this is a quiet and peaceful beach to some time at.
There is not much to do or food options to explore here but if you are looking for a secluded beach to sit at and watch the ocean waves, then this one would be perfect.
What to Do Here: Strolling
Why Should You Visit: One of the very few beaches that are visited by tourists and are great for enjoying some quiet time in Goa.
Betalbatim Beach
One of the top beaches in Goa for swimming, Betalbatim Beach boasts golden sand and a stretch of palm trees to give a surreal look to the beach.
Since it is not on the tourist list, you can enjoy a quiet and laidback day here while enjoying fresh seafood at one of the shacks.
What to Do Here: Swimming
Why Should You Visit: One of the best things about this beach is that you might also encounter bioluminescent organisms here at night if you visit in a certain season.
Colva Beach
One of the most famous beaches to visit in Goa, Colva Beach is a top destination for Indian families. This beach in South Goa offers lots of aquatic adventure sports for the tourists to try including parasailing, banana boat rides, jet-skiing, and more.
Apart from that, this white sand beach has many established restaurants as well where you can treat yourself to an incredible meal while enjoying the ocean views. There are many beach shacks and pubs here as well which makes it one of the happening beaches in South Goa.
What to Do Here: Parasailing, Snorkeling, and Jet Skiing.
Why Should You Visit: You will find delicious seafood here so, if you wish to try the local cuisine, then this is a must-visit beach in Goa.
Varca Beach
Varca Beach is a picturesque beach that is best known for its calm blue water and wooden fishing boats. It is also one of the top beaches in Goa for water activities such as parasailing, windsurfing, banana boat rides, and more.
You will also find several food vendors lining up on the beach to serve tasty Goan cuisine and drinks. This beach is great for anyone who is looking to spend a quiet holiday with their friends or family.
What to Do Here: Parasailing, Wind Surfing, Jet Skiing, and Banana Boat Ride.
Why Should You Visit: This beach is a must-visit for anyone who wants to spend a peaceful holiday in Goa.
Benaulim Beach
If you are looking for a slightly less crowded alternative to Colva Beach, then you should explore Benaulim Beach in South Goa. This is a famous yet quiet beach that has a few beach shacks to satiate your hunger as you spend time on the beach.
This is another great beach for Indian families and has lots of water activities to offer tourists such as parasailing, banana boat rides, and more. One can easily spend a whole day just laying down on the beach while watching the ocean waves.
What to Do Here: Watersports
Why Should You Visit: This beach is great for spending some time with your family in Goa.
Fatrade Beach
One of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Goa, Fatrade Beach has white sand that makes it attractive to tourists. Located 6 km from Colva Beach, it is a peaceful beach where you can find the locals playing volleyball in the evening.
There are many shacks and restaurants present on this beach to enjoy delicious Goan cuisine while you watch a magical sunset here.
What to Do Here: Sunset
Why Should You Visit: Fatrade is a beautiful and peaceful beach to visit in South Goa for sunsets and great food.
Cabo de Rama Beach
A beautiful wild beach in South Goa, Cabo de Rama Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa that offers magical sunset views to visitors. The beach is at a distance of 2 km from the Cabo de Rama Fort and is a favorite place for picnic for Goans.
Palm groves stretch along the beach while blue-greenish water lends it a charming vibe. Due to its remoteness, the beach is quite secluded and is great for couples and adventure seekers.
What to Do Here: Sunset and Hiking
Why Should You Visit: This is a remote and beautiful beach that is great for enjoying a quiet vacation in Goa.
Cola Beach
If you are looking for a secluded and offbeat beach to explore in Goa, then you can check out Cola Beach in South Goa. This is one of the private beaches in Goa with an idyllic setting and offers a lot to the visitors.
For water sports lovers in South Goa, Cola beach is the place to be. There is a small lagoon nearby where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and more. The entire scenery here looks straight out of a fairytale and would be a pleasant change from the other beaches in Goa.
What to Do Here: Cola lagoon, Swimming, and Kayaking.
Why Should You Visit: This is one of the few beaches to have a clear lagoon where you can swim or indulge in water activities while enjoying the ocean views.
Agonda Beach
Located north of Palolem Beach, this South Goan beach is slightly secluded and the surrounding natural scenery further adds to its beauty.
It is less crowded than Palolem Beach or other popular beaches in North Goa and is great for sunbathing and swimming.
Furthermore, this beach is great for budding surfers and has many surf schools where one can learn how to surf expertly. You could even learn bodyboarding on this beach. If you are lucky, you might even witness Olive Ridley Sea Turtles nesting on this beach.
What to Do Here: Surfing, Hiking, Relaxing, and Sunbathing
Why Should You Visit: This is a great beach to experience a serene vacation or learn how to surf in Goa.
Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to visitors. Popular among the locals and foreign tourists, Palolem Beach has a unique landscape that will leave you in awe every time.
Surrounded by rocks, the beach doesn’t experience fast currents and is the perfect beach for swimming in Goa. You will find lots of beach shacks and huts where one can enjoy a meal or even shop for local souvenirs to take home.
Apart from that, the beach offers several water activities as well, out of which kayaking is the best. If you love dancing, then you will love the silent disco parties held at Palolem every week where you groove to the music at night without causing noise pollution for others.
What to Do Here: Kayaking, Sunsets, Dolphin watching, Yoga classes, and Ayurvedic Therapies.
Why Should You Visit: This is the ideal beach for relaxing thanks to its numerous Ayurvedic centers and yoga classes.
Patnem Beach
A quieter alternative to the famous Palolem Beach, Patnem Beach is one of the best private beaches in Goa. Set between two cliffs, this beach is perfect for relaxation but isn’t far from major sights and the lively nightlife of Palolem.
Perfect for a shoreline walk as you gaze at the ocean for a long time, Patnam Beach is a quiet haven in South Goa. It is a 10-minute walk from Palolem and is the perfect blend of accessible and detached.
What to Do Here: Seafood
Why Should You Visit: For travelers who are looking for a quiet and peaceful vacation in Goa, Patnem is the perfect fit.
Summary
Goa is filled with amazing beaches and this guide only touches the tip of the iceberg. I hope that now you can include some kickass beaches in your Goa itinerary to make the most of your time here.
Remember, if you are looking to party, then North Goa beaches will offer you more options. But if you want a relaxing vacation, then South Goa beaches would be the better choice for you.
Did you like our list? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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