10 Best Beaches You Cannot Miss When In Goa

Palolem is a crescent beach lined with palm trees and bright beach huts. It is renowned for its peaceful waters and few tourists. The natural scenery and serene environment make it an ideal location for relaxing activities such as kayaking and dolphin spotting. The soft waves make it ideal for beginners who would like to give water sports a try. There are also a few beach shacks serving tasty Goan food and cooling beverages. During sunset, Palolem's happening nightlife sets in, with beach parties and silent discos attracting young people.

One of the most popular beaches in Goa, Baga is a large tourist attraction in North Goa, with thousands of tourists visiting the beach every day. Famous for its beach-side shacks and the huge Baga market outside, it is the perfect destination for foodies and shoppers. Baga Beach offers a plethora of activities including water sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides. Clubs like Tito’s and Café Mambo draw crowds from all over the world and parties go on till early morning. It is a great beach to explore with your friends.

It is one of the few beaches in North Goa that is not heavily commercialized. Also known as the ‘Russian Beach’ due to a largely foreign crowd, Morjim is the perfect place if you are looking for some peace. The entire coastline is very clean and the visitors can enjoy sunbathing or take a dip in the water. One can explore the serene landscapes around the beach or enjoy a laid-back beach shack. The beach is also a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles, making it an important ecological site.

Stretching from Fort Aguada all the way to Calangute, Candolim Beach is another best beach in Goa, popular for its clear waters and sandy beaches. Water sports such as jet-skiing and parasailing are abundant in number. While the beach does not have a nightlife like Baga, you can still find bars with live music in a more relaxed setting. Candolim Beach strikes a balance between relaxation and activity, making it one of the best beaches in Goa for families and couples.

Another popular beach in Goa, Calangute is also known as the ‘Queen of the Beaches’ for its clear, golden sand and unmatched sunset views. Being centrally located, the atmosphere here is always bustling. If you want to try the local cuisine, especially the seafood, the beachside shacks are the best option. Calangute has an active nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs offering live music and dance parties after a day at the beach. It is located just adjacent to the Candolim Beach.

If South Goa beaches are on your travel list, you cannot leave out Colva. Located just a few kilometers from Madgaon city, Colva is the perfect retreat from the chaos of the city. You enjoy leisurely walks along the shoreline or relax under the shade of palm trees, with pristine white sands stretching over 2.4 kilometers. Colva has a more laid-back nightlife compared to North Goa and is usually preferred by tourists who want a quieter experience. There are a lot of quaint cafes, bars, and shacks around Colva where you can end your day with beautiful sunset views.

Another underrated South Goa beach, Benaulim, is easily one of the best in Goa. Located about 30 kilometers south of Panaji, it offers a quieter alternative to some of the more crowded beaches in Goa. The clear white waters are perfect for a dip. Nearby attractions like Trinity Beach, Sernabatim Beach, and the Church of St John the Baptist are perfect for biking. Not as popular as Colva or Cabo, the beach is usually empty on weekdays and gives the experience of a private beach.

Vagator is a picturesque beach overlooking the Chapora Fort in North Goa. It is very popular among tourists and foreigners who want a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. The dramatic red cliffs behind the beach provide stunning views over the Arabian Sea. The white sand is the clearest in the area. If you want to experience adventurous activities like paragliding or surfing, this is the best beach, as the winds here are strong. Visitors can also explore the nearby Chapora fort, made popular by the Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai. 

Known for its bohemian vibes and laid-back Goan lifestyle, Anjuna is a blend of culture and modernity. Soft white sands, swaying palms, and a rocky shoreline make it a wonderful place to spend a day along the coastline. There are great varieties of beach-side shacks for seafood and coffee. With numerous clubs around the town, Anjuna is famous for its vibrant nightlife, which includes late-night trance parties and music performances. Experience a magical sunset on the shore or wander around the Anjuna flea market, collecting souvenirs for your home. 

One of the northernmost beaches in Goa, Arambol is relatively less explored as it is far away from popular beaches like Baga and Calangute. It has a long, golden coastline with crystal-clear waters and pink evening skies. While Arambol is not known for its party scenes, you can find cozy cafes and bars with live music and good food. There are sweet-water lakes and jungle treks to explore, as well as paragliding activities for enthusiasts. Arambol is like a hidden treasure and one of the best beaches in Goa. 

Conclusion

Each beach in Goa is unique and reflects the state's natural and cultural diversity. Some of the beaches are favorite spots of solo travelers, while others are ideal for family vacations. Right from happening parties at Baga & Anjuna to peaceful getaways at Palolem & Morjim, every beach is picturesque and offers the best scenic views at any time of the day. The ideal time to visit these destinations is immediately after monsoon when the weather is pleasant and crowds are minimal. So if you are a partygoer or are seeking some peaceful solitude by the sea, this guide has the best beaches in Goa, from north to south.