There is as much to do in your itinerary list of life as one can have. But spending a night with sun, surf, and sand at Goa beaches remains a ‘must-do’ by all means. Whether you’re a local or a foreign traveler stepping into India for the first time, Goa is a place that shouldn’t be missed if you’re a beach lover. The beaches here are many, and each of them is a pristine jewel in itself catering to the distinct taste of different travelers. Here is a list of some of the best beaches among many to explore while in Goa.
List of Beaches in Goa
1. Varca Beach
Varca beach lies very closer to Benaulim beach in the southern part of Goa. With mesmerizing nature, a lot of suns, shady palms, and the sounds of waves you can unwind from the stress. Varca beach is one of the most popular beaches in Southern Goa.
About
Varca beach is ideal for sunbathing and fishing. If you want more fun hire a ferry to explore some dolphins in the seawater. Watching the sunset from the shores of the sea is a real feast for the eyes. Get to know more about fishermen and their traditional lifestyle at Varca beach.
Resorts
Accommodation is not a problem at Varca beach. You can get budget hotels at Annapurna hotel, and Resort De Goa. The luxurious hotels offer private beach shores with more comfort.
Club Mahindra: A classic luxurious hotel with maximum comforts. During the season the rate is Rs.9000 for a superior room and Rs.4500 during the off-season.
Plan your trip to avoid disappointment. If you plan to visit Varca during December or January then the booking is a must before you start.
How to Reach
- By Air: Get down at Dabolim airport and drive 25 km by taxi to reach Varca beach.
- By Train: Get down at Panaji and take a link train to Madgaon. Varca is 12 km from Madgaon, the nearest railway station.
- By Bus: Madgaon bus stand is the nearest bus stop from Varca.
2. Vagator Beach
Never miss the opportunity of viewing the beach from the Chapora Fort which was built by the Portuguese 500 years. You will be left spellbound to see the breathtaking view of the seashore with a lot of coconut palms. Since it is the gateway to many other beaches of Goa it is frequently visited by tourists.
About
Vagator beach is located on the northern side of Goa. Two freshwater springs are found here. One is at North Vagator beach and the other is at Ozrant. This beach is the most sought beach for tourists because of the landscape and scenery. If you have more time, then explore the Chapora village nearby to know more about the local people.
Resorts
You cannot find more resorts at Vagator. Only a few guesthouses and rooms are accessible from Vagator beach.
Sterling Beach Resort: Located very near Vagator beach. This hotel has 30 furnished rooms and is a perfect holidaying spot.
A lot of water sports activities are available for moderate rates. If you prefer luxurious star hotels then head on to the Calangute area for getting more options.
How to Reach
- By Air: From Dabolim take a prepaid taxi and travel 22 km to reach Vagator.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Karmali, which is 11 km from Panaji.
- By Road: Mapusa bus stand is 9 km from Vagator. From Mapusa lot of buses goes to Panaji and the neighborhood places.
3. Palolem Beach
Palolem beach is noted for its hut houses. Each season you can prefer to stay in the bamboo hut staying in proximity to the beach and sand. The hut houses are available in the normal budget range to luxurious en-suite huts. Explore the beach by taking a cruise to watch dolphins swaying to the tunes of seawater.
About
Sky-high coconut palms line the Palolem beach which brings a cool breeze and shade for you to relax. Have a thrill at the freshwater stream if you travel to the northern end of Palolem beach. A variety of water sports activities is offered for a reasonable cost. Palolem is also called ‘Paradise Beach’ because of its picturesque scenery and secluded atmosphere.
Resorts
A range of hotels is accessible from Palolem beach starting from budget comfort to five-star luxuries.
Palolem Guest House: It is located just in front of the beach, and made of simple bamboo and wood. You have a lot of options to choose from moderate to luxurious range.
Chattai Resort: This hotel is made of simple straw mats but produces a comfortable warm atmosphere at an average cost.
Oceanic Resort: A simple hotel run by a family provides all the necessary comforts. You can reach the beach in just 5 minute’s walk.
How to Reach
- By Air: Goa’s international airport, Dabolim is 67 km from Palolem. Go for a prepaid taxi or else you will lose more money.
- By Train: Canacona railway station is 3 km from Palolem beach. This station is well connected to the neighboring states of India.
- By Bus: Margao is 40 km from Palolem. Several local buses ply from Margao to Palolem.
4. Miramar Beach
The village of Miramar has located 3 km from Panaji. It is the nearest beach from Panaji where the River Mandovi joins the Arabian Sea forming an estuary. A huge collection of palm trees are spotted at Miramar. Invest a lot of time in the shades of palms with your family and loved ones.
About
Miramar beach is well known for shady trees and migratory birds. During winter the entire beach area is flooded with more than 500 different species of birds from all over the world. It stretches for 2 km and is ideal for having a walk during the sunset touching the soft white sand and hearing the rhythm of waves.
Resorts
Hotel Mandovi: Perfectly placed on the banks of the River Mandovi providing a great view of the river. Cozy and luxurious rooms are available with a bar facility.
Goa Marriott: This resort offers spectacular views of the sunset and offers a real Goan experience. It is a five-star hotel with a variety of comforts.
How to Reach
- By Air: Get down at Dabolim and travel 28 km to reach Miramar beach.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is 13 km from Miramar.
- By Bus: From Kadamba bus terminus Miramar is just 3 km. You can have a lot of link buses from Kadamba to go to Panaji.
5. Majorda Beach
Majorda beach is full of virgin white sands still waiting to be explored. This place in Goa is famous for bakery items. It is believed that Jesuits had taken the sap from the coconut palms for making delicious bakery products.
About
The Beach of Majorda is made of white sands, occasional palm trees, swaying waves, and bustling sun. Majorda beach is a secluded spot where you can indulge in reading your favorite book without any interruption. Have a long walk with your loved ones along the seashore. Explore more about Mother Nature by listening to the sounds of waves.
Resorts
A lot of accommodation is available at Majorda, ranging from small rooms for Rs.600 to luxurious penthouses and suites.
Palm View Inn: Decent resort is available at Majorda for a moderate rate with all necessary amenities in a clean atmosphere.
Beach Resort: Five-star hotels with luxurious spacious rooms, a big conference hall, a clean swimming pool, and a big dining hall that offers multi-cuisine delicacies.
How to Reach
- By Air: It is only 19 km from Dabolim airport. You can pick up a taxi or bus to reach Majorda beach.
- By Train: The nearest station is Madgaon station; from there hire a taxi to reach Majorda.
6. Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula beach is also known as “Lovers Paradise”. Two rivers Mandovi and Zuari meet at the isolated beach of Dona Paula. It is believed that the daughter of the former Viceroy had an affair with a fisherman and both of them sacrificed their life for the sake of love from the cliff at Dona Paula. Pay a visit to the bird sanctuary which is 9 km from Dona Paula if you are a bird lover.
About
If you prefer isolation and a secluded atmosphere Dona Paula is the best choice for you. This beach is not visited frequently by tourists. The white sands, the orange sun, the bluish-green waters, and an isolated place all will take you to heaven. Apart from sunbathing, you have a lot of options like motorizing, parasailing, skiing, and windsurfing. Your thirst for food is always taken care of by the nearby eateries.
Resorts
Instead of popular hotels, you can opt to stay at independent houses available for rent at Dona Paula.
O’ Pescador: Famous resort situated in the center point of North and South beaches. It offers a luxurious room attached to a sun terrace to watch the morning sky.
Dona Paula beach resort: Yet another two-star hotel with a moderate rate at Dona Paula.
How to Reach
- By Air: Dona Paula can be reached by bus or taxi from Goa’s Airport.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Karmali from where you can get link trains to reach Panaji and Goa.
- By Road: From Panaji which is 7 km from Dona Paula, you can avail of a lot of bus transport.
7. Colva Beach
Colva Beach is the longest beach among the available beaches in Goa. Stretching over 20 km it is the most popular tourist destination for foreigners. Colva is a small fishing village situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea. If you are planning to visit Colva in October, take a look at the feast and fairly held at the Church of Colva.
About
The climate of Goa is ideal for tourists to enjoy. Being one of the world’s longest beach still many parts of its white sand remains unexplored. Though it has gained popularity over the recent years still Colva beach has miles of virgin territory that have never been touched by humans. Laze around the seashore hearing the sounds of the waves or take a ferry to have a thrill ride through splashing waves.
Resorts
You have a lot of choices to pick but make sure you book the cottage in advance if you are planning to visit between October to March.
Baywatch Resort: It is an elegant hotel housing luxurious and comfortable rooms offering multi-cuisine lunch and dinner.
Colva Condos: This hotel is well within your pocket still offering basic amenities in a pleasant atmosphere.
How to Reach
- By Air: Dabolim, the international airport is 70 km away from Colva. You can hire a taxi or auto to reach Colva.
- By Train: Get down at Madgaon railway station taking a local train from Panaji, the capital city. From Margao take a bus or taxi to reach Colva (8 km).
8. Chapora Beach
Being a remote beach, Chapora is not frequented by many tourists. The fully grown coconut palms, splashing waves of the sea, and warm sun rays will completely rejuvenate you with enough quantity of fresh energy. Fishing is the main occupation in the village of Chapora. You can watch the life of fishermen here who is daily betting his life for running their families.
About
The seawater becomes emerald green disturbed by the sun’s shine and it turns yellowish orange during sunset. You can have your own time watching peacefully the sunset and dawn. Talk a walk to visit the Portuguese Fort which stands there for over 500 years. The climate remains consistent in this region throughout the year. However, in December to February have light woolen clothes in your bag.
Resorts
Since this beach is yet to be explored by tourists, you cannot find many hotels if you prefer to stay at Chapora. However, you can find many in the nearby area of Calangute.
Casa de Olga: It is a family-run restaurant at an affordable price.
Sheraton Villa: These are economy hotels suited for a short stay.
How to Reach
- By Air: Get down at Dabolim, the Airport at Goa, and take a taxi to reach Chapora.
- By Road: Within India, a lot of buses are available to reach Panaji. From there take a taxi or local bus to reach Chapora.
9. Cavelossim Beach
The beach capital of India, Goa has the largest number of beaches and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Goa is the Cavelossim beach. At Cavelossim beach you can spot black lava rocks in many places. The sand and the water are unspoiled and left clear and clean. You can relax in the atmosphere filled with blue water, the sun, and the cool breeze. Visiting Cavelossim beach can rejuvenate you and your family with energy.
About
The beautiful Cavelossim beach lies between the Sal River and the Arabian Sea. You would bet your life on viewing the sunset on a cruise on the beach of Cavelossim. It is a great experience to watch the dazzling Sal River running behind you amid palm trees. Alternatively, you can go on a dolphin trip with your children. A lot of shops can satisfy gastrointestinal needs.
Resorts
Dona Sylvia Beach Resort: This 5-star hotel is situated in the serene atmosphere of Cavelossim beach and it offers Ayurvedic spa treatment which would completely recoup you. A lot of packages and discounts are available in the off-season.
Leela Goa: Yet another 5-star hotel offering you complete luxury. The resort is spread over huge 75 acres offering all the amenities for your ultimate satisfaction.
How to Reach
- By Air: Cavelossim is 35 km from the International Goa Airport.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Karmali which is 11 km from Panaji.
- By Road: Bus facility is available from Madgaon near Panaji. Get down at the Panaji Bus stand and take a taxi to reach Cavelossim.
10. Candolim Beach
Candolim beach stretches along a massive 7 km coastal line to explore and have fun. It houses the famous Fort of Aguada, built during the 16th century by the Portuguese. You can have a breathtaking view of the beach from this fort. A lot of fun-filled activities await you at Candolim village.
About
This beautiful beach in northern Goa is the platform to explore more beaches in this coastal city. Swim across the sea, take a boat to explore, or take a warm sunbath on the golden sands. A lot of water sports are available for your family. Along the vast 7 km stretches still many places are left untraced by humans. Candolim beach is less popular than Calangute and hence you can find tranquility at this place.
Resorts
Starting from budget hotels to luxurious suites lot of options are available at Candolim.
Hotel Casa Candolim: Boutique resort in Goa with a homely atmosphere and rich food.
Lui Beach Resort: Situated in a calm atmosphere surrounded by palm trees and a lush garden.
Whispering Palms: Yet another luxurious resort at Candolim built in Portuguese style.
How to Reach
- By Air: Candolim has situated 45 km from Dabolim, the international airport of Goa.
- By Train: Candolim has located 14 km from the Panaji Bus stand. Take a local bus to reach Candolim.
