Beaches of South Goa

The beaches in south Goa extend from Vasco da Gama and Bogmalo to Palolem Beach. The stretch includes Bogmalo, Velsao, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Betul, Canaguinim, Agonda and Palolem.

Colva
Colva is by far the most popular of South Goa beaches, famous for its white sands and is to South Goa what Calangute is to the North Goa. For those who like to be where the action is Colva is the place in South Goa, with lots of resorts, shops and activity. For those who prefer more tranquil surroundings, there are smaller places to stay at within 20 minutes walking distance on either side of Colva. There are a number of restaurants on either side of the road leading up to the beach and the numerous shacks on the beach provide less variety but equally good quality of food. Colva is only a 20 minute ride by bus from the town of Margao.

Bogmalo
Bogmalo beach is only eight kms from Vasco and four km from the airport at Dabolim. The small beach became famous when the Oberoi Group decided to put up a 5 star hotel here. There are a few shacks on the beach next to the village.

Benaulim
According to legend as described in the Skanda Purana, Vishnu, in his sixth incarnation as Parsurama shot an arrow to mark the limit where Samudra, the Indian Neptune should withdraw. Defeated, Samudra receded when the arrow fell in Bannali (Bann: arrow, ali: village). This is how the village of Banali got its name. It was later corrupted by the Portuguese to Benaulim. Banaulim lies 2 kms away from Colva Beach.

Palolem
Palolem, 2 km west of Chaudi, is one of Goa's most idyllic beaches. It has a crescent shaped bay lined with swaying coconut palms hemmed by a pair of rocky crags. The white sand beach in an arc is picture perfect.

Beaches of North Goa

The coastline of North Goa starts from Fort Aguada and extend up to Arambol making it a 30 km stretch of beautiful beaches. The beaches starting from Fort Aguada are: Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora, Morjim and Arambol.

Calangute
Calangute, a 45-minute bus ride up the coast from Panaji, is Goa's busiest resort. A haven for hippies in the 70's and 80's, it is now frequented by domestic travelers while the overseas traveller prefers the adjacent Baga beach. Calangute has moved away from a time when there were makeshift shacks and quaint lodging places with an old-world charm, to being an over-crowded beach with accommodation cheek by jowl boasting air-conditioned rooms, swimming pools and lush lawns. Several small hotels have sprung up behind the row of coconut trees along the main road that runs from the bustling central market square to nearby Baga.

Candolim & Sinquerim
At the southern most end of Calangute beach is Candolim. Once a quiet haven, with gentle white sandy beaches, tourism has spread its net here but the budget traveler will find that the accommodation is pricier here as compared to Calangute and Baga. What is visible are holiday resorts, speed boats, jet skis and all the accompanying paraphernalia to keep the tourist occupied.

Baga
Lying in the lee of a rocky, wooded headland 10 km west of Mapusa, Baga is now an extension of Calangute and a much sought after destination for package tourists. The Northern end of the beach has varied scenery. A small river flows into the sea at the top of the village from where a dirt track leads through paddy fields towards Anjuna. The old red-tiled fishermen's houses are now surrounded by bars, restaurants, handicraft shops and guest houses. Baga is a more picturesque place than Calangute. With plenty of restaurants and beach shacks, it is ideal for a combination of relaxed holidays and merry-making. There are an increasing number of beach bars that often tend to play blaring techno music.

Anjuna
Across the hilltop from Baga is the secluded rocky Anjuna beach, the favourite hippie haven of the 70's. Now the most notable feature here is the Wednesday flea market that operates in the shade of palm trees behind the beach. The Chapora Fort is close by. However, Anjuna is still frequented by a wide assortment of a fascinating mix of humanity including the ex hippies, artists and writers who find its ambience fascinating still.

Vagator
A couple of kilometres further north is Vagator. The beach here, known as Big Vagator beach is a wide sandy beach, behind which is a quiet village, a few old Portuguese bungalows, village guest houses, and little else. The little Vagator beach, 10 minutes walk away, has several shacks and is largely preferred by the budget traveler who spends considerable time at Goa. Accommodation here is restricted to basic village guest houses.

Pernem and the Far North
Goa's northern most district of Pernem lies between the Chapora and Arondem rivers and is one of the least visited regions. Pernem's coastline of long sandy beaches, lagoons and coconut plantations has few settlements for visitors. The fishing village of Arambol attracts a trickle of backpackers seeking a sylvan refuge from the resorts south of the River Chapora. North from Arambol, the Terekhol Fort on the Maharashtrian border can be a change from the usual days spent at the beach.

Arambol
Arambol is a quiet fishing village a few kilometres inland from the main Calangute road across the river crossing at Siolim. There is a church and a few shops on the main road from where a side road leads to the village, which has stores with basic amenities and a travel agency to change money. Further up North lies the beach, with some bays and freshwater pools. The nearby cliffs are popular for paragliding.