Explore this list of some of my favorite beaches in Goa for the peace-loving traveler, some a little off the beaten path.
The beaches of Goa are like the curves of a woman’s body – sensuous, warm, inviting.
Goa’s beaches are speckled with coconut-thatched beach shacks that serve ice-cold beer and spicy Goan cuisine. It is easy to find cheap accommodation in a beach resort or hotel very close to the beach in Goa.
This list of the best beaches in Goa includes some of my all-time favorite beaches. You won’t find any of the more popular, overcrowded beaches here – like Colva and Calangute beach – that are done to death in every Goa travel guide or information brochure.
Table of Contents
10 Best Beaches in Goa for Peace-Loving Travelers
These are the best beaches to visit in Goa for tourists looking for peace and relaxation, some a little off the beaten path.
#1. Candolim Beach
Candolim is the birthplace of Abbe Faria, a Goan Freedom Fighter and the Father of Hypnotism. When we stay at Candolim, we usually book one of the rent-back apartments a stone’s throw away from the beach.
You can hire a beach umbrella, sample the excellent local cuisine in the beach shacks that dot the beach, and sun yourself in solitude. This Goa beach is very popular with package tourists but still not too crowded to be enjoyable.
#2. Sinquerim Beach
Sinquerim Beach has clean, white sand, and is close to the historic Fort Aguada, the early 17th-century Portuguese fort built by the Portuguese to control the entry into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack.
You can take a long walk from Sinquerim Beach to Candolim Beach, which continues all the way north to Baga.
#3. Baga Beach
Baga Beach used to be a small fishing beach with a grove of shady palms close to the water’s edge. It is really an extension of Calangute Beach.
A few buses come to the beach’s edge, but none after dark. It’s a long walk to the Calangute taxi stand from the beach, so if you plan to stay after sundown, make sure you have your own transport.
Unlike Calangute, which is crowded, steep, and marred by dangerous undercurrents, the beach at Baga is flat, safe for swimming, and has clean, white sand. A little creek joins the sea between the beach sands and a hill that houses the Retreat House.
Although not among the famous “nude” beaches of Goa, Baga is still quite popular with topless sunbathers who strip off to catch some sun, while the locals gawk. You can engage in action of a different kind if you like water sports and fishing.
After dark, night-time revelers frequent Tito’s – one of the more lively watering holes of Goa’s nightlife. Baga has a Saturday night flea market where you can shop for colorful Kashmiri handlooms and other artifacts all along the road to the beach.
#4. Bambolim Beach
Bambolim Beach is a small, clean, largely peaceful beach, in a shaded spot before the mouth of the river Zuari. The entrance to the beach is easily missed and lies along the hill between Goa Medical College and Goa University.
The road goes down to the Hyatt Beach Resort from where you can make your way to the beach. The beach is carpeted with broken mother-of-pearl and other shells, which makes it a haven for shell collectors.
Thick coconut groves line the beach and provide shade and privacy. It’s the perfect beach for a quiet, cozy picnic. You can enjoy lunch at the hotel restaurant, serenaded by one of the local singers or bands.
When you decide to head back home, take the road that goes through the beautiful Goa University all the way up to Dona Paula.
#5. Arambol Beach
Arambol Beach is near the traditional fishing village of Arambol and is an isolated stretch of beach known for its rocky and sandy terrain.
Until recently Arambol was a favourite Goa beach for hippies and its claim to fame was the wild parties it was host to. The main beach is relatively good for swimming. To the north are quiet bays where you can take long walks with starfish underfoot.
A hot spring near the main beach runs into a freshwater lake. Sporty types can enjoy activities like dolphin-watching boat trips and paragliding.
#6. Vagator Beach
A Goa Trance favorite, Vagator is one of the more beautiful white sand Goa beaches. To reach the beach, you have to walk down a steep cliff. The sea here is not safe for swimming, but during the tourist season, it has an active nightlife.
The south beach is fairly spread out and more secluded. A little further south of the main beach you’ll find the quieter Little Vagator or Ozran beach with a freshwater pool.
You can also visit the nearby Chapora Fort. Accommodation is not always easy to find because there are few hotels here.
#7. Benaulim Beach
My strongest memory of Benaulim is that of being bitten by a stray dog when I was 12. But I also remember all of us – the entire family – feasting on a delicious meal of shellfish we dug out in bucket-loads from the sand.
Benaulim Beach is more peaceful and serene than Colva and still not overrun by domestic tourists. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa.
Known in Sanskrit as Banali, it was changed to Benaulim by the Portuguese. The main attractions on this beach are the dolphin cruises. The Church of St. John the Baptist on the hill is a wonderful example of Goan Christian architecture.
With the first drops of the Indian monsoon, the village breaks into a celebration of thanksgiving for the Feast of São João.
#8. Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach, situated in the Canacona district, also known as “Paradise Beach,” was among the virgin beaches of Goa. It’s a fishing beach popular for its dolphin cruises and fishing trips.
There are many little resorts along Palolem beach with bamboo huts on stilts. The accommodation is spartan, but at less than $10 per day, it’s mostly targeted at backpackers and budget tourists.
At the northern end of the beach is a tiny island in the middle of a freshwater stream that can be reached by swimming across at low tide. You can laze in a hammock and sip your beer while enjoying the delicious fresh catch brought in by the fishermen.
#9. Agonda Beach
Agonda Beach is a virgin stretch of beach twelve kilometers from Palolem. It is very popular with backpackers and is one of the best beaches in Goa for foreigners.
Agonda is sometimes frequented by day picnickers. The waters are crystal clear and it’s easy to see the bottom of the shore while swimming. Watch out for the sharp barnacles if you climb any rocks.
It’s not difficult to get accommodation with plenty of reasonably priced homestays and beach cottages here.
If you’re staying at Palolem, you can drive down to Agonda for the day. The more adventurous can rent a bicycle in Palolem village and cycle cross-country to Agonda beach.
Besides the usual dolphin-watching trip, you can also take a day trip to Butterfly Beach and Honeymoon Beach, two secret beaches between Palolem and Agonda that can only be reached by boat.
Also read: Destination Agonda Beach: A Backpackers Paradise In Goa
#10. Cavelossim-Mobor Beach
Cavelossim Beach is a small stretch of beach 11 kilometers south of Colva Beach. South of Cavelossim Beach is Mobor Beach, which boasts five-star resorts like the Leela Beach Resort.
Both beaches are not very crowded and there aren’t too many beach shacks here. Mobor has a fishing village with a small lagoon near the mouth of a river, and it’s fun to watch the seagulls that come to feast on the fish drying on the sand.
So which are your favorite beaches in Goa? Do share your own in the comments below.
Book a Goa beach tour:
- Goa Tours & Tickets
- Baga Beach Tours and Tickets
- Palolem Beach Tours and Tickets
- Candolim & Sinquerim Beaches Tours & Tickets
- North Goa Sightseeing: Beaches, Forts & Fun
This article was published in the Winter/Spring 2014 issue of Canadian World Traveller Magazine.
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Wow, what an amazing post. I am in my full swing mood and these videos took me deeper into it. Thanks for sharing this post.
I only knew of Goa as a beach area, but I didn’t realize just how many options there were there! All of them look amazing, though I will admit that the less crowded ones were much more appealing to me than the ones with music festivals and such. 🙂
Yes, I prefer the less crowded and more peaceful beaches too.
Each beach is so unique! And yet they all share the same beauty. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, they’re quite lovely, Cassie.
I didn’t know that Goa has so many beaches! Looks amazing and definitely like a place where I want to go! 🙂 The most I like Vagator Beach 😀
Whether you want to party or have a peaceful holiday, Goa has something for everyone.
Didn’t know there were so many different beaches in Goa. Makes it hard to choose if we ever visit. Definitely prefer the less touristy ones though. Thanks for sharing!
If you like parties, go to North Goa. If you like fewer tourists and more peace, stick to beaches in South Goa.
Goa looks like a place I would visit eventually. I have many friends visiting there. It is a popular destination for Russians. My friends who went told about beaches and party party party.
Yes, it is very popular with Russians, Alexander. There are even signs in Russian everywhere 🙂
Lovely post Priya. It just remembered me of my Goa vacation days. Agonda, Palolem, and Arambol are my all-time favorite while Candolim and Baga are close to heart. I miss India, and I miss Goa beaches. Thanks for the share.
Thanks, Shreya. My favourite beach is Agonda because it’s peaceful and there are not many party animals there.
Its been so long I have been to Goa! Your post just brought back all my beach memories.I see a lot of new names on the list, definitely gives me enough reason to plan a trip soon :).
I’m glad I could introduce you to a few beaches you’ve never heard of, Suman. 🙂
The photo of Baga Beach definitely makes it look quiet and inviting. The night market at Baga could be fun as well. Bambolin also looks very inviting and quiet. This would definitely be high on our list. All of the beaches sound awesome and makes me want to plan a beach vacay immediately!
Happy that it inspired you to travel, Christina.
Goa’s beaches are one of the best beaches coupled with natural beauty and shallow waters. Beach shacks which serves spicy Goan cuisine are truly a treat for those looking for local food.
Very true, George.
I’ve always heard such amazing things about the beaches in Goa but this post is especially great at showcasing them. I think I would love to visit and head to all of these beaches. The night market sounds interesting as well. Definitely going to add Goa to my list!
Goa is worth a visit at least once in a lifetime, if not more. Many expats even choose to make it their base.
This is great and awesome blog. Thanks for sharing a wonderful site. I really like this post.Hey, I am so glad to read your thoughts because I really enjoyed reading this. The way you explain your travel experience is truly awesome.
Thank you, Priya.