15 Best Beaches in Goa for Your Next Beach Holiday

Enchanting white sands, mouth-watering spicy sea-food, and the crashing waves, this is what makes Goa beaches so popular among tourists. While planning a trip to this coastal beauty, travelers are often unsure about how many beaches in Goa they should cover. Given the unique identity of the famous beaches in North and South Goa, it’s a task to prioritize.

Best Beaches in Goa

There are 35+ beaches in Goa. These beaches are spread across North & South Goa. It’s almost impossible to cover all these in one go. Besides, all of them are not popular and do not attract many tourists. We have made your task easy by creating this list of popular beaches. So, next time when you are planning a trip to Goa, follow our list and make your holiday a memorable one.

Popular Beaches in North Goa

1. Baga Beach

Not everyone goes to the beach to relax. When you are at Baga, you can party all day with the scenic emerald sand and azure waters as your backdrop. There are plenty of bars and clubs that dot the entire stretch. This is one of the best beaches in Goa for nightlife with Tito’s and Mambo’s cafe.

The popularity of Baga beach makes it an easy option for accommodation. All in one afternoon, you can grab a delicious seafood lunch at the shacks, stumble into a flea market and shop knick-knacks. Enjoy the evening sunset and feel the ocean breeze while speeding across the waves on a speedboat. Check hotels near Baga beach if you are planning to stay near the beach.

2. Calangute Beach

A long thin stretch of perfect sand and clear water in a thousand shades of blue make this one of Goa’s best beaches. It is just 15 km drive from Panaji and one of the largest beaches in north Goa. This is the best beach for watersports. With a plethora of water sports options like surfing, parasailing and water skiing, Calangute Beach is your go-to place for an adrenaline rush.

After taking a dip in the blue waters, head to the Kerkar art Complex to witness the endeavors of artists. You can also take a stroll within the open markets and purchase the local handmade products. While you are here enjoy an authentic Goan meal and live music at any of the beach shacks or head to Pousada by the Beach, Aggie’s Cafe and Souza Lobo Calangute for an amazing experience.

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3. Candolim Beach

Only 13 km drive from Panaji will export you to this stretch of white-sand beach and lapis lazuli water. While at Candolim Beach there is no dearth of activities and it’s enough to keep you busy from dusk till dawn. This 30 km long coastline begins from Fort Aguada and concludes at Chapora beach.

Try your hand at parasailing, catamaran sailing, jet-skiing, banana rides before sitting down to enjoy a barefoot lunch at Claudina’s Shack. Then hike to Aguada Fort to witness the historical landmark. With the setting sun head to Club LPK for a lively evening with your friends. While looking for accommodation, Candolim is one of the best places to stay in Goa.

4. Vagator Beach

Just 21 km drive away from Panaji, Vagator is undeniably one of the best beaches in Goa for honeymoon goers. The quiet and charming atmosphere will get you hooked onto this beach.

Set amidst steep rocky cliffs and lined by vast stretches of coconut trees, this white sand beach is a perfect contrast to the stunning blue of the sea. Vagator is one of the best beaches for foreigners and is slowly becoming popular among Indian tourists.

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5. Anjuna Beach

This beach is synonymous with peaceful sea-shore, delicious sea-food, good music and happening flea markets. This is the reason why it is considered one of the best places to relax and enjoy – a one-stop shop for all your plans. Grab a chair at one of the popular beach shacks and let the evening slip by.

The laid-back atmosphere and the bohemian vibe will surely make this experience an amazing one. On Wednesdays, don’t forget to check out the lively flea markets to fill up your travel trunk with souvenirs.

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6. Chapora Beach

Undeniably one of the most photographed beaches in Goa, Chapora is a rugged beauty. This is the only beach which has successfully retained its unique identity, even after the exponential increase in tourists every year.

The whitewashed sand beach with the contrasting black lava rocks and the mighty Chapora Fort in the vicinity creates a magical atmosphere. If you are here, don’t forget to explore the mighty Chapora village to understand the culture of this place.

7. Morjim Beach

This is one of the most secluded beaches in North Goa. I was looking to spend some alone time while reading the pages from one of my favorite author’s novel. Morjim beach with its unique peaceful atmosphere gave me the perfect place to relax on this journey.

This beach is also ideal for bird watching and its a breeding zone for Olive Ridley turtles. Include this one on your list only if you are looking for a relaxing break from the late night parties and loud music. Check out popular beach hotels in Goa if you wish to spend your holiday in a hotel near the beach.

8. Arambol Beach

This is a good option for those traveling with their families. It is a budget traveler’s paradise since everything from food to accommodation is affordable near this beach. It resembles a cove and is also a hub for people who want to enjoy the nightlife of Goa.

I personally enjoyed taking long and solitary walks down the beach towards the northern stretch as many beautiful bays will cross your path in this section of the beach.

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9. Mandrem Beach

This beautiful white sand beach is dotted with beach shacks. I was particularly looking forward to the Dolphin spotting trip. Later that afternoon, as I explored the nearby Mandrem village, the small bamboo bridges caught my attention.

These bamboo bridges provide a perfect setting to spend a romantic evening with your beloved while the waves kiss your feet. That is why this beach is also considered as one of the best beaches for honeymoon goers.

Best Beaches in South Goa

South Goa is another hidden beauty. Most of the tourist population frequents North Goa. As a result of which the beaches in South Goa are less crowded and ideal for a peaceful beach holiday. Finding accommodation in South Goa is also easier as compared to North Goa. Read through our list of best beaches in South Goa to plan your trip in advance.

1. Palolem Beach

Located in South Goa, Palolem is one of the most popular beaches in Goa and it is far from the buzz of the North Goa beaches. Families and couples alike can spend their day in this palm-fringed white sand beach with stunning views.

One has the option of taking yoga classes, go for dolphin spotting and relax their senses with an ayurvedic massage. You can also experience an exciting night here at silent noise disco.

2. Patnem Beach

This is one of the best beaches in South Goa for nightlife. Just 10-minute walk from Palolem beach, Patnem beach is a hidden beauty. This is a less crowded and somewhat offbeat beach to visit in South Goa. This is a heaven for food lovers. From mouth-watering New Zeland lamb delicacies to vegan food, you will find everything here.

If you are looking for a happening nightlife in Patnem, then you will be disappointed. Since the mood here is primarily laid back and slow. The laid-back atmosphere makes it one of the best beach to stay in Goa.

3. Colva Beach

The 2.4 km long coastline, golden sand and adorned by coconut trees, Colva beach is one of the top 10 beaches in Goa.

This one accounts for the best collection of beach shacks, delicious spread of sea-food, pubs and budget accommodation options. You can also try the watersports like jet skiing, snorkeling and speed-boat rides in Colva beach.

4. Agonda Beach

If you are looking to disconnect from the world outside, then Agonda beach is ideal for you. Situated just 10 minutes north of the busier Palolem Beach, this one is a 3 km pristine stretch of unadulterated beauty. Hawkers are not allowed in Agonda beach making it one of the best beaches in Goa for family holidays.

5. Benaulim Beach

This is one of the best beaches in Goa and the serene environment will make you fall in love with this one. The secluded nature of the beach makes it one of the best beaches in Goa for couples.

Enjoy a long walk with your beloved by your side and admire the stunning sunset. The beach shacks will be there at your rescue when hunger pangs attack you.

6. Butterfly Beach

This is a hidden gem in the heart of Goa. Situated to the north of Palolem Beach, this one is slowly becoming one of the best beaches here. If you want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful holiday then Butterfly Beach should be your pick.

This is also a home to numerous species of butterfly and thus the name. Apart from practicing your hand at photography you can experience the breathtaking sunset and indulge in some mouth-watering seafood dishes.

Now that you have a fair idea about the most popular beaches in Goa, make sure to include all of them in your next Goa holiday itinerary.

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