Sinquerim
Beach
Sinquerim beach at Bardez district is about 13km from Panaji. The beach
with its clean stretch of sand is an ideal place for swimming. It is one among
the best beaches in Goa with international facilities for windsurfers, water-skis
and other water toys. Due to high waves, body surfing is also possible here.
Candolim Beach
Candolim beach is at a distance of 12 kms from Panaji and 14 kms from Mapusa.
Candolim is the birth place of Abbe Faria, a Goan Freedom Fighter and the Father
of Hypnotism. The beach is long and straight without the perennial beach curves.
It is the scrub-covered dunes that enhance the beauty of the Candolim beach.
Besides several water sport activities, the beach has facilities for parasailing
and water skiing.
Calangute Beach
Calangute beach, popularly known as the 'Queen of the Goan Beaches', is
located 16kms from Panaji. It was the hippies who discovered this pristine beach
in the late 60s. Calangute beach covers several sub-beaches, including Baga
and Anjuna beaches. Here some palm trees provide patchy shades to the visitors.
This long beach has a host of facilities to cater to visitors, including
water sports such as para sailing, water-skiing and wind surfing. At times
undercurrent at this beach may be strong, then swimming is not recommended read
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Baga Beach
Located 15kms north of Panaji, is the small but perfect Baga beach. Baga
beach is a part of the Calangute beach which is connected to each other by a 3
km long
road. The prime attraction of the beach is the water sport facilities ranging from gliding
to para sailing to motorboats. The beach has several beach shacks that
sell delicious Goan food and thirst-quenching Feni. The beach drops steeply to
the water where fishing canoes make use of the good boat launching conditions
and provide rides. The Baga river that flows
down from one side of the beach offers a pleasant diversion for children and
those who love water.
Anjuna Beach
The Village of Anjuna in north Goa is a five square mile enclosure nestling
between the Arabian Sea and the hill overlooking the beach. Anjuna beach is
one the most popular beaches of Goa situated 8 km west of Mapusa and 18 km from
the capital Panaji. The beach is known for its palm trees, soft sands and natural beauty.
One attraction of the Anjuna beach is the Wednesday flea market where one can
buy anything from bikes to second hand goods. read
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Vagator Beach
Vagator beach at the north end of the
Calangute beach attained popularity because
of its seclusion. This beautiful beach, lined with coconut groves and palm trees
is located at Bardez taluk, around 22 Km north of Panaji and 9kms from Mapusa.
The beauty of the beach is further enhanced by the Chapora Fort which makes
the entrance to the bay. Here one can witness the seawater changing colors from
aquamarine to emerald and the Goan fishermen in their traditional attire getting
ready to venture into the sea or coming back with their day's catch. Situated
close to the Anjuna beach, the picturesque Vagator beach is a favourite venue
for mid night parties during the tourist season.
Chapora Beach
Chapora Beach, located near Vagator beach, is a very picturesque
and scenic beachfront amongst all other beaches in Goa. The beach is around
10kms from Mapusa, North Goa. The major attraction here is the 500-year-old
Chapora Fort built by the Portuguese and the houses of the fishing community in
the dense groves of coconut palms. It is an ideal place for those who have decided
for a long-term stay in Goa.
Arambol Beach
Arambol beach, located at Pernem taluk in North Goa district, about 50kms from Panaji,
is a vast stretch of golden sand interspersed with rocky headlands. It is
Goa's northernmost beach. Arambol comprises of two beaches and the bigger
one is known as the Harmal beach. The second, more picturesque beach lies beyond
the rocky headband and can only be reached on foot and is bordered by steep
cliffs on both sides. The sea is rough here than at other beaches.
read
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Morjim Beach
Morjim Beach located in Pernem taluk is an isolated beach lying across
the Chapora river and fort, at a distance of 30kms from Panjim. Also known as
Goa's turtle nesting, Morjim is home to the Olive Ridley sea turtle. It
is one among the two quietest beaches in North Goa and the other being Ashwem
beach. Though the beach is
attractive, very few day trippers come here even in the peak season.
Ashwem Beach
Ashwem beach lying to the south of Arambal is located about 20kms from Panaji. This
calm and beautiful beach is a haven for tourists and an ideal place to relax.
The winds and the two long white sandy stretches on either side of a small
rocky area adds charm to the beach.
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Aguada
beach
Aguada beach is situated in North Goa about 4km from the Sinquerim
beach. The beach attracts tourist from all over the world with its exotic tropical
beauty, powdery golden sand and stunning vista of blue marine waters. The main
highlights here are the historical edifice, Fort Aguada built by the Portuguese
in the 16th century and the Reis Magos Fort.
Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula Beach, one of the popular tourist destination associated with romance and myth, is situated at a distance of 7kms from Panaji, North Goa.
The beach is named after the daughter of a viceroy in colonial India, Dona Paula
de Menzes who threw herself off the cliff, when refused permission to marry
a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias. The place is also known as 'Lovers Paradise'.
This small palm fringed beach with casuarina groves is very peaceful. Dona Paula
beach offers a wide range of water sports to the tourists including motorboat
rides, water scooter, windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit,
skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking and yachting.
The National Oceanography Institute that provides a world of information on
marine biology is situated within the premises of Dona Paula Beach. The major
attraction of the institute is its Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference
Center. The official residence of the Governor of Goa, known as Cabo Raj Bhavan
is situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula.
Miramar Beach
The beautiful Miramar Beach originally known as Gasper Dias Beach is located
about 3kms from Panaji, North Goa and a km away from Dona Paula. It lies adjoining
the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian sea. This lovely
golden beach of soft sand lined with palm trees is ideal for evening walks.
The Miramar beach provides an excellent view of the Aguada fort.
Bogmalo Beach
Bogmalo Beach is a part of Bardez district which belongs to both the North
and South beach circuit. Located 4 kms away from the Goa Airport at Dabolim,
the beach is safe and perfect for swimming and sunning. Boating and water
sports facilities are also available here. Two tiny islands can be seen about
10km out in the sea and trips are offered to these islands. A diving school
where one can do PADI (i.e Open water diving courses) and a five star park,
Bogmalo beach resort is located within the beach premises.
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Velsao Beach
Velsao beach on the southern coast of Goa is about 25kms from Panjim. This
small stretch of sandy beach, located south of Bogmalo beach, is one of the
most vivacious tourist destination. Velsao Beach offers a classic combination
of sun, sand and surf with a tranquil atmosphere. It is an exciting place to
relax which is away from the annoying crowd.
Majorda Beach
Majorda Beach located 18kms from Dabolim Airport is a marvelous tourist
destination. This small stretch lies about 5 Kms north of Colva Beach
along the south coastline. Majorda beach is famous for delicious European breads.
Here people can relax under beach umbrellas and recline on pool chairs. In the
Goan version of the Ramayana, it is believed that when Lord Rama was a child he
was kidnapped and brought to Majorda. Later, in quest of Sita, he camped at
Cabo-de-Rama, which lies at the southern end of Majorda beach.
Betalbatim Beach
Betalbatim Beach at a distance of 8 kms from Margao lies along the South Goa
coast. This golden beach, popularly known as sunset beach lies to the south
of Majorda beach and north of Colva beach. It is lined by cold pine trees,
and dolphins and birds of prey are often sighted here. The beach has several
beach shacks and fine restaurants. Majorda beach lies to the north of Betalbatim
Beach and Colva beach.
Colva Beach
Colva beach lies about 39kms from Panaji and 6 km west of Margao at
Salecete district. It is the most crowded beach in the South Goa
circuit. The warm and calm sea beach is a visitors paradise with 40km of uninterrupted
white and golden sand fringed with coconut palms. Here you can get a moped for
rent. The water is safe for swimming. The beach is equipped with all modern amenities like air-conditioned
resort complexes, tourist cottages, discos, bar shacks, seashell artifact stalls, refreshment
stalls, eateries and guest houses. The Church of Our Lady Of Mercy famed for
the miracle statue of Menino Jesus (Child Jesus) is located here.
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Benaulim Beach
The pleasant and tranquil Benaulim beach is located about 2 km away from
Colva beach and 7kms west of Margao. Even though it is considered as a fishing
beach, it gets fairly crowded during weekends. The water is safe for swimming
with nominal waves. Benaulim holds a significant position in Goa's history.
It is said that the legendary Parashuram's arrow landed here when he fired it
into the sea and created Goa. The place is well known for the typical handicrafts
of Goa and the traditional rosewood furniture made here. The Church of St
John the Baptist atop a hill overlooking the beach is a place worth visiting.
Varca Beach
Varca Beach, located close to Benaulim Beach, is filled with soft white
sand and doted with black lava rocks at certain places. Though not so famous
compared to the other beaches, this beach is one tourist destination
with bountiful beauty of nature. Along with the usual relaxing and rejuvenating
activities on the beach, one can indulge in Dolphin watching and boat trips.
Cavelossim Beach
Cavelossim beach is located 11kms south of Colva beach. Lying between the
Arabian Sea and the Sal River, Cavelossim is considered to be the most beautiful
beach in South Goa. It is a fishing beach which ensures a good supply of fresh
seafood and there are numerous beach shacks offering a variety of Goan dishes.
The beach is a complete leisure spot with attractive shopping
facilities.
The sunset cruises on the Sal River and the facility available for dolphin watching
are the main attractions here.
Mobor Beach
Mobor beach is located about 16 kms south of Colva, at the southern
end of Slacete coastline. Mobor lies on a narrow spit of sand dunes between
the Arabian sea and the Assolna River Estuary. The pristine and serene10 kilometer
long sand beach is perhaps one of the most happening and popular holiday destination
in Goa. The beach offers water sports facilities like windsurfing, jet skiing,
water skiing, speed boat rides, banana and bump rides etc.
Betul Beach
Situated 22 kms from Margoa on the southern part of Goa is Betul, one
of the most important fishing ports. The small and secluded Betul beach is
located along the southern end of the Sal river. Beyond the beach is the hill
of Cabo De Rama where the Portuguese have built a fort. The fort, now in a state
of ruins, houses the beautiful church of Santo Antonio.
Agonda Beach
Agonda beach, one of the most isolated beaches of South Goa, is located in Canacona
taluk, near Palolem beach (37 km from Margao). Its 3
km long stretch of white sands lined with palm and casuarina trees is a
favorite haunt amongst those looking for solitude. The nearby Cabo da Rama
fort is a major attraction for tourists visiting Agonda beach. There
are very few facilities available at the Agonda Beach.
Palolem Beach
Palolem Beach is Goa's southern most beach also known as 'Paradise Beach'.
It is situated at Canacona district, about 37kms from Margoa and 70kms
from Panaji. The beach is a curved stretch of white sand, backed by palm groves
and low, green mountains. The water is shallow and warm, with very little surf
and offers safe swimming. The beach offers trips to watch dolphins and is one of the favourite
site for overnight beach picnics. Beautiful beach huts and family rooms are provided
for accommodation. The Cancona railway station is just 3kms from the beach.