Goa is a popular tourist destination. It is especially crowded here in the winter months, when Europeans and not only seek to spend their holidays in an exotic place for themselves or simply escape from the frost. Moreover, the weather for rest during this period is optimal here. Local beaches are mainly named after the settlements near which they are located. There are not always clear boundaries between them, since the sandy coast looks like a single whole.
There are a lot of accommodation options: from luxury hotels to bungalows with minimal amenities right on the beach. Prices vary greatly throughout the year, rising several times in high season. The beaches are equipped with everything you need. A rich selection of leisure activities makes the rest unobtrusive and as varied as possible.
The best beaches in North and South Goa
List, photos with names and descriptions of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches.
Agonda
It is considered one of the cleanest beaches in the region. Length - 3 km, width - up to 80 meters. The beach is not crowded, in addition to tourists and traders, you can find here zebu - sacred cows. Massages and yoga sessions are available from the services. During boat trips, there is a chance to see dolphins. Small restaurants on the shore offer local cuisine. Hotels near Jojolapa Agonda Resort and H2O Resort Agonda.
Mandrem
It is located near the village of the same name, surrounded by hotels of all types. The length is 1.5 km, the width is about 200 meters. Suitable for families with children: clean sand, shallow water, the water warms up quickly, there are no stones at the bottom. There are necks built on the shore, sun loungers with and without umbrellas are installed. Conditions of access to them are the purchase of food or drinks. Banana rides and boating are typical local activities.
Mobor
The beach is surrounded on three sides by water, washed by both the Arabian Sea and the Sal River. The sand line is 2 km long and up to 100 meters wide. Lots of greenery, lawns and palm trees. It is divided into several zones, so lovers of different types of recreation will have something to do with themselves. Leisure: sunbathing, oyster fishing, water treatments, dinners in local cafes, sports games. Hotels near Holiday Inn and Leela.
Kerim
It starts from the mouth of the Tirakol River near the fort of the same name. It stretches for one and a half kilometers. Along the edges there are places for a quiet and even secluded rest, and in the center there is life in full swing. The nature in the area is so picturesque that the beach attracts local newlyweds for a photo shoot. The peculiarity of the area is pine trees not typical for the region. There are few shakes, active rest is also limited - only the parachutists' club works.
Cooking
One of the best beaches in South Goa. It stretches for 3 km and reaches a width of 150 meters in the central part. More suitable for family vacations and privacy. Dolphins are clearly visible from the shore at dawn. There is a volleyball court and water craft rental. There is a large spa center. A wide range of services are offered by local hotels, including The Zuri White Sands, Goa Resort & Casino.
Utorda
It borders on the beaches of Arossim and Majorda. There is a river, abundant greenery fringes the white sand. Traditional dishes are served in numerous shakes, they are quite spicy, so it is better to ask for a reduction in the amount of spices. Leisure: sailing, jet skiing, parasailing. The beach is suitable for middle-class people and families. Popular hotels include Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa and Sapana Greensville Villas.
Arossim
Like many beaches around, it has no clear boundaries. The length is less than a kilometer, the sandy zone from water to trees is about 100 meters wide. One of the most popular seaside establishments is Mango Terrace, which serves seafood and more. There is a spa center, all kinds of training on the water, fishing in the open sea. Attractions nearby: Rivonian Buddhist Caves and the Old Portuguese Church.
Cavelossim
It can be found above the mouth of the Sal River. Length - 4 km with a width of up to 80 meters. There are almost no underwater currents, the bottom is sandy. When buying food or drinks, tourists use sun loungers and umbrellas free of charge. Leisure activities include sailing, fishing on the high seas and watching evening shows on the beach. The hotel closest to the water is The Byke Old Anchor - A Beach Front Resort With River Attached.
Galjibaga
Located in Taluk Canacona. The length is more than 1.5 km, the width is within 60 meters. Unlike most other beaches, there are no sun loungers or umbrellas. Lifeguards are on duty at the tower. There are no necks, the rest of the infrastructure is also poorly developed. Waves can rise suddenly - another feature of Galjibag. Olive turtles live nearby, this area is considered a conservation area.
Majorda
Beach in South Goa. The length is one and a half kilometers, the width is up to 120 meters. At low tide, small crabs and starfish appear on the shore. There are plenty of leisure options: from snorkeling to excursions on yachts in the Arabian Sea. In addition to the usual shakes, there are souvenir shops with all sorts of little things, spices, and handicrafts. You can stay at Alila Diwa Goa or rent an apartment at Treehouse Blue Goa.
Ashvem
Located in taluk Pernem. The entrance to the water is shallow, there are almost no pitfalls and boulders, clean light sand. Popular with kitesurfers, it is also suitable for a quiet holiday. To use a sunbed or awning, you need to buy something in one of the shacks. There are few hotels nearby, you can rent a bungalow right on the coast. They often come here for several hours, stopping at other places.
Cola
Location - cove near Agonda beach. Although the entrance to the water is smooth and the bottom is sandy, stones may come across in some areas. The cape divides the territory into two parts. The smaller one is 100 meters long and is suitable for relaxation. The big one stretches for a kilometer and is intended for outdoor activities. However, the main thing on Cola Beach is not entertainment, but nature. There is a shallow freshwater reservoir nearby.
Benaulim
Located in the southern part of Goa. Length - 2 km, width - within 80 meters. The infrastructure is developed, but there are no big clubs. Local establishments try to refrain from loud music in the evening and noisy parties. Yoga, meditation, dolphin and butterfly watching are typical activities on the beach. There are rental points, you can even rent a scooter or a bicycle. Most of the hotels in the area are three stars.
Kansaulim
It extends north of the Arossim beach. The sandy strip is not wide, in length - no more than 800 meters. Since the main hotels are built a little further, it is not crowded. There are necks, a rescue tower in the daytime and tents with equipment rental. Merchants don't come here very often. A beautiful view and silence is spoiled by the nearby railway. The annual Three Kings Festival in January attracts visitors.
Palolem
It is located in the bay near the city of Canacona. It is famous for its picturesque views: mountains overgrown with greenery against the backdrop of clear water and white sand. Palm trees separate the beach from the road. The length is about 1.5 km, the width is within 45 meters. Everything you need for your holiday can be rented or bought from local stores. In terms of accommodation, there is a choice between a beach bungalow or a hotel room like the Marron Sea View Resort.
Betalbatim
On the one hand, it is adjacent to Sunset, on the other - Colva Beach. The boundaries between them are convention. Ideal for families: for children - shallow water, adults 10 meters from the shore can swim at depth. There are bicycles, catamarans, boats and motorbikes for rent. The season is typical for the area - from November to February. In the summer, surfers come here, as big waves rise on the sea.
Arambol
The area is famous for its "wild" tourism. A local yoga center conducts classes right on the beach. In the evening, open air shows, including fiery ones, are held. The width of the sandy strip is about 70 meters, the length is about 3 km without clear boundaries. Part of the beach is suitable for families with children, a little in the distance you can catch a wave, which is good for surfers.There are no luxury hotels, all other types of accommodation are available.
Putnam
Included in the resort area of Palolem. The location in a quiet bay is a guarantee that there are no big waves. In the north and south, there are rocky headlands, from which a beautiful view of the area opens up. The instructors arrange yoga classes right on the shore. No noisy parties. Shops are close to the beach. A real architectural masterpiece is the Turiya Villa hotel, which has a spa center.
Morjim
Refers to the territory of the village of the same name. The length is about 3 km. Many Russians work and rest here. Prices are above average due to the developed infrastructure. You can buy your catch from fishermen and ask to cook it in one of the shakes. Entertainment: kiting, windsurfing, boating. Popular hotels are Larisa Beach Resort and SinQ Beach Morjim. In the south of the beach there is a conservation area where olive turtles live.
Sinquerim
The main landmark in the search for this beach is the Portuguese Fort Aguada, built at the beginning of the 17th century. A good time to visit is from mid-autumn to late spring. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, there are no clubs and bars. A wide range of water activities including windsurfing, parasailing, surfing and snorkeling. The local hotel complex "Taj Fort Aguada Goa" is built to look like a traditional village.
Candolim
Sandwiched between the beaches of Sinquerim and Calangute. There are no clear boundaries, since the sandy strip is solid. The width is changeable: from 40 to 90 meters. Suitable for older people and families: it is quiet here, even private traders are not allowed into the territory. Available to tourists: catamarans, diving, water skiing. The highest prices and the largest influx of visitors are in December and January. There are luxury hotels, for example, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.
Vagator
The northernmost beach in Taluki Bardez. Divided into three sections, each offers different types of relaxation, from serene to hippie-themed parties. In terms of infrastructure, there is everything you need, but Vagator is inferior to its neighbors. Almost all entertainment venues are open until 10 pm. Here is one of the best Juice centers in Goa. A huge market is open on Wednesdays. Nearby attraction: Chapora Fort and Face of Shiva.
Colva
One of the beaches of southern Goa. The width of the coast is up to 120 meters, the length is almost 2.5 km. The waves are especially large in the off-season, which attracts windsurfers. The fishing market is close to the sun loungers and necks. Leisure activities are varied, from sitting on the beach with a fishing rod to hanging out in clubs such as Johnny Cool's. There are budget vacation options or more advanced options at Soul Vacation Resort & Spa, where everything is included.
Butterfly
It stretches along the edge of a small bay in the south of Goa. It is also called the "butterfly beach". There is dense vegetation around, the water is clear, the sand is white and crunches underfoot. You can get here only by water. Options include renting a kayak. There is no infrastructure, so we must immediately attend to the way back. Tourists arrange photo sessions here. Sometimes monkeys or dolphins are caught in the camera lens.
Baga
Located near the village of the same name. It stretches for more than a kilometer, its width is about 100 meters. Moves to Calangute Beach. When the sun goes down, clubs open, such as Zanzibar. Music plays all day. Cafes and shops in the immediate vicinity of the coast, sun loungers are free. The beach is crowded and noisy, more suitable for young people. Winter is the best time to visit. One of the best hotels nearby is Fiesta Beach Resort.