Goa Beaches

Covering the coastline of 125 km along the Arabian Sea, Goa is known for its white sand beaches. Surrounded by numerous palm and coconut trees, these beaches come alive in the brilliant sun. An ideal destination for the adventure lovers, the Goan beaches offer plenty of water sports activities such as parasailing, speed boating, water skiing and yachting. The endless list of charming beaches in Goa include Calangute, Colva, Betul, Palolem, Anjuna, Vagator, Baga, Dona, Paula, Miramar, Bogmalo, Harmal, Baina, Siridao, Mandrem, Morgim and many other beaches.

Did You Know?

• Anjuna Beach is extremely famous for serving the best sea food.
• The annual religious event of Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus) is held at the church in Colva since the 17th century.
• There is a myth that the Dona Paula beach of Goa is haunted by lost love of Dona Paula de Menezes.
• Dona Paula Beach is also the house of the Governor of Goa.
• The Benaulim Beach is free from jellyfish and therefore is very good for swimming.
• The Benaulim Beach is a foodie paradise.

Anjuna Beach

The beach is very huge and is split into South, Middle and North Anjuna beach. Anjuna's flea market is the main attration of this beach and is held on Wedenesdays at the southern edge of the beach. Famed for coconut plantations, Siolim is the largest village in Goa and is 10 km from Anjuna beach.

Colva Beach

It is situated 39 kms away from Panaji and is a small village in south Goa. The annual religious event in Nossa Senhora de Merces Church is a grand occasion and celebrated with full fervour by the Catholic communities on the third Monday of October every year. One can also see the Beach Bonanza fair here on every Sundays after the mid of April followed by dance, music and other entertainments. This beach houses many shops and restaurants.

Dona Paula Beach

It lies close to Panaji amidst the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries. Named after the daughter of Viceroy, Dona Paula de Menzes, the beach is surrounded by numerous palm trees and the casurina groves. Close to this beach, Reis Magos Church is one of the oldest churches in Goa. Visitors must also visit the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on the island of Choro along the Mandovi river. Covering on 2 sq km., this sanctuary is home to many resident and migratory birds. The National Oceanography Institute and the Cabo Raj Niwas must not be missed. Water sports festival in the month of November pull in toursists to this colourful beach.

Arambol Beach

Arambol's most wonderful feature is the tiny Paliem beach at the of Waghcolomb Hill. It also has a small fresh water lake barely 200m from the sea. The beach is characterised by steep rocks and is mainly visited by the Europeans. From Arambol Junction one can reach this marvelous beach. Visitors can see Tiracol fort here.

Vagator Beach

The beach is known for the magnificent Chapora Fort in the north and the Anjuna Beach on the south. One can reach this beach by walking down the steep rocks. Vagator beach is divided into two main beches by a seaside headland, the North Vagator Beach and the Ozrant Beach also called mini-Vagator Beach. The shiva carving, the Chapora Fort and fresh water springs are worth visit.

Benaulim Beach

It is one of the serene beaches of Goa attracting tourists for 'Dolphin Cruises'. The church of St. John known for the Goan and Christian architecture enhances the beauty of this beach all the more.

Palolem Beach

The beach lies in the Canocona district and is called the 'Paradise Beach'. This fishing beach is popular for its dolphin cruises and fishing trips. The beach also has a small island in the northern side which can be reached only by boat. Don't miss the Butterfly Beach which lies between the Palolem and Agonda Beach. The Pandava's Drum and the Fifueiredo House must be visited. It is one of the safest beaches for swimming. One must also visit the beautiful Colomb Beach, Galjibaga Beach and Rajbag Beach.

Best Time to Visit

Goa is never out of season but it is great to plan the trip some time around December to January . The carnival period which begins in the month of February attract tourists in large numbers.

Leisure Activities on the Beaches

Goan beaches offer a variety of activities to spend some time at leisure. One can indulge in thrilling water sports like beach volley ball, jet skies, parasailing, scuba diving, wind surfing and water skiing. A large number of tour operators also offer dolphin and crocodile-spotting trips, island trips, fishing expeditions and river cruises. These beaches are also known for the ayurvedic massage, yoga and meditation.