The 131 Kms of Goa coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches fringed by palm trees, carpeted by soft sand and soaked by the Arabian Sea. It is an ideal destination for beach lovers.
Picture1 – Dona Paula
A wide choice of fun, food and adventure beckon visitors in swarms. North Goa beaches especially are popular among the youth because of the various happening places to hang around. I love North Goa beaches for adventure sports and the view of the rocky beaches from the cliffs. South Goa beaches are great to stay as they are quiet and peaceful.
The beaches have been named after the villages adjoining the beach.
Picture2 – Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach
The most popular rocky beach in Goa, it has the highest number of visitors. You get a bird’s eye view from the cliffs. A unique attraction in this place is the Wednesday flea market, which was started by the hippies in the seventies. I bought some amazing semi precious stones in their natural form in the market. It is 25 Km from Panaji and 57 Km from Dabolim airport.
Picture3 – Anjuna Beach Flea Market
Arambol Beach
This beach is walking distance from Keri beach. About 200m from this beach is a small freshwater lake near Waghcolom Hill. You can also visit Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. To the north of Arambol is Tiracol fort, which is converted into a heritage hotel. You need to take a ferry to reach the fort.
Picture4 – Parasailing
Ashwem Beach
This beach is very calm and quiet except for the sound of the waves hitting the beach. The sand here is white and makes the beach all the more unique. Ashwem is 20 Km from Panaji.
Picture5 – Baga Beach
Baga Beach
Baga beach was the favorite among the hippies in the late 1960s. Continuing with the same spirit, this beach is the hub for partying and pub hopping. The famous Tito’s club is near the Baga beach. There is never a dull moment at Baga. The beach looks like a picture postcard when looked down from the cliff. A river called Baga flows to the north of the beach. Next to this beach is the Calangute beach.
Picture6 – Sunset
Bambolim Beach
The Bambolim beach resort is located on this beach. This beach is near Panjim.
Picture7 – Calungute Beach
Calungute Beach
Calungute beach has a lot to offer to the visitors. It is aptly called as Queen of beaches in Goa. The beach is 7 Km long. Calungute beach is 16 Km from Panaji.
Picture8 – Siquerim Beach
Candolim Beach
Candolim beach is adjoining Fort Aguada and this makes the place intriguing and gives a rustic charm. It is 13 km away from Panaji and 10 km from Mapusa.
Picture9 – Siquerim Beach
Siquerim Beach
The fortifications of the Protuguese Aguada Fort overlook Siquerim beach. Fort Aguada Beach resort, the Taj Holiday Village and Hermitage is situated on Siquerim beach. Climb up the lighthouse for a fantastic view of the beach.
The twin beach of Candolim and Sinquerim are known for their sheer beauty and history. An evening spent on this beach sitting on the white sand, lined with Casuarina trees, watching the sun setting in the horizon will not be easily forgotten.
Picture10 – Dona Paula
Dona Paula
Dona Paula is considered the most romantic place in Goa. This is because of the legend associated with Dona Paula, the story is that a lady named Dona Paula de Menzes threw herself off the cliff because her love for a poor fisherman could not be realized. The sculpture made by Baroness Von Leister is worth seeing – it shows a couple staring in opposite directions: the man towards the past, and the woman towards the future.
Picture11 – Dona Paula
The beach gives a great view of Mormagao Harbour and the Arabian Sea. Dona Paula is 7 Km from Panaji and 32 Km from Dabolim airport.
Keri beach
The quietest beach in North Goa is Keri beach. It is 28 Km from Panaji. The Tiracol River flows close to the beach.
Mandrem
Mandrem is the beach is the most entrancing beach. During high tide, the beach becomes inaccessible. People around the beach have constructed a temporary bamboo bridge to reach the beach. Mandrem beach is 32 Km from Panaji.
The adjoining Mandrem village is where Suhas Prasekar’s organic farm is situated.
Picture12 – Sunset on Mandovi River
Miramar
Miramar beach is near the place where Mandovi River meets the sea. It is believed that if an arthritis patient takes bath in the sea during mid-May, the patient will emerge cured of pains. Aguada Fort is visible from this beach. Miramar beach is 3 Km from Panaji.
Morjim
Morjim beach is the chosen beach by Olive Ridley turtles for breeding. The nesting season is from November to March. Morjim beach is 30 Kms from Panaji and 20 Km from Pernem railway station.
Vagator
Vagator beach is rounded off by the Chaproa Fort. Anjuna Beach is to the south. Vagator is divided into three beaches: North Vagator, Ozrant Beach or the mini-Vagator Beach and Tel Aviv Beach. 32 Kms is Panaji and 10 Kms from Mapusa. There is a freshwater spring about 100m from the beach. You can trek to the Chapora fort.
Place Statistics:
Type of Place: Beaches facing Arabian Sea
Situated: North Goa
Transport: Well connected by road and rail
Facilities: Nightspots, Adventure Sports, Body Paining, T’ai Chi and Yoga classes, Dolphin Spotting Cruises, Boat Rides, Fun Cruises, Multi Cuisine Restaurants, Ayurvedic Centers, Resorts, Tents, Tree Houses, Beach houses, Beach Parties, Shacks, Log cabins are available.
Adventure Sports: Adventure sports: There are many adventure sports t oindulge in. Among them are windsurfing, kite-buggy rides, paragliding, sand speed sailing and dolphin spotting.
Safety Information: It is risky to swim when there is high tide both in the sea and the rivers
