The best beaches in goa. All beaches and resorts of South Goa, India: our review, photo, description

Goa is a state in India, popular for recreation and wintering among tourists and travelers from the CIS countries. Length coastline is about 100 km. The coast is washed by the Arabian Sea.

Over this distance along the sea are located resort towns, each of which has its own characteristics.

The beaches of Goa can be divided into three parts: north Goa for backpackers and winterers, north Goa for package tourists and south Goa (clean, civil and calm part of the state).

North Goa for backpackers

Beaches on north Goa(Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim) - are considered the cheapest, popular among winterers and backpackers. Housing is presented in the form of a bungalow on the beach or simple rooms in guesthouses.

Creative people come here (including hippies, freaks and homeless rastamans), as well as people seeking, raw foodists and drinkers. First of all, for the sake of the atmosphere and the party, and only then for the sake of beach holiday.

Arambol

65 km from Dabolim Airport.

Arambol is the most popular village in Goa, where mostly Russian-speaking winterers, photographers, dancers, fire-eaters, yogis and other citizens who are not burdened with work go.

Why go to Arambol?

• To meet the man of your dreams. I know several successful stories when people met in Arambol and have been traveling together ever since.

• A bunch of like-minded people?! People in Arambol gather different, so everyone will find a suitable company. I found myself three Spaniards on Royal enfieds

• A wide range of entertainment (from yoga, qigong dancing, painting to smoking mushrooms)

• Nice wide beaches. There is no shade in Arambol, but you can rent a sun lounger and hide under an umbrella.

• Cheap housing and entertainment

Cons of Arambol

• Mud and cow poop. In the south of Goa, this goodness is less.

• There are a lot of people, including various stoners and quiet alcoholics, who drunkenly drive around the streets in Royal Enfields, not paying attention to pedestrians.

More about Arambol will be discussed in a separate article. Using the link, you can book a decent hotel in Arambol for the first couple of days until you find a more suitable accommodation.

Mandrem

62 km north of Dabolim Airport.

Madrem begins immediately after Arambol. I like the sea on Madrem more. Families with small children and lovers of a more relaxing holiday mainly live here.

Mandrem

Morjim

Russian beach in North Goa. There is a market where you can buy food, souvenirs and clothes. Chapora Fort is also located there. In winter you can go kitesurfing. The wind in Morjim blows from January to February.

North Goa for package travelers (Baga, Calangute, Candolim)

If you buy a package tour to Goa, you will most likely be sent to the north of Goa to the beaches of Baga, Calangute, Candolim. They are distinguished by the highest prices (one and a half times higher than in Arambol) and big amount tourists who came to come off on a tour for a couple of weeks.

Prices for package tours to India ↓↓

The water in the sea is not the cleanest, the coastline is lined with sunbeds. Most cafes speak Russian. There are discos, bars, restaurants, ATMs, supermarkets.

If you do not like crowded tourist towns, but want to save money, you can buy a ticket to one of the popular resorts, but do not stay in a hotel all the time, but travel to other beaches on a scooter or buses.

Holiday packages to India, which include charter tickets and a modest hotel, are sometimes cheaper than flights to Goa on regular flights, but at the same time no one forces you to live in a redeemed hotel all the time.

Baga

Baga is an analogue coastal resorts south of Russia in the Indian version. Hundreds of hotels, thousands of sun loungers, music, cafes, restaurants and people lying on top of each other.

Here you can ride on a banana boat, on a jet ski, fly with a parachute over the sea. This is a resort with ATMs, cafes, entertainment. The “civilian” part of Goa begins with Baga.

Calangute

Calangute is a lively resort with all the consequences. Here you will find water rides, brand clothing stores, supermarkets, fast food establishments, a large number of hotels and shacks.

Intrusive Indians walk along the coast with offers to buy a bracelet / pareo / watermelon and other necessary things. Everything is very fussy and obviously an amateur. The contingent is package tourists from Russia and the UK, there are also a lot of locals.

Candolim

Candolim starts right after Calangute. This is the most popular resort for package tourists from Russia and the UK who come to Goa for 1-2 weeks and stay in 2-3 * hotels, so they speak English and Russian in cafes and restaurants on the coast.

Prices in establishments are 30-40 percent higher than in Arambol. Near the beach you can visit Fort Aguada, built 100 years ago. Candolim is located 40 km north of Dabolim Airport.

south goa

The beaches of South Goa are all beaches south of Panaji (the state capital). These include Benolim, Carmona, Varca, Fatrade, Agonda, Palolem, etc. For a short-term seaside vacation in India (1-2 weeks), it makes sense to choose the south of the state.

It is cleaner here than in the north of the state, also in the south is most comfortable hotels with stars and a more or less decent level of service. There you can meet tourists from other countries, because the north of Goa was mainly chosen by travelers from Russia. I personally like the southern beaches more.

Benaulim

Benaulim has a large number of guesthouses and cheap hotels, but most often they are 100% full. It is popular for recreation among pensioners from Europe, there are also Russian tourists of different ages. There is Internet (mobile Idea, a little worse - Vodafone)

Cooking

Located near the village of the same name Varka. One of the widest and least crowded beaches in South Goa. Smoothly transitions into Fatrade.

Fatrade

Fatrad is one of my favorite beaches in South Goa. There are a few sheks on the coast, but mostly the coast is deserted. The sand is white, the beach is wide, the ocean is clean, sun loungers are installed in some places near the sheks. To lie down, you need to order something in a cafe. There is no natural shade.

The disadvantage of the beaches of Varka and Fatraida for budget travelers is that there are no cheap accommodations. You can rent a house in the village of Varka, but you will have to ride a bike to the sea for 10-15 minutes.

Housing, which is within walking distance from the sea, is mainly condominiums and large expensive apartments, there is no housing on the coast. There are hotels near the sea costing from 1600 rupees (Kolonia jose), there were also hotels for 1500 and 3500 rupees.

Agonda

Agonda is located in the south of Goa, 72 km from Dabolim Airport. Suitable for those who are not looking for parties and entertainment. There are many people there. Mostly those who prefer a quiet relaxing holiday. Along the coast there are many bungalows and shacks. Prices are higher than in neighboring Palolem.

Palolem

The southernmost beach in Goa. In many sources it is listed as heavenly. From all the variety resorts in Goa I liked Palolem the most. I lived there for 8 days in a bungalow three steps from the sea. The bungalow cost 600 rupees per day and was distinguished by the presence of high-speed Internet and a pleasant little terrace.

The contingent on Palolem is European youth (mostly backpackers), there are tourists from Russia, but they are few. Night life is poorly developed, but during the day there are a lot of people on sun loungers, cafes are packed with vacationers. Palolem is crowded, but somehow especially fun. There are almost no hippie freaks.

The beaches of South Goa are considered to be the best beaches in the state. Compared to, there are much fewer people on the South Goan beaches, they are mainly chosen for families with children and people of age.

You can hardly find such parties as on Arambol on South Goan beaches: after 11 pm everything is closed here.

Lifeguards are on duty on all the beaches of South Goa. During strong waves, they drive along the beaches in jeeps and make sure that vacationers do not go further than waist-deep. In addition to waves, there is another danger in the sea - reverse currents, so you should not listen to the rescuers and swim far into the sea.

Almost on all the beaches of South Goa, white and very fine, like flour, sand, creaking like snow underfoot. Due to such fine sand, the beach strip is very dense and it is easy to ride a bicycle (you can rent it at the entrance to the beach) and even a car (but only lifeguards are allowed to do this).

The beaches of Velsao, Cansaulim, Arossim, Utorda, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Sernabatim, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor, Betul are one continuous 27-kilometer sandy strip, the beaches pass one into another, between the beaches there are deserted areas without sun loungers and shekov: here you can sunbathe on your towels if you want peace and tranquility.

According to our observations, in the first half of the day the sea in South Goa is calmer, there is practically no wind. After lunch, waves appear and the wind is so strong that it blows away umbrellas.

What are the best beaches in South Goa? In our article, we will tell you in detail about each of them and mark all the beaches on the map.

Velsao

Arossim

Arossim Beach is a smooth continuation of Cansaulim. Why the beaches of Cansaulim and Arossim are called differently is not clear: there is only one village near these beaches. There are no differences between the beaches: the same sparsely populated, fishing boats, there are a few sheks on the beach.

Utorda

Compared to previous beaches, Utorda Beach is quite busy. There are many hotels here, including several hotels where package tourists are brought. However, the beach is quite uncrowded and calm. On the beach there are many cafes and beach chairs. The beach strip is wide, the sand is light and fine.

Majorda

Continuation of Utorda beach, there is no difference between the beaches. Geographically, the Majorda settlement area includes the beaches of Utorda, Majorda, Betalbatim and Colva. But the last Colva has become many times more popular with tourists than Majorda itself, so Majorba Beach is not crowded today. However, there are quite a few shek on the beach, and hotels (including 5-star ones) in the village. The sand, as in all this 30-kilometer zone, is light, fine and creaky, like snow.

Betalbatim

Betalbatim is a very tiny village. There is no such developed infrastructure, as in Colva or Majorda, but these neighboring villages in Betalbatim can be reached in just 20 minutes on the beach. Instead of palm trees, the coast of Betalbatim is adorned with pine trees.

They write that it is from this beach that you can sometimes watch dolphins swimming quite close to the shore, but we have never seen them. Local fishermen can offer boat trips along the coast to the dolphin habitats.

Betalbatim Beach has a few beach shacks but is otherwise pretty deserted. Suitable for calm measured rest. Northern part Betalbatima has its own name - Sunset beach.

Colva

Only we

In the morning there are no people at all on Varka, but by sunset people appear here (mostly Indians) and even one beach attraction was seen - a parachute.

Other photos of Varca beach:

Cavelossim

Cavelossim Beach is the most prestigious beach in South Goa. In terms of its liveliness and infrastructure, it resembles Colva, but in comparison with it, everything here is more fashionable. Cavelossim even has its own shopping center.

The beach has a large hotel area, most of the hotels are expensive.

Many famous five-star hotels are located here. For example, Leela Goa Beach Resort, where Putin lived during the BRICS Congress in South Goa. BRICS itself was held in another 5-star hotel in Benaulim - Taj Exotica. In addition to these, in Benaulim there are hotels of the global chains Radisson Blue and Holiday Inn.

The village also has its own Catholic Church Holy Cross Church.

The central part of Cavelossim beach is very crowded, most of the vacationers are Russian-speaking tourists who came in package tours. Unlike Colva, there are no vacationing Indians on Cavelossim.

The territory of Cavelossim beach is quite long - about 10 km. Instead of palm trees, coniferous trees grow on the beach.

In the central part there are many beach cafes, mostly with Russian signs and menus. Each cafe has a beach shower and toilet.

There is a very wide list beach activities, prices for them:

If you move away from the central part to the left or right, you can get to deserted sections of the beach, without sunbeds and shacks.

Other photos of Cavelossim beach:

Mobor

Mobor Beach is a continuation of Cavelossim Beach, in fact, it is just its southernmost part. If those who want a quiet measured rest without parties rest in the village of Cavelossim, then those who want a fun and party nightlife stop in the village of Mobor.

Mobor is home to the Party Zone club at the Holiday Inn Resort: it is believed that the best discos in South Goa are held here.

The beach itself is the same as in Caveossima: snow-white fine sand, palm trees. The mouth of the Sol River is located on this beach: the river goes around the entire Mobor beach and flows into the sea. The beach is also distinguished picturesque lakes with lotuses.

Here, as well as on Cavelossim, vacationers are offered a lot of entertainment: boat trips, fishing, parasailing, cycling, etc.

Betul

Natural extension of Mobor beach. The last beach of the 27-kilometer beach strip that starts right behind the airport. It is known for its fishing port, where boats and trawlers bring their catch. fishing village, which consists mainly of small huts of fishermen and their families.

There are few hotels in Betul, the most famous of them is Bamboo House Goa: the hotel's Blue Whale restaurant offers a wide selection of seafood dishes caught right there.

The beach is very uncrowded and picturesque.

On the way from Cavelossim to the next Kolu beach, we highly recommend visiting the Baradi church, which is located near the village of Betul. The cross at the chapel is considered miraculous and healing from diseases.

It offers a very beautiful view of the palm plantations and the river Sal flowing into the sea.

Other photos from the observation deck at the Baradi Church:

Canaguinim

12 km from the crowded Cavelossim is the wild beach of Canaguinim Beach. Small. an incredibly picturesque beach, hidden from prying eyes by rocks overgrown with greenery. Swimming on the beach is difficult due to the large number of stones protruding from the sea.

There is no tourist infrastructure on this beach: there are no shacks, merchants, beach shops. Accommodation can only be found in the village of Canaguinim, located 1 km from the beach: but it will only be a room in a private house, since there are no hotels here either.

Most often, those who want to stay on a wild deserted beach without people and civilization come here just for 1 day.

Cola

Definitely the most paradise beach all over Goa. It is located between Cavelossim and Agonda, but is surrounded on all sides by rocks, which is why it can only be reached by a single road of terrible quality. The beach is available only in , 6 months a year. During the rainy seasons, this broken road is washed out and it is simply impossible to get to the beach.

There is no infrastructure on Kolya, except for the only cafe at the entrance to the beach.

Of the hotels, only bungalow huts are represented here, there are quite a few of them. Room prices start from 3000 rupees per night. We especially liked these houses on the mountain:

Cola Beach consists of three parts: the first is the most “crowded” (although it is, of course, wrong to call a crowded beach with a couple of dozen people), it is limited on both sides by boulders that can be easily overcome. The sand on the first part of Cola is of an unusual black color, and the grains of sand themselves are large.

There are fewer houses on the second part of the beach, and there are only a couple of people on the beach. The sand here is coarse, mostly dark yellow in color with small black sand areas. The second piece of Cola beach is also limited by huge boulders.

The third part of the beach is the most empty. There are two hotels here that offer an unusual type of accommodation - tents.

• Hotel Cola Beach Sunset Bay . Cost of 1 night in a tent 6500 rupees for double occupancy.
• Cola Beach Exclusive Tented Resort. Cost of 1 night in a tent 5700 rupees for double occupancy.

There are sun loungers in front of the tents, but we did not notice people.

There is already completely yellow coarse sand, there is no black sand.

this piece of beach is so deserted that you can try the famous Goan beach yoga (if you are embarrassed to do it on a crowded Colva, for example):

Cola beach ends beautiful green a mountain with palm trees, when looking at it, one immediately recalls the song of Andrei Mironov “All covered with greenery, absolutely all, there is an island of bad luck in the ocean ...”

We absolutely loved Cola Beach. Although, swimming in the waves here is not safe because of the boulders that stick out of the water throughout the beach. And yet, if you rank the best beaches in South Goa, then Cola will definitely top this list.

Other photos of Cola Beach:

Agonda

The village of Agona is very lively, along the coast there is a long beach street with many shops and cafes, from which you can go to the beach anywhere.

The entire Agonda beach is a wide strip of sand and a wide variety of beach houses-hotels. The length of the beach is about 2.5 km.

Of the vacationers here, there are more Indians and Europeans, there are very few Russians, unlike Colva, Benaulim, Cavelossim and Palolem. Quiet and calm beach, but it cannot be called unpopular.

In addition to many cozy hotels, there are also a large number of restaurants on the beach.

The sand on Agonda is quite fine, dark yellow in color, with an admixture of black sand.

In the southern part of the beach there are huge picturesque boulders protruding from the sea.

The beach ends with a mountain jutting out into the sea.

Other photos of Agonda beach:

Butterfly

Butterfly Beach is an inaccessible, wild beach in South Goa. The length of the beach is only about 100 meters, there is absolutely nothing and no one on it (with the exception of the same as you, possible tourists who came here by boat).

It is believed that you can only get there by sea, from the beaches of Agonda or Palolem (the cost of renting a boat is from 800 to 1100 rupees in both directions). You can also rent a kayak (there is such a service on Palolem beach), you will have to row for 40 minutes (2.5 km by sea).

In fact, it is possible to get to Butterfly Beach and by land, but it is very bad road, in some places just a pile of stones. During the rainy season, this road does not exist at all, it is flooded. It is quite dangerous to overcome this road on a bike, but it is completely impossible to overcome this road, the safest thing is to walk.

Palolem

- a paradise beach with the famous palm trees stretching towards the water. But he is not at all like the one he is called in guidebooks. Today, Palolem is a very developed infrastructure and a rather crowded beach.

The beach is located in a quiet bay, thanks to which it is protected from wind and waves.

Throughout the beach there are a variety of houses, a distinctive feature of which is that they are all built on stilts (unlike the houses of Agonda). Also throughout the beach there are numerous beach cafes - sheki.

Snow-white crisp sand, calm blue sea, heavenly beach bungalows "on legs" - that's what Palolem means.

The southern part of the beach is the most crowded and noisy, the sandy strip here is quite narrow. In the northern part, on the contrary, it is noticeable less people and a very wide sandy strip.

The southern part of Palolem: a narrow sandy strip, close to the sheks

The wide beach of the northern part of Palolem

If you are lucky, you can watch the dolphins that live near the beach.

Numerous entertainments are presented on Palolem Beach: parasailing, boat trips, boating water skiing. There is also an opportunity to rent a kayak, the cost of 1 hour is 200 rupees.

Other photos of Palolem beach:

Colomb

Remote beach of South Goa, located with a small horseshoe-shaped bay. Suitable for a quiet secluded holiday. The beach is very picturesque: golden soft sand and black boulders on the beach and in the water.

There are several beach cafes and small bungalows on the beach. The Bhakti Kutir, a well-known eco-complex, is located here, where you can rent a house made only from sustainable local materials and where you will be offered organic food.

You can also stay in a more solid hotel in a village located near the beach.

Colomb Beach has its own attraction - a rock called the Pandava Drum (heroes of Indian legends, warrior brothers). It is believed that if you throw a stone at a rock and hit a certain place, you can hear the sound of a drum.

You can walk to Colomb Beach on foot from the neighboring Palolem Beach (you can also swim from it by boat). You can also take a bus that goes from to Palolem.

Putnam

Putnam Beach is an improved version of Palolem. Here is the same heavenly beach with golden sand and good infrastructure, but many times less people. Due to its location in a small bay, there are no big waves on Putnam, so families with children often choose this beach.

The length of the beach is about 1 km. On both sides, Putnam ends with rocky headlands. Of the trees on Putnam, both palms and pines can be found.

A small street runs along the beach, on which there are various shops with clothes, souvenirs, fruits. There are many beach cafes on the beach itself.

Not far from the beach is Canacona - the main city of this region. There are shops, ATMs and other benefits of civilization.

On the beach itself there are beach bungalows. There are also quite a few hotels in Canacone.

On the northern part of the beach is the Harmonica healing center, which offers a wide variety of wellness procedures and practices (including yoga and reiki).

Rajbag (Raj Baga)

A sparsely populated and picturesque beach with a length of about 1 km. The entire territory behind the beach is occupied by a huge luxury hotel The LaLiT Golf & Spa Resort Goa, so its guests mainly rest on Rajbag. There are no other hotels and housing in general on Rajbag.

5 star Lalit hotel on Rajbag beach

There is only 1 beach cafe on Rajbag, no merchants.

You can get to Rajbag on foot from the nearby Patnem beach (not along the shore), or on a kayak rented on Palolem (but it will be a rather difficult swim).

At the southern end of the beach, the rather full-flowing Talpon River flows into the sea, which separates Rajbag Beach from the next Talpon Beach.

Talpona

Quiet, secluded, heavenly beach, thanks to its distant location. There are practically no people here, at certain hours you will be the only visitors to this coast.

Despite its desert, Talpon still has several beach cafes with low prices.

On the shore you can rent a hut, there is also some housing in the village near the beach.

Galgibaga (Turtle Beach)

Galgibaga beach is considered secret beach South Goa. Indeed, few people know about him. A few kilometers of pure sand, a pine grove instead of palm trees and no sunbeds on the beach.

Galgibaga is famous among the regulars of Goa as one of the few places in Goa where you can eat the freshest oysters cheaply. We got a serving of fresh oysters with lime there for only 200 rupees for a serving of 7 oysters.

Deserted and heavenly beach, very similar to our favorite paradise beach, which is located in the state of Maharashtra, near the Arambol beach of North Goa. IN pine grove, which begins after the sand, there are several cafes that prepare fresh seafood. The rest of the infrastructure on the beach is missing.

Galcibaga is also famous for the fact that there is a turtle nursery on this beach. It is said that some turtles lay their eggs directly on the sand, but during the day they do not get out on the shore, only at night.

field

This is the last beach of South Goa, immediately after which another Indian state begins - Karnataka. A field beach is a crescent-shaped sandy strip about 700 meters long. Palm trees interspersed with pine trees grow along the sandy strip. On both sides, the beach is fenced with green capes protruding into the sea.

The beach is completely deserted by the field, few and rarely reach the farthest beach of Goa. Mostly local fishermen live here, but there are also a few beach cafes. Also, for those wishing to spend a longer time on the paradise deserted beach, there are several bamboo huts on the beach, which can be rented for only 200 rupees per night.

You can get to Polem by bus, which goes from Margao or Panaji (you will have to walk about 1.5 km from the road through rice fields), as well as by auto rickshaw, taxi, rented bike or rented boat (you will need to agree with the owner of the boat when you will need to be taken back).

Everyone knows that Goa is not an island? It is one of the smallest states in India. However, this "small" state has given the world 100 km of uninterrupted beaches, which are simply unrealistic to drive around in a few weeks. The whole Goa is divided into 2 parts: south goa And north goa. The airport is right in the middle.

Kerim beach

Kerim Beach is the northernmost beach in Goa, located at the mouth of the Terakol River, which must be crossed to enter the neighboring state of Maharashtra. It is similar to Paradise Beach: here, instead of palm trees, coniferous trees grow.

This beach is not very famous among foreign tourists, usually Indians themselves rest here. But since they do not usually swim in the sea and do not sunbathe, the entire coast looks rather deserted. On the beach there are sunbeds with awnings.

Calacha beach

The beach is located right behind the rocks of Arambol with north side. To get there, you need to go through a busy market on a cliff.

Behind these rocks of Arambol begins Kalaccha Beach

The beach is quite beautiful, although quite small. On both sides it is limited by rocks, nudists love to sunbathe on the rocks on the north side.

They say that earlier the entire Kalach beach belonged to nudists, but over time they were forced out onto the rocks. And on the beach they built a cafe and put sunbeds that are rented to vacationers for 30 rupees.

And the fact that it is from him that you can get to the world famous woman (respected elder),.

The sand here is pleasant, a lot of dry sand: for children, that's it. Not all the beaches of North Goa can boast of having dry sand, but for children (and for some adults) this item is very important: burrowing into hot sand is so nice!

Arambol beach

The most famous party beach in Goa. It is here that the most creative and extraordinary people settle. Arambol is famous for its Drum Circle, which gathers daily at sunset and accompanies the sun with its rhythm.

Next to the drum circle is the famous Arambol beach market. Here everyone can put their creativity on public display and even make money on it.

We ourselves chose Arambol as the place of our three-week stay in Goa, since all the most interesting things happen here. Here we also found a wonderful one, where Vanya studied with a tutor in order to keep up with classmates during the trip.

Arambol has a huge variety of cafes (sheks). The most pleasant thing is to sit in sheks right on the shore and dine with some, watching the sunset.

Sunsets on Arambol

Arambol has the most diverse shopping: everyone knows this. There is a very large market here where you can buy a wide variety, and there are also many shops that sell essential goods, and.

But shopping in Arambol does not end with the market and shops: even on the beach, numerous beach vendors will not let you relax. They sell anything: fruits, coconuts, pareos and torn, bracelets, drums ... But we have to admit that they are quite “cultured”: if you firmly say “no, thank you”, they will no longer torture you (how, like in Vietnam) but simply move on to the next victim.

The beach itself in Arambol is not very good: the beach strip is wide, but there is practically no dry sand. Every day in the morning we observed the high tide, when the sea approached almost the cafes, and at low tide (every evening) the sea goes about 200 meters from these sheks.

Only on Arambol we saw such a large number starfish: there are millions of them!

And we were lucky to meet flamingos here and were not lucky - a sea snake:

You can choose and book a hotel in Arambol with discounts on the Booking booking site:

Mandrem beach

Arambol beach smoothly turns into Mandrem beach. You won't see any borders. The beginning of Mandrem can be distinguished by the appearance of a small river near the sea. Its width and depth change depending on the tides. Throughout Mandrem there are many bridges along which you can cross the river and get to coastal cafes and hotels.

Families with children love to settle in Mandrem, as there are small and shallow bays along the entire coastal strip of the beach where children can safely splash around.

Mandrem ends with small rocks (one might say, stones), behind which the next beach begins - Ashvem.

Ashvem beach

sparsely populated and quiet beach North Goa. There are no huge stones on the beach (which are found on almost all the beaches of North Goa), so sunbathing and swimming on Ashvem is a pleasure. It is suitable for those who are looking for a quiet and secluded holiday.

But it is worth considering that there are few housing and shops here. But there are also practically no annoying beach vendors, which is a huge plus.

Morjim beach

The most Russian beach in all of Goa. Here is the so-called "Russian" village, where our compatriots settle. They say that the locals even call this beach "Moscow Beach": there are so many Russian speakers here.

Prices for housing and goods on the market here are higher than in the same Arambol: again, due to the large concentration of Russians.

The beach itself in Morjim is good: the gradual depth and wide beach strip make it very suitable for family vacation with kids. Moreover, there is a Russian kindergarten on the territory of the village of Morjim.

There are a lot of Russian cafes here, which don’t really bother with names: Our Russia, Glavfish, Tchaikovsky. Apparently, they should evoke notes of nostalgia in the Russian soul and attract them with this.

Hotels on Morjim Beach:

Vagator beach

There are two sights of Goa on this beach: Chapora Fort and the face of Shiva on the stones (we wrote about them in).

The beach is divided into two parts: Big Vagator - nearest beach to Chapora Fort and Little Vagator (Little Vagator or Ozran beach) - this is where the face of Shiva is located.

Vagator and neighboring Anjuna are the first beaches of Goa, open hippies. It was here that this movement began, at that time nothing was known about Arambol. Therefore, it was on Vagator Beach in the 1960s that an Italian sculptor (who, by the way, came here from Italy on foot) carved the famous face of Shiva.

In these photos, it seems that Shiva's face is huge

In fact, it is

Vagator Beach is beautiful: the rocks that go into the sea can serve as an excellent backdrop for photo shoots. But for children, this beach, as it seemed to us, is not suitable. Swimming in the sea in many places is dangerous because of the sharp rocks, and the sand here is only wet. And there are a lot of cows on Vagator beach, like no other beach. They feel at home here, no one is chasing them (as, for example, on Arambol).

smiling cow

Cows are friends with local crows:

Anjuna beach

It was from Anjuna that the "settlement" of Goa by visiting hippies began (60-70 years of the last century). Then the most different people of the most different countries rushed to India: some for spiritual enlightenment, some for a protracted life, some to study the oldest culture in the world. And these people met, communicated with each other. And once it happened that all these people agreed to celebrate Christmas together in Goa, namely in Anjuna. And they liked it so much that many decided to stay here for a month, a season, or for life (like the sculptor Anthony Karoli, who carved the face of Shiva in the rock).

Now the bulk of the “party people” have migrated to Arambol, but Anjuna is still very popular with creative “out of this world” people.

another cow...

There is a famous Flea Market in Anjuna: it also originates in the distant 70s, the times of hippies. Then many visiting freedom-loving people, having spent everything cleanly, did not have money for return ticket. And in order to collect this money, they began to sell everything that could be sold: their valuables, clothes, or hand-made things that they made themselves. This market still exists, although it has turned into a regular day market, where local residents tourists can buy souvenirs, clothes, tea, spices, etc. Today, Flea Market is the largest market in all of Goa.

Baga beach

Baga Beach is famous for its unusual brown sand. The beach owes its name to the river of the same name, which flows here and flows into the Arabian Sea (it is also the Indian Ocean). Locals love to swim in this river, they are afraid open ocean, and kids.

Baga is noisy party place: there is everything for tourists: bars, shops, markets, massage parlors and a rich night life with trendy DJs and discos.

The beach is very crowded: there are many tourists and merchants. Often beach parties take place right on the sand. On this beach there is a very famous among all tourists and local club Titos. It is not suitable for families with children.

Calangute beach

The town of Calangute is known for its shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Unfortunately, only here you can find real branded stores, and not local shops with clothes of dubious quality.

Calangute is more popular with the Indians themselves than with tourists. The city and the beach are beautiful. But the dirt that numerous Indians leave behind and the manure that is not cleaned up after the cows on the local beach scare away our and European tourists. Although, “package” tourists are often brought here.

Candolim beach

Candolim is a continuation of Calangute. The boundaries of the beaches are quite difficult to determine. But unlike neighboring Calangute, Candolim is very quiet and calm resort. Mostly those who are looking for romance, peace, as well as families with children come here. Candolim is very different from all the other beaches of North Goa: there are no parties and no hippies. According to reviews, Candolim is more like a beach in South than North Goa.

The beach itself has a rather steep descent to the sea. The sand here is clean and soft. Despite its calmness and tranquility, the infrastructure on Candolim is good: cafes, shops. A bus runs every 20 minutes. Prices on Candolim are higher than on many other beaches of North Goa: as a rule, respectable and package tourists rest here.

Goa is one of those resorts that just love in Russia. The thing is that the local season starts in October, when other sunny resorts, such as Greece and Türkiye, stop their work. That is why travelers dream of going to Goa to celebrate new year holidays getting to know Indian culture.

General information about the beaches of Goa

Before you go to local resorts, you need to decide on a hotel for relaxation. The most main characteristic when choosing a hotel - proximity to numerous attractions and various beaches.

On Goa itself, there are several dozen beaches, each of which is interesting in its own way. For example, in north goa dominated wild beaches, where there are very few people, and where you can relax from the eternal noise and din of Indian tourist capital. South of Goa there are both popular and wild beaches, each of which deserves attention.

What Indian beaches can be called the most attractive and interesting for recreation?

Top 5 best beaches in North Goa

Arambol beach

Local sand beach stretched for several kilometers, but people still do not have enough space here. Popularity and crowding can be called among the disadvantages of this beach. Among the advantages it is worth noting the magnificent sand, as well as the picturesque local views and the smoothness of the entrance to the water.

Arambol beach is more suitable for youth recreation than family time.

Mandrem beach

Among the shortcomings, it can be noted that there are practically no shops here, but it is precisely because of the low popularity of the beach that this picturesque place remains so. not crowded.

Morjim beach

Local owners of small hotels, retail shops and discotheques often bring domestic DJs. That is why, if a traveler misses his native language, he should go to Morjim Beach in Goa.

Main advantage this beach - the beauty and picturesqueness of these places. The main disadvantage is too many Russians and overpriced prices. Rest is suitable for both couples and young people.

Vagator beach

The beach is surrounded by rocks, and because of this, it seems much more picturesque than all other places in Goa. In addition, Chapora Fort is located nearby. The presence of nearby attractions and the picturesqueness of the beach itself are perhaps the main advantages of this place.

Anjuna beach

The thing is that the local beach is adjacent to the largest tourist market. There are so many different souvenirs and pleasant things for sale here that your eyes will definitely run wide. Prices on the market are very democratic, so it is better to buy souvenirs here.

Top 5 best beaches in South Goa

South Goa is considered more picturesque and attractive for recreation, and therefore it is here that those tourists who are not limited in funds tend to go. Since 4 * and 5 * hotels are located here, a vacation in the southern part of Goa is considered more expensive and luxurious. Local beaches are also distinguished by the highest comfort. Which of them are considered the most popular?

Palolem beach

Main advantage, because of which the beach is very popular - the best value for money in local shops and restaurants. Despite the status of this place, it is very popular.

Colva beach

multi-kilometer Sandy shore will allow every tourist to find their place on the beach, and the presence of numerous shops guarantees colorful shopping.

The main disadvantage of the beach- there are really a lot of people here, so lovers of solitude should look for other places to relax.

Cansaulim beach

Also, travelers will definitely be pleased with the picturesqueness of local landscapes. The only downside- The complete absence of any entertainment.

Agonda beach

There is several restaurants, interesting cafes, but there are no discos and other nightlife. That is why Agonda Beach is preferred by family people and the older generation.

Varca beach

Varca beach offers travelers a wide variety of entertainment. So, for example, here you can rent a boat and go to the open sea, admire the dolphins. A very picturesque place for those who are not afraid of noise and crowds.

So, which hotels offer the best beach holiday?

1. Cuba Mandrem Retreat 3*
   This hotel does not have private beach, but nearby are Ashvem, Mandrem, Morjim. Among such a variety, you can easily choose exactly the beach that seems the most picturesque and fun. The hotel itself has 3 stars, and holidays here almost always remain budget.
2. Beleza By The Beach 4*
   The hotel has its own private beach adjacent to Colva Beach. Since only hotel guests can relax on the local beach area of ​​​​2 hectares in size, there is never a problem with the lack of sunbeds. Very interesting and picturesque place to stay.
3. Ocean Palms Goa 4*
   The 4-star hotel itself is located near Calangute Beach and offers optimal conditions for relaxation. The local picturesque beach will please with its low population, and the presence of a Spa complex and a fitness center on the territory of the hotel will satisfy even the most demanding travelers.
4. Spazio Leisure Resort 3*
   The hotel itself has only 3 stars, but offers optimal conditions for a beach holiday. Anjuna Beach is located nearby, where you can always have an interesting and bright rest. In addition, on the territory of the hotel itself there is free parking, restaurant and outdoor pool.
5. Alila Diwa Goa 5*
   This 5 star hotel has a private beach adjacent to Majorda Beach. Rest here is always interesting and pleasant, because native species they pleasantly surprise with their diversity, and the presence of numerous restaurants and cafes does not allow you to get bored. The hotel itself offers a lot of entertainment for tourists, from the Spa to its own library.

It is always scary to go to an unfamiliar country for the first time, so it is better to take note of the advice of experienced travelers in advance.

1. Firstly, the hotel should be chosen with a reference to the presence of a private beach, because then the rest will be more eventful and varied.
2. Secondly, it is better for travelers to spare no expense and go to the open sea to see dolphins. Impressions will remain unforgettable.
3. Thirdly, it is better to come to the beaches of free access, especially popular ones, in advance, as early as possible in the morning. The fact is that on the popular beaches sunbeds are very quickly occupied, and by the middle of the day there are no more places left, so you have to wait in line.
4. Fourthly, it is better to buy souvenirs and various gifts for relatives away from the most popular beaches, and the prices here are the most inflated.

The best beaches of South Goa - video

Let's now take a closer look at the best beaches in South Goa and watch the video.

Almost all the beaches of Goa are great for a relaxing holiday, but on some (usually in the south) there is nothing more to do besides swimming and roasting on a sun lounger.

Many tourists believe that the best vacation is possible only in the south. However, North Goa is able to give almost the same beach holiday, but unlike the south, there is a richer and more varied evening life. This post will review the most popular beaches, photos, my reviews and comments.

Goa has several beaches in the center of the state, in close proximity to Dabolim Airport and the state capital, Panaji. Geographically, they are located not in North or South Goa, but somewhere in the middle (let's call this place Central Goa), although from the point of view administrative structure state, it's still the south of the state.

Goa beaches on the map

The conditional watershed between the southern and northern beaches is located in the state capital, in the city of Panaji. There are several beaches in the specified city and in the town of Vasco da Gama, but they will definitely not suit you and I would not recommend considering them as an option for a beach holiday. What is the city of Vasco da Gama and what beaches are there, read the link.

Pay attention to the map presented in this section of the post, it clearly shows where the southern, where the central, and where the northern beaches are. In the following sections of this post, you will find links to detailed description Goan beaches.

The best beaches in North Goa

If you are going to Goa for emotions, noisy parties and do not want to go to bed at ten o'clock in the evening, then North Goa will suit you one hundred percent. However, one should accept local features in the form of cows on the beach, an abundance of beach vendors and a standard Indian street mess.

Kerim is the most northern beach in Goa, Kerim is always calm and comfortable. Most vacationers in this place come here for the whole season, and the secluded Kerim Beach helps them find exactly what is becoming less and less in Goa every year - peace and quiet.

Vegetation on Kerim is dominated by tall pines rather than coconut palms as elsewhere in the state. From the northern part of Kerim, ferries depart across the Tiracol River, using which you can see the nearest attractions of the neighboring state: Fort Tiracol, Redi Fort and Paradise Beach.

You can get to Kerim beach along an asphalt road or come from neighboring Arambol along a narrow winding path that winds through the hills.

Arambol beach

Anjuna beach

Anjuna is considered the place of the first hippie parties in Goa, it was here in the late 60s of the last century that people from all over the world began to gather with a certain life position and an ideology different from others. The "flower children" have chosen this friendly Goan coast and agreed to meet regularly in this magical place.

Some of them traveled to India in search of spirituality, others dreamed of immersing themselves in a thousand-year-old magical culture. Many liked this place and they began to spend more and more time here. Gradually, the Goan hippie community grew and settled on neighboring beaches, but Anjuna was the epicenter.

Anjuna's main attractions are Swap meet, which takes its history from the same hippies and the Kerlis restaurant, which sometimes hosts parties.

Swimming at Anjuna Beach follows in places where most people swim - this is due to the rocks hidden under the water, which can be damaged.

Baga beach

On a small stretch of coastline there is a huge hotel Bogmalo beach resort (4 stars), and at the opposite end of the beach you can find the diving club Goa Diving. More budget accommodation is possible only in the surrounding villages, Bogmalo is not rich in entertainment and the tourist infrastructure here is very mediocre.

The best beaches in South Goa

The best beaches South Goa are ready to offer you the following: best hotels, inflated prices in shek, a relaxing holiday, clean, sparsely populated beaches and the romance of relaxing in the shade of palm groves. Holidays in the south are suitable for those who travel to Goa for romance, peace and tranquility.

The abundance and variety of places to stay in the southern part of the state is surprising, in this part of Goa you can find very quiet (practically uninhabited) beaches, and right next door there are analogues of Calangute and Baga with an abundance of tourists and a crowd of Indians trying to swim in the sea. read the link. In this post, I want to focus your attention on the most interesting places in South Goa that are worth visiting.

Palolem has an infrastructure that is quite suitable for a long stay (hotels, cafes, shops, etc.), but immediately after sunset, all life on Palolem falls asleep, so it can be quite boring.

The natural beauty of Palolem attracts many tourists here, every year the beach becomes more and more crowded, but so far there is enough space for everyone.

Agonda beach

Agonda is located five kilometers from famous beach Palolem is a peaceful place for a long relaxing holiday. The beach does not look as exotic as Palolem (instead of palm trees hanging to the water, pine trees grow on Agonda), but the sunsets in Agonda are just as amazing as on Palolem.

Agonda beach is not rich in entertainment, however, the public resting here does not particularly need them, but standard cafes - sheki, are present in abundance.

Have a nice holiday in Goa.