Goa - who hasn’t heard about this paradise. Goa is a state in southern India. Back in the 70s, it was chosen by hippies and since then interest in it has not waned. Frankly speaking, having visited Goa, you will not know what India is like, but you can have a great rest, enjoying the beaches, sun and spicy Indian food. Although here you can just as easily find cafes with Russian and Tibetan cuisine. The coastline of Goa is only 100 kilometers. But each beach has its own zest, its own style. You can choose one city to live in and stay there for the entire vacation, or you can move from place to place.
Goa is divided into north and south, and between them the state capital is Panaji. You can ride around Goa on a rented scooter or hire a taxi for the day. If you rent a scooter, you will need to leave some document as collateral; of course, you should not leave your passport. Also, according to the rules, you need to ride with a helmet, but helmets are not issued with a scooter. The police love to stop tourists - they can always be fined. But it’s better not to bring the matter to an official showdown, because the motorcycle will be confiscated and then you will have to buy it back with a parking fine. The standard “fine” is 2-3 dollars. There is almost always a police presence in the capital of Panaji, so you should not drive through it without a helmet and license. Also, the route to South Goa will pass through Panaji.
Accommodation in Goa
Goa is most famous for the fact that for little money you can relax in a bungalow right on the seashore. Despite the fact that in Goa there are hotels with completely different levels of service, we recommend that you spend at least one or two days in a house on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It's worth it - as soon as you step on the beach and see these small and cute houses, you will want to throw away your phone, lose touch with the world and just live without thinking about absolutely anything except today.
The peak holiday season in Goa is the Christmas holidays and New Year. As these holidays approach, prices increase and then slowly decrease. The rainy season runs from about May to early October in Goa. Without prior reservation or agreement new year holidays Finding housing is incredibly difficult, and prices soar 2-3 times. During the low season, you can easily find a guest house on site. As a last resort, taxi drivers or the Indians themselves will definitely help you by including their commission in the cost of your stay. You can also search for hotels and guest houses in Goa on our website.
Beaches of North Goa
North Goa begins at the border with the Maharaja State and ends at Fort Aguada, just before Panaji. Compared with southern prices a little lower here.
From north to south Goa starts from the beach Kerim. This is one of the few beaches where you can relax in solitude and enjoy peace and nature. The beach overlooks Tiracol Fort, which can be reached by ferry. The entrance to the sea is deep.
Hippie haven, favorite place of ascetics - the beach Arambol. The season is one of the first to open here. Shakes - Beach cafes are located all over the beach, some of which rent out thatched bungalows with showers and cafe amenities for as little as $3-5. Arambol has the most low prices, the largest concentration of backpackers and the most free lifestyle. There are many cafes here, there is a large yoga center, owned by Russians. On the beach White sand.
Beach Mandrem– one of the most beautiful in Goa and not particularly crowded. A river flows in front of the sea and you can cross it along bridges that are installed in several places. In the cafe across the river you can order food for the beach, but keep in mind that they will bring it to you as slowly as they take the order, because walking back and forth across the bridge every day gets boring;) The entrance to the water is shallow. The beach is perfect for families with children.
Beach Ashwem– another uncrowded Goa beach. Small bays where there are no waves, a gentle slope into the water, several necks, and a magnificent sunset make this beach attractive for those who want a relaxing holiday away from civilization.
Beach Morjim completely occupied by the Russians and constitute most his vacationers. Russian is spoken almost everywhere. Water sports are popular on the beach. Every year large olive turtles came to the beach to lay their eggs, but now due to the rapid development of the village they are seen less and less often. From the southern part the beach is washed by the Chapora River.
The nearest railway station to Arambol, Mandrem, Ashvem and Morjim is Pernem.
Beach Vagator consists of three - small, medium and large. Big Vagator is adjacent to the ruins of Chapora Fort and is very popular among Indian tourists. Middle Vagator is surrounded by rocks and trance parties used to be popular here. Small Vagator is a cozy beach with a cafe, small rocks on the shore, one of which has an image of Shiva and a snake carved on it, but the sculptures are increasingly covered with sand over the years. The beach is jokingly called Tel Aviv Beach, because Israelis like to relax here.
Beach Anjuna famous not only for its sea, but also for its flea market. The market is open in the first half of the day, opening at about 11 every Wednesday, here you can find anything you want: fabrics, clothes, souvenirs, hammocks, crafts from immigrants who have been living in Goa for a long time. There are many backpackers with tents near the beach. The beach is also popular for its parties and it is here that the largest club in the state, Paradiso, is located.
Beach Baga opens the list of the busiest beaches in Goa. There is a nice wide beach, many cafes and restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. The development of tourism in Goa began from these places. A small river brightens up the beach. Also popular here different kinds water sports. Indians themselves also love to relax on this beach.
Beach Calangute very popular among travelers, it is always crowded, you can find accommodation for every taste, many shakes, active water sports. Often this is where travel agencies send Russian travelers on package tours, ripping off incredible amounts of money. There is always something to do on this beach.
The nearest railway station to Vagator, Anjuna, Baga and Calangute is Thivim.
Beach Candolim quietly begins immediately after Calangute. The biggest local attraction is the River Princess ship, which ran aground in June 2000, which local authorities spare no expense in getting out of the water, and tourists periodically try to climb on it, which rescuers try to prevent. In the town itself there are various hotels and a large supermarket. But you won't find a bungalow by the sea here.
The last beach of North Goa – Sinquerim . It also starts discreetly from Calangute and is close to Fort Aguada. It is less crowded and offers greater freedom in water sports.
Beaches of South Goa
South Goa starts from Panaji and ends at the border with Kerala. In the southern part, holidays are considered more prestigious and prices are slightly higher.
Beach Agonda long and isolated – perfect place for those who are looking for peace. It is calm and not crowded here. You can stay in a bungalow right on the beach and enjoy the tranquility and nature. However, the beach is developing and in the village you can find souvenirs and restaurants, and see other tourists.
Beach Benaulim located next to Colva beach, but they are completely different. Benaulim is famous for its developed fishing industry and beauty. You won't find crazy parties here, but there are water activities and a dolphin walk. In December the beach gets a little crowded, but drive a little south and you can enjoy the silence again.
Beach Colva popular among Indian tourists who come here by bus. In October, the beach becomes lively when pilgrims come to the temple in Colva. There are many cheap hotels, cafes and restaurants in this area, but there are no wild parties here. In general, there is not much entertainment for foreign tourists on the beach.
Beach Palolem one of the most beautiful in Goa, crescent shaped with soft sand and palm trees right by the sea. There are many cafes on the coastline. Once the beach was discovered by tourists, it became a paradise for backpackers. Every season more and more vacationers come here. There are no permanent buildings on the beach, but you can stay in a temporary bungalow made from coconut palms. Although there are more comfortable hotels not far from the beach. Bars and nightlife take place at the southern end of the beach.
Beach Patnem not very long, but quieter than nearby Palolem. This cozy beach, located between two cliffs, is a great place if you want to relax in silence, but be close to the parties in Palolem. There are luxury bungalows with private bathrooms on the beach.
Beaches Varca, Cavelossim, Morbor - old traditional fishing villages, which are now part of the luxury resorts of Goa. There are several beach shakes, water sports, and local vendors. The beaches are clean with white sand. Almost all of the nightlife takes place at the resorts and includes live music, cultural events, and casinos. You can also find several bars around Cavelossim.
Beach Cola also one of the most picturesque beaches in Goa. Here you can stay in bungalows or tents in the palm groves along the beach. There is also a small freshwater lake where you can swim. The beach is small and very cozy.
The beaches of Goa stretch along the entire coast of this resort state. In fact, the entire tourist life in Goa is concentrated in a hundred-kilometer beach strip - everything a traveler needs is located right on the shores of the Arabian Sea, be it hotels, restaurants or beach cafes. Despite the fact that Goa can hardly be called the best place for a holiday with children, the number of tourists here is increasing year by year - however, this is usually due to young people, among whom this most “non-Indian” state of India is famous for its numerous parties and night discos .
Beaches of North and South Goa
Goa is conventionally divided into two dissimilar parts - northern and southern. The north of the state, without exaggeration, can be called the most party place on the entire coast Indian Ocean, because only Thai Phuket can boast of such an amount of nightlife entertainment. And here South part sometimes it resembles respectable European resorts with their measured life - there are practically no 24-hour establishments here, and the time for entertainment ends after sunset. In addition, judging by reviews of hotels in Goa, hotels in the northern and southern parts of the state are different from each other - modest and inexpensive hotels in the north sometimes look very modest compared to the chic ones in the south.
All Goa beaches belong to the state, so there are no places in the local resorts that are inaccessible to tourists, regardless of whether they live in a luxury hotel or in a coastal bungalow. The only exception is the beach, part of which is fenced off from tourists because of sea turtles, overlooking the coast during the breeding season. But sunbeds on almost all beaches are conditionally free, but you can only use them by purchasing food or drinks at beach sheks.
Most of the beaches in both parts of Goa are sandy, and the entry into the water is almost always gentle. There are often rivers on the beaches that cross them parallel to the seashore - they create unique lagoons that are convenient for children to swim in. The swimming season at local beaches lasts from October to March, when the weather in Goa is dry and not very hot. The coolest month here is January, but the air temperature during the day does not fall below 31-33 °C, and the sea water does not get colder average annual indicators at 28-29 °C. On average, at the height of the high season, the temperature fluctuates around 33 °C during the day and 22 °C at night.
Features of Goa beaches
Despite the fact that the Arabian Sea is rich in flora and fauna, diving in Goa is practically not common - due to the characteristics of the bottom and the numerous rivers flowing into it on the coast of the state, the water is quite muddy and visibility almost everywhere is no more than a couple of meters.
Among the dangers of Goan beaches are quite intense underwater currents passing a couple of hundred meters from the shore and sea snakes and other reptiles varying degrees toxicity. Therefore, before choosing this or that beach for yourself, you should pay attention to Goa reviews from those who have already been lucky enough to vacation in this part of magnificent India.
Beaches of North Goa
Candolim
Candolim, located 45 km from international airport Goa is one of the most uncharacteristic beaches in the northern part of the state. This is one of the most respectable resorts with expensive hotels and villas for rent.
Candolim, unlike the most famous beach in the state, is a calm and uncrowded place, so the bulk of vacationers on the beach are those who came here for the quiet family vacation. Despite the fact that the approach to the water here is somewhat steeper than on other beaches, it is suitable for families with children - it is quite clean here, and the entry into the water is very gentle and stretches for several tens of meters.
Calangute
Calangute Beach is located about fifty kilometers from the international airport in Goa. This beach is perhaps the most famous and “party” beach in all of Goa - not only tourists, but also locals relax here, and the noise does not subside day or night.
Calangute stretches along the coast for seven kilometers, turning into an equally noisy and crowded beach. The whole of Calangute is literally lined with a variety of restaurants, sun loungers, umbrellas and other things necessary for comfortable rest. This beach is not suitable for families with children - it is noisy, crowded, and the cleanliness of the sea and sand leave much to be desired.
Arambol
Aramabol, which is approximately 60 km from the international Goa airport- practically the northernmost beach in this part of the state. Its length is about 16 km, during which sand is replaced by small pebbles, and salty ocean waters are replaced by fresh lagoons.
Arambol is a rather secluded beach, but there are many restaurants and cafes here. But there are not a large number of hotels here - as a rule, tourists live here in rented private bungalows and houses, many of which are located right on the beach.
Arambol beach is loved by, as they say, “creative” people - here, like nowhere else in Goa, you can meet a lot of colorful characters.
Mandrem
Mandrem is located not far from Arambol, but differs from it in silence and a small number of vacationers. This beach is great for families with children - the sand here is fine and clean, and the entry into the water is gentle.
There are no numerous merchants on the beach vying with each other to offer their goods, but there are no shekis - small restaurants with delicious dishes There is quite a lot of local and not only cuisine.
Mandrem offers a variety of accommodation options - from expensive hotels With high level service, to bungalows and guesthouses, which can be rented inexpensively for a long period of time.
(Morjim)
Morjim, the most “Russian” beach in the northern part of Goa, is 60 km away from the international airport. A wide strip of beach covered with gray sand stretches for three kilometers along the shore of the Arabian Sea.
Morjim hotels are some of the most expensive in this part of the state, and the local restaurants are also not a budget traveler's dream. However, this does not prevent numerous tourists from spending not even weeks, but months here - and some even live here permanently.
Thanks to the wind, there is an opportunity for surfing and kiting on the beach, but underwater currents make Morjim not the best place for families with children, especially small ones.
Anjuna
Anjuna Beach, one of the most “party” places in Goa, is located about fifty kilometers from the state’s international airport. This beach is completely unsuitable for a quiet and relaxing holiday - it is always noisy and crowded.
The beach strip is not very wide, but if you wish, you can find a place for a sun lounger and an umbrella. However, Anjuna is not very convenient for swimming, especially at low tide, when the entrance to the sea is strewn with sharp stones.
Vagator
Vagator, another beach in the northern part of the state, is located near bustling Anjuna. Unlike its neighbor, this beach is less crowded, and after ten o'clock in the evening all local establishments close.
Vagator cannot boast of a developed infrastructure - there are not a large number of sheks here, and hotels are located hundreds of meters from the beach. Vacationers with children are unlikely to be comfortable here, since there are no lifeguards on the beach, and the entry into the water is quite steep even for adults.
Baga
Baga is located in close proximity to the busiest beach in northern Goa -. Actually, the border between these two beaches is quite arbitrary, and you can get from one to the other on foot in literally five minutes.
In addition to its vibrant nightlife, Baga is famous for its unusual sand Brown, against which giant black stones stand out. Baga is not the best place for families with children the best place because of the noise and the steep entrance to the sea, but thanks to the river flowing right along the beach, the youngest travelers still have a place to swim.
Ashwem
Ashvem is one of the most “sparsely populated” beaches in North Goa, located approximately 60 km from the international airport. The beach cannot boast of a developed infrastructure and discos that are so popular in this part of the state - rather, it is suitable for those who crave privacy. Even in the high season, there are very few vacationers on Ashvem, and during the off-season you can only occasionally meet local residents here.
There are few accommodation options near the beach, and the cost of living in both hotel rooms and beach bungalows is lower than in the neighboring one, but higher than the average for the northern part of the state.
Tirakol
Tiracol, located about 70 km from Goa International Airport, is the northernmost beach of the state. In addition, this is the wildest and most “uncivilized” beach with an almost complete lack of infrastructure, apart from a single hotel and an equally lonely cafe.
It is impossible to get to Tiracol by land - first you need to get to Kerim beach, which is next to Arambol, and then cross a small river by ferry.
Beaches of South Goa
Colva
Colva, the most popular beach in southern Goa, is located almost 70 km from Dabolim International Airport. This beach is somewhat similar to its northern “competitors” - here, unlike most southern beaches, there is nightlife.
Colva is a fairly large beach, but only its central part is crowded - walking half a kilometer in any direction you can find many quiet places where there are practically no vacationers - both local residents and tourists.
Varca
Varca, one of the most beloved beaches of South Goa by tourists, is located 30 km from the state’s international airport. The beach stretches for eight kilometers along the shore of the Arabian Sea, and, despite the abundance of vacationers, it is considered one of the cleanest and most well-groomed in Goa.
The beach is perfect for families with children - the sand here is fine and without “pleasant” surprises in the form of stones and shell fragments, and the entry into the water is quite gentle. The beach will be good for those who love peace and quiet in evening time— there are no discos or noisy crowded parties here.
(Cavelossim)
Cavelossim, which is about forty kilometers from Goa International Airport, is considered one of the most, so to speak, prestigious beaches in the resort state. A wide eight-kilometer strip of the beach is covered with light sand, and in general Cavelossim, unlike many Goan beaches, is very well maintained and clean. The bulk of vacationers in these places are wealthy Europeans and Russians.
The nightlife here is almost as vibrant as in the resorts of northern Goa. In the evenings, vacationers are entertained with a variety of shows, and at night noisy discos begin on the beach, attracting tourists from all the surrounding beaches.
Utorda
Utorda, located 20 km from Goa International Airport, is one of the most idyllic beaches on the entire southern coast. A wide strip of white sandy beach is bordered on three sides by tall palm trees, creating excellent shade.
There are practically no young people on the beach; as a rule, older Europeans and families with children relax here. Utorda is well suited for a family holiday; it is quiet, peaceful, and in the evenings there are no noisy parties and discos.
Majorda
Majorda, 20 km from Goa International Airport, is a thirty-kilometer strip of beaches stretching along the coast of the Arabian Sea. Majorda includes several villages, including Utorda, Colva, Varga, Benaulim and others, connected by bus routes.
This resort strip is considered the best place for a holiday in Goa with children, since the beaches here are sandy, the entrance to the sea is convenient even for children, and the hotels are designed for family accommodation.
Benaulim
Benaulim, which is only 30 km from Goa International Airport, is one of the quietest and most secluded places in South Goa. There are no noisy parties here, and most of the shops and shops that open from seven in the morning close quite early, so life on the beach comes to a standstill at night.
Benaulim beach is well suited for families with children - it is clean, the beach strip at low tide is very wide, and the sand is fine and clean. However, there are no hotels above 3*, so the living conditions may not be comfortable enough.
Cola
Kola, more than 60 km away from the airport, is one of the most secluded even by the standards of South Goa. There are very few tourists here, but the infrastructure is quite developed for such a non-tourist place. It is not possible to get to the beach by public transport, but from Agonda you can get to Kola by taxi or rented bike.
Despite the privacy and silence, the beach is not suitable for families with children due to the steep entry into the water and the stones that abound in the light sand that covers Kola.
Agonda
To get to Agonda from Goa International Airport, you will have to travel more than 70 km. However, judging by the reviews of travelers, it is worth it - Agonda is famous for its beauty and relative privacy - as much as the beaches of Goa can be called secluded. However, even the abundance of tourists will not interfere with your vacation - the beach is about three kilometers long, so finding a deserted place is quite easy.
Agonda is great for families with children - the Andaman Sea in this part of the state is very calm, the fine, almost white sand does not present surprises in the form of sharp stones, and entry into the water is convenient even for the youngest tourists.
Palolem
Palolem is the southernmost beach of South Goa, from which the airport is more than 70 km away. Palolem, which is quite rare for the beaches of this Indian state, is perfect for families with children, as it is located in a bay protected from winds that bring high waves. The entrance to the water here is very smooth, and the sand is almost completely free of sharp stones.
The length of the beach is about two kilometers, but its width, especially at high tide, is quite small. There is no need to count on privacy here, since Palolem is full of not only tourists and local residents, but also numerous merchants.
If you are traveling to Goa for the sea and beaches, do not miss this article. I will tell you about all the beaches of North Goa, share their characteristics, location on the map, personal photographs and videos, and my opinion about each beach, if you are interested. The opinion is subjective. Goa opens up differently for everyone.
12 beaches of North Goa – review, photos, videos
Kerim Beach - the northernmost beach
There are no palm trees on Kerim Beach. Coniferous trees grow there, creating an unusual mystical landscape on the beach. Plus sparsely populated areas, light sand and green deep sea. Kerim Beach is mesmerizing. Only a complete introvert and a desperate lover of solitude and peace can stay there for a long time.
There are a couple of cafes on Kerim beach, and guest houses are easy to find nearby. For shopping and entertainment, it is better to go to neighboring Arambol.
The sea on Kerim is beautiful, but dangerous. Waves are frequent, depth begins immediately. Not the best place to relax with small children.
Kalacha Beach - the beach of the Beatles and Sweet Lake
Kalacha Beach is famous for its Sweet Lake, an unusual landscape, large stones in the sea and a banyan tree under which the Beatles smoked and meditated. There are big doubts about the last fact. But the rest is all true. And the landscape, and the lake, and beauty.
On the beach there is a cafe, several bungalows and a small market.
The sea is different - when big waves, and when - peace and quiet.
Arambol – the beach of yogis who are enlightened and have found themselves
The most controversial beach in North Goa is Arambol. The first time I came to Goa, I fell in love with Arambol. The last time he disappointed me.
As for the beach and sea itself, Arambol is incredibly beautiful. Long and wide sand beach, a long descent into the sea, the blue color of the water merging with the sky - it takes your breath away.
In the village of Arambol there are many shops, guest houses, hotels, cafes and restaurants. Prices for everything are higher than the average for North Goa.
Arambol is good for families with children - the sea is beautiful, there is infrastructure, hangouts for mothers and babies, and even sour cream in stores.
Arambol is good for those who like to travel to the astral plane using special means. It’s easy to find a party and everything else there.
Arambol is good for creative people, for yogis, for those who are looking for themselves.
Mandrem - the beach of glamorous scumbags
Mandrem goes after Arambol. The same sea and the same beach line. In Mandrem, real hotels and fancy restaurants have been built. There you can even meet people in white pants and hats.
Prices in Mandrem are no lower than in Arambol. Many Russians. Few European pensioners. Quiet, calm, impressive.
Ashvem - the most beautiful beach in North Goa
It is impossible to describe in words why Ashvem is better than neighboring beaches. But it is definitely different from other North Goa beaches. Either the air there is different, or the wind, or the current brings mysticism and the desire to fly. There are few sheks and bungalows on the beach itself. And that’s probably why the slightly deserted Ashwema beach is fascinating.
My favorite place in North Goa by far.
Morjim - the most show-off and expensive beach
Russian village and all that. There, the cult director Pyotr Buslov came up with the idea of making a film “Motherland” about Russians in Goa. Buslov lived in Goa, in Morjim, for several seasons, so he studied the theme of the film very well.
The sea in Morjim is like in Arambol. There are a lot of party places, a lot of guest houses and a lot of Russians.
Vagator – beach of Shiva and sacred cows
The second beach in my personal top of North Goa beaches. Moreover, Vagator and Ashvem are almost on the same level. Although the beaches are different in appearance.
Black stones scattered in disarray along the beach create a fantastic landscape. Cows love this place too. Also, be sure to find the famous face of Shiva on Vagator.
Anjuna - the beach of the last hippies
Anjuna is a favorite place for partygoers, young and not so young. This is where the famous market days take place, with the Flea Market open on Wednesdays. Here, by the sea, songs ring from coastal cafes, here they break away and forget all the sorrows and hardships of their cold homeland.
I don’t like the sea in Anjuna - there are a lot of stones, some kind of algae. But you can find a place to swim if you wish.
Baga - the most civilized beach in North Goa
Baga is a village for glamorous holidaymakers, lovers of nightclubs and expensive cafes. Prices are the highest in all of North Goa.
The beach is different from the beaches of Arambol or Mandrem. The sand here is yellow, the sea is deep. In Baga, on one side of the beach there is a cape and a river along the cape. Thanks to this cape, there are almost no big waves in Baga. Swimming is convenient and fun, even when there are huge waves in neighboring Calangute and Candolim.
Calangute - the most visited beach in North Goa
Calangute never sleeps! It's fun, party-like and relaxed at the same time. This is the favorite beach of European pensioners. There are also enough of our packagers here. Among independent tourists, Calangute is not particularly popular.
Calangute has the most shops, supermarkets, cafes, expensive hotels and cheap guest houses.
The sea is deep almost immediately, the sand on the beach is yellow and loose.
Candolim - the most convenient beach
Candolim is similar to Calangute. The same beach line, the same sea, the same guests, the same pensioners. There are no problems in choosing accommodation, renting a bike, local street food, pizza or burger, Tibetan cuisine, or pharmacies. Internet in Candolim and Calangute is the best among all places in North Goa.
Sinquerim – a beach with history
Which North Goa beach is suitable for families with children?
- Arambol
- Candolim
- Morjim
- Mandrem
Because there is a good safe beach, shallow sea, there are shops with the usual products and cafes with a Russian menu. It's easy to find friends for yourself and your child.
Which beach in North Goa should an organized tourist stay on?
- Vagator
- Calangute
- Candolim
Because there are many tour agencies, supermarkets, pharmacies, taxis, restaurants, casinos and decent hotels.
And lastly, even if you stay on one beach for the entire vacation, take a ride along the rest of the beaches of North Goa. This is the only way to find your beach and your favorite place.
You can book a hotel in Goa either on site or online. Booking is full of hotels and guest houses.
Flights to Goa
And if you have not yet decided on tickets to Goa, look at the table for the cheapest fares for regular flights to Goa.
The southwestern part of India is known for its magnificent resorts. The beaches of Goa attract thousands of tourists every year. Conventionally, the coastline of the state of Goa is divided into two parts. The beaches of northern Goa are perfect for youth groups, and the southern part attracts couples with children.
Let's look at the best resorts in northern and southern Goa, where a vacation can be truly unforgettable.
TOP rating of the best beaches in Goa
Before we find out which beaches in India are among the TOP best, let’s figure out how the southern and northern parts of the coast differ. There is no obvious territorial boundary between north and south on the coast, but their differences are quite significant.
The beaches of southern Goa are distinguished by their snow-white sand and comfort. This is where the most fashionable hotels and restaurants of the coast are concentrated. Not everyone can afford a holiday here, but there are hotels for the middle class. You won’t find cheerful youth groups on the south coast; married couples, celebrities and aristocrats prefer to relax here.
The resorts of Goa in the north are a kind of opposite of the southern part of the coast. People come here for adventure and fun. It is in the north that large youth groups most often vacation; newlyweds and students from different countries peace. Prices in the north are much lower than in the south, but the beaches are also clean, and the local nature resembles paradise away from chaos modern world.
The best beaches in south Goa
The southern resorts of Goa welcome tourists with excellent service, comfortable hotels and fashionable restaurants. The entire south coast is perfect for a secluded family holiday. In the first place here is service, which is not inferior to the most expensive resorts peace. When choosing a resort in southwest India, be sure to pay attention to the following resorts:
- Agonda. This South Goa beach is ideal for honeymooners. There are no noisy restaurants or bustling hotels here. Three kilometers of wild, pure nature allow you to spend your honeymoon in complete privacy, enjoying the romantic landscapes. Sometimes in the thickets of palm trees you can see a small cafe or a cozy restaurant, but in general, being on this coast, you feel very far from the whole world.
- Colva. You rarely see tourists on this coast. Mostly respectable Indian residents vacation here, but no one prohibits foreigners from spending their vacation here. The beach surprises with its cleanliness and pristine state. There is a good developed infrastructure and comfortable hotels. Also, lovers of a comfortable holiday should pay attention to the resorts of the southern coast near Colva; there are several of them; Velsao, Utorda, Cansaulim, Majorda and Varca are considered the best.
- Palolem. This beach is rightfully considered the most beautiful resort in southwest India. The coastal strip stretches along the picturesque bay, and is framed by mountain slopes covered with wild palm trees. This is where the real paradise for shopaholics and gourmets is located. The embankment is lined with dozens of chic restaurants and fashion boutiques. You can buy almost everything here, from small souvenirs to expensive ones. jewelry. If you are not lucky enough to get here, pay attention to the beaches of south Goa near Palolem. In terms of comfort and beauty, this resort is not inferior to the resorts of Colomb, Patnam and Rajbagh.
The best beaches in North Goa
The resorts of northern Goa offer round-the-clock fun, unforgettable beach parties and youth hangouts. The north of the coast can offer a huge variety of resorts, among which you can find places both for a family holiday and for a holiday in a noisy fun company. The best recreation areas in the north of the state are:
- Ashvem. This is one of the most beautiful beaches northern part of Goa. Holidays here are not the cheapest, but the beauty of the scenery and light, clean sand easily compensate for the slight high cost compared to other recreation areas in the north. A distinctive feature of the beach is the presence of natural pools, which are perfect for swimming children. The coast is guarded, and therefore there are no annoying traders here, which undoubtedly increases the level of comfort. If you are faced with the question of which beach in northern Goa is suitable for families with children, then you have already found the answer - this is Ashvem.
- Calangute. This is the most visited beach on the north coast. It is here that an organized tourist is recommended to stay, because here you can relax in comfortable conditions, sunbathe on sun loungers, and hide from the sun under bright umbrellas. The infrastructure here is well developed, there are a lot of cafes, small restaurants, shops and souvenir shops. Markets and large supermarkets are within walking distance.
- Baga. This resort is considered the most civilized beach on the northern coast of the state. People who value comfort and tranquility prefer to relax here. A large number of sun loungers and umbrellas, clean soft sand and incredibly beautiful landscapes allow you to completely forget about the everyday bustle of the modern world and completely immerse yourself in an atmosphere of relaxation and peace. At night, life at the resort begins to be bright and cheerful. Parties, nightclubs and get-togethers will not let you get bored, and in the morning peace and quiet will reign on the shore again.
The best beaches in India located in the center of Goa
The central part of the state also has some great holiday destinations that welcome tourists with golden sand, beautiful views and gentle sea. The best of them are:
- Bambolim. This resort is rightfully recognized as one of the best recreation areas in the mid-price category. Comfortable hotels offer cozy and clean rooms. The restaurants serve delicious dishes and amazing service that is on par with resorts in the south. One of the most interesting places Recreation for tourists here is an Ayurvedic center where you can be offered various types of massage.
- Dona Paula. This beach is considered the best for a romantic trip. This is where lovers and newlyweds from different parts of the world flock, because here you can... to the fullest enjoy the romance and natural views Goa. The resort is famous for its abundance of souvenir shops, cozy restaurants and small hotels. Once here, be sure to visit the Marine Biological Museum, which displays the most unusual inhabitants of the Arabian Sea.
- Miramar. Many may say that Miramar is similar to other beaches in Goa, but if you take a closer look, it has its own distinctive features. Miramar is great for families with children. The infrastructure here is well developed, hotels offer comfortable rooms, and the natural beauty is simply mesmerizing. Fans of active recreation are offered a lot of excursion programs, and there are various beach activities for children.
The small state of exotic India attracts many tourists to its coast every year. The best beaches of Goa are popular with married couples, fans of extreme sports, and young people. Everyone can choose a vacation to suit their taste.
The main directions are north or south of the state. Which beaches in these places are worth visiting?
The best beaches of Goa in the north
Lists of special places for a seaside holiday definitely include Anjuna Beach. This is the heart of the state, once popular with Rastafarians and hippies. The spirit of freedom and music is alive here and now. The local market is full of exotics and colors, and along the coast you can relax in many bars to suit every taste. You just need to swim in the sea carefully - there are coral reefs here.
For those who want a calmer and more measured vacation, it is better to go to Arambol beach. This place also has the right to be indicated in any list listing best beaches Goa. Reviews about Arambol note a creative, inspiring atmosphere. Here you can practice yoga on the purest white sand in the morning, and dance in the open air in the evening. It is best to live in guesthouses in these places - they are located on the first line of the beach. There is a fresh lake nearby
Sweet Lake, where the banyan tree grows, famous for the meditation of the entire famous four Beatles under its crown.
Fans of youth recreation can go to Vagator Beach: there are quite low prices and varied nightlife. In addition, the place is very picturesque, surrounded by rocks and famous for its beautiful sunset.
Looking for the best beach on north Goa for holidays with small children, pay attention to Mandrem. Fine sand, quiet and clean water are ideal for families on any budget. The colorful surroundings will not let adults get bored, and children can collect starfish on the shore.
The best beaches of Goa in the south
The southern part of the state stands out for its famous lack of waves.
Surrounded by a beautiful bay, it is perfect for a family holiday with children. If you wish, you can rent a kayak or boat and go visit the dolphins. In the evening, cafes and bars open along the coast.
For romantic solitude, you should go to Varca Beach. Here is the purest warm water and silence. For accommodation you can choose either an affordable bungalow or a five-star hotel. Of course, prices here are quite high, but this is typical for the entire southern coast. When listing the best beaches in Goa, it is also worth mentioning Cavelossim, Colva, Utorda and Majorda. These places are similar to Varca Beach in their privacy and wide choice of places to stay.
Finally, the pearl of the south - Cola. A small bay surrounded by hills looks extremely picturesque. The river flowing into the ocean creates a blue lagoon, a quiet and secluded place full of magical landscapes. There is only one restaurant and several hotels. But there is also a drawback - big waves. Therefore, swimming with children will not be very convenient, which means it is better to choose another beach for a family vacation.
