We highly recommend not spending your holidays here. North Goa is the most party beaches in India, they are good for creative people, young people who are looking for something new. But for lovers of beach holidays, you need to know that the top beaches of Goa are located in the south.
All beaches of North Goa on the map
You can go here or go when you are already tired of other beaches
We see no reason to go here on vacation
This beach is also known as Keri, and is located in the very north of Goa, near the Tirakol fort. The old Portuguese fort and the 17th century church are the main attractions of Kerim Beach, which is still quite calm and not overrun by tourists. The sea here is quite calm, the waves are small. Fort Tiracol, now converted into a hotel, can be visited by boat, which sails every half hour. Every evening on the beach you can see a beautiful scene - many fishing boats go out to sea at 6 pm to return back to the beach the next day at 5 am. Of the water sports, paragliding is the most popular. But swimming here is unsafe, especially near the mouth of the Tirakol River. Kerim is located 58 kilometers north of Panaji, the easiest way to get here is from.
The beach is not prepared for tourists, but it is worth a visit if you live on Arambol
- Kalacha beach is between noisy and quiet.
- You can only get here by walking along the coast from Arambol.
- This is a small, pleasant, and fairly secluded beach.
- Great place for paragliding.
- This beach is home to Sweet Water Lake, a popular holiday destination for tourists.
Promoted tourist center
Poor value for money in everything
Worth a visit just to check the box
- Arambol beach is located one and a half kilometers from the village of the same name in northern Goa, next to the beaches and.
- The beach is dotted with bars and cafes and is very popular among young people
- But in fact, this is more of a promoted brand than a beach
- The resort began to actively develop in 2002, when the Siolim Bridge was built across Chapora, but it quickly caught up with the neighboring beaches in popularity.
- Known primarily as a hangout place for unconventional people from all over the world. Hipsters, hippies, artists, performers, and others.
- The beach itself is of rather poor quality, there are a lot of cows on it, and the sea is not convenient for swimming.
Grade 4.0/5 | Budget: 70-90 thousand per week for two | Entertainment: beaching, sealing
One of the quietest beaches in Goa, the best beach in North Goa.
Not much to do and quite far from the main party areas
There is plenty of budget accommodation, but quality accommodation is slightly more expensive than in the main resorts.
It’s worth coming here to live in inexpensive housing and lie on a good beach every day, forgetting about your active life. Great place for meditation!
Far from the airport and the center of Goa
A great option is to fly here on a last-minute tour when you’ve had everything, and spend a week alone with yourself and nature.
Grade 3.8/5 | Budget: 80-100 thousand per week for two | Entertainment: beaching, parties, waterfalls
Nice beach, but already too popular among tourists.
Fairly developed nightlife.
Hotel prices are slightly higher than on neighboring beaches.
As in all of Goa, there is a rather meager choice of excursions.
It is worth considering as an option for young tourists looking for nightlife entertainment.
Grade 4.2/5 | Budget: 80-100 thousand per week for two | Entertainment: beaching, sealing, kitesurfing, communicating with Russians
The beach is a good choice for those who don’t mind the proximity of many Russians.
The beach itself is good for beaching and sealing, as well as kitesurfing.
Choose it if you don't really like noisy crowds.
- Morjim Beach is located in a small village of the same name, 60 km from Dabolim Airport and 27 km from the state capital - Panaji.
- In the north, Morjim borders on the beach, and in its southern part the Chapora River flows, on the opposite bank of which the beach is adjacent.
- Back in the 2000s, immigrants from the CIS countries began to settle in this village, opening hotels, cafes and restaurants here. Since then, Morjim has become a favorite place among tourists from Russia, so it can rightfully be considered the most Russian beach in North Goa. There is even a “Russian Street” here, on which all establishments are owned by our compatriots.
- In addition to the picturesque nature, Morjim will delight you with a variety of fauna. On the shore there are hermit crabs and starfish, and the left (southern) side ends in a protected, protected area - this turtle beach(Turtle Beach). Rare olive turtles, which are listed in the Red Book, live and breed here. Small turtles can be observed from November to March, but touching them is strictly prohibited. Sometimes cows and dogs come to the beach.
- Palm trees and casuarinas grow along the coast.
- The sand and sea are clean, as garbage is removed daily.
- Morjim is a calm, uncrowded place, even in high season. And due to the crisis in Russia, tourists in lately became even smaller.
- The length of the beach is about 3 kilometers. The coastline is wide - about 100 meters.
- It is very shallow, you will have to go to a depth of several tens of meters.
- The sand is light gray in color, fine-grained and dense.
- In the southern part of the beach, in the place where Chapora flows into the sea, there are big waves and the wind. Lifeguards often display red flags to warn of strong currents that can sweep a person out to sea. In the center and north of Morjim the water is usually calm.
- Shower taps are installed on the shore. There are no beggars. Sellers of souvenirs and street food are rare.
- The shade of the trees does not reach the beach, but there are enough umbrellas and awnings with sun loungers. All these amenities are owned by the beach cafe-shacks. You can use the sunbeds for free, but as a sign of gratitude and respect to the owner of the cafe, you should buy something, at least a glass of juice or water.
Grade 3.3/5 | Budget: 80-100 thousand per week for two | Entertainment: party, Chapora fort, Shiva sculpture
There is no reason why you would choose this beach as your holiday destination
Party, dirt, congestion
- Vagator Beach is located in North Goa, to the north, 10 kilometers from Mapusa.
- Nearby are the ruins of Chapora Fort, the main attraction of the region.
- Historically, the beach was the venue for the largest open air event in Goa, but recently the authorities have banned its holding.
- The quality of the beach itself is far from ideal - there is no convenient entrance to the sea, the sand is gray, the water is sometimes very muddy
Grade 3.7/5 | Budget: 80-100 thousand per week for two | Entertainment: trance, cafe, drinking, flea market
Treat this beach like a nightclub, not a beach
Come here only if you are young, hot, and want to try everything in life. And go to the beach sometime later.
Anjuna Beach is located in North Goa, at a distance of 18 kilometers from Panaji. This is an extremely lively place, the center of parties, where you can always drink and meet other tourists. Actually, Anjuna should not be perceived as a beach - it has long been more convenient for cows than for people.
Grade 3.7/5 | Budget: 80-100 thousand per week for two | Entertainment: nightclubs, night market, party
- Baga Beach is located in North Goa, at a distance of 9 kilometers from Mapusa and 16 kilometers from Panaji.
- Bordered by Calangute and Anjuna beaches
- The beach is very popular, but is more suitable for nightlife lovers than beach lovers
- Historically, Baga Beach is the birthplace of tourism in Goa (and the traditional habitat of hippies)
Grade 3.8/5 | Budget: 80-100 thousand per week for two | Entertainment: party, excursions to crocodiles and dolphins, water sports
In our opinion, it can only be considered as a base for exploring neighboring beaches - Calangute itself is somewhat reminiscent of the worst thing in mass beach holidays.
Analogues are Patong in Phuket, Kuta in Bali, or the beaches of Sochi and Anapa during the influx of tourists.
- Calangute is located 40 kilometers from Goa airport Dabolim. The distance to Panaji is 13 kilometers, to Mapusa - 8.
- Once upon a time this beach was one of the best in North Goa, and some considered it one of the best in the world.
- However, now it is really overloaded with tourists, and therefore has lost its attractiveness.
Conventionally, the beaches of Goa can be divided into two parts: northern and southern.
The beaches in north Goa extend for 30 km from Fort Aguada to Arambol and border Maharastra. There are not many historical attractions here: the capital of Goa Panajim, the towns of Vasco da Gama and Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Arambol, Fort Aguada and, of course, the beaches.
Many years ago, this region became the capital of the Portuguese Empire in the East and the mistress of the sea from the Cape of Good Hope to the China Sea. In 1962, Goa got rid of Spanish dominance and gained independence.
The beaches of Goa in the northern part are considered the best coast of India. Life, parties and fun reign here. This is the land of festivals! 
Anjuna Beach is a wide strip of beautiful sand with coconut groves. This region is favored by hikers who enjoy the picturesque views. Lovers of cheap trinkets and exclusive items from all over Goa also come here - every Wednesday a flea market opens right under the canopy of coconut trees. 
- This is sand interspersed with basalt rocks. There is never a rush from tourists here. Not far from the shore you can find a freshwater lake and several springs with water containing hydrogen sulfide. 
Calangute and Baga Beach– these are favorite hangout spots for hippies who come here to take part in various mass trances. These two beaches are considered inseparable twin brothers. 
If you get tired of lying on the beach, be sure to visit the capital of Goa Panjim and the town of Old Goa. Here you can see large number sights that the Portuguese left behind.
This region has a huge number of cozy hotels and houses for tourists. 
The beaches of South Goa extend from Bogmalo to Palolem Beach. They are as picturesque as the coast of North Goa, but quieter and more peaceful. Ideal for tourists who want to get away from the noise of big cities and bustle modern world. Here you will not hear echoes of the noisy parties common in North Goa, and you will not see vibrant crowds of tourists. But on the southern coast of Goa you will connect with nature and understand that there is an Absolute.
The main beaches in south Goa are…
- This is the most famous beach on the south coast. It is located near Marg. Everything is done here for tourists: market, restaurants, shops, souvenir shops and much more. 
is located 2 kilometers from Kolva. This is a great holiday destination for tourists who want to save money on their vacation. The village of Benaulim happily welcomes all guests for a fairly reasonable fee. This area is considered a fishing settlement. In addition, local residents are engaged in the cultivation of rice and coconut trees. In Benaulim you can stay in small houses for guests. 
Microscopic Bogmalo beach became famous when the five-star Oberoi Group hotel opened here. Now this beach has become a real tourist center in South Goa.
Famous for its picturesque cliffs, with coconut palms in the background, and idyllic landscapes. In the village near the beach you can visit several cozy cafes and souvenir shops. 
is located two kilometers from Benaulim beach. Here you will hardly meet tourists; Varca Beach is quiet place, which is perfect for enjoying nature and the sea. 
You can watch the life of dolphins in the wild at Cavelossim beach. Here you can also find amazing shells, stroll along the beautiful coast, ride catamarans and kayaks and simply forget about the bustle of the world around you.
It is the wildest beach on the southern coast of Goa. Do you want to escape from civilization? Then come to this beach. Here you can also see the ruins of Fort Kobe de Rama. 
Tiny resort of South Goa – Benawali beach with many not expensive hotels and excellent restaurants, the menu of which is dominated by various seafood. This perfect place for a holiday with the whole family. 
The beaches of South Goa have not yet been touched by tourists; there is no noise, crowds of vacationers, crowded hotels and restaurants. Here you can take a break from the hustle and bustle and find unity with nature.
Goa is a state in India, popular for holidays and wintering among tourists and travelers from the CIS countries. The length of the coastline is about 100 km. The coast is washed by the Arabian Sea.
Along this distance, there are resort towns along the sea, each of which has its own characteristics.
The beaches of Goa can be roughly divided into three parts: north Goa for backpackers and winterers, north Goa for package tourists and south Goa (the clean, civil and calm part of the state).
North Goa for backpackers
Beaches in the north of Goa (Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim) are considered the cheapest and are popular among winterers and backpackers. Accommodation is presented in the form of bungalows on the seashore or simple rooms in guesthouses.
Creative people come here (including hippies, freaks and homeless Rastafarians), as well as people seeking, raw foodists and drinkers. First of all, for the sake of the atmosphere and party, and only then for the sake of a beach holiday.
Arambol
65 km from Dabolim Airport.
Arambol is the most popular village in Goa, where mainly Russian-speaking winterers, photographers, dancers, fire-swallowers, yogis and other citizens 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 since then.
- A party of like-minded people?! There are different types of people in Arambol, so everyone will find a suitable company. I found three Spaniards at 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 accommodation and entertainment
Cons of Arambol
- Dirt and cow poop. In the south of Goa there is less of this goodness.
- There are many people, including various stoners and quiet alcoholics, who drunkenly drive around the streets in Royal Enfields, not paying attention to pedestrians.
More details about Arambol will be discussed in a separate article. Using this link you can book a decent hotel in Arambol for the first couple of days until you find more suitable accommodation.
Beaches around Arambol 
Main beach in Arambol 
Sunsets in Arambol 
Large banyan tree and smoking woman in Armabol Mandrem
62 km north from Dabolim Airport.
Madrem begins immediately after Arambol. I like the sea at Madrem better. Mostly families with small children and lovers of a more relaxing holiday live here.
Beaches of Mandrem 
Surfers on Mandrem 
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, and Candolim. They are distinguished by the highest prices (one and a half times higher than in Arambol) and a large number of tourists who came to take a vacation for a couple of weeks.
Prices for package tours to India ↓↓
The water in the sea is not the cleanest; the coastline is filled with sun loungers. Most cafes speak Russian. There are discos, bars, restaurants, ATMs, supermarkets.
If you don’t like crowded tourist towns, but want to save money, you can buy a ticket to one of the popular resorts, but not live in a hotel all the time, but travel to other beaches on a scooter or bus.
Trips to India, which include charter tickets and a modest hotel, are sometimes cheaper than regular flights to Goa, but no one forces you to live in the purchased hotel all the time.
Baga
Baga is an Indian analogue of the coastal resorts of southern Russia. Hundreds of hotels, thousands of sunbeds, music, cafes, restaurants and people lying on top of each other.
Here you can ride a banana boat, ride a jet ski, or fly with a parachute over the sea. This is a resort with ATMs, cafes, and entertainment. The “civilized” part of Goa begins with Baga.
Calangute
Calangute is a busy resort with all that it implies. Here you will find water attractions, shops with branded clothing, supermarkets, fast food establishments, a large number of hotels and sheks.
Intrusive Indians walk along the shore offering to buy a bracelet/pareo/watermelon and other necessary items. Everything is very fussy and obviously not for everyone. The contingent consists of package tourists from Russia and the UK, and there are also a lot of locals.
Candolim
Candolim starts immediately 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 in cafes and restaurants on the shore they speak English and Russian.
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.
Candolim Beach 
Sun loungers on Candolim beach 
Sea at Baga beach 
South Goa
South Goa beaches - all the beaches south of Panaji (the state capital). These include Benolim, Carmona, Varka, Fatrade, Agonda, Palolem, etc. For a short-term holiday at sea 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; most of the comfortable hotels with stars and a more or less decent level of service are also located in the south. You can meet tourists from other countries there, because the north of Goa is mainly chosen by travelers from Russia. I personally like the southern beaches better.
Benaulim
There are a large number of guest houses and inexpensive hotels in Benaulim, but most often they are 100% occupied. Popular for relaxation 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.
Fattrade
Fatrad is one of my favorite beaches in South Goa. There are several sheks on the coast, but the coast is mostly 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 shadow.
The downside of Varka and Fatraida beaches for budget travelers is that there is no cheap accommodation there. You can rent a house in the village of Varka, but to the sea you will have to ride a bike for 10-15 minutes.
Housing that is within walking distance from the sea is mainly condominiums and large, expensive apartments; there is no housing on the shore. There are hotels near the sea costing from 1600 rupees (Kolonia jose), there were also hotels for 1500 and 3500 rupees.
Varca and Fatrade beaches 
Cooking 
Mud is also found in the south of Goa, but there is less of it than in the north 
Cafe on Fatrade beach 
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 a lot of people there. Mainly those who prefer a quiet, relaxed holiday. There are many bungalows and sheks along the coast. Prices are higher than in neighboring Palolem.
Palolem
Most south beach Goa. In many sources it is listed as heavenly. Of all the diversity Goa resorts 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 small terrace.
The contingent on Palolem is European youth (mostly backpackers), there are tourists from Russia, but there are few of them. Nightlife 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.
When going to Goa, it is worth considering the specifics of this resort area. The quality of your vacation here depends not so much on the chosen hotel, but on your geographic location to a specific beach. Young people who prefer trans parties and nightclubs to everything else will be frankly bored in Candolim. Married couples will not like it in Baga.
We will tell you about the best resorts in South and North Goa, we will try to find the most beautiful beach and select places that are optimally suitable for small children. Let's swim!
Looking for a place to swim in Goa
The villages of Goa fill the coast so densely that sometimes they are a continuation of each other. In the vicinity of the resort villages there are many beaches - all of them are free, so take advantage of them to your health.
If you come across sun loungers, then they most likely belong to a nearby restaurant or hotel complex. At the resorts of Candolim and Baga you will have to pay for the use of sunbeds, in other places “freebies” dominate. Most often, ordering food at a restaurant is considered good form - this action turns you into a full-fledged owner of a sunbed.
The beaches of Goa are conventionally divided into northern and southern. Here are a few popular options:
- Ashvem;
- Arambol;
- Baga;
- Anjuna;
- Utorda;
- Candolim;
- Vagator;
- Cola.
The center of the most “unhinged” youth parties is North Goa.
Three most popular resorts in North Goa
The center of the most “unhinged” youth parties is North Goa. The beaches in this area are vast areas dotted with a huge number of three-star hotels. Holidays in the north are budget-friendly, noisy and fun. This is the kingdom of “package” tourists arriving from Germany, England and Russia.
We list the three best beaches in North Goa:
Cola beach on video
To better understand what it is beach holiday in Goa, watch this short video made by our compatriots. This is Cola Beach - they like it, what about you?
Best beaches in South Goa
Welcome to the respectable world of luxury hotels. Privacy and quality of service are at the forefront here. Visiting tourists are not particularly familiar with the area - the entire south is ideal for respectable couples with children.
The most comfortable hotels in India are located in the vicinity of the beaches of Cavelosim, Varca, Majorda, Utorda and Colva. This is a strip of pure snow-white sand, restaurants with quiet music and developed infrastructure.
The triad “Palolem – Agonda – Kola” deserves attention. These places are perfect for romantics, newlyweds and lovers of beauty. You can stay in a four-star hotel or a luxurious bungalow.
Let's denote three best resorts South:
The triad “Palolem – Agonda – Kola” deserves attention.
Looking for the most beautiful beach
The opinion of most travelers agrees: the best beaches of Goa are located in the southern part of the region. One of these resorts is Palolem. The beach is located on the coast of a picturesque crescent-shaped bay. Hills covered with coconut palms come close to Palolem.
To reach Palolem, you need to take a plane or train to Margao. If you prefer to fly, you will have to fly to Vasca da Gama airport. There are taxis from there, the fare of which is fixed. The railway station is located near Palolem and is called Canacona. There are buses between Margao, the beach and the station, which will take you about an hour and a half.
If you choose Palolem, understand a few things:
- With the onset of the high season, all apartments and hotels are overcrowded. Make sure to make a reservation in advance.
- Columbus Bay is a cozy and environmentally friendly place to stay. An option for those who don't like fuss.
- Shopping can be done on the embankment. There is a kingdom of souvenir and music shops, as well as tiny spice shops.
- For 250-300 rubles you can have a great meal in a restaurant.
Goa is a small state of India, which is famous for its relaxed lifestyle and 101 kilometers of tropical beaches. Having visited Goa several times, I am often asked, what are the best beaches in Goa, and also what to choose: Northern or South Goa ?
This question cannot be answered because in fact, each beach in Goa has its own atmosphere and attracts different types of travelers. Therefore, you need to find the best beach in Goa just for you, based on your needs.
North and South Goa differences
One of the first things you need to decide when planning a trip to Goa is whether to choose North Goa or South Goa, which is better and what are the differences between these two tourism destinations. Generally speaking, South Goa is quieter and less developed, while North Goa is bustling and youthful. IN North Goa there are better nightclubs, restaurants, markets, shopping and a greater range of entertainment to suit any budget.
South Goa better, cleaner and calmer. There are also beaches and mostly luxury hotels. Here and there in South Goa you can find parties, but, as a rule, retirees relax there. It is quite easy to visit the nearby beaches and towns between North Goa and South Goa. If you have a scooter, then getting around is quite simple. Traveling from North Goa to South Goa and vice versa every day is tiring. But you can, for example, spend one week in North Goa and one week in South Goa.
Therefore, the answer to the question: “What is the best beach in Goa, and also which Goa is better: North or South? depends on what you are looking for. Here's my opinion.
The most beautiful beach in Goa
Best beaches in Goa for family holidays
Ashvem, Mandrem are the best beaches of North Goa, where there are few Indians, wide expanses of sand and inflated prices. These places have been chosen by Russian winterers and tourists, and this is no coincidence. It is beautiful, luxurious, there are many good restaurants, Russian shops, and Indians have completely forgotten how to bargain, spoiled by the broad soul of Russian tourists.
And - noisy, crowded beaches with shallow entry into the water are always popular both among local residents and among foreign families. These most popular beaches in Goa offer large selection services, accommodation options and restaurants for every taste and budget, as well as widest spectrum shopping, water sports, excursions, entertainment and nightlife.
– a beach close to other beaches – Baga and Calangute. It's just as good as its neighbors, there's good choice hotels, but a more relaxed atmosphere, despite the fact that you can easily get anywhere.
Utorda – good beaches, clean and quiet. Majorda is cleaner and nicer, but more crowded beach. There are also several luxury hotels as well as affordable beachfront accommodations.
– probably the busiest beach in South Goa, there are many Indian families and a wide selection of hotels, aquatic species sports, cafes and restaurants, but no nightlife like in Baga and Calangute, and the mesmerizing atmosphere of Palolem.
So these were best beaches in goa for different categories of tourists. We have looked at North and South Goa, it’s up to you to choose which one suits you best. If you have never been to Goa, then I advise you to visit North Goa first. And you can go to Yuzhny in old age.
