Baga Beach

Baga Beach is in North Goa. Extremely popular with both Indian and foreign tourists, it is a busy beach where you will find everything – some of Goa’s best restaurants, cafes, shops, supermarkets, and even nightclubs. The beach is lined with shacks where there are many loungers and umbrellas. You can order food and drinks, and spend hours on your lounger, enjoying the views. The roads and lanes are busy. There are plenty of water sports activities as well, including speed boats, banana boats, parasailing, jet skiing, dolphin cruises, and more. Swimming is safe in the sea.

Baga is one of the most popular beaches in Goa, a must-visit for all tourists. It is 17.3 kilometers from Goa’s capital Panaji. The beach gets its name from the Baga River at its northern end. It is a small river, more like a creek, separating Baga from Anjuna. At the southern end, there is Calangute, which is another popular Goa beach, followed by Candolim. The Baga to Candolim stretch is a long unbroken coastline of more than 7 kilometers.

It was discovered by the hippies. In the 1960s and the early 1970s, hordes of hippies arrived at this golden sandy beach. It used to be pristine at the time with plenty of trees. Not anymore!

There is something for everyone in Baga Beach. For parties, there is Club Tito’s, Café Mambos, Hammerzz, and Club Cubana. The best places to eat and drink are Britto’s, Cape Town Café, and Fat Fish. You will also find many street vendors, many of whom sell yummy food. There are plenty of shops everywhere. Two places where you will get unique things are the Tibetan Market and the Gipsy Market. For the kids, there is a water park, a snow park, and a karting track. For football lovers, there is a statue of Cristiano Ronaldo. Indeed, there are plenty of things to see and do at Baga. Many villas in Goa are in Baga or very close to this beah.

Baga Map

Baga Gallery

Luxury villa with direct access to the beach. 5* star service. Prime location of North Goa.
Villa for rent from 19 000 Rs. per night

Quick Facts About Baga

Best Time Of Year To Visit

The best time to visit Baga Beach is in the winter season, between November and February when the temperature will be cooler. It will be around 31°-32°C and very pleasant. The monsoon is a nice time too, but the humidity is likely to be higher. The sea will be choppy, so there will be no or very limited water sports. The summer (March to June) is hot. All the cafes, restaurants, beach shacks, and shops will still be open. The prices will be lower as there are fewer tourists. But the temperature will be high.

Weather

How to reach

1. By Air — The Dabolim International Airport is 39.9 kms from Baga. It is well connected with major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, etc. The new Mopa airport is 30.2 kilometers away.
2. By Rail — The Vasco da Gama railway station is 42.7 kms away.. Madgaon, another important railhead in Goa, is 50.9 kms away.
3. By Road — The beach is 10.5 kms from Mapusa and 17.6 kms from Goa’s capital Panaji if you take the Chogm Road.

You can drive your own car, or hire a vehicle at the station or airport to reach your luxury apartment or villa in Baga beach.

12 things to do in Baga

Baga is a favorite holiday destination for adventure lovers, water sports enthusiasts and sea lovers. Baga and Calangute are both party and nightlife destinations.

There are a lot of things to see and do in Baga. Start your day by heading to the beach. Spend time relaxing on a sun bed, under the shade of a beach umbrella. Get a tan – Goa is India’s sunshine state. You can get a massage if you want. Go for a swim in the Arabian Sea. Return to your sun bed and enjoy a drink, perhaps with some snacks.

Just before lunch, may be, you want to enjoy water sports. In the evening, you can explore the many streets and lanes of Baga. Late evening is the time for parties. Choose from Club Tito’s and Café Mambos, two of the most famous nightclubs of Goa.

If you are traveling with kids, then you can go to the Splashdown Waterpark or the Snow Park. They are both very close from Baga beach. You can also visit the Benz Celebrity Wax Museum. Football lovers will want to see the recently erected statue of Christiano Ronaldo. Goa has a rich football history. The Brazilian football legend was the coach of a local club a few years back.

1. Water sports – There are many water sports activities in Goa like speed boats, bumper boats, water scooter, jet skiing, dolphin cruises, and parasailing.
2. Water parks – There are two, the Splashdown Waterpark and Blue Whale Water Park.
3. Diving – The water off Baga coast is not good for diving and snorkeling. However, there are many good sites nearby. Barracuda Diving is located close to the lagoon near Baga River.
4. Shopping – There are plenty of options. You can go to Mackie’s Saturday Night Market, Arpora Night Market, and Baga’s own Tibetan Market. You will find many street vendors and shops of all sizes throughout Baga.
5. Nightclubs – You will also find many nightclubs like Hammerzz, Club Cubana, and the two most famous Tito’s and Mambos.
6. Club Tito’s — This is the most famous nightclub of Goa. It plays both electronic and Indian Bollywood music. Tito’s stays open from 21:30 to 3:00 in the morning. The entrance fee is 1500 rupees for a couple, which includes alcohol. Costume parties are held during the weekends.
7. Café Mambos – Very close to Tito’s. Mambos plays disco and house. This nightclub stays open from 20:00 to 3:30 in the morning. The entrance fee is 1500 rupees for a couple, 2,000 rupees for single males. Alcohol is included in the price.
8. Go Karting – There are two go karting tracks in Goa. One of them is very close to the Baga beach. It can be a very adventurous and fun experience for skilled drivers.
9. Food and Drinks – There are so many great places to eat at Baga. There is Britto’s, Cocktails and Dreams, Cape Town Café, Cavala, Fiesta, and others. Many shacks and street vendors also serve very good food.
10. Casino Gaming – You can play casino games as well at Baga. Go to Casino Pride or the Calypso Casino.
11. Massage – You can get a massage at the beach shack. For more privacy and sometimes better experience, you can go to the Aroma Thai Day Spa, Glamazon Salon & Spa, or the Ora Regenesis Spa.
12. Yoga - There is ABS Yoga Retreat Centre at Titos Lane 2 for yoga and meditation sessions.

However, many people are simply content lazing on the sun lounges in front of the beach shacks all day, and feasting on a steady supply of food, beer, and cocktails.

Shopping at Baga

There are ample shopping opportunities at Baga. You will find small street-side stalls, large department stores, and even night markets.

• Arpora Saturday Night Flea Market – It is between Baga and Anjuna beach, close to the Baga river. This is a paradise for food lovers. You will get cuisines from all over the world.
• Mackie’s Night Bazaar – The colorful Saturday market offers shopping, entertainment, music and food. A must visit.

You will find a lot of stores of all sizes including street-side stalls all over the area. There is even a magic shop (World Famous Magic Shop) that claims to teach magic in just 2 minutes. It is close to the river.

Baga sightseeing

Enjoy the picturesque beach, great views, the creek,

and so much more here.

The beach is always the main draw. But there is a lot more to see here, like -

• Retreat House or Casa de Retiros – Dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, this sits pretty on top of a hill on the other side of the creek. Enjoy stunning views of the sea and creek from the house.
• Our Lady Of Piety – The church is on the Calangute-Baga Road. It was established more than 250 years back by the Portuguese.
• The Chapora and Aguada forts and Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary are also at a close distance from the beach.

Don’t miss the night markets. Also make sure to explore the lanes and by-lanes of Baga. You will discover many hidden treasures here.

Top 5 Restaurants and Beach Shacks in Baga

Baga beach is the best place for food in North Goa. There are so many options that you cannot go everywhere in one visit. You will get North and South Indian, Chinese, Continental, Turkish, Italian, local Goanese, and Konkani foods. There are shacks on the beach and restaurants at Tito’s Lane and elsewhere.

1. Britto’s – This is a very popular shack on the northern end of Baga beach. It is a landmark of Baga. Mellow lighting and good music gives it a good ambience. The seafood and drinks menu is huge. Try their pastries and fresh seafood.
2. Dream Catcher – Midway between Tito’s Lane and the creek, Dream Catcher serves super cheap drinks along with the yummy food. It is right on the beach.
3. Cape Town Café – This famous bar and nightclub is at the centre of Tito’s Lane. You will get some of the best Goan curries here. You can try the burger and fries as well.
4. Go with the Flow – A continental restaurant on the other side of the Baga River. Enjoy open-air dining on the garden beside the river. Neon lights add a special touch in the evening. The white-wicker furniture is very impressive. Prawn laksa and pork belly are two of its signature bites.
5. Relish – This multi-cuisine restaurant is between Baga and Calangute, on a lane just opposite Barista Coffee. Select from Indian, Chinese, and seafood. The vegan menu is good too. They even offer gluten-free options.

There is also Infanteria where you can eat a continental breakfast and meals later in the day. Try their pastries, fluffy omelets, and baked foods.

Night clubs in Baga

The nightlife on Baga Beach is immensely happening. There are many famous nightclubs in the area.

Baga Beach has some of Goa’s best nightclubs. The #1 place where you will want to go is Tito’s Lane. Here, you will find Club Tito’s and also Café Mambo. There are other places too like Kamaki, Cape Town Cafe, Maya, and Cocktails & Dreams where there is live music and a party. Many of them host special events and theme parties.

Club Tito’s	Cafe Mambo
Club Tito’s is so famous that it is like an establishment. Goa’s oldest nightclub, it has become a landmark in the neighborhood. Even the road where it is located is named Titos Lane. Club Tito’s plays a wide range of music with international and Indian DJs. There are special event nights.	Cafe Mambo, also owned by Tito’s, is more of a beach club. It has an open-air lounge and a dance floor. This club is always packed during the winter, especially on the weekends. The bar serves single malts and international brews. There is a big food menu too. Try the seafood here.

Water Sports in Baga

There are plenty of options to choose from, such as –

• Parasailing
• Jet Ski
• Banana riding
• Bumper ride

• Body boarding
• Single and double kayaking
• Paddle boarding
• Knee boarding

• Speed boat rides
• Surf board lessons
• Wake boards

You can enjoy water sports for only 10 minutes or for hours. The prices vary between 200 and 1500 INR. There are 3 or 5-water sports packages as well that includes boat rides, banana rides, bumper rides, jet skiing, and parasailing. Or, you can go on a dolphin cruise. There is diving as well closr to the lagoon of the Baga River.

Why is Baga Beach Famous?

Baga Beach is famous for its restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, shopping, and water sports. It has everything for a fun holiday. It is a good place for families, couples, and friends. There is something for everyone.

Which Beach is Better Baga or Calangute?

Calangute Beach is next to Baga to the south. It is the same stretch of golden sandy coastline. They are similar in many ways, but Baga Beach is slightly more varied. The Baga River adds a unique character. There are no rivers in Calangute. Also, Baga has more nightclubs and markets.

Hotels and Villas in Baga

There are all types of accommodation options in Baga from simple budget rooms to star-category hotels and boutique properties. In recent times, a few service apartments have also come up here. There are cottages, villas, and guest houses as well.

Many of these properties are clustered around Tito’s Lane. Some of them offer fabulous views of the sea, while others are tucked inside small lanes around the Calangute-Baga Road. There are quite a few riverfront hotels and villas too that face the creek. Those offering river or sea views naturally cost more. The cost will also depend on the amenities and luxuries on offer. Many hotels, villas and apartments come with swimming pools, spa & wellness centers, fitness clubs, free Wi-Fi, mini-kitchen, and mini bar.

Villas for rent

Luckily, there are plenty of good villas in Baga are available for rent. You can pick from Grace Villa, Johanna Garden, Westwind Luxury Villa, Johanna Garden and more. They offer free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, manicured lawns, parking lot and comfortable spacious rooms with mini-kitchen, bathroom with all necessary supplies, mini bar, terrace and other accommodation requirements.

Each villa has multiple rooms for the entire family. You are sure to have a lovely vacation here.

Comfortable villa with a swimming pool. 4 comfortable bedrooms. Baga beach is about 600 meters. For 6-8 adults. 17 000 - 28 000 Rs. per night

Beautiful and modern 4 bedroom villa in Baga provides comfort and luxury for holiday family or a group of 8 people. Private swimming pool. 32 000 - 45 000 Rs. per night

3 bedroom villa. Close to all "happening spots" still in a quiet area. This is a great place to be for a company or a family get together for 3-7 people. 32 000 - 45 000 Rs. per night

* Price depends on arrival dates and duration of stay.

Villas for rent in Goa

Related articles:

• Candolim beach
• Calangute beach
• How to Rent a Villa in Goa?
• Best time to visit Goa

Sources: [1] [2] [3]