List of beaches in Goa
The coastline of Goa stretches for more than 100 kilometers. This long coastline is dotted with more than 35 beaches of all sizes. Some of them are busy beaches with shacks, restaurants, cafes, tattoo shops, and massage parlors. The others are serene and empty with swaying palm trees and hills. Whatever you prefer… there is the perfect beach for you in Goa.
Many consistently rank among the top beaches of Asia.
- Agonda beach in South Goa was ranked as “Asia’s #1 beach for 2018” in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® awards.
- Cavelossim, Mandrem, Baga, and Candolim have all featured prominently in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® awards.
- Miramar beach has been identified for Blue Flag certification.
Goa has two districts – North and South. They are both distinct in character. North Goa is busy. The South is more serene and peaceful.
The Best Beaches in North Goa
Arambol, Ashwem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, and Candolim are the most popular beaches in the north. Baga, Calangute, and Candolim are all in the same stretch of sand that is lined with many hotels, resorts, and luxury villas for rent. These beaches are always busy. But you will find fewer people if you head north.
What you will find in the north Goa beaches –
- Many beach shacks
- Restaurants, cafes, bars
- Nightclubs
- Water sports
- Paragliding at Arambol
- Party on the beach at Anjuna, Vagator, Arambol
- Hilltop Nightclub of Anjuna
- Arambol hippie festival
- The famous flea market of Anjuna
- The Tibetan market of Baga
- Forts – Aguada, Chapora, Tiracol
- Olive Ridley turtle nesting site at Morjim beach
The Best Beaches in South Goa
Cavelossim, Mobor, Agonda, Palolem, Colva, and Benaulim are the most popular beaches in the south. You will find serene and peaceful beaches gere. They are perfect for a relaxing vacation. However, you will still find beach shacks and water sports activities at many places. There are very few nightclubs in the south. Most tourists are families.
What you will find in the south Goa beaches –
- Serene, beautiful beaches with very few tourists
- Swaying palm trees
- Clean and clear water, swimming
- Diving, snorkeling at Grande Island
- Upscale hotels and resorts, many famous brands
- A few luxury holiday villas for rent
- Beach shacks in some places
- Many great restaurants like the Fisherman’s Wharf, Riverside The Leela, Martin’s Corner, La Dolce Vita, Blue Planet Cafe, Magic Italy, Zeebop, and the Village Square
- Cruising on the Sal river, dolphin watching
- Fishing expeditions
- Party at Palolem beach
The Best Beaches in Goa for Parties/Nightlife
Goa has some of the best nightclubs in India. You will find them at Arambol, Anjuna, Vagator, and Palolem. The Baga, Calangute, and Candolim stretch has many nightclubs like After 7, Club Tito’s, Café Mambo, LPK, and Bollywood Discotheque. There is also the Hilltop Nightclub at Anjuna. Silent Noise parties are held every Saturday at Palolem in south Goa.
You will find live music, dancing, DJs also at many beach shacks. The party often extends deep into the night.
The Best Beaches in Goa for Water Sports
You will find plenty of water sports activities on many Goa beaches. There is sailing too at the Zuari, Mandovi, Chapora, and Sal rivers.
- Water Scooters – Candolim, Colva, Cidade de Goa, Dona Paula, Majorda, Colva
- Banana Boat Rides – Calangute, Agonda, Baga, Vagator, Palolem, Miramar, Candolim, Anjuna, Colva
- Water Skiing – Candolim, Baga, Calangute, Uttorda, Mobor
- Jet Skiing – Colva, Calangute, Mobor, Miramar, Candolim, Rajbaga
- Windsurfing – Bogmalo, Vagator, Palolem, Arambol, Colva, Agonda, Miramar, Baga
- Parasailing – Majorda, Anjuna, Dona Paula, Bogmalo, Palolem, Arambol, Candolim, Vagator, Calangute, Colva
- Sailing – Dona Paula
- Snorkeling – Grande Island, Bat Island
- Undersea Walking – Baina beach
The Best Beaches in Goa for a Relaxing Holiday
Planning a trip to Goa for a relaxing vacation, away from the parties? There are many beaches that are perfect for you. Head away from the touristy areas of Baga, Candolim, and Calangute. To the south Majorda, Benaulim, Cavelossim, and Mobor are all very relaxing. In the north, Ashwem, Morjim, and Arambol will be good choices.
You will find many beach shacks in these places where you can relax on a sun bed and enjoy the nature and solitude.
Even Colva and Vagator can be good options, if you just walk a few steps away. In recent years, Palolem in the south has become very crowded. Anjuna too can have a lot of tourists in the peak season.
The Best Beaches in Goa for Shopping
The Baga, Candolim, Calangute stretch is always the best place for shopping. All along the main road, very close to the beach, you will find many shops selling a variety of things. There are supermarkets too. You will also find massage parlors, tattoo shops, banks, and ATMs.
For something different, go to the Tibetan market at Baga or the famous Anjuna flea market. The only beach in the south where you can do some shopping is at Colva. You will find most of the shops close to the Colva Circle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many beaches are there in Goa, and how do I choose one?
Around 35 beaches along a hundred kilometres of coast. The practical way to choose is to decide two things first: north or south, and lively or empty — everything else follows from that.
Which beaches in Goa are the quietest?
In the south: Betul, Cola, Kakolem, Galgibaga, Talpona and Polem, where you may be the only visitors. In the north: Ashvem, Mandrem and the stretches beyond Arambol.
Which beaches are safest for swimming?
The bays with a gentle slope and no undercurrent — Palolem, Colva, Betalbatim, Candolim and Baga are patrolled by lifeguards in season. Wild beaches have no cover at all, and no beach is safe during the monsoon.
Do all the beaches have shacks and sunbeds?
Nearly all the accessible ones do, and the sunbed comes free with an order. The remote southern beaches and the river beaches have nothing — bring water and shade.
Which beach should I pick for a first trip to Goa?
Candolim or Calangute if you want everything within walking distance, Palolem or Agonda if you came to rest. Each beach page here gives the distances, the character and where to stay.