Vagator Beach

Vagator Beach in North Goa is a scenic haven you want to visit again and again. Swaying palm trees, red rocky hills with the Chapora Fort on top, the Chapora River meeting the Arabian Sea, and a laid-back ambiance will greet you here. It’s a stunning beach and a must-visit for all nature lovers. Red dramatic cliffs and swaying palm trees make it one of Goa’s most picturesque beaches.

Vagator Beach, only 22 kilometers from Panaji, is very popular with tourists from Russia, Israel, and some other European countries. It is also popular with backpackers, many of whom stay long-term here and even permanently. You will see them running shops, bars, and restaurants. In recent years, the beach has become popular even with Indian tourists. Most visitors are seen in the central section of the beach, as most of the cafes and restaurants are located here. Walk for a few minutes to the north or south and you may have the entire beach to yourself. These places are perfect for relaxing with total privacy. Walk to the extreme south and you will be able to reach the confluence of the Chapora River and the sea. However, you will have to trek through a stony landscape. It can be tricky.

Vagator Map

There are actually three beaches here – Vagator, Big Vagator, and Mini Vagator, with a rocky headland and a parking area splitting them. All three beaches are extremely beautiful. There are 2 freshwater springs nearby.

The main Vagator Beach has a thick palm tree plantation. There are no hotels or villas for rent, but you will find a few restaurants, cafes, and beach shacks. Mini or Little Vagator is secluded. At its end, you will see a sculpture of Lord Shiva on a rock. It is a famous landmark. A few steps into the sea in Big Vagator, there is a unique natural rock formation, which is known as Lion Rock. Mini Vagator, on the other hand, has a rock that is shaped like an alligator. The southern section of the beach has the imposing 500-year-old Chapora Fort on top of the hill. It looks very impressive.

You will also find many nightclubs here. In the peak season, Vagator is known to host trance parties.

Vagator 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 Vagator

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Vagator Beach

The best time to visit Vagator Beach is between November and February. This is the winter season in Goa. In the summer, the temperature will be high, often higher than 30 degrees C. Also, many beach shacks, cafes, and restaurants are likely to be closed in the summer as there are very few tourists. In the winter, however, you will get the full menu and the best service. There are no nightclubs and parties in the summer as well.

Vagator looks beautiful in the monsoon. But once again, there is likely to be limited service. However, the hotels and luxury villas in Vagator will cost less in the summer and monsoon months. Visit Vagator in November or February, which is just before the peak season and just after, to get everything, less noise, and fewer tourists.

Weather

Summers are hot in Goa, and the monsoon months are wet. On some days, the temperature can go up to 36°C in May, which is usually the hottest month. The humidity will also be high, so you are likely to sweat quite a bit. Avoid direct sunlight exposure between 11AM and 3PM. The evenings are more pleasant.

In the monsoon (middle of June to early September), Goa receives a lot of rain because of its coastal location. The cloud cover, rain, and winds cause high waves, making the sea turn choppy. Sometimes, it may rain for most of the day, and there can be thundershowers too. There is no water sport in the monsoon, and even swimming can be risky.

The winter (November to February) is very pleasant at Vagator. Expect a clear sky with no clouds, and very little rain. A pleasant wind blows in from the sea. Sunlight will not seem to burn your skin. The humidity will also be much lower. Spend the entire day relaxing on the beach, explore the lanes, take long walks on the beach, cruise on the river, or hike the Chapora Fort trail to reach the top.

How To Reach Vagator

• By Air — The closest airport is at Mopa in North Goa. It is only 26.5 kilometers away. Goa's old Dabolim international airport is 45.7 kms from Vagator.
• By Rail — The Vasco da Gama railhead is 46.8 kms from Vagator.
• By Road — Panaji is 22 kms from Vagator.

The Beach

Vagator Beach

Most North Goa beaches are busier than the ones in the south. The busiest beaches in the North are Baga, Candolim, and Calangute. However, Vagator is a more serene and quiet beach like Morjim, which is across the Chapora River. It is also one of the cleanest beaches in North Goa.

There are overlooking red rocky cliffs, rocky outcrops on the beach, and plenty of swaying palm trees, so there is a lot more nature here. Fewer tourists’ means, you can easily find a quiet corner where you can sit back and relax with a drink in your hand. It is a laid back beach, perfect for relaxation. There are shacks on the beach with sun beds and umbrellas. Most tourists are Europeans or from Israel. Some of them are seen running shops, cafes, and restaurants.

There are actually two beaches here – Big Vagator and Ozran Beach, which is also known as Little Vagator. When you face the sea, Big Vagator will be on your right, and Little Vagator will be on your left, or south. A seaside headland, which is also the car park, splits the two. There are many stalls here that sell snacks, soft drinks, clothes, and souvenirs. Crescent shaped Little Vagator is more beautiful and secluded. It is just a short walk between the two beaches.

The beach at the fort’s base is sandy, while the stairs base is rocky. A cross is placed on top of some stones near the base of the stairs. The sea is particularly choppy here. But you get gorgeous views of the cliffs and the sea. A small Shree Siddheshwar Shore Temple and a park are also nearby. There are also two fresh-water springs. One is close to North Vagator, while the other is at Ozran. Hike up the cliffs for a spectacular view of the beach. The rocky headlands give a dramatic view of the sea.

Disco Valley

Disco Valley is a part of the beach. This has become famous since the 1980s for trance parties. Here, you will find many good open air clubs. Even the beach shacks and restaurants around the valley play music till early morning. There is dancing and DJ shows. Sunburn, which is one of Asia's biggest music festivals, is also held at Vagator every year in December.

Very close to the valley, you will find a flea market, where many of the shops are run by Germans. This is one of Goa’s most vibrant markets. You will find almost everything – jewelry, antiques, handicrafts, bracelets, designer bags, clothing, shoes, spices, food, and souvenirs. There are many small stalls that sell Goan, Konkani, and European foods.

Top 5 Things To See And Do At Vagator

1. The Beach – Very nice and relaxed. Fewer tourists, mostly from Europe and Israel. Many beach shacks, restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Enjoy the relaxed and laid back charm of this North Goa beach. Visit Morjim beach, which is just across the river. See the nesting grounds of the Olive Ridley Turtles. You can also visit some other North Goa beaches from here – Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, and even Candolim, and Arambol beach, which is further north.
2. Chapora Fort – Trek up the hill to reach the old Portuguese Chapora Fort. You will have to walk for about 15 minutes. You can take a car or a bike too. See the spectacular view once you are at the top. It’s a great place to see sunsets as well. There is a church inside the fort. On your way down, sit on one of the rocks and enjoy the breeze.
3. Parties – Vagator is laid back during the day and very active after dark. There is music, dancing, fire shows, and hangout parties. Choose from the many open-air cafes and nightclubs here. Vagator is famous for its rave parties.
4. Flea Markets – There are many flea markets near Vagator. The Anjuna flea market is open every Wednesday. You will find antiques, trendy jewelry, earthen masks, clothes, mirrored bags, and much more here. The Arpora market is just 6 kilometers away and is open on Saturdays in the peak season. There are many spices and vintage items on sale here as well. There is a traditional bazaar also at Mapusa.
5. Chapora River Cruises – Cruise on the beautiful Chapora River for a chance to see many birds, bats, and crocodiles. See village life from up close. Snacks, lunch and beer is served as you visit the many islands.

Top Reasons for Visiting Vagator Beach

1. Beautiful scenery – Red hills, the wide ocean, and green palm trees make Vagator a very beautiful beach. The beach too is very interesting as there are many rocky outcrops both on the sand and jutting up from the water.
2. A relaxing holiday – Vagator Beach has fewer tourists compared to many beaches in Goa. Walk away for a few minutes from the central area and you will have total seclusion. You can easily spend several hours relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming.
3. Chapora Fort – The Portuguese Chapora Fort stands tall on the top of a hill. It is now in ruins but the fort offers gorgeous views of the beach, river, and the sea. Many come here to watch the sunset.
4. Nightlife – Hill Top Club between Vagator and Anjuna is one of the best nightclubs in Goa. It is known for its trance music.
5. Food – There are many good places to eat and drink like the Olive Bar, Mango Tree, Piccola, AJ’s Kitchen, and Thalassa.

Nightlife at Vagator

Hill Top Open-Air Club Goa

Vagator is one of the most happening nightlife destinations in Goa. The hippie culture of before can still be seen here. There are many trance parties. A part of the beach, which is called Disco Valley, is where you will find the most of these parties. There are many open-air cafes, and nightclubs, and even the shacks host many parties after dark.

Many of the pubs, nightclubs, and restaurants are along the main road. Along the road to the beach there are many shops and stores, which sell everything you can imagine. There are also several supermarkets which are located a little further from the beach.

Popular party venues at Vagator –

• Primrose Café
• Hill Top
• Nine Bar
• Katzensuppe
• Mango Tree Bar & Restaurant

Hill Top and Disco Valley are the most famous. Go to Hill Top for rave parties. The DJs are from England, Sweden, Italy, France, Russia, Germany, Israel, and India. Thousands attend the rave parties during the weekends in the peak season. Disco Valley is mostly for outdoor parties. Primrose Cafe is popular too. There are parties almost every evening here during the season.

Hotels

W Goa Hotel in Vagator

There are many accommodation options here, including hotels of all sizes, hostels, resorts, and guest houses. Some of them include the W Goa, Vagator Beach Resort, The Cliff Resort, Funky Monkey Hostel, Double Tree, Spazio Leisure, Hacienda De Goa, and the La Gulls Court among others. There are places to stay both in Big Vagator and Little Vagator. Some of them are waterfront properties.

Villas in Vagator

You will find many luxury villas in Vagator to choose from. Some of them are very close to the beach, while the others are located in cozy corners of the neighborhood. The beach, Chapora Fort, Chapora River, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, grocery stores, will all be walking distance from the villa for rent in Vagator. Choose from Grand Hill Villa, Grand Hill Cottage, Villa Evelyn, Prestige‎ Villa, Villa Tracy, and Villa Capitolina. There is small 1-bedroom to large 5-bedroom villas for groups of different sizes.

Luxury 4 bedroom villa with a private swimming pool. Starts from 25 000 Rs. per night

Heritage 4 bedroom villa in Vagator with private swimming pool. Starts from 35 000 Rs. per night

European-style comfortable 3-bedroom villa with private pool. Prime location of North Goa. From 15 000 Rs. per night

The price depends on the location, the season, and the duration of your stay. Properties with sea views cost more.

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