Goa Beaches
On India's West Coast

Goa Beaches are included among the finest beaches in the world. They are still undiscovered by the mobs of tourism.

Goa is India’s smallest state, located on the western part of India. The Arabian Sea, part of the Indian Ocean covers its coast. It was a Portuguese colony (like Macau in China) for more than 450 years until the second half of the XX century.

It is India’s richest state on a per capita basis. The state capital is Panaji and the largest city was named after the famous Portuguese navigator Vasco de Gama. Now let me show you some of Goa’s amazing beaches.

Goa Beaches on the Indian Ocean are awe inspiring

Aguada Beach

Lovers of water sports love this north Goa beach. It is also great for swimmers since it is guarded by lifeguards. At one end of the beach there is a fort called Fort Aguada.

Varca beach

This is a less popular beach located in the south of Goa. Until now it has retained the typical look of an unspoiled tropical beach. It is surrounded by a few hotels for different budgets. There are organized tours to watch the dolphins if you are interested.

Near Varca, I’d like to mention the beaches of Cavelossim and Mabor that are much cleaner and quieter than most of the other beaches of Goa.

Goa Beaches

Anjuna Beach is close to the Capital of Goa India

Anjuna

This beach is next to the town of Anjuna about 18 km from Panaji, the capital. This beach offers soft sands and many palms for a desired shade. The unusual rock formations give this beach a wild look. This beach was made famous in the1960s and early1970s by the “flower and peace” generation and later by the “trance parties”.

It is known now for its weekly Flee Market driving lots of visitors to the area looking for bargains of all kind.

Vagator Beach

Another north Goa beach, Vagator is a golden sand beach backed by red cliffs that you’ll never forget. The beach also features many palm trees that add to its beauty. It is usually a laid back beach with a few places to eat and drink for all budgets.

This beach is known for having sometimes as guests the crowds of Europeans and Indians having their crazy trance parties, but otherwise it is great for a day at the beach.

Palolem Beach

This is a mile long beach that until now is virgin and unspoiled. The waters recede gradually so at the shore they are not so deep, perfect for swimming and sun tanning. The beauty of this beach is that on both sides there are large rocks jutting out into the sea adding to its beauty.

This beach can be reached from Margo just 40 km away, the buses to Palolem Beach run regularly and will drop you in the nearby village of Canacona.

Map of the State of Goa, India and its amazing beaches

Calangute and Baga Beaches

These are to adjoining beaches that are the most popular ones in Goa. It is a swimmers paradise, because the clear waters are shallow at the shore. I would say it is even good for families with children.

The beaches are lined by shacks and other places where to stay, but if you are looking just for a day at the beach you may rent a sun bed and umbrella for a nominal fee. You won’t go hungry here because there are many eateries offering food and drinks.

Agonda Beach

This is what we call a virgin beach. No tourists, no vendors and no place to eat and drink. But this 3 km long beach is worth a visit. It is made of a white sands cove bordered by palm trees

Once here you may visit a nearby beach called Cabo de Rama famous for its Fort Rama in honor of Rama the hero of the Hindu Epic Ramayana that according to legend lived here on his 12 year exile.

For more information visit India Tourism Website

Colva Beach on the southern shores of Goa India

Colva Beach

This southern beach offers all the amenities you may expect like resorts and hotels complexes, tourists cottages and shacks and may eateries like restaurants bars and even some nightlife.

Colva itself is a small village about 40 km from Panaji, the capital of the state. Life here is very calm and therefore this beach and the ones nearby are a great way to spend your beach day.

Benaulim

This beach is located 2 km south of Colva. It is a laid back beach. The claim to fame of this site is that legend tells us that this is the place where the Parashuram's arrow landed, by which Goa was created.

This quiet beach becomes more crowded during the weekends. If you are a tourist I would suggest you visit this beach during weekdays and avoid the crowds.

Behind the village on the hill, there stands the Church of John the Baptist which is worth a visit. Remember that Goa was Portuguese and Catholic. They still celebrate the Fest of St John the Baptist called Sao Joao.

Bogmal

This beach is located about 4 km from Dabolim Goa Airport and hosts a Deluxe Five Star Hotel. But there are other low cost accommodations in the area. Water skiing and windsurfing facilities are available.

Goa Beaches are by all means very beautiful and a visit is highly recommended.

image credits for goa beaches

palolem   martin frey
goa beaches   n/a
anjuna   n/a
goa map   n/a
colva    robinn

all courtesy of wikimedia commons