20 Best Beaches in Goa
Goa may be one of the smallest states in India, but it incorporates the largest number of beaches than most. Lying on the shimmering coast of Konkan, this little state is always brimming with party lovers and quality-time seekers.
This is the best destination when you want to enjoy the goodness of sand, sun and surfing. Famous for its hippie market, buzzing nightlife and glamour, if you are planning to travel to this place, here is a list of the best beaches in Goa from which you can take touring tips.
List of the Top Beaches in Goa
Stretching from the north of Fort Aguada to the borders of Maharashtra, Goa is a place where people come to indulge in fun activities and admire the natural beauty. Frolicking with restaurants, clubs and tones of shacks, here are the top must-visit beaches in Goa:
1. Baga Beach
For those who enjoy an impressive backdrop, dancing to pulsating music, drinking and partying in the crowd, Baga beach is the best beach for them. Located in North Goa, it is known for its mouth-watering delicacies, water sport, and nightlife.
In addition, you can also find luxury and budgeted hotel options as per your plan. Further, it is a paradise for shopaholics curating many options to take as souvenirs.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Famous for: Baga beach is famous for the following reasons:
- Parasailing
- Banana rides
- Dolphin cruises
- Beach parties
- Authentic seafood
2. Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach, also known as Queen of Goa Beaches, is an extension of Baga beach in North Goa. The beach is blessed with golden sand and beautiful surroundings. Multiple shacks are lined up here serving goa cuisine and refreshments.
Also, you can try authentic seafood. In addition, there are multiple activities to try for vacationers.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Famous for: If visiting this beach, make sure to try:
- Water skiing
- Parasailing
- Shopping for colourful Goan
- Riding water scooter
3. Palolem Beach
This beach in South Goa is also known by the name ‘Paradise Beach’ and is one of the top beaches in the state. Here you will find an extended lineup of towering coconut palms surrounded by idyllic scenery. This beach is crescent-shaped and stretches between two jaw-dropping headlands.
A unique highlight of this place includes almost no fast currents, thanks to rocks jutting out on the shores.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Famous for: Some popular things to consider here are:
- Silent night disco
- Beach yoga
- Dolphin sightseeing excursion
- Traditional Goan flavours served at restaurants
4. Agonda Beach
Agonda beach in South Goa can be your spot if you are looking for a less crowded beach. People come here from all parts of the world to sunbathe, swim and relax.
Apart from this, there are churches and few institutions to explore.
- Best Time to Visit: December to February
- Famous for: Besides beautiful surroundings, Agonda beach is famous for:
- Yoga
- Dolphin spotting
- Hiking
- Meditation
- Finding sea turtles
5. Colva Beach
One of the most famous beaches in South Goa, Colva, stretches over a 2.4 km area. It is blessed with golden sands and fringed with towering coconut trees.
Also, to add more to the comfort of tourers, this place offers multiple budgeted homestay accommodations.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Famous for: Colva beach is a well-known spot for reasons like:
- Banana boat rides
- Parasailing
- Jet skiing
- Snorkelling
- Speed boating
6. Arambol Beach
Located in North Goa, Arambol beach holds the perfect amalgamation of awe-struck views, budgeted accommodations and authentic food options. It spreads over 16 km, blessed with fresh lake water and cliffs on both sides.
People come here to enjoy soulful music, attend night parties and take a mud bath.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February
- Famous for: Here tourists can enjoy:
- Sunbathing
- Kite surfing
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Paragliding
7. Cavelossim Beach
Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and Sal River, this balmy beach is one of the best beaches to visit in Goa. In this South Goa beach, you can find nature’s best elements ranging from green coconut groves, black lava rock, long stretches of white sand paint, and blue brine.
On top of this, the calm waters of this beach make it easy for tourists to try swimming.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Famous for: Apart from soaking yourself in its beauty, try:
- Catamaran rides
- Dolphin sightseeing
- Renting kayaks
- Parasailing
- River cruising
8. Varca Beach
If you are yearning for a mesmerising vibe, coupled with calm blue waters and wooden fishing boats, then the Varca beach in South Goa is your top destination. Here you can find tons of water activities to try.
Also, there are various food vendors lined up along the shore offering authentic Goan cuisine and drinks.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Famous for: If visiting this beach, make a note of the following famous things to do here:
- Water skiing
- Windsurfing
- Speed boating
- Banana boat riding
- Parasailing
9. Benaulim Beach
South of Colva Beach, Benaulim Beach is another top beach to explore. It proves a gold mine for youngsters blessed with soft white sand, beach loungers, restaurants, and seaside shacks.
In addition, there is a lot to explore for hunger pangs as its restaurants serve the best crispy chicken, seaside food and fruit juices. However, don’t forget the lemon cheesecake in the end.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April
- Famous for: Some notable attractions that mesmerise tourists include:
- Watching bullfight
- Swimming
- Dolphin spotting
- Trying authentic cuisine
- Renting jet ski
10. Anjuna Beach
Anjuna beach, also known as the ‘Freak Capital in the World’, is one of the best beaches in north Goa. It is located at a distance of 21 km from the capital city of Goa and stretches to almost 2 km.
People come here to relive the glorious past of rich bohemian culture and shop from its famous flea market.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Famous for: For a fun-filled tour, you can try the following things:
- Trance parties
- Water sport
- Flea market
- Wild rave parties
- Live music venues
11. Dona Paula Beach
Dona Paula beach in South Goa is linked to an interesting story of the Portuguese viceroy’s daughter. She jumped in the Arabian Sea after her father forbade her to see her lover (a Goan fisherman).
Thus, it is also called a lover’s paradise, which offers the perfect romantic setting to couples with bronze sand, surrounded by towering palms and calm water.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Famous for: Besides the romantic story, Dona Paula Beach is famous for:
- Shopping
- Sunbathing
- Water sport
- Parasailing
- Salim Ali bird sanctuary
12. Morjim Beach
A major highlight of the Morjim beach in North Goa is it serves as nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles, where they come to lay eggs. In addition, it is perfect for peace seekers offering non-noisy activities like therapies and water sports, unlike other beaches of Goa.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Famous for: Here are top things to try when visiting Morjim beach:
- Boating
- Kite surfing
- Surfing
- Spotting Olive Ridley Turtles
- Swimming
13. Vagator Beach
Your Goa trip will be incomplete if you do not visit the Vagator beach in the north. This red-cliffed beach is famous for its rave culture, rustic surroundings and verdant greenery. However, what attracts tourists more is its beautiful beach shacks, restaurants fulfilling dietary needs and shops brimming with souvenirs.
Also, do not forget to visit Chapora Fort, built in the 17th century.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Famous for: Apart from partying and shopping, there are many other things to consider like:
- Speed boating
- Banana rides
- Chapora fort
- Shopping souvenirs
14. Galgibaga Beach
If you are fond of clean beaches, you may want to visit the Galgibaga beach in South Goa. The shoreline of this beach extends to 1.2 km. Though the distance is short, it is relatively less crowded than others.
A few plus points about this beach includes caramel-coloured sand, crystal clear seawater and tropical coconut palm trees. Also, north of this beach is used to nestle turtles.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Famous for: Galgibaga is a famous beach for reasons like:
- Swimming
- Meditation
- Olive Ridley Sea Turtles
- Less crowd
15. Candolim Beach
It is close to the renowned Princess River, blessed with soft sand and an idyllic atmosphere. However, the waters can be rough, and there is only a little shade here.
However, you will still get to try numerous water activities to satiate your adrenaline thirst.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Famous for: There are many things to note about this beach which include:
- Suburban festival
- Water skiing
- Windsurfing
- Sunset viewing
- Yoga
16. Butterfly Beach
Butterfly beach is a chill-out place and one of the best beaches in South Goa if you are looking for a secluded place. The name of this beach indicates that it is the home of thousands of butterfly species and can be described as heaven on earth.
Additionally, you can find perfectly white sand here with translucent water and rocky surroundings.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Famous for: Butterfly beach is blessed with famous attractions like:
- Dolphin play
- Sea cucumbers/sea urchins
- Canoe rides
- Footprints of crabs
- Admiring butterflies
17. Mobor Beach
This beach in South Goa is blessed with crystal clear water and impeccable white sand. Lined up with shops, there are numerous options for you to take as a souvenir.
Also, Mobor beach is famous for its authentic food, budgeted accommodations, fort and lighthouse located at a distance of 11 km.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Famous for: Besides serene surroundings, you can admire:
- Betul fort and lighthouse
- Churches
- Banana boat rides
- Beachside grills
- Cleanliness
18. Ashwem Beach
It is a long stretch of pristine sand and clear water coupled with rocks on the shores. It doubles the fun of your trip by offering you multiple options in pubs, shacks, cafes and restaurants.
Additionally, this beach in North Goa records the best sunset.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Famous for: To make sure your trip remains a memorable one, try:
- Water sport
- Swimming
- Bike rides
- Turtle spotting
- Surfing
19. Miramar Beach
The name of this place has taken after the word ‘Miramar’, meaning ‘viewing of the sea.’ The Miramar beach in Panaji gives you a postcard view of the Mandovi river, meeting the crystal blue waters of the Arabian sea.
Apart from this, you can also catch a glimpse of the famous Fort Aguada, built in the 17th century.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Famous for: Your trip will remain incomplete if you do not try:
- Parasailing
- Yoga session
- Fishing
- Water gliding
- Jet skiing
20. Velsao Beach
The Velsao Beach in the southern coast of Goa is characterised by lily-covered lakes, abundant coconut groves, soft white sand dotted with occasionally arriving starfishes, and a refreshing breeze.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March
- Famous for: What makes it one of the best beaches in Goa are:
- Jet skiing
- Kayaking
- Romantic views
- Lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of Goa contains a better beach option?
This is hard to tell since both north Goa and south Goa contain great beaches. However, the only difference that can influence your choice is while north side beaches are more happening and busy south side beaches of Goa are calmer, secluded and serene.
What are the best beaches in Goa if you want to enjoy the nightlife?
If you want to enjoy the nightlife of Goa, some of the top beaches we suggest visiting include Baga beach, Calangute beach, and Anjuna beach. These beaches host the best night parties and are dotted with the best clubs.