Decked with beautiful palm fringed coastlines and exotic beaches where tranquility and serenity pervades, Goa is a beautiful place. Attracted by an alternative life and the spiritual atmosphere of India, Goa was a favourite for the hippy community in the 60s- also cheap living and hashish were a major draw. Today, Goa is known as the beach state of India and still stands out as a top rated destination for hippies and well-heeled travelers alike. Here’s our it’s pick of the best beaches:
Baga Beach
With beach parties and a great nightlife scene, Baga is the most visited Goan beach of all. There are a good number of food shacks and cafes set up in a row along the beach serving up fantastic seafood. Wind surfing, dolphin cruises and water sports also really popular here. While the beach is a major attraction, Baga is best known as the nightlife district of Goa and is home to loads of nightclubs and bars. A must-visit is Titos – this iconic club was one of the first to open in the area an Goan institution.
Agonda Beach
If you want to spend some quiet tranquil hours on a less crowded Goan beach, Agonda is a good option. With a lovely and long prestine stretch of beach, it remains one of Goa’s most unspoilt attractions. This place is popular with yogis who flock to the Yoga resorts here to meditate and take their yoga practices to next level.
Mandrem Beach
This is another sun-kissed and secluded Goan beach. Ideal for those who prefer solitude and privacy, Mandrem is a serene beach with white sand and clear water. Make sure you visit the beach at high-tide, when the sea water rushes into the Mandrem Creek – it’s a thing of beauty.
Calangute Beach
Calangute beach is another popular Goan beach draw. Being the largest beach in North Goa, it’s known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’. Calangute is great for those who love to shop. Make sure you pick up some handmade trinkets, made in Kashmir, Tibet, Indonesia and Rajasthan on your visit. For seafood lovers , this is the place. There are loads of seafood shacks -try some fried prawns paired with chilled beer – it’s an awesome combination.
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna is another mesmerizing beach that perfectly portrays the mid-1960s culture of Goa. This Hippy beach, amid the rave music and full-moon night dances will rob your heart if you are a party lover. Every Wednesday shopaholics can splurge at the beach’s Flea Market.
Palolem Beach
This unique beach with a verdant crescent-shaped coastline, bordered with cliffs and sky-kissing coconut palms is beautiful. Make sure you have at least a glass or two of Fenni, a unique Goan liqour made from the fruit surrounding the cashew nut – Palolem beach is famous for it.
Miramar Beach
Like bird watching? Then this is the beach for you. If you visit the beach between November-March, you’ll see countless migratory birds such as Gulls and Plovers. Another attraction of the beach is a long walk along the shore on a moonlit night when the light from the moon illuminates the silvery sand – it’s a stunning sight.
So now you know which the best beaches of Goa are, pack your bags and set out for an amazing Goa trip.
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