The
Goa beaches enjoy an unrivaled stature as prime tourist destinations in
Goa. So much so that the beaches in Goa have come to symbolize the
tourism potential of the state. Miles of unspoiled golden sand, swaying
palm trees and the azure waters of the Arabian sea blend to present a
breathtaking spectacle in the Goa beaches. In addition to the scenic
landscape, the beaches in Goa are also known as shopping hubs, packed as
they are with souvenir shops selling momentos and indigenous
handicrafts. Moreover there are excellent facilities for a multitude of
water sports ranging from parasailing to windsurfing. All these add to
the alluring charm of the Goa beaches. Following are some of the most
popular beaches in Goa:Agonda Beach
Sprawling over a stretch of three kilometers of golden sand, the Agonda beach is a haven for the loners, the ones always carving for solitude. Virtually deserted all the time, one can enjoy complete seclusion in the Agonda beach.
Anjuna Beach
Located 18 km from state capital Panaji, the Anjuna beach enjoys an iconic status for its notorious trance parties and the exotic Wednesday flea market. Throbbing with a multitude of activities, this palm-fringed beach draws tourists and backpackers from all over the world.
Arambol Beach
Located about 50 km from Panaji, the long and lonely ambience of the Arambol beach provides a soothing contrast to the hustle and bustle of other Northern Goa beaches. If you are yearning for some solitude and tranquility, the Arambol beach with its serene surroundings fits the bill perfectly.
Calangute Beach
Calangute is Goa's flagship beach and it plays an irreplaceable role in the state's tourism sweepstakes. Stretching over an expanse of seven kilometers, Calangute beach is known by the sobriquet the 'Queen of Beaches' for its pre-eminence among the scenic beaches that dot the Goan landscape.
Colva Beach
If you want to escape from the din of city life and yearn for a tranquil vacation that would soothe your soul and mind, then head straight for the Colva beach in Goa. Sprawling over an expanse of 20 km, Colva beach is the longest beach in Goa.
Dona Paula Beach
One of the most well-known among Goa beaches, the Dona Paula beach attracts tourists with its scenic landscape dotted with palm trees and casuarina groves. Locals say that the beach derives its name from Dona Paula de Menzes, who was the daughter of a viceroy during the colonial yoke.
Miramar Beach
Located 3 km from Panaji, the Miramar beach is a bustling tourist hub due to its close proximity to the town. Miramar in Portuguese translates to 'viewing the sea,' an apt sobriquet considering the azure waters of the mighty Arabian Sea that expand into the horizon.
Palolem Beach
One of the prominent beaches in the South Goa beach circuit, the crescent-shaped Palolem beach is well-known for its sweeping expanse of silvery sand and idyllic surroundings. The scenic beauty of the beach fetched it an appearance in the film 'The Bourne Supremacy' (2004) where it is shown as the Indian residence of Jason Bourne (Matt Damon).
Vagator Beach
Located 22 km from state capital Panaji, the Vagator beach is a popular beach in Goa. The Vagator beach is part of a 30 km stretch of beach coastline along the west coast of Goa that is home to some of the top-notch Goan beaches such as the Calangute beach and the Anjuna beach.
Bogmalo Beach
Being situated close to the airport of Goa, Bogmalo Beach can be easily reached from any part of the state. It lies at a distance of approximately 8 km from Vasco-da-Gama town. Spread over a vast expanse of land, the beach is not much visited by tourists and because of this, it retains much of its virgin charm.
Baga Beach
Baga Beach, situated at a distance of approximately 10 km from Mapusa, is one of the most magnificent beaches of Goa. It is considered to be just an extension of the famous Calangute Beach, but is much less crowded than the latter.
Chapora Beach
Chapora Beach is counted amongst the most popular as well as the most visited beaches of Goa. It is situated at a distance of approximately 10 km from Mapusa. One of the major attractions of the beach is its boat building and fishing legacy, which seems to be perfectly merged with its booming tourism industry.
Benaulim Beach
As you move 2 km further from the Colva Beach, you will come across the magnificent Benaulim Beach. As per Hindu mythology, it was here that the arrow of Lord Parasurama landed on earth, when he was creating Goa. The Portuguese corrupted the original name 'Banali', in Sanskrit, and named the beach as 'Benualim'.
Cavelossim Beach
One of the most popular beaches of Goa, the Cavelossim Beach lies at a distance of approximately 12 km from Benaulim. Not only does it enjoy huge popularity, it is also counted amongst the most beautiful beaches of India.
Majorda Beach
The soft sands and aquamarine waters of the Majorda Beach lure tourists from various parts of India as well as abroad. It lies at a distance of approximately 5 km from the Colva Beach and claims as much popularity as the latter.
Varca Beach
Varca Beach of Goa is situated at a distance of approximately 2 km to the south of the Benaulim Beach. Though the beach is not as popular as the other commercialized beaches in the state, it is not less than any of them in terms of beauty or magnificence.
Velsao Beach
Velsao Beach of Goa is gaining more and more popularity amongst tourists every year. The beach is situated on the southern coast of the state, at a distance of approximately 25 km from Panjim, its capital city.
Candolim Beach
Candolim Beach is situated in the northern side of Goa. It is the perfect place for those who have come on a vacation to forget the tensions of their daily life and intend to spend their time relaxing and rejuvenating.
