For so many people around the country, the best place to start the new year is Goa. The atmosphere here probably has some magical appeal that attracts people of all ages. Beaches of North Goa, are in the true sense, the Goa you hear and read about. Unlike the untouched beaches of South Goa, most of the beaches here, especially Candolim-Calangute-Baga-Anjuna stretch is always crowded. The most happening parties, popular resorts, and beach shacks are located near these beaches. So here we go, starting 2018 with places to see on your next road trip to Goa.
Let’s start our journey from the northernmost beach on this road trip to Goa.
Querim or Kerim Beach
The northernmost beach in Goa is the Kerim Beach (58 km from Panaji). This beach follows where the Konkan beaches end. The white sands of the beach entice you to walk along the shore. However, swimming in these waters is not recommended. The majority of the people you would see here are a local fisherman and a few avid travelers hanging out at the shacks. The Terakhol/Tiracol fort and a 17th Century Church are the major attractions here.
Arambol Beach
Arambol Beach (50 km from Panaji) is one of the beaches in North Goa that has recently gained popularity. The beach is quite beautiful with cliffs on two sides, giving it a cove-like structure with magnificent views. The area attracts many international tourists and domestic budget travelers. There are many interesting places to check out nearby, like the sweet water lagoons of the Kalacha beach that you can only reach the lagoons by foot. Or the local ‘hippie’ market where you could bargain to your heart’s content and buy knick-knacks as gifts for friends. Arambol would be a great place to stay at if you are on a budget road trip to Goa.
Mandrem Beach
Mandrem Beach (32 km from Panaji) is one of the lesser-known beaches of North Goa. Because it is connected with Arambol Beach and Ashvem beach, the three beaches seem like a continuous entity. You can spend time walking along the calm waters of or spend a lazy afternoon exploring the Mandrem village. The Mandrem creek runs parallel to the shoreline and fills up during high tide. You can find many couples, sitting on the bridges over the creek, their feet dipped in the shallow waters. What a romantic sight! The white-bellied fish eagles are seen in this area. Furthermore, even the Olive Ridley turtles are seen here from time to time. This is another great place to base your budget road trip to Goa.
Morjim Beach
Morjim Beach (29 km from Panaji) is the last of the quiet beaches of North Goa. A small part of the beach is only open to tourist as the rest is protected for Olive Ridley turtles. If you suddenly start seeing signs in Russian during your road trip to Goa, you would know you are in Morjim. The place is also known as Little Russia with a huge population of Russian immigrants settled here. Loud music and night parties are discouraged here due to the protected area status. So if you are looking for a quiet haven nearer to the commercial areas, this is your destination.
Chapora Beach
Chapora Beach (24 kms from Panaji) is a one of the must visit beaches of North Goa, thanks to Bollywood movies. Dil Chahta Hai had the iconic shot of friends at the rugged Chapora fort and many have come to recreate it. The white sands, black lava rocks and the grand fort in the background, what’s not to love about this spectacular sight. Though different in architecture, the fort reminds you of the sea-fort at Murud Janjira, one of the many forts of Maharashtra. Check out the local shacks for some awesome seafood and don’t forget to get an Instaworthy shot of the beach from the fort.
Vagator Beach
Starting with the Vagator Beach (21 km from Panaji), you are now in the famous beaches of north Goa territory. The rocky beaches of Vagator with the splendid background of coconut trees is must-visit on your road trip to Goa. The beach technically starts from the Chapora fort and extends towards the Anjuna beach. If you want to bathe in the water here, you can head to the southern part known as Small Vagator. While it mostly attracted European and Israeli tourists in the past, Vagator has gained popularity in the last few years. Many raves and beach parties are known to be held here, most noteworthy of them being the Sunburn Festival.
Anjuna Beach
One of the world famous beaches of North Goa, Anjuna Beach (21 km from Panaji) is as bohemian as it gets. Anjuna is known for its trance music and outdoor parties and is considered a haven for ‘hippie’ culture. In fact, if you go on a road trip to Goa during Nov-Feb, you will find a party every night. The clubs, restaurants, ambiance, rocky beach – people here are in a constant party mood. Many artists and musicians are known to come to the Anjuna beach for inspiration. Don’t forget to visit the Wednesday Flea Market to pick up knick-knacks and bohemian clothes
Baga Beach
You have now entered the triumvirate of commercial beaches of North Goa. Named after the eponymous creek, Baga Beach (19 kms from Panaji) has something to offer for all age groups. You can chill on the beach in the many, many shacks and enjoy all kinds of water sports. Jet skiing to parasailing to diving to speed boat rides, just take a pick. Enjoy your evenings at Brittos, Mambo’s or Cape Town Cafe or sing your heart out at a Karaoke Bar. This isn’t the best place to go for quiet walks with your loved ones but you could get foot massages together on the beach. Explore the bylanes of Baga and don’t forget to check out the Arpora Flea Market & Mackies Night bazaar!
Calangute Beach
Quite literally right next to Baga beach is Calangute Beach (16 km from Panaji). It is probably the most popular beaches in Goa and tourists come here in swarms. The beach is crowded almost throughout the year but the Nov-Feb peak season is the best. Luxurious resorts and budget accommodations, you would find choices of everything here. While you could spend the day lazing at the beach, the place is teeming with nightly activities. Clubs, restaurants, spas, night markets, you name it and it’s here. You could also spend a day exploring Old Goa. The Churches, old Goan homes and inner parts have a beautiful old-worldly charm. Like in the movie Finding Fanny, it reminds you of the Goa that was.
Candolim Beach
Finally, we come to the last of the beaches of North Goa, Candolim Beach (13 km from Panaji). This beach and the nearby Siquerim beach are immensely popular clean beaches you will see on your road trip to Goa. Candolim beach runs from historical Aguada Fort till the Calangute beach, roughly 30 kms. The place got even more famous since 2000 when River Princess, the ship, got stuck at the beach. It was stuck there till recently and attracted many tourists. The Portuguese fort and Hotel Taj Aguada near it are major attractions of the Siquerim beach. The view of the sea from the fort is awe-inspiring. You must check it out on your road trip to Goa.
There is also the Dona Paula beach and Miramar Beach in Panaji. These beaches are relatively cleaner but not very crowded. If you are planning a road trip to Goa, you may consider checking our package here to plan a more personalized trip. There is a lot to explore in Goa and knowing local scouts in the area always helps.
If beaches are your dream destination, you may also want to check out Konkan Coast, Tamil Nadu coast and the beaches near Kolkata. Why don’t you tell us where you would like to go here and we could plan your next trip to Goa for you, free of cost?
25 comments
[…] differ from region to region. There are many places to visit in winter in India, like the beaches of Goa, white expanse of the Rann of Kutch and colorful Rajasthan.. Some of these places have tons […]
The trip was amazing especially the banana ride I really enjoyed a lot. Scuba diving, Jet ski ride, snorkeling along with the beauty of underwater marine life was the best experience in Goa.
Yes really grate water sports.
[…] local sea food and check out the many forts. You could then drive into Goa and head to the popular beaches in north Goa. Baga, Calangute, Anjuna are some of the beautiful beaches you could ride to! Alternately, you […]
[…] Mumbai to Goa. Goa is typically famous for the quiet life in South Goa and the happening beaches of North Goa. Beyond the beaches are the charming lanes of Goa. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is may be one of the […]
The North Goa package was an excellent experience, I really enjoy a lot of beaches, marine life special the water activity was memorable especially scuba diving, jet ski ride, parasailing etc was one of the best experience in my life. thank you sea water sports.
Great experience and would highly recommend. Good price and value of money. Very easy to book. I had absolutely amazing time. I will definitely book again from sea water sports. Staff is friendly. I do it again without a doubt. Thanks to sea water sports for giving me amazing experience
[…] you are in Goa you should be visiting the beaches. We have listed the beaches in South Goa and North Goa. You can choose to go on road trip to explore the Goa heritage sites or beaches of Goa from the […]
[…] list of beaches of Kerala. Kovalam beaches is many-a-times compared to Goa’s Calangute and Baga beaches, which are known for its party-life. Kovalam is situated in the capital city of Kerala that is […]
[…] list of beaches along the coastline of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Konkan and of course the beaches of North Goa and South Goa. You can reach out to us if you need help in planning the road trip or ask the […]
[…] out the other places to visit in Odisha. We have compiled a list of famous beaches in North Goa, South Goa, Kerala and Karnataka. Do check them out and you can always get us to help plan your […]
Useful information about goa beach it really helps to plain our goa trip.
[…] first look, the movie may seem to be just about the fun three boys have in Goa but the movie is so much more than that. This movie sees the transition people go through in their […]
[…] differ from region to region. There are many places to visit in winter in India, like the beaches of Goa, white expanse of the Rann of Kutch and colorful Rajasthan. Some of these places have tons […]
[…] was just a small part of the movie plot, it put it right on the map. Everyone wanted to go on a road trip to Goa, in a convertible, with the DCH soundtrack playing in the background. You should try it too! Gather […]
[…] from the top of North Goa to the end of South Goa on your scooters, bikes or jeeps, could be an awesome Diwali road trip for […]
[…] Goa is a kaleidoscope of Indian and Portuguese cultures. The whole vibe of Goa is sweetened with sun, sea, sand, seafood, music, and spirituality. All in all, Goa can truly be hailed as India’s pocket-sized paradise. […]
[…] just 10 minutes away from the Gateway of India. Hence, you can even take a boat ride and enjoy the sea before you dig into the delicacies the place has to […]
[…] two days after Christmas is the Sunburn Music Festival. This year also it’s on December 27 at Vagator Beach. International DJs play live, and music […]
[…] Goa is known for its beaches, the music festivals aren’t far behind. If you enjoy listening to reggae music, Goa Sunsplash […]
[…] local seafood and check out the many forts. You could then drive into Goa and head to the popular beaches in North Goa. Baga, Calangute, Anjuna are some of the beautiful beaches you could ride to! Alternately, you […]
North Goa trip is cheapest compare to south goa trip. Really enhoyed your article. thanks. sharing on my fb
[…] beach-front properties and small restaurants give you a rustic yet comfortable option for seaside vacations. Spend time on the nearby Malvan beach, one of the beaches in Konkan coast with an uninterrupted […]
[…] North Goa, particularly […]
Goa is my all time favorite destination, especially beaches