Goa is synonymous to beaches and is home to one of the finest and scenic beaches both in the North and south. The hustle and bustle are more towards the north as compared to the south where you tend to encounter calmer and quiet beaches as nature’s creation can best be enjoyed as you gaze at the beautiful countryside and the breathtaking sunset. Check the list of top ten beaches you are bound to date in South Goa.
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Agonda beach
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when it comes to a peaceful and serene beach Agonda probably tops the list. A beach where there is hardly any disturbance and limited to network connectivity the beach is perfect for peace-lovers. As you tend to get lazy and relaxed, this is a perfect getaway to rewind and write a piece of poetry and bathe under the sun and enjoy the beautiful shacks that dot the beach. Beach huts are also very popular here.
How to reach
From the southern town of Margao, Agonda is located at a distance of 37 km and 10 km north of Chaudi. This beach falls on a detour from another popular beach at Palolem. From Dabolim Airport it is 70km.
Activities/attractions
Agonda is around 9km from the nearby Palolem beach and is home to Olive Riddley turtles who nest here in September. It is famous for Dolphin rides, hiking, and windsurfing. On the other side of Agonda’s cliff is the Cola Beach known for its beautiful adjoining lagoon. For Hindu devotees, the nearby Partagal Matha is one of the most reputed religious places in Goa and is located on the banks of River Kushavato. A Shiva Yoha Centre is a popular holiday retreat here. As Agonda falls in Canacona taluka, the Chapoli dam offers a breathtaking view. One can also visit the Conco Island also known as Monkey Island for obvious reasons. The nearby Galgibaga beach admired for his silvery beach and clear waters and the surrounding rock formation is also a hit among tourists.
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Palolem beach
This is the last of the beaches on the South coach of Goa and when aerially viewed appears crescent. The 700 m long coastline greets with golden sand while the gigantic blue waters and small islands are also an added attraction for honeymooners. Homestays manufactured from made of cane and palm leaves are tailor-made for backpackers and groups.
How to reach
You can travel by the local bus transport from Margao to Canacona or Palolem and will reach you in around 90 minutes while alighting from the train at Canacona will transport you to Palolem by a rickshaw or taxi in 10 minutes.
Activities/attractions
Palolem beach is well known for its parasailing and sunbathing activities. The ‘Go Adventure’ drive during morning involves canyoning to trekking while a well-priced boat trip takes you on a Dolphin spotting safari into the Arabian Sea. The night comes alive here with the Silent Noise Disco that rages on late into the night. A visit to Cotigao wildlife sanctuary should not be missed.
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Colva beach
A Colva beach in South Goa is probably what a Calangute beach is to the North. Located at a 15-minute drive from the commercial town of Margao, this destination is more suited for romantic couples who love candlelight dinners in the backdrop of a violin being played which syncs with the sound of water. Buses, ricks or taxis can drop you to the beach.
Activities/attractions – If you are at the Colva beach you would definitely love a long walk along the coastline. Being of the oldest beach in Goa, Colva is also on the top of the list as it is renowned for adventure sports such as skiing, paragliding, and parasailing. Nearby attractions are the Colva church and heaps of cafes and restaurants which offer night music that keeps you happily fed.
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Majorda beach
This beach is famous for its greenery and white sand and a visit suits everyone’s pocket. This beach has a mythological significance as it is a place where Lord Rama was kept kidnapped.
How to reach – Located 17km away from the Dabolim airport, this beach can also be reached from Majorda Railway Station just 11 kms away. One can hire a taxi or take a rickshaw to reach the destination.
Activities/attractions- Parasailing is one of the best water activity at this beautiful beach of south Goa. If you love adventure and want to get the adrenaline pumping then water skiing it the way to go. Other land activities include a trip to Carpe Diem (Godinho House) an Art and Learning Centre that houses an Art Gallery, Cafe, Art Store and a Ceramic Studio. Other surrounding beaches at Gonsua and Utorda are quiet and clean.
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Varca beach
This beach is branded as one of the most exotic beaches of Goa and situated just 2 km from the surrounding village of Benaulim. A number of wooden boats, belonging to the fishermen, dot the shores of this beach which is known to offer good Goan cuisine and ideal for tourists who want peace and serenity.
How to reach – Buses from Margao station or motor taxies, popularly called ‘pilots’ in Goa, can ferry you to the beach.
Attractions/Activities -Tourists can spend their time watching dolphins or enjoying boat trips on the river Sal that surrounds Varca. For those who are water-addict, a series of adventure sports await you. Be it water skiing, banana tube ride, jet skiing, windsurfing, speed boating or parasailing Varca is a tourist’s delight. The nightlife is quite vibrant at the shacks as well.
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Mobor beach
Located near the southern village of Cavelossim is Mobor beach known more for its swimming and stunning scenery in the backdrop. One of the quieter beaches in the south, its long stretch starts from Bogmalo near airport. Sunset is very popular and charming and a photographer’s delight.
How to reach –
From Dabolim airport, the beach is located at a distance of 40km. One can also reach the place by hiring a taxi or bus from Margao city.
Attractions/Activities:
KKneeboarding kayaking, wakeboarding, windsurfing, scuba diving, jet skiing and banana ride are some of the major watersports/activities on offer. Cabo de Rama Fort is a major attraction in south Goa and this historical fort is situated 10.2km from Mobor beach resort. Club Tito’s is one of the prime night attractions. Other day excursions include boat trips and cruises.
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Benaulim beach
Situated on the south coast of Goa between Sernabatim and Varca, this beach is popular among tourists for its cleanliness. The spacious, low-key sand beach is dotted with shacks, offering sunbeds and casual dining besides water activities.
How to reach – Like all south beaches, this too can be reached from Dabolim airport and Margao town by hiring a taxi. A ‘pilot’ bike ride can also reach you there.
Attractions/Activities-
Go dolphin and crocodile spotting if you are at this beach. Parasailing and jet-skiing are also on offer here besides, windsurfing, boating, banana boat rides. Those who love fishing can also camp at Benaulim. There are a few private firms that organize a day-long Paradise Island Trip inclusive of food and beverages; underwater snorkeling and fishing. Among other activities, the beach is famous for bullfighting from the months of October to end of May. Located just 2kms from Colva beach, this place is home to Church of St. John the Baptist which is a great example of Goan architecture.
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Cavelossim beach
An ideal destination for travellers, this beach is located in between the Arabian Sea and the Sal River. The beach looks extremely beautiful with the paddy fields in the backdrop that simply creates an extraordinary ambience. The black lava rocks along with the white sand simply add to the color contracts of the beach.
How to reach – This beach is approx. 12 km from Benaulim and can be reached through taxi from Dabolim airport or any other major towns and cities of Goa.
Attractions/Activities-
This beach is just ideal for ambling around the beach area and indulge into biking, kayaking or enjoying catamaran sailing. Popular for water activities, one can simply laze around, have long walks or enjoy the Dolphin trips. Even the nightlife is quite breathtaking. It’s a perfect destination for honeymoon couples and those who love adventure.
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Betalbatim beach
It’s a beautiful golden sand beach that stretches 1km between Colva beach and Majorda beach. The sandy and wide beach, which gently slopes down the Arabian Sea, has no rocky outcrops and is safe for swimming. This place is also known for its grand sunset and is referred to as the Sunset Beach.
How to reach – Situated 18.5km from Vasco and 11km from Margao, it is just 4km from the Colva beach itself.
Attractions/Activities-
This place is known for spotting dolphins off the beach. The local fishermen do offer a trip but for a fee. Sea birds trying to catch a fish can also add to a photographer’s delight. You can also visit the nearby Grande Island for snorkeling and fishing activities.
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Butterfly beach
As the name suggests, this beach is home to most exotic butterflies and regarded as heaven simply because it is located between two hills.
How to reach –
This beach can be accessed only through water and a boat ride from Palolem beach is the shortest way to reach there. Though it is devoid of any shacks, resorts it is still a perfect weekend getaway.
Attractions/Activities-
The Butterfly island is not only famous for exotic butterflies, goldfishes, and crabs it’s breathtaking sunsets attract a whole bunch of photo enthusiasts.
Other Beaches:
The southern shores of Goa are home to a few more beaches along the coasts of Arossim in Cansaulim and Bogmalo. Besides, the ones at Betalbatim, Zalor, Patnem, Utorda, Velsao, and Betul have their own sense of attraction.
Arossim beach –
Arossim beach is located between Velsao beach and Utorda beach. It’s about 20 km from the airport.
Time and Activities on the beach: October to March is the ideal time to visit Arossim Beach and indulge into water surfing, hurrying, parasailing, water skiing, swimming, sunbathing and speedboat rides.
Bogmalo Beach –
A small fishing village in south Goa, its beach is ideal for fishing activities. A secluded curvy beach is a great place for travellers who seek a quiet environ. The beach is located nearby the Dabolim airport. Coconut groves border this beach.
Activities on the beach: This beach is ideal for Dolphin sighting, diving school, windsurfing, and the best of Goan food at the local joints.
Zalor beach –
Situated at Orlim, the Zalor beach is a tiny white sand beach about 14km from Margao city. Mostly offers a deserted look and hardly has a couple of shacks.
Activities on the beach: Basically a picnic and fishing spot one can reach here by private transport or get down at Cavelossim and walk towards this beach.
Patnem beach
Located near the Palolem beach and called as a sibling to it, Patnem Beach is renowned for its whole white sands and crystal clear waters that are almost untouched. One can reach here after alighting from Canacona railway station of the bus terminus.
Activities on the beach: Essentially an after-dark party beach, tourists take to yoga at a local center here or go swimming during the day. Rustic beach huts are an added attraction.
Betul beach
Betul beach is a must visit for those who are honeymooners and love natural serenity. This south Goan beach houses some 60 huts made available at throwaway prices. Fishing is the prime local attraction.
Activities on the beach: Famous for the lighthouse, and the authentic seafood at The Blue Whale restaurant, people are more involved in fishing activity here.
Utorda beach
Situated to the north of the famous Majorda beach, this pristine white sand beach is 10km away from Margao city. The beach is palm-lined and slopes into the Arabian sea. There are a few sand dunes located on the beach.
Activities on the beach: Parasailing, Jet Skiing, and Banana boat rides are some of the major water adventure sports here.
Velsao beach
This beach connects with the Bogmalo beach to its north and the twin beaches of Majorda & Colva to its south. This beach is enclosed with thick coconut trees which adds to its attraction.
Activities on the beach: This place is a perfect haven for honeymoon couples as it is aligned with Mobor and Cavelossim beach. Besides water sports, one can also indulge in bird watching at this gorgeous beach.
