6 Best Beaches in Goa

Beaches in Goa beckons millions of traveler every year from around the globe. Though Goa is India's smallest state in area, it has become a very population vacation and retreat destination for many world travelers.

The large beaches, tropical monsoon climate, relaxed attitudes and water activities are some of the main draws. May is the hottest month with average daily highs of about 95 degrees Fahrenheit, a time when tourists normally avoid traveling to beaches in Goa.

Goa Beaches
Millions of tourists flock in Goa to relax along its beaches
Monsoon rains begin in June and last until late September. The state's population is about one million with approximately two million tourists that visit each year.

Vasco da Gama, Margao, Panaji, Mapusa and Ponda are the major cities in Goa, and the state has two main areas: north and south.

Two rail lines connect these areas and one rail line runs parallel to the coast. Rail can be taken to access the beaches, but there are also many buses and well-maintained roads.

North Goa 

Calangute beach in Goa is one of the more popular with foreigners. This area has upscale restaurants and popular gathering places for nightlife such as Club Tito and Cafe Mambo. Because this area is popular with foreigners, amenities like air-conditioning and wireless Internet access are available.

It is located 6 miles from Mapusa and 10 miles from Panaji. Thivim is the closest railway station.

Anjuna beach used to be something of a hippie haven, but not so much anymore. There is a flea market and a disco with some shacks for accommodation.

There are many restaurants here and rentals such as bikes, rooms, and houses. There are also unique gathering places like Curlie's and art produced by locals for sale.

It is located 5 miles from Mapusa and 11 miles from Panaji. The closest railway station is Thivim.

Arambol beach is the new hippie center, though still fairly subdued and somewhat natural. There are many food choices from cafes and restaurants. Some say it is the best beach in North Goa, while others used to share that opinion but say it has become too commercial.

It is located 20 miles from Mapusa and 31 miles from Panaji. The closest railway station is Pernem.

South Goa

Palolem beach has been said by some to be the most beautiful beach in Goa. Most of the people staying here are locals so there are a number of cattle, chickens, pigs and other animals wandering around at times.

If you like a little more natural and rustic beach setting Palolem may be your best bet. There are places to stay here starting at about $10 per night.

It is located 27 miles from Margao and 47 miles from Panaji. The closest railway stations are Margao and Canacona.

Agonda beach is known for being quiet and near dense forests, so it may be good for nature lovers. There are also cows on the beach at any given moment and fewer people than some Goa beaches.

Simple accommodation like bungalows and shacks are available. It is one of the top-rated beaches online. Marine turtles can also be found on this wide, very long beach.

Swimming is not so popular here because of a steep drop-off in the sea floor once you go out a short distance. This deeper water makes for rougher surf and can make swimming difficult.

It is located 26 miles from Margao and 47 miles from Panaji. The closest main railway station is Margao.
Canacona is the local railway station nearby.

Benaulim beach is also a quieter one with boat rides, dolphin spotting, wind surfing and jet skiing available. There is less accommodation available than at some of the other beaches. It may be necessary to stay at a hotel at the nearby Colva beach.

This area is fairly sedate compared with beaches like Anjuna. It is rated very highly online, probably because it is one of the more relaxing beaches.

It is located 5 miles from Margao and 25 miles from Panaji. The closest railway station is Margao.

Author Bio: Angie Picardo is a writer at TravelNerd and NerdWallet, a financial literacy site that features a plethora of information to help you choose between a Traditional or Roth IRA.

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