Boasting a 65-mile (105 km) coastline — from spectacular 25km sweeps of impossibly soft sand to secluded palm-backed coves — it’s clear why Goa has attracted beach-loving travelers for centuries. That said, these days, the beaches of North Goa and those in the South deliver very different vibes, so you’ll want to choose your base wisely. To help you do exactly that, read on to find out about the best of Goa's beaches.
Located halfway down India’s southwest coast, Goa has been a popular holiday destination since colonial times. Back in those days, troops used to travel here from across the country for a spot of R&R.
Skip forward to the twentieth century, and hippies first came to the region shortly after its “Liberation” in 1961. At this time, travelers fell in love with small fishing and coconut-cultivation coastal villages. By the nineties, the rave scene saw Goa's trance transformed into a fully-fledged musical genre, with crazy full-moon parties taking hold.
These days, Goa attracts some two million tourists each winter, with budget air travel options making it a major package tour destination for Europeans. This is where you'll find some of the best beaches in India.
Colorful bungalows on the tropical beach of Palolem, South Goa, India © Shutterstock
Nowhere else in peninsular India conforms so splendidly to the archetypal image of a paradise beach as Palolem. This is, undoubtedly, one of the best beaches in Goa. 35km south of Margao and lined with a swaying curtain of coconut palms, the bay forms a perfect curve of golden sand. This arches north from a giant pile of boulders to a spur of the Sahyadri Hills and tapers into the sea draped in thick forest.
That said, over the past decade, Palolem has developed into the most popular resort in Goa among independent foreign travelers. From late November, visitor numbers become positively overwhelming. But simply, Palolem in full swing is the kind of place you’ll either love at first sight or want to escape as quickly as possible. If you’re in the latter category, try smaller, less frequented Patnem Beach, a short walk south around the headland. More on that later.
Most people arrive to this Goa beach by pre-booked taxi from Dabolim Airport (about 42 miles/67 km away) or from Madgaon train station. You can also take a bus from Margao or Canacona. The village is small enough to walk through, with several paths leading to different parts of the beach. Scooters are widely available and handy for checking out nearby spots.
November through mid-March usually brings dry weather and warm days around 82–90°F (28–32°C). December and January are the busiest months, so prices go up and crowds increase. For a quieter stretch with similar weather, October and late March work well. The weather in India in February in general is usually pretty nice. During monsoon season (June to September), the sea is rough and many beach shacks close down.
Palolem — one of the best beaches in South Goa © Shutterstock
Scattered around coconut groves and paddy fields 4 miles (7 km) west of Margao, the fishing village of Benaulim lies in the dead center of Colva Beach. It is breathtaking, particularly around sunset, when the brilliant white sand and surf reflect the changing colors to enchanting effect. While the settlement had barely made it onto the backpackers’ map two decades ago, today it attracts affluent holiday-makers from metropolitan India.
At the same time, long-stay British pensioners and thirty-something European couples make up the bulk of the foreign contingent. While Benaulim’s rising popularity has slightly dented its charm, if you time your visit well (avoid Diwali and the Christmas peak season), it’s still hard to beat as a place to unwind.
Beach aside, the seafood is superb, and accommodation and motorbikes are cheaper than anywhere else in the state.
It’s a short trip from Margao by bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi. Dabolim Airport is about 19 miles (30 km) away. From Benaulim village, several small roads lead toward the beach. Once there, it’s easy to walk or ride between nearby beaches and towns. Scooters are a popular choice for getting around.
Mid-November to February tends to have the best weather—around 86°F (30°C) with low humidity. November and February are good bets if you want to skip the crowds. March is still pleasant but warmer, and October can bring some late rains. Life here moves at a steady pace, with fishing continuing year-round.
Benaulim Beach, South Goa, India © Jim W Kasom/Shutterstock
6 miles (10 km) northwest of the market town of Chaudi (known to outsiders as Canacona), Agonda comes as a pleasant surprise after the chaos elsewhere in Goa. The village deserves to be high on the list for travelers seeking somewhere quiet and wholesome. The surrounding hills and forest are exquisite, and the sand is super soft and clean.
In addition, Agonda offers enough amenities for a relaxing holiday and plenty of local atmosphere. Accommodation in this predominantly Catholic fishing village is in small-scale, family-run guesthouses and upper-end hut camps, with a largely easy-going, health-conscious clientele. Agonda Beach is also known for its Olive Ridley sea turtles.
Agonda is about 5 miles (8 km) from Canacona Railway Station and 37 miles (60 km) from Dabolim Airport. Buses from Margao run to Chaudi (Canacona), where you can grab a rickshaw or taxi the rest of the way. The road into Agonda winds through palm groves and leads straight to the beach. Renting a scooter is useful for visiting nearby beaches like Cola or Cabo de Rama.
November through March is the best stretch for dry weather, with daytime temperatures around 82–86°F (28–30°C). December and January are a bit livelier but still mellow by Goa standards. If you come in October or early November, you might catch the start of turtle nesting season. The beach gets quieter again by late March, as temperatures climb and the season winds down.
Sunset at Agonda beach in Goa © Shutterstock
With a string of hut camps and shacks lining the beach, Patnem is one of the mellower spots in these parts. It's one of the best beaches in Goa. Curving 1km to a steep bluff, the beach is broad and shelves quite steeply at certain phases of the tide. That said, the undertow rarely gets dangerously strong.
Alongside soaking up the chilled vibes, visitors come here to enjoy the likes of yoga, reiki, pilates, and massage classes: some of the best things to do in India.
This Goa beach is just south of Palolem in South Goa, around 25 miles (40 km) from Margao. Many visitors arrive by pre-booked taxi from Dabolim Airport or from Canacona Railway Station, which is much closer. From Canacona, it’s a short auto-rickshaw ride to the beach. If you're already in Palolem, there's a scenic 15-minute walk along a coastal path that connects the two. The main road runs parallel to the beach, with several narrow footpaths leading down to different parts of the sand.
November through early March is the best time to spend time here—days are dry and warm, and evenings are cooler. Mid-December to January is the busiest stretch, when all the beach huts and wellness centers are up and running. If you'd prefer fewer people around, early November and February are good times to come. Some retreat centers run special sessions during these months, which can be a good fit if you're looking for a quieter stay.
Patnem beach in Goa, India © Saurav022/Shutterstock
To enjoy another kilometer-long sweep of white sand at low tide, you can walk around the bottom of the steep-sided headland that divides Patnem from Rajbag. From there, you could press on further south by crossing the Talpona River via a hand-paddled ferry. This usually has to be summoned from the far bank.
Once across, a short walk brings you to Talpona Beach, which is beautifully backed by low dunes and a line of palms. From here, you can cross the headland at the end of the beach to reach Galjibag. This gorgeous remote white-sand bay is a protected nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles. Note that a strong undertow renders it unsafe to swim.
Rajbag is easiest to reach on foot from Patnem during low tide. There’s also a road that connects from the Canacona–Palolem highway. To get to Talpona, you’ll need to cross the river by ferry—expect a short, hand-paddled ride. From there, it’s another short walk to Galjibag, across a second headland. There’s no public transport that goes directly to these beaches, so most people rent a scooter in Palolem or Patnem and do a mix of riding and walking to get around.
December through February is usually the best time to explore these beaches. The weather is stable, making it easier to walk between the beaches or cross the river safely. Mornings are especially nice—quieter, cooler, and good for spotting birds or even dolphins offshore. Try to go on weekdays if you want a more peaceful experience. These areas aren’t reachable during the monsoon (June through September), when river levels rise and paths get washed out. Avoid swimming at Galjibag any time of year, as the currents are too strong (see our guide to India travel health tips ).
Head to Galjibag to see Olive ridley turtles © Shutterstock
Arambol has a reputation for being one of North Goa’s more creative beach spots. It’s a long, sandy beach backed by cliffs and palm trees, and it draws a mix of yoga teachers, musicians, and travelers looking for a slower pace. Just behind the beach, there’s a freshwater lake—locals call it “Sweet Lake”—where you can swim or try one of the mud baths, which some people say are good for the skin.
This beach in Goa really comes alive in the evenings, especially around sunset. You might find drum circles, fire performers, or people playing music by the water. The restaurants and cafes lean international, with menus that cater to long-stayers and travelers alike.
Arambol is about 31 miles (50 km) north of Dabolim Airport. Most people hire a taxi or book a ride in advance. You can also take a bus to Pernem and grab a local taxi from there. Once you're in the area, renting a scooter is a good way to get around. The road into the village winds downhill toward the beach, and there’s parking near the main entrance.
November to February usually brings the most comfortable beach days for this Goa beach, with warm weather around 82–86°F (28–30°C) and dry skies. March starts getting hot, and October can still see some leftover rain. During peak season, there’s more going on—yoga classes, live music, and the general community vibe. Most places close down during the monsoon months (June through September), and the sea becomes too rough to swim safely.
Anjuna is a well-known beach that mixes scenic views with a bit of Goa’s party history. There’s a Wednesday flea market that draws big crowds, and during the high season, trance parties are common. The beach itself is framed by red cliffs and has both sandy and rocky sections. The northern part has some unique rock formations, while the southern end is a better spot for a swim when the waves are calm.
Anjuna village has a bit of everything—local seafood shacks, international restaurants, and shops selling clothes, jewelry, and handmade goods. At night, many spots stay open late with music and dancing.
Anjuna is around 13 miles (21 km) from Panaji and 25 miles (40 km) from Dabolim Airport. You can take a pre-paid taxi from the airport or catch a bus to Mapusa, which is about 5 miles (8 km) away, and then hop on a local bus or taxi to Anjuna. Most travelers get around by scooter once they arrive. The main access to the beach is near the flea market grounds, with a few other side roads leading in from the village.
December through February is the busiest period, with dry weather and plenty happening on the beach and around town. That’s when the flea market is in full swing and the nightlife is most active. November and March are a bit quieter but still have good weather and enough going on to keep things interesting. Full moon nights and Goan holidays tend to bring larger crowds and events. Like much of Goa, most businesses in Anjuna shut down during the monsoon season from June to September.
Ashwem Beach feels a bit more polished than other spots nearby. You’ll find a mix of small designer boutiques, sleek beach lounges, and relaxed cabanas lining a clean stretch of sand. It draws a quieter crowd—people looking to unwind in style but without disappearing entirely from the scene. It's one of the best beaches in Goa for a glamorous stay.
Some of the beachfront places have a breezy Mediterranean feel, and there’s a focus on wellness and sustainability. The water is shallow and usually calm, which makes it a good pick for families with kids. You can expect to spend your time beachside at restaurants, checking out small shops, or joining a yoga class nearby.
Ashwem is tucked between Morjim and Mandrem in North Goa, about 28 miles (45 km) from Dabolim Airport. Most people come by taxi or arrange a hotel pickup from the airport or from Panaji. If you’re already in Goa, Mapusa is the nearest main hub, and you can catch local transport or hire an auto-rickshaw from there. The access road is in good condition and leads right to the beach, so getting there is pretty straightforward.
Late November through February is the most comfortable stretch, with temperatures around 86°F (30°C) and lower humidity. December and January are the busiest, but even then, it doesn’t get too hectic. If you're after fewer people, March still has decent weather—just hotter and quieter.
Relatively isolated, the village of Morjim was where Goa’s first Russian tourists headed in the early noughties. These days, it tends to attract more of a mix of Brits and Indians than Russians.
Morjim Beach itself is dramatic and well worth walking in the early morning, when you may see teams of fishermen hauling giant handnets from the surf. The spit at its southern end, opposite Chapora Fort, is also a great birding hot spot. In addition, cruising the Chapora River also affords good wildlife-watching opportunities. Back on the beach, this is another hotspot for Olive ridley turtles.
This Goa beach sits in North Goa, about 19 miles (30 km) from Panaji and 31 miles (50 km) from Dabolim Airport. Most visitors book taxis in advance or catch a shuttle. Public buses run from Mapusa to Siolim, where you can transfer to an auto-rickshaw to get to Morjim. The beach is quite long, with different access points depending on what part you’re heading to. If you want to explore the area properly—especially near the river mouth—a scooter rental is a good idea.
Between November and February, the weather is ideal for beach days and spotting wildlife. Bird activity peaks in December and January, so if that’s your thing, plan around then. Mornings are the best time to see fishermen at work or birds by the river. Turtle sightings are most likely from late November through February.
Morjim Beach, North Goa, India © Andrei Bortnikau/Shutterstock
One of the best beaches in Goa for Indian visitors; Calangute is unquestionably the state’s busiest resort. It also attracts huge numbers of Brits who come for the beautiful beach, busy bars, and extremely lively nightlife.
For a touch of tranquility, the south end of the beach around Maddo Waddo is more mellow. Meanwhile, Baga is basically an extension of Calangute, though the scenery in the far north is more varied and picturesque. Overlooked by a rocky headland draped in vegetation, a small tidal river flows into the sea at the top of the village, where brightly colored fishing boats are moored.
Though this was still a small fishing village in the early 1990s, today the development is more like a small-scale resort on the Spanish costas. That said, beyond the rowdier bars, you’ll find a crop of excellent restaurants.
Both beaches are in North Goa, about 10 miles (16 km) from Panaji and 28 miles (45 km) from Dabolim Airport. Buses run regularly from Panaji and Mapusa. Taxis and hotel pickups are easy to arrange from the airport (see our guide to India accommodation). Once you’re there, it’s simple to walk between Calangute and Baga—they’re part of the same long beach. Motorbike rentals and rickshaws make short trips between different beach areas easy.
Expect big crowds and plenty of action between November and February, with the peak around Christmas and New Year. October and March are slightly quieter but still have decent weather. These beaches are especially busy during Indian holidays, when performances and events often take place. If you want a bit more breathing room, go during the week or early in the morning.
Calangute Beach in Goa © Shutterstock
Barely a few kilometers of clifftops and parched grassland separate Anjuna from the southern fringes of Vagator. Known as one of the best beaches in Goa.
Spread around a tangle of winding back lanes, it’s a more chilled, undeveloped resort that appeals, in the main, to southern European beach bums who return year after year. With the red ramparts of Chapora fort looming above it, Vagator’s broad sandy beach — known as “Big Vagator”—is” undeniably beautiful.
That said, if you’re looking for a place to find peace, this isn’t it, being a prime stop for bus parties of domestic tourists. For more seclusion, head to the next beach south. Backed by a steep wall of crumbling palm-fringed laterite, Little (or “Ozran”) Vagator Beach is actually a string of three contiguous coves.
To reach them, you have to walk from where the buses park above Big Vagator. Alternatively, drive to the end of the lane running off the main Chapora–Anjuna road towards the Nine Bar.
From here, footpaths drop sharply down to a wide stretch of level white sand — look for the mopeds and bikes parked at the top of the cliff. The southernmost—dubbed “Spaghetti Beach”—is the prettiest, with a string of well-established shacks.
Vagator is around 6 miles (10 km) from Mapusa and 25 miles (40 km) from Dabolim Airport. Taxis from Panaji or the airport are the most direct option. Public buses run to Vagator village from Mapusa, and from there it’s a short walk to Big Vagator. Little Vagator requires more navigation—follow the road toward Nine Bar, then look for scooters and mopeds parked at the cliff’s edge. That’s where the footpaths to the coves begin.
November through February brings the most comfortable weather for this Goa beach. December and January are the busiest months, especially with events and parties happening nearby. October and March can be a good balance—fewer people but still nice conditions. Sunsets here are particularly striking thanks to the reddish cliffs, and weekdays are your best bet if you're hoping to avoid crowds.
Vagator Beach in Goa, India © Shutterstock
The last unspoiled stretch of the north Goan coast, Mandrem has — so far at least — held its own against developers. For the time being, nature still has the upper hand here. Mandrem is a splendid, largely empty beach that stretches north towards Arambol from the far side of the creek that bounds Aswem.
Olive ridley marine turtles nest on the quietest patches, and you’re more than likely to catch a glimpse of one of the white-bellied fish eagles that live in the casuarina trees.
Mandrem is about 19 miles (30 km) from Mapusa and around 31 miles (50 km) from Dabolim Airport. Many people take a taxi from the airport or arrive via Pernem Railway Station, which is the closest rail connection.
Regular buses run between Mapusa and Mandrem village, but the beach itself is a short walk or auto-rickshaw ride from there. You’ll cross a wooden footbridge over the creek to reach the sand, which adds to the sense that you’re stepping away from the usual beach scene. Scooter rentals from nearby spots like Morjim or Arambol are a good way to get around.
The most pleasant months are November through February, when the weather is dry and the temperature is comfortable. December and January are usually the busiest, but Mandrem still tends to feel calm compared to more popular beaches. Birdwatchers should head out in the early mornings, especially during winter. Turtle nesting season typically runs from late November through February.
Resort huts on Mandrem beach in north Goa, India © saiko3p/Shutterstock
Cola Beach is a peaceful, tucked-away cove that takes a little effort to reach, which is part of what keeps it quiet. A freshwater lagoon runs alongside the shoreline, separated from the sea by a stretch of golden sand. You can float between the two, surrounded by coconut trees and low-key eco-stays.
There are only a few huts and tents here, and the area is intentionally simple. You’ll find small seafood spots, hammocks strung up between palms, and not much else. In the mornings, you might catch sight of dolphins just offshore.
Cola is in South Goa, about 9 miles (15 km) from Canacona Railway Station. The last part of the trip involves either a rough drive—ideally in a 4WD—or a 20-minute downhill walk through the coconut groves. Some people also take boats from Palolem when the sea is calm. If you’re staying nearby, certain guesthouses may help organize transport if you ask in advance. The limited access helps keep the beach low-traffic.
Plan your visit between November and early March for the driest and most accessible conditions. December and January are especially nice if you want to swim in the lagoon, as the water levels tend to be just right. Early mornings are your best shot for spotting dolphins. Since there aren’t many places to stay, it’s worth booking ahead. Avoid the monsoon months (June–September), as the path can get slippery and most accommodations shut down.
Goa, India © Shutterstock
Butterfly Beach is a small, scenic cove between Palolem and Agonda, and getting there is part of the experience. This is easily one of the best beaches in Goa.
There’s no direct road access—only a boat ride or a forest hike—which means it tends to stay quiet. It gets its name from the butterflies that flit around the nearby jungle, and the bay itself is a good spot for swimming or snorkeling when the sea is calm.
There are no buildings or shacks here—just a crescent of sand surrounded by cliffs and trees. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful break with nothing but the sound of the water.
Most visitors reach Butterfly Beach by boat from Palolem, which takes about 20 minutes. You can usually arrange with the boat operator to wait or come back later. There’s also a forest trail from the north end of Agonda that takes about 45 minutes, though it’s unmarked and best done with someone who knows the route. There’s no parking or public transport nearby, which is part of what keeps the place untouched.
The best months are December through February, when the sea is calmer and the water is clear enough for snorkeling. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest, and early mornings are best for spotting butterflies. The beach can disappear at high tide, especially during the monsoon season (June–September), so it’s not accessible then. October and March can also be good if you’re looking to avoid the peak season crowds.
If you're set on beaches, you might want to see if Goa or Kerala is where you want to plan your itinerary.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 12.05.2025
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting India
