Beaches of North Goa
Anjuna:(18
kms from Panaji) a popular beach of north Goa. It gets very busy from
October onwards with tourists of varied types flocking to this otherwise
simple village.
Anjuna gets inundated especially on Wednesdays with
folks of backpackers, round-the-world travelers, etc. for the famous flea
market that has become a must visit event for anyone traveling to Goa. The
merchandise mainly consists of jewellary, clothes, appliqué work,
papier-mâché boxes, turquoise bracelets, you name it and you
find it there.
Accommodation in Anjuna is not as furnished as one
would find at other beach destinations of Goa. Nevertheless finding a place
during peak seasons can be really difficult. There are guesthouses and small
average hotels that would rather welcome someone willing to stay for a
couple of months. You have restaurants all along the way to the beach.
Baga:(18 kms from Panaji) is basically an extension of
Calangute, located about 10 Kms. West of Mapusa which is the nearest Town.
It is at the northern tip of a wonderful 7 kms. Stretch along the coastal
North Goa. A concrete bridge north of Baga across the river transports you
to a much quieter part of Baga. Over the years Baga has develop rapidly and
you will find hotels and restaurants all along the main road.
Calangute:(16 kms from Panaji) Very well known all over the world
for its scenic beauty is located 16 Km from the capital. Goa's most busiest
and commercialized tourist spot. Though heavily developed by Goan standards,
Calangute is not yet the high-rise hell that many Asian resorts that have
become in recent years. The odd party of prurient day-trippers still arrives
from time to time. Excellent accommodation facilities are available,
particularly at the tourist resort and cottages.
In Calangute the
restaurants and bars are mainly en route to the beach.
Miramar:(3
kms from Panaji)A lively golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm
trees facing the blue Arabian Sea, is the nearest to Panaji.
Morjim:(40 kms from Panaji) In the mouth of the Chapora river and
facing the famous Chapora fort, this is another famous beach of northern
Goa.
Sinquerim:(16 kms from Panaji)The southern most
beach of the Calangute stretch, this beach has good accommodation and water
sports facilities.
Siridao:(8 kms from Panaji)Near Goa
Velha in Tiswadi taluka near the mouth of the river Zuari, it is one of the
most frequented beaches of Goa for its picturesque scenery.
Vagator:(22
kms from Panaji) is a popular beach dominated by Chapora Fort to the
north, on its imposing headland. To the south of Vagator is Calangute beach.
Arambol:(50 kms from Panaji) A unique beach in the North Goa, it is
a rocky and sandy beach and much sought after. It has a sweet water pond
right on the shore
Candolim: is a sedate location,
appealing budget package tourists, mostly from Europe. Candolim has plenty
of pleasant places to stay, many of them tucked away down quite sandy lanes
and better values than comparable guest houses in nearby Calangute, making
this a good first stop if you've just arrived in Goa and are planning to
head further north after finding your feet.
Dona Paula:(9
kms from Panaji) 
takes
its name from a viceroy's daughter who threw herself off the cliff, when
refused permission to marry a local fisherman. Dona Paula divides the Zuari
and Mandovi estuaries and provides pleasant views of Mormugao, the port city
of Goa. Due to its proximity to Panaji, Dona Paula is a popular stop for the
sight seeing tours. There are boating facilities for those who dare to
venture in the waters.
The official residence of the Governor of Goa,
Known as Cabo Raj Bhavan is situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula.
Along the road leading to this place lies the ruins of the small military
cemetery the British built during their brief occupation of the Cabo, to
deter the French from invading Goa
Majorda:(2 kms North of
Colva) A number of hotels have been built in the close vicinity of
Majorda, offering a wide choice of resorts, less luxurious accomodations,
and even old houses that can be rented, for a longer time peroid. For those
who prefer to move on their own, you can hire a bike for a day or two and
explore the village. Along the road that leads to the beach you will find
shops and restaurants.
Beaches
of South Goa Benaulim:(4 kms from Margao) Situated
at Benaulim village near Margao, it is one of the famous beaches of south
Goa. If you hanker after the more tranquil parts of this coast-line, then
Benaulim is the place to head for. It has reasonably good accommodation
facilities with fine restaurants. Benaulim's accommodation largely consists
of small budget guesthouses, scattered around a radius of a few kms.. It's
fast gaining popularity is turning out to be a strong competitor to Colva
Beach.
Betul:(22 kms from Margao) This is the southern
most beach, a stretch that extends from Bogmalo to Betul in Southern Goa.
Bogmalo:(5 kms from Goa Airport) Well connected by road,
it offers excellent water sports facilities. CANSAULIM (15 kms. from
Margao). A famous beach in Mormugao taluka near Cansaulim railway station.
Colva:(6 kms from Margao) Colva beach is the
pride of Salcete
and the only rival to Calangute by its scenic splendour. Here, sand, sea and
sky blend in enchanting natural harmony unharmed by men. It has good
accommodation facilities, particularly at the tourist cottages.
Palolem:(37 kms from Margao) Just west of Chaudi one of the most
enchanting beaches in Goa relatively deserted, with backdrop of Western
Ghats, situated in Southern Taluka of Canacona.
Shacks These are the
best places to enjoy yourself, located on the beaches these shacks provide
adequate shelter to those who might want stay away from the scorching sun
and still enjoy the sea breeze. You can spend the entire day in them, have
your meals, splash in the waters the whenever you feel like or just laze on
the beach and return to your hotel at the end of the day. Some shacks are
well quipped with beach beds, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, masseurs, etc.
Towards the evening just before sunset the sky fills with magical wonder, a
sight that has left some spellbound. A must see phenomenon for anyone
visiting Goa, if you are at the beach you will see the sun disappearing into
the sea. If you still don't want to leave at the end of the day you can dine
at the shack of your choice. Each shack has its own type of music, but at
your request you can listen to some of your own favorites.
Shacks are becoming increasingly popular with visitors, as it is here that
one can enjoy the beautiful coast of Goa, and get a tan for free.
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