Goa boasts of a long coast line and rightfully so, a vast number of serene white sand beaches dot the coasts of Goa making the life line of  tourism in Goa. Except for the Monsoons Goa beaches are quiet and smooth, not rough as at some other coasts in South India. During Season October to March these beaches get dotted by various shacks selling all kinds of stuff from beer to sea food to traditional costumes etc. Some beaches are more popular with the tourists depending on the attractions they offer while some Goa beaches may still be quiet and lonesome even at height of tourist activity, so you may take your pick depending on what kind of holiday you are looking at.

Beaches in North Goa

Calangute Beach

Undoubetedly the most popular of the beaches, is also called the Queen of the beaches. Situated in North Goa, Calangute beach is about 30 minutes drive from Panaji, the state capital. Having a wonderful green cover and lots of palm trees the beach was made popular in the 60s by the Hippies and the tradition still carries on among the European traveller. Water sports are also availble at the Beach. Can become quiet crowded during the peak season.

Baga Beach

Situated in between the more known Colva and Calangute beahces, it is more quieter and more of a fishing beach but a lot of shacks have come up each blaring their own dance tapping music. Also there is the Baga river which meets the sea over here adding to it's beauty. A Saturday night flea market is held here selling all kinds of stuff.

Vagator Beach

Vagator is one of the more beautiful white sand Goa beaches. To reach the beach, you have to walk down a steep cliff. The beach is decked by black lava rocks leading upto the 500 old Portuguese fort of Chapora. The view of the sea, rice fields and palm trees from the fort is mind blowing and so is the breeze at the top.

Aguada Beach

Aguada beach in North Goa is dominated by the Aguada, a Portuguese fort and the Taj Aguada Resort.  The Fort of Aguada was built by the Portuguese to control the entry into River Mandovi and to protect old Goa from enemy attack. The fortification skirts the seashore. At the center is a circular lighthouse tower. The Fort presently houses the central jail.

South Goa Beaches

These beaches are more quieter and do not have too many markets or activities surrounding them, more suited for the honeymooners and some body looking for some quiet.

Bogmalo Beach

Situated close to the Airport, Bogmalo beach is not too crowded still offering good facilities and dominated by the Bogmalo Beach Resort situated right on the beach.

Majorda Beach

Situated in South Goa,Majorda is again quiet and place to relax. Some of the best bakeries are present is this area and it is also famous for the Palm toddy makers.

Colva Beach

Colva is situated in South Goa and has recently gained popularity, it is a fishing beach and the place to be especially on weekends. It also has the famous 17th century church of Nossa Senhora de Merces.  The golden sands of Colva are a treat to lie down and enjoy the beach. Close by at Benaulim one can watch the Bull fights from October onwards.

Varca & Cavellossim

Situated in South Goa about 45 km from the Dabolim Airport, these two beaches are much cleaner and quieter than most other Goa beaches. Some of the famous resorts like Dona Sylvia are situated on them. A disadvantage is the long distance from the Airport.

In our view if you are looking for some activities and action go for North Goa beaches which are more visited by tourists regularly, while the South Goa beaches are more quieter and places to relax. Also you have more beautiful and expensive resorts in South Goa while North Goa offers a mix of middle and higher range resorts.