12 Best Beaches in Goa, India

Goa is that dream of infinite coconut groves, shimmering sea, golden sand and absolute relaxation. This tiny state on India’s southwestern coast is packed with stunning beaches. Spacious stretches like Agonda, freedom-loving hippie hotspots like Arambol, hidden palm tree-shaded havens like Kakolem and family-friendly strips like Morjim—Goa has a variety. Also, the state’s sunshine-soaked allure is addictive. Once you experience its easygoingness, it’s hard to resist the urge to leave everything behind and just enjoy carefree days on a hammock overlooking the Arabian Sea. Here’s a list of the best beaches in Goa for you to easily find your next favorite spot. 

Best beach for first-timers

You’ll find everything Goa’s famous for at Palolem. A hotspot of the southern part of the state, it’s a long and gorgeous stretch of white sand flanked by a lush palm tree grove. There’s a laid-back village, where you find a combination of hip coffee shops, water sports rentals, massage parlors and beachside bungalow complexes. Palolem may be a busy tourist destination, but it never feels too crowded or over-touristic. It works perfectly as a first-timer Goa base, where you’ll have a good connection to the other southern beaches and all the advantages of civilization. This beach is all about the hedonist lifestyle, where all you do is take surfing lessons, lounge on the sand, dine at the beachside restaurants and watch sunsets. No rush. 

Best for families

While the majority of Goa beaches are in villages, Candolim is the main stretch of the eponymous town. It comes with its advantages: there are larger supermarkets, more varied urban life and well-known resort names like Radisson, Novotel and Golden Tulip. Still, Condolim is a calm beach destination free from the over-the-top atmosphere of Baga and Calangute nearby. It’s the ultimate family-friendly beach vacation—you’ve got facilities and a spacious sandy stretch with shallow access. One of the highlights here is the 17th-century Fort Aguada that scenically borders the Sinquerim beach. 

Best for a creative atmosphere and beach parties

The echoes of the hippie boom of the 60s and 70s can be felt in Arambol. Famous for being a hotspot for Goan trance parties, Arambol of today is still buzzing, but in a more mainstream tourist fashion. While over-commercialized clubs and semi-authentic “find yourself” yoga courses have their tacky appeal, everyone should visit Arambol for what really turned it into a hippie hit in the 60s—the beach. It’s very long and tear-jerkingly beautiful during sunsets. You will also find many ways to enjoy the sea: try paragliding, surfing and kayaking. And don’t miss the Sweet Water Lake, a freshwater lagoon a short hike away from the town’s center. If you’re into the hippie lifestyle, Arambol has Goa’s most notorious flea market. As for the parties, the best ones are the impromptu beach gatherings (people bring their own instruments) when the sun sets. 

Best for untouched nature

Kakolem looks unreal. First, drive the secondary road through the dense jungle between the villages of Kola and Nakeri. Pay attention to a sign directing you to this paradise-looking beach—it’s worth the detour. Follow the sound of the waves and hike downhill to enter this South Goan hidden gem. Once the silhouette of the beach appears through the lush leaves of the palm trees, you know you’re in heaven. Kakolem greets you with incredible sea panoramas, a simple beach bar, a few bungalows to stay the night and impossibly soft sand. Remoteness makes it a true hidden gem of the state, a dreamy image of the untouched Goa of yesteryears. 

Best for a tranquil beach holiday

If you’re looking for a balance between peaceful rest and beach activities, Patnem is the one beach to visit. Still a sleepy corner of South Goa, it has everything that Palolem has, but with a calmer twist. Patnem is a wide, gorgeous sandy beach with bungalow resorts and massage parlors. You’re well-connected to Canacona and Palolem by the bus, but there’s no hustle. When the tide is low, it’s great for swimming. Otherwise, the currents may be too strong for a dip (keep up with the official information to stay safe). 

Best for the seafood 

Goa’s wilder side is on full display at Galgibaga. It’s an undeveloped sandy stretch in the south, where the Galgibag River meets the Arabian Sea. Steps away from the sand, the 1807-built Church of St Anthony of Lisbon adds a picturesque edge to the panorama. The beach is famous for being a nesting site for sea turtles. Also, it’s the best spot to try the local seafood. As it often is in Goa, the beach shacks are places where culinary magic happens. Santosh’s is where you find some of the best oysters in the state. With the spectacular view, of course. 

Best for a longer stay

Boho-style boutique hotels with Instagrammable pools, specialty coffee houses under palm trees, fancy beach bars with multicolored umbrellas and the constant hum of tourists on scooters. In many ways, Morjim Beach feels like Changgu in Bali or Karon in Phuket, albeit with a more laid-back atmosphere. A remote worker’s dream, this North Goa destination is perfect for a longer vacation. Even if you’re not planning to stay, come for the beach because it’s just that stunning. Stretching for over 2 miles, Morjim is the ultimate sunbathing and beach bar-going spot. As with other Goa beaches, sea turtles choose Morjim for nesting. Head to the Chapora riverfront part of the beach to see this natural show in motion. 

Best for a chilled atmosphere

Separated from the busy Palolem by a hill, Colomb is a sheltered bay and one of the most charming corners of Goa. Rocks protect the cove from big waves, so you can enjoy tranquil waters almost all the time. It’s especially magical in the morning when local fishermen on colorful wooden vessels commence their workday. This beach is ideal for chilling and getting a moment of peace after the often crowded Palolem. You will find snacks and drinks at the seafront shacks that double as improvised beach bars. Destiny Goa Beach Resort occupies the majority of the southern part of Colomb, offering chalets with private pools and Arabian Sea views.

Best for a luxurious vacation

Morjim’s more tranquil and upscale little brother, Ashvem is among Northern Goa’s most enchanting beaches. Basically, the lion’s share of this village are elegant resorts set among lush greenery. Beautiful spas and high-class restaurants accompany them. This makes Ashvem a fantastic spot for couples seeking a calm and romantic Goan escape. But there’s another type of traveler you will meet at the beach here. Lured by superb conditions and established infrastructure, surfers have long come to Ashvem. If you’re contemplating having your first surf experience, Ashvem is ideal for that reason. There are many surfing schools to choose from with equipment rental. 

Best for nightlife and bar hopping

Not everyone comes to Goa to chase inspiring sunsets and enjoy the serenity of the palm tree groves. If you’re seeking good vibes and a non-stop party, go to Baga. It’s that in-your-face tourist town where you never run out of fun experiences. Bars are everywhere, beach shacks try to outcompete each other with the loudest bass and restaurants have “international food” on their menus. But it’s behind the sand. Go to the beach to find a magnificent stretch with plenty of space and the biggest variety of water sports in the state. Add an unlimited choice of accommodation for any budget, several amusement parks for kids and a big selection of eateries. Baga works ideally for what it is: a slightly chaotic yet fun beach holiday destination. Watch out for tourist traps and you’ll enjoy it. If it gets overwhelming, the peaceful villages of the south are a few hours away.

Best for sublime nature and kayaking

Cola is a must-visit if you’re after untouched natural landscapes. This beach exemplifies Goan postcard-ready beauty—green hills meet golden sands with coconut palms swaying leisurely. But that’s not all, as the beach also has a spellbinding backwater lagoon. It’s best explored on a kayak, slowly gliding into the palm tree grove’s embrace. There’s a handful of exclusive resorts you can book to experience Cola’s magic first-hand. Imagine sunrises and sunsets at such a place. However, be aware that the beach is isolated, meaning you won’t have anything outside your resort (but for some, this might be the selling point). 

Best for expansive views

Agoda is Goa without the tourist buzz. It’s long, wide and never too crowded. Be prepared to see the cows roaming the red sands freely (it’s just a very Goan thing). The escape is what this beach is all about. Agonda is a top choice for a honeymoon if you’re into long beach walks, airy bungalows set among greenery and spa treatments to the sound of the jungle. The area behind the beach is dotted with resorts offering just that. In September, the olive ridley sea turtles choose Agonda to lay their eggs, so you’re going to see many nesting sites and have a high chance of spotting these cute creatures.