The best beaches in Goa: Sand, sunsets and serenity

Baga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. And it’s not just for the white sand or beautiful water – although you will find that – Baga completely transforms once the sun goes down. After dark, it’s the party capital of Goa. Get your dancing shoes on and head to one of the famous clubs at Baga – you’ll find Cafe Mambo, Cocktail & Dreams, The White Goa and more.

Right next to Baga Beach, Calangute Beach is referred to as the ‘Queen of Beaches’. And while Baga is all about the night, the Queen is much more focused on the day. Head here if you want to take the water on a banana boat ride or jet ski ride. Or get up in the air with some parasailing. You’ll also find plenty of beachside shacks, serving food all day long.

Anjuna has been a hippie haven since the 1960s, and that free-spirited energy never really left. Browse the laid-back Wednesday flea market, then stay for the trance parties that draw backpackers and night owls from across the world. Beach shacks by day, dancing by night — this is Goa at its most iconic.

Less crowded than Baga Beach and Calangute Beach, it’s still a popular spot with backpackers and foreigners. As the sun sets, something happens every evening at Arambol. One day it’s a live drum circle. The next a beach side flea market, or some firework performances. During the day, explore the nearby freshwater lake – also known as Sweet Water Lake.

Stroll along this uncrowded beach in North Goa and escape the crowds. It’s also super close to the famous Aguada Fort. A visit here means a little beach time and a glimpse of Goa’s history at the fort. Plus, it’s the first beach you come to travelling from Panjim towards North Goa.

Stretching almost 2.5km in length, Colva is known for its beauty and is one of the best beaches in Goa to escape the crowds. Stretch your toes on white sand while you take in one of the best sunsets in Goa. You’ll find plenty of beach shacks along the sand – just soak in the moment, all day long.

Visit Vagator Beach in North Goa and marvel at the striking red cliffs surrounding the sand. The dramatic cliffs make for the perfect backdrop to witness the beautiful Goa sunsets. And just like Anjuna, Vagator Beach is also famed for the party as soon as the sun goes down.

Morjim's claim to fame is its role as a nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles — during hatching season, crowds gather to watch baby turtles make their first scramble into the sea. The southern end is a protected zone, keeping it refreshingly free of shacks and hotels, while also marking the scenic confluence of the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea. Head north if you're after somewhere to eat or stay.

Betalbatim beach is a serene and relatively less touristy pick. It’s also famed as the glowing beach of Goa. Splash in the surf once the sun goes down and (if you’re lucky) you’ll see bioluminescent algae illuminating the shoreline at night. In the daytime, it’s also a hub for adventure sports including water skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and scuba diving.

A real hidden gem of Goa, Cola Beach is secluded and pristine. The nearby freshwater lagoon, surrounded by towering palm trees, is an idyllic place for a swim and one for the memories. It’s not easy to reach Cola Beach – it’s one of the most isolated beaches in Goa. There is no direct road to the beach. Instead you’ll be dealing with a 1.5-2 km muddy and bumpy detour off the concrete road.