Calangute Beach
It is 16 km from the state capital Panaji and is the most popular holiday resort in Goa. It is also known as "The Queen of Beaches" and consists of excellent accommodation facilities at the tourist resorts and cottages. It is on the shores of the Arabian Sea of North Goa. The name of the beach is a distortion of the local vernacular word, 'Koli-gutti', which means the 'land of fishermen'. Some connect it with 'Kalyan-gutti', the 'village of art' or 'Konvallo-ghott', the 'strong pit of the coconut tree' as the village nearby is full of coconut trees. It is believed that with the Portuguese it got distorted to Calangute. Once upon a time Calangute was the most haunted beach all hippies during Christmas celebration when psychedelic hell broke loose. The best time of the year to visit this beach is between the month of September and March.
Colva Beach
It is 6 km from Margao Colva is one of the most popular beaches in South Goa. This beach is the pride of 'Salcete' and the only rival to Calangute by its scenic splendour. In Colva sand, sea and sky blend in enchanting natural harmony. It consists of excellent accommodation facilities at the tourist cottages. It is weekdays evening and weekend days destination for the local people. While driving to Colva from Margao you pass through the large Church of Our Lady of Mercy, Nossa Senhora das Merces, built in 1630 and re-built in the 18th century. It is at heart of the longest unbroken stretch of beach in Goa from Mormagao to Cabo de Rama. Colva is pleasant and convenient place to stay and swimming is safe.
Dona Paula Beach
It is 7 km from the state capital Panaji. Dona Paula Beach is an idyllic picturesque spot and gives a fine view of the Zuari River and Mormugao Harbour. This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe Water scootering facility is very popular at this beach. The beach is near the rocky point between the Mandovi and the Zuari. At the Dona Paula bay two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea. The beach is named after Dona Paula de Menezes and is also called the 'Lovers Paradise' due to a myth attached to place. Cabo Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor of Goa is situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula
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Miramar Beach
It is 3 km from Panaji. Miramar is a golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees facing the Arabian Sea and is the nearest to Panaji. It is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. To watch the sunset from Panaji this beach is the best location and it is only fifteen minute' walk along the Dayanand Bandodker Marg riverfront avenue. The beach is an urban beach where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea. It is not a safe beach to swim because of the strong undercurrent.
Anjuna Beach
It is 18 km from Panaji and is a popular beach adjacent to Chapora Fort. The beach is popular with the younger generation. Nearby the beach there is magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920 that is flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tiled roofs. This is the also know as 'Goa Freak capital of the World'.
Arambol Beach
It is 50 km from Panaji and is a unique beach in the North Goa. The beach is both rocky and sandy and at the same time much sought after. It is the 16-km-long sea beach. Arambol Beach has a sweet water pond right on the shore. The beach has adequate body surfing and there are several attractive bays at walk able distance.
Agonda Beach
It is 37 km from Margao. The beach is small, picturesque and secluded; and is much sought after for its serenity.
Palolem Beach
It is also 37 km from Margao. The
beach is siyuated at west of Chaudi. It is one of the most enchanting beaches,
but at the same time relatively deserted. It is situated in the backdrop of
Western ghats. It has 1.5 km crescent shaped beach and lies on the southern
coastline of Goa amidst outstanding natural beauty. It is fast emerging as a
popular spot for day-trippers from Colva and Calangute beach.
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