10 Best Beaches in Goa – The Pearl of the Orient

Goa, one of the smallest states of India, hides umpteen surprises in every corner. The land of sun and sea has some of the most pristine beaches in the country. If your destination of the holiday season is Goa then here is a list of famous beaches in Goa that you need to note down in your checklist.

1. Hollant Beach

Hollant Beach

The Hollant beach is located at a distance of seven kilometers from the Bogmalo beach of the Vasco city. Thanks to low currents, the water here are shallow and it is one of the best Goa beaches to go swimming. One of the most isolated and most beautiful beaches in Goa, you will need a personal vehicle to reach this place. The Hollant Beach is one of the best beaches in Goa. It is said that the Hollant beach is the only beach in Goa from where a clear sunset can be witnessed.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 4-5 km away from the Hollant Beach. It will take you 10-15 minutes roughly to reach there.
• Activities to do: Diving, Kayaking, and Parasailing.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5

2. Velsao Beach

Velsao Beach

The Velsao beach, located very close to the Dabolim airport, boasts of unparalleled scenic beauty, is one of the most popular beaches in Goa.

It is famous for the white shells and starfish that you can find all over the seashore. Velsao Beach is famous amoung the honeymoon couples because of its pristine beauty, luxury resorts, spa and the sunset that colours the sky red.
One of the most isolated beaches in Goa, the Velsao beach is perfect if you are looking for some peace, quiet, and solitude. The Feast of Three Kings at Our Lady of Cures Chapel is organize at this beach in the month of January and is the time when locals and tourists alike visit this beach for the celebration.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 10-11 km away from the Velsao Beach. It will take you 15-20 minutes roughly to reach there.
• Activities to do: Diving, Shopping, and Parasailing.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5

3. Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach – Goa

The Arambol beach is a famous beach in Goa and is a sixteen kilometer long stretch of shoreline, surrounded by cliffs on two sides. The vibe of this beach seems to have come straight out of an 80s movie. Travelers wearing colourful clothes, fancy headgears, clubs and shacks playing music from famous 80s soundtracks, everything about this beach is vintage.
The beach has a freshwater lake and a chirpy market nearby. The relaxed vibe of Arambol makes it one of the most famous beaches in Goa. Arambol also hosts nigh parties and is popular as the capital of hippie culture in Goa.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 55-60 km away from the Arambol Beach. It will take you 1-2 hours roughly to reach there.
• Activities to do: Surfing, Shopping, and Food.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

4. Ashwem Beach

Ashwem Beach – Goa

The famous Arambol beach, Ashwem is another name from the list of most isolated beaches in Goa. At any time of the year, even during the tourist season, there are hardly any people around. The Ashwem beach is famous because this is where the Olive Ridley Turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Watching these tiny turtles taking their first steps towards the sea is one of the coolest things to do in Goa.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 53-54 km away from the Ashwem Beach. It will take you 1-2 hours roughly to reach there.
• Activities to do: Viewpoints, Hanging out, Parasailing.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5

Suggested Read: 23 Best Places To Visit In South Goa

5. Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach – Goa

The Palolem beach lies in the extreme South Goa and sits at a distance of twenty-five kilometers from the Margao city. Palolem has an array of delicious restaurants and cafes making it one of the most popular beaches in Goa. Tourists can also indulge in watersports like paragliding and wind-surfing at this beach. Hiking around this beach is one of the most popular things to do in Goa.

Palolem Beach boasts of two islands where travelers can visit by hiking or canoeing. The honeymoon island is popular among couples and offers lovely views of the horizon. You can visit the Monkey Island by a small hike and is again a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the sunset.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 60-62 km away from the Palolem Beach. It will take you 1-2 hours roughly to reach there.
• Activities to do: Shopping, Food, Partying, and Diving..
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5

6. Baga Beach

Baga Beach – Goa

The Baga beach, located at a distance of just two kilometers from Calangute beach. It looks like it has come straight out of a painting. Baga Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Goa. It’s because of the luxury resorts and beach cottages. The beach gets its name from the Baga Creek, which meets the Arabian Sea at the northern end of the beach. It’s one of the most magnificent beaches of Goa.

Baga beach is known to be the best beach in goa and is widely popular among tourists because of the watersports like Jet Ski, Banana Boat Ride, Parasailing, and Speedboat Ride.               

Baga beach is also home to some of the most amazing pubs and clubs and is popular with the young crowds because of its cool nightlife.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 41-42 km away from the Baga Beach. It will take you 1-2 hours roughly to reach there.
• Activities to do: Motor boat rides, Jet skiing, Dolphin rides, Diving, and Spas
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5

7. Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach

Miramar beach is one of the popular beaches in Goa, located just three kilometers from Panjim, the capital city of Goa. The Miramar beach boasts of a soft, silvery sand bed, and a vast expanse of fine golden sand flecked with palm groves.

As one of the famous beaches in Goa, Miramar offers pristine views of Mandovi River meeting the Arabian Sea. You can also go for the river cruise.
Those who want to experience a different side of Goa need to visit the amazing casinos. These casinos are a pride for Goa Tourism because they are on luxury cruises on the river. It’s the best getaway for tourists who love to enjoy serenity, solitude, and splendor.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 28-29 km away from the Miramar beach. It will take you 50-55 minutes approximately to reach there.
• Activities to do: Water sports, Bar hopping, and Food.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 3.5/5

8. Vagator Beach – One Of The Best Beaches In Goa

Vagator Beach – Goa

Located at a distance of nine kilometers from the Mapusa city,

this famous beach in goa resembles a crescent moon. The monotony of fine white sand is broken by beautifully contrasting black rocks. The lush greenery around this beach will definitely take your breath away. Divided into two parts, the Big Vagator and the Small Vagator, the tourists come here to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and amazing seafood.
One can spend their time on the rugged cliffs overlooking the calm ocean. Vagator offers everything ranging from water sports, shopping and luxury accommodation. It is a mix of local art, music, and nightlife.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 43-44 km away from the Vagator Beach. It will take you 1-2 hours roughly to reach there.
• Activities to do: Partying, Shopping, and Water Sports.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5

 Also Read: Goa Tourism – A Complete Guide

9. Bogmalo Beach

Bogmalo Beach – Goa

The Bogmalo Beach, is at a distance of five kilometers from the Dabolim airport. It was originally a small fishing hamlet which is now expanding into a tourist hub. The nearness to the airport has made Bogmalo one of the most famous beaches in Goa frequented by tourists and backpackers. Most of the local families still depend upon fishing for their livelihood.
The Bogmalo beach is best known for the awe-inspiring sunset. It is a sight you cannot afford to miss in a lifetime.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 4-5 km away from the Bogmalo Beach. It will take you 10-15 minutes roughly to reach there.
• Activities to do: Bar Hopping, Water Sports, and Food.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 4 /5

10. Majorda Beach

Majorda Beach – Goa

Among all the beaches in Goa, there is none like Majorda. The scenic beauty is bound to make you awestruck. This beach destination is full of canopy of palm trees, clear blue water, and soft white sand. Tourists love this beach for its peaceful atmosphere and serenity. Relatively unknown to the majority of the tourists, the magnificent Majorda beach is often referred to as one of the Goa’s best-kept secrets. This is another famous beach in Goa.

• Distance from Domestic Airport: The Goa International Airport is approximately 17-18 km away from the Majorda Beach. It will take you 30-35 minutes roughly to reach there.
• Activities to do: Shopping, Surfing, Skiing, Snorkeling, and many other water sports.
• TripAdvisor Rating: 5/5

These beaches have everything that will make your Goa vacation worth visiting. The number of activities will make your holidays a memorable experience. Make sure that your Goa trip has everything that you seek. Whether it is adventure, parties or just chilling with a bottle of beer, this list will help you decide what you want to do and where you want to go.

The beaches enlisted above are some of the famous beaches in Goa. This beach paradise has many other places too, that will bring out the adventure seeker in you. These famous beaches in Goa, however, will ensure that you spent the best time of yours in the city. Goa is tryl, a paradise of beaches like no other!