Walking hand-in-hand with your partner along the seaside, making sand castles with your kids, sipping on some coconut water while you listen to soothing music! If this is your idea of vacationing, then Goa is the ideal destination for you. The alluring beaches here not only attract Indians but also tourists from all over the globe. We have charted out few of the best beaches of North Goa among the long list with some exciting activities:
1. Calangute Beach
Titled as the ‘Queen of all Beaches’, Calangute Beach is one of the most crowded beaches in North Goa. This largest beach of Goa has all the characteristics of being a heaven for all the beach lovers. Parasailing, surfing and water skiing are some of the thrilling activities, which make it an exciting place for all the adventure enthusiasts. You can also visit the Church of St. Alex, situated just 8 minutes away from the church. This oasis of calm is built in a unique architectural Rococo style with carved interiors.
2. Baga Beach
Quiet in the morning and happening at night, Baga Beach is one of the beaches to visit in North Goa not only for youngsters but also for the elders. The exciting nightlife filled with parties and pubs makes it a perfect destination for the party animals. Dolphin rides are a must to experience while you are here. Don’t miss out on exploring the vibrant Saturday night market, Mickey’s Market, which is just 11 minutes away from the Baga Beach. You can also take a spiritual tour to ‘Our Lady of Piety Church’, 5 minutes away from Baga Beach, which is not only a Portugal significant church but also architecturally pretty.
3. Candolim Beach
Witnessing the most crowds during the month of December, Candolim Beach is where the happening SUNBURN festival, a trendy collaboration of music, dance, food and shopping, takes place. This not only is awaited by the young Indians but also by foreigners. During other months, its tranquility is a treat for the soul. The swinging palm trees, the white sand and the crystal clear water- here the mornings are very relaxing. Located 5.2 km away from Candolim Beach is Aguada Fort, which is a popular tourist attraction. Standing right in the middle of the fort, the lighthouse, is a point popular for the splendid view of the beach it offers.
4. Anjuna Beach
Trippy music, wild tides and the hippie atmosphere, that’s how Anjuna Beach is to be described. Not only is it one of the top beaches in North Goa, but also a treasure trove for all the foodies and shopaholics. When the night strikes, Noronha’s Corner, a night food truck run by three brothers- Charles, Lazarus and Joseph Noronha, starts serving delicious Goan-Catholic snacks here. The fish cutlet, sausage burger (a patty made of fish and used as a sausage in a burger style) and chicken cafreal (spicy grilled chicken) are few of the popular dishes. The weekly Wednesday flea market at this beach is famous for its handmade jewelry.
5. Dona Paul Beach
Named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy of the colonial era, Dona Paul Beach has a famous story revolving around it. Forbidden by her father to never meet her lover (who was a fisherman’s son) again, she jumped off from the cliff to the Arabian Sea and killed herself on this beach. Besides the story, the Dona Paul Beach is also popular during the sports festival in November where a plethora of competitions such as cycle and water scooter race and surfing competitions are held. An impressive view of the Mormugao harbor, edged by the palm trees and casuarina woods makes it a paradise for nature buffs.
