As promised here is the second part of Goa Beach Guide. You can read the Goa Beach Guide first part here.
Baga and Calangute
Where: It is located on the north Goa, hardly nine kilometers away from Mapusa and sixteen kilometers from Panaji. The nearest railway station is at Thivim.
What: This beach is the most popular beach in Goa and highly commercial too. At any day you will find rows of foreigners lazing on a beach chair getting the perfect tan and Indians roaming here and there in a carefree manner. Baga beach and Calangute beach are kind of Siamese twins; it’s hard to tell where one ends and where the other begins. Baga beach is slightly more peaceful and more developed and organized than Calangute. If you are a water sport freak then you will have an amazing time on these beaches. There are several sophisticated and high class restaurants around these beaches where you can enjoy fine dining and exclusive wines. Baga beach has an exciting nightlife with famous clubs like Tito and Mambo. These beaches are quite awake at night and safe as well, but that does not mean you go roaming alone.
Benaulim
Where: Located in southern Goa. It is at a distance of seven kilometers from Marago and forty kilometers from Panaji. The closest railway station is at Marago.
What: Benaulim Beach is very close to Colva Beach, but it is no way similar to the latter. It is popularly known for the fishing activities. It is a very pretty and relaxing beach. Water sports are plentiful here with Dolphin sightseeing. Do not expect any crazy night scene. The only month when it gets really crowded is in December as that’s when the other beaches are also over booked. The south end of this beach is serene and peaceful.
Candolim
Where: Located in North Goa. It is at a distance of mere ten kilometers from Mapusa and thirteen kilometers from Panaji. The nearest railway station is at Thivim.
What: Candolim is a long stretchy beach surrounded with simple and neat bars or shacks. It is comparatively cleaner than the other beaches with peaceful days and rocking night life. It is a nice alternative to the highly crowded beaches like Baga and Calangute. Here you will find several yummy food joints and fashionable nightlife, which includes Butter at Sinquerim. This place remains open till wee hours of the morning and boasts of several best DJs performances over the years. This beach neighbors Aguada Fort, which has a beautiful view from the top. A tip: do not go to the fort at night, the steep climb up the hill is quite slippery and highly risky.
Chapora and Vagator beach
Where: These beaches are located in North Goa at a distance of ten kilometers from Mapusa and twenty kilometers from Panaji. Nearest railway station is at Thivim.
What: Vagator Beach is the hub of Goa’s trance parties. The location of the beach itself is so intriguing. The beach is situated at the base of a steep cliff in Goa, it is separated in three parts known as Big Vagtor (prime beach stretch), Little Vagator and Ozran. The Disco Valley is situated close by. Many tourists stay at Vagator beach for longer durations. The accommodations are not on the beach rather they are inland.
