Beaches of North Goa
North Goa to South Goa, there are 35 beaches in the 100-kilometer long coastline of the state. It is impossible to visit them all in only a few days. So, which beaches should you visit if you only have a week or two weeks?
The beaches in the south are generally more serene. Those who prefer a quiet and relaxing holiday often pick one of them. The North Goa beaches, on the other hand, have more character. Take Arambol and Anjuna, for example. They were both popular with the hippies. Even to this day, they have a laid-back bohemian vibe. Drum circle parties are held at Arambol. Anjuna has a wonderful flea market.
The coastal strip of North Goa is divided into three parts by the Baga River and the Chapora River. Many beaches are in lagoons. Sometimes, there are small creeks that run parallel to the sea. Most of the beaches have soft white sand. In some places, you will find rocky outcrops.
There are three forts too that are very close to the beaches.
- Aguada Fort is at Sinquerim Beach. North Goa starts from here.
- Chapora Fort is on the top of a hill in Vagator Beach.
- Tiracol Fort, which is now a heritage hotel, is in Goa’s border with Maharashtra. It is in far north.
North Goa beaches can be divided into various zones.
The Candolim-Calangute-Baga Stretch
This is Goa’s busiest area. This is an 8-kilometer stretch of sandy beach that is lined with many beach shacks with loungers, bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, massage centers, tattoo parlors, nightclubs, hotels, resorts, and villas. It is popular with both Indian and international tourists. All along the stretch, you will find many water sports activities. The area always remains crowded, even during the low season. The stretch begins from the Aguada Fort in the south and ends at the Baga River in the north.
The Anjuna-Vagator Stretch
A rocky hill separates Baga and Anjuna. The coastal zone from here to Vagator is rocky. Anjuna, though, has a very nice sandy beach and a famous flea market, which was started by the hippies. Anjuna Hilltop offers fantastic views. It is also popular with the paragliders. Vagator beach is surrounded by greenery and has an imposing hill with the Chapora Fort on top. The same hill separates it from the Chapora River. This stretch offers beautiful scenic views. You will also find many nightclubs here.
Along the Rivers
The Nerul River meets the Mandovi very close to the Aguda Fort. Nerul has a beautiful mangrove forest where you can see many birds and bats. It is also a popular place for kayaking. A little downstream into the river, you will find many luxury villas for rent and hotels. Life flows slowly along the river, so the ambiance here is more serene. Further up, there are a few places to stay along the Baga River as well, on the Anjuna side. This area is also very scenic. One side of the river has thick plantations and the other side has wide rice fields.
The Turtle Nesting Grounds
North of Vagator, you will find two extremely scenic beaches – first Morjim and then Ashwem. They are both beautiful beaches with only a few beach shacks, cafes, and places to stay. The coastline is wide and remains serene. You can relax here on a lounger with a drink in hand. Both these beaches are perfect for a quiet holiday and sunbathing. Morjim and Ashwem are famous for another reason – the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles come here to lay their eggs. A portion of the beaches are protected sites.
The Far North
There is one standout beach in the far north of Goa – Arambol. It is a beautiful beach with red hills and many coconut trees. 60 kilometers from the Goa Airport, Arambol is very scenic and laid-back. It was once popular with the hippies. Even now, you will see drum circle parties held on the beach. Hike up the hill and you will reach the famous Banyan Tree, where The Beatles meditated when they visited Goa. Further north, there is Querim, which is the northernmost beach of Goa. It is at the confluence of the Terekhol River and the Arabian Sea.
