Utorda Beach

Utorda is a small beach in South Goa, 15.1 kilometers from Vasco da Gama via the NH566 and MDR43. It is just north of the more famous Majorda beach. It is a serene and quiet beach with soft, golden sand. The beach has a dense cover of palm trees and casuarinas that sway to the gentle wind of the sea. You will also find wide open spaces unlike the busy areas of Goa that are packed with hotels, resorts, and shops. Utorda Beach offers a laid-back ambiance, away from the glare of mass tourism. If you are looking for a lazy holiday away from the crowds in a picturesque location, then Utorda can be a great choice for you. It will also be a great choice for those who just want to relax, sunbathe, and swim with privacy.

There are only a few places to stay here – a couple of star-category resorts, a few hotels, and some luxury holiday villas. With few live-in tourists, the beach never gets crowded, even during the peak season. There are almost no day visitors as well because most people head to the neighboring Majorda Beach, which is more famous. But you will find everything in Utorda that Majorda offers. And yet, it has somehow remained under the radar – good, though, for those who want tranquility and serene nature.

The beach is small. Utorda is a 785-meter long sandy beach, but it is a part of the continuous 26.5 kilometers long shoreline from Hollant beach south of Vasco da Gama to the confluence of the Sal River with the Arabian Sea in Mobor. So, it is difficult to identify where the Utorda Beach begins and ends. It has the Cansaulim Beach in the north and Majorda Beach in the south.

Utorda Map

The beach has soft golden sand that slides down gently into the sea. The sea is calm, clear, and safe for swimming. There are no riptides. The Arabian Sea here is very clean too as there are few tourists. There are three beach shacks on either side of the Beach Road that connects Utorda with the State Highway 43. You will also find a wedding venue on the beachside and a couple of other restaurants, including Zeebop, which serves one of the best seafood’s in South Goa.

Quick Facts About Utorda

• Utorda is a 785-meter long sandy beach in South Goa. It is a clean, serene, and wide beach that remains empty throughout the year.
• The sea is safe for swimming. There are no high waves. The sea bottom is very clean, pure and sandy.
• Closest airport – Dabolim – 13.2 kilometers.
• Closest railway station – Majorda – 3.2 kilometers.
• Margao City Center – 12 kilometers.
• There are three star-quality hotels – ITC Grand Goa, Royal Orchid Beach Resort, and Planet Hollywood Beach Resort.
• There are a few other places to stay – luxury holiday villas, guest houses, and bungalows, close to the beach and also in the village.
• The village away from the beach has a few shops, a couple of pharmacies and a wine store.
• There are four beach shacks – Four Seasons, Jamming Goat, Balton’s, and Sea Shell.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Utorda

The best time to visit the beach is in the winter, between November and February, which is also the peak tourist season. It will be cool and pleasant, with almost no rain. The weather will be mild. You don’t have to worry about crowds as the beach will still remain empty. There will only be a handful of tourists. You will see them relaxing and sunbathing on loungers.

The star hotels remain open throughout the year but the smaller ones close down in the summer because there are even fewer tourists in the hot season. The beach shacks will also be closed. The shops in the village side will be open though.

You can visit Utorda in the monsoon. The rain and sea makes it very romantic. But avoid swimming in the ocean as the water can be choppy.

How To Reach Utorda

• By Air — The Dabolim airport is 13.2 kilometers away. The airport is connected by many Indian and international airlines like Air India, Indigo, Etihad, Air Arabia, Air Asia, Qatar Airways, and others. You can take a flight from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, and some international cities. There is a pre-paid taxi booth at the airport and also the big rail stations.
• By Rail — Majorda railway station3.2 kilometers away, is the closest.
• By Road — You can also reach the beach easily from Margao, which is the biggest city in South Goa. It is only 3.2 kilometers away.

Holidays in Utorda

Those who decide to stay in Utorda, select the beach for its serene and tranquil ambiance. Relaxation and the laid-back atmosphere are key attractions here. The entire beach is lined with casuarinas and palm trees, which sway to the gentle sea breeze. Utorda Beach will perfectly suit those who are planning to escape from noisy urban life and everyday problems. It will be a good choice for sunbathers and those who value privacy. The beach is best for families.

The sea is safe for swimming. The beach slides down gently into the water and there are no sharp drops or rocks in the water. The waves are mild, which Utorda Beach safe even for small children. There are lifeguards too. Timely updates and warnings are issued about weather and tides. Those on the beach and the swimmers are warned about the arrival of high tide.

There are only a few shacks on the beach. They are located around the Beach Road that cuts through the village from the State Highway 43 or the Dabolim-Cavelossim Road. All the beach shacks have loungers where people can relax while having their food and drinks. Walk away a few steps from the central part of the beach and you will have complete privacy. It will seem like a private beach.

On both sides of the Beach Road, you will find many shops and car and bike rental services. There are a few restaurants and cafes too. The shacks, cafes, and restaurants serve a range of local and international foods and drinks.

Just before you reach the beach, you will find a shrine of Jesus. There is also a parking area and two wedding venues for destination weddings.

The best place to have food and drinks is Zeebop, which is highly rated and very popular in South Goa. You can also go to Four Seasons, Jamming Goat, Balton’s, Camillos Stack Shack, Boat Quay Grill, and Sea Shell.

Places to visit from Utorda Beach

1. Froggyland - The Water World: Froggyland is the largest water park in Goa and a must-visit if you are traveling with young children. Spread over 35,000 square meters, this water park offers many activities and attractions like slides, boating, water polo, beach volleyball, rain dance, a wave pool, and the lazy river ride.
2. Martin’s Corner – Martin’s Corner is one of the most popular restaurants in all of Goa. You will find Indian and Chinese food, including seafood. There is a bar that serves many drinks and cocktails. There is live music too. You can dine inside or outside.

The Best Beaches to Visit Near Utorda

• Majorda
• Arossim
• Betalbatim
• Colva
• Benaulim
• Varca

Accommodation

The best places to stay in Utorda are the three star-category hotels — ITC Grand Goa, Royal Orchid Beach Resort, and Planet Hollywood Beach Resort. They are all seafront properties. There are also a few smaller places on the approach road to the beach and in the villages. If you prefer luxury with privacy, you can stay at a holiday villa for rent. You will find a few private villas in Utorda like the Sapana Greensville Villas .