The aim of this North Goa beach guide is to direct you easily and quickly to a beach of your liking.
Beaches in the north Goa stretch are versatile and each has gone through a lot of changes in the past few years.
Find out with this north Goa beach guide, which is the best beaches in Goa for you according to your unique preference and learn which one you can skip with a good feeling!
Further below I share my:
from north to south list of all beaches in north Goa
insider tips - a result of many years in Goa
pro and cons for visiting a beach in Goa - so that you can determine your best choice of beach in north Goa
my unphotoshopped goa beach photos
an easy to understand the map of North Goa with the beaches marked
As a visitor to Goa, you might want to check out some beaches.
But you are coming to Goa to relax, to enjoy your time and to make your life as simple as possible, right?
Wasting precious time looking for THE best Goa beaches is not your thing and you certainly don’t want to spoil your day by ending up on the wrong beach.
I can tell you, that it doesn’t have to be like that.
If only there was something like an honest, detailed list of north goa beaches out there...
These were my thoughts and more when I took my first steps in Goa.
Back then, I had only the people in my surroundings to direct me to a beach according to my preferences.
Often, I was a bit disappointed, but also pleasantly surprised by the hidden secrete Goa beaches I got to discover!
The current online Goa Beach guide are often written by people who haven’t spent months and years in the coastal Beach Paradise.
The same people might not even have had the chance to visit each beach... I have lived for 10 years in North Goa near the beach and know which Goa beaches are the ones for you.
The North Goa beaches list and guide, starting from the North to the South downwards, describes each in honesty so that you know what you can expect.
The beaches are all described as they are currently and I have added some useful tips to direct you to the destination of your dreams!
This post has been updated every year in the past 5 years because as time has been passing, beaches have changed too.
You know those legendary pictures of empty beaches, picturesque beach life landscaped, the last paradise of total tranquility on earth?
Can you imagine a beach, where there is not one soul, but only you and you alone?
Welcome to Querim (Keri, Kerim) the Northern tip of Goa, the beach that is still unbelievably unknown to the world.
The beach stretches out for about 2000 meters, with a beige colored fine sand and there are trees and trees everywhere.
Because of its distance and being situated outside the “civilization”, Querim has been less visited.
You find a few tourists hanging out in one of the few peaceful shacks on the southern side of the beach near the temple.
The needle trees make the beach special and quite unique in Goa.
On the North side, is a river separating the Indian state Maharashtra from Goa, whereas Tiracol, on the other side, is still considered Goan territory.
You get there with the ferry.
Tiarcol is a tiny village with an old Fort which used to be a hotel a few years ago.
Now the place can be visited a certain extent only.
You get a great view, that is certain.
The Queri Beach area is pretty clean otherwise, you won’t find that many garbage dumps, at least it’s less compared to other beaches in the north.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Kerim
Fish curry rice in one of the simple beach shacks
Kerim Activities
The Beach
Tiracol Fort sightseeing
Upside
Wonderful long beach with white sand
Nobody on the beach
Clean beach, (nearly) garbage free
Downside
Difficult to access (long drive)
No Security
Accommodations are rare
Limited facilities (including shops for basic needs)
Arambol is a little village that was for a long time secluded from the rest of the world.
Over the past ten years it gained its own momentum, and nowadays you will find a multicultural mix of people coming to visit Arambol’s shores to find peace on earth.
Arambol beach is the destination for budget travelers, so you will come across many Backpack travelers and nowadays you will even notice more and more a stream of domestic tourists enjoying their time there.
A couple of foreigners fell literally in love with the northern corner of Goa that they settled there.
I dare to say that some of those are Hippies!
The Beach itself is parted into 2, the southern beach stretched, mostly simply known as “Arambol Beach”, and the Northern Harmal Beach.
The latter is only accessible by foot!
It’s a 20 minutes walk of pure bliss, with the amazing rock formations and a spectacular view of nature, so you better keep your camera ready.
Once you reach the secluded Harmal beach, passing by lamani shop stalls, you will get surprised by nature’s brilliance!
You will discover a pretty little empty beach and a small sweet water lake.
The lake is secured nowadays with lifeguard equipment because of the rocks around.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Arambol
Ristorante Fellini – Italian Cuisine
Double Dutch – Homemade Bread, pies, cakes, steaks, salads etc.
Arambol Activities
Loads of Alternative Health therapies & training such as Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Pilates, Tai Chi, Ayurvedic Massage etc
Paragliding
Hiking
Dolphin boat trips
Tattoo Studios
Training in Classical Indian singing and Tabla playing
Once in a blue moon Trance Parties, mostly famous for concerts and beach jamming sessions.
Up Side
Cheap accommodation (compared to the rest of Goa)
Cheap Food & Drinks (compared to the rest of Goa)
Comes close to the real Indian feel (but still in Goa!)
Multi-Cultural
Beach Lifeguards
Down Side
As a girl you can not anymore chill on the beach in a Bikini without getting harassed
Mandrem Beach is known to the travelers and visitors as a very relaxing quite beach.
The beach is clean and super large.
You will find only a few rare rocks and reasonable sized waves.
The water has the perfect temperature and you are lying happily in the sun.
Nobody bothers you to buy and look at their stuff and you don’t have to worry that somebody will rob all your belongings (not that this is common in Goa).
There are a couple of high-class resorts and hotels that are present at Mandrem beach and often you might sight a celebrity or two hanging out on this beach.
Yes, the Bollywood stars have spotted and taken over Mandrem Beach a couple of years back.
The cool part is, that everybody looks the same and it doesn’t matter if a celebrity is sleeping on a beach bed right next to yours.
This is Goa and we are all here to have a pleasant time!
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Mandrem
Café Nu
Mandrem Beach Activities
Loads of Alternative Health therapies & training such as Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Pilates, Tai Chi, Ayurvedic Massage etc
Upside
Hygienic Beach
Quite & isolated Beach
Family friendly environment
Resorts, hotel rooms available + houses for rent
Perfect beach for long walks and sports activities
The waves are sometimes perfect for surfing
Lifeguard
As a girl, you can chill on the beach in a Bikini without getting harassed
Downside
Limited facilities (Doctors etc)
Many Russian visitors, therefore many Russian only signboards and Menu cards in Restaurants
Very hot Beach and the sun hits down if you visit in April-June
Ashwem Beach is connected with Mandrem beach, but this beach has already a different life feel to it.
While Mandrem is quieter, Ashwem has turned to a busy place in the party season.
Some renowned clubs have opened their doors there and since that you will even see Bollywood stars passing by in black cars and tinted windows.
Sometimes there are even Fashion shows happening there.
Unfortunately, all the fun comes for a price tag of nature.
Ashwem is known to be the nesting place for the Olive Ridley Turtles, but because of poaching, too many lights, and sound disturbance, the noble animals have stopped to come.
Right now the Government seems to show an interest in saving our little friends.
The south beach of Ashwem has a devoted Turtle beach where apparently security is supposed to keep an eye on the precious animals.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Ashwem
La Plage – French Cuisine
Ashwem Activities
Loads of Alternative Health therapies & training such as Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Pilates, Tai Chi, Ayurvedic Massage etc
Learn to Surf and take a course in a surf school!
Upside
Usually Hygienic Beach
Resorts, hotel rooms available + houses for rent (all type of budget needs)
Lifeguard
As a girl, you can chill on the beach in a Bikini without getting harassed
Party life
Downside
Limited facilities (Doctors etc)
Many Russian visitors, therefore many Russian only signboards and Menu cards in Restaurants
Very hot beach and the sun hits down if you visit in April-June
Morjim is the last Village in the south of Pernem and one of the last quite beaches in the North of Goa.
The Northern Beach part is more used by the Visitors as a beach heaven compared to the southern part, which is a bit more empty.
Morjim is another important nesting place for the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles and so I guess for that reason the government decided to use only a part of the Morjim beach for Tourists.
Yet, Morjim is not only famous for its wildlife but also for the fact of being called “little Russia”.
Soon enough you will realize that there are more Signboards written in Russian than in English and even some of the locals seem to have picked up the language.
The Morjim village became famous over the past 8 years, thanks to the Russians and often I heard the Russians say that they have finally found a place where they have their own country mans as neighbors. Personally, that doesn't bother me.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Morjim
currently non
Morjim Activities
Water Sports
Dolphin Trips
Tattoo Studios
Upside
Semi Hygienic Beach
Resorts, hotel rooms available + houses for rent (all type of budget needs)
Lifeguard
As a girl, you can chill on the beach in a Bikini without getting harassed
Downside
Limited facilities (Doctors etc)
Many Russian visitors, therefore many Russian only signboards and Menu cards in Restaurants
Very hot Beach and the sun hits down if you visit in April-June
Vagator was one of the first beaches discovered by the foreign visitors and it is the first one you will get to see when you touch down Goa.
A couple of years back I would have said that it is a nice quiet beach but over the years it has turned a bit crazier with a huge amount of Indians visiting the beach.
Fortunately, there are 3 main beach parts, so you get to choose something at least!
One beach that can’t even be called Vagator beach, is in fact already Chapora Village (aka Chapora beach), but since it can only be accessed by foot from Vagator, it comes in this category.
The southern heavy rocky beach is better known as Ozram or Spagetthi beach (because of the many Italians hanging out there), the beach in between is known as Tel Aviv (the Israelis favorite beach).
You will find a couple of shacks there and some even serve good food.
This beach is predominantly visited by western Backpackers!
The famous party place Discovalley is situated there as well.
Many of the main events are happening in Vagator these days such as Sun Burn and India Bike week, which turn Vagator into a polluted messy area.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for South Vagator
Thalassa – Greek Restaurant
Fusion – Italian Restaurant
South Vagator Activities
Parties
Loads of Alternative Health therapies & training such as Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Pilates, Tai Chi, Ayurvedic Massage etc
Upside
Lifeguard
Good facilities around
Multicultural
Top resorts, hotel rooms available + houses for rent (all type of budget needs)
Lots of parking space on the main Platform
Downside
Lots of rocks
Very annoying Hawkers and Beggars
Unhygienic
Not much space and crowded at times
As a girl, you might get harassed by Indian tourists if you chill in a bikini (depends heavily on your exact beach location and with whom you are)
The Northern Vagator Beach, after the vehicle parking Platform, is a long beach with lesser rocks and dark grey sand.
The Northern beach is much frequented by Indian Tourist groups. Often you will see a family of 15 people standing on the beach with their suits and Saris on.
Many of them have never seen the beach before, so naturally, they are amazed by the landscape.
I personally keep away from the Northern Vagator Beach since some Indian men think that it is ok to make hidingly pictures of one (the white skin color effect) and they tend to harass too much as well!
I only use the North Vagator beach to reach to the small Chapora beach behind the rocks.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for North Vagator
Non (see South Vagator)
North Vagator Activities
Non (see South Vagator)
Upside
Wide empty beach
Great for Domestic Indian Families to experience the beach for the first time
Lots of Parking space on the Platform
Downside
Unhygienic and dirty sand - garbage pollution by visitors
Domestic Man Visitors are very harassing (taking hidingly pictures, videos and they might follow you)
This is not a place to hang out for a girl in a bikini
Very simple Beach
The small Chapora beach, with the Chapora Fort, ruin on the hill, used to one of the best beaches to hang out.
Not many people knew about its existence and some of us who enjoyed the beach for its tranquility were lucky to still experience it as it was 5 years back!
You will find 2-3 shacks and a couple of Beach beds.
The water is clear as is the sand.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Small Chapora Beach
Once upon a time, Anjuna was the beach paradise for all Goa enthusiasts and travelers.
Not that it isn’t anymore, but over the past years, it has honestly lost on some of its qualities.
Still, Anjuna beach has some of the best fun activities to offer in the whole of Goa!
Outdoor Parties are still popular and the flee market is still happening every Wednesday.
Apart from that, you can experience some fun live acts from talented international and Indian Artists while hanging out in Beach shacks.
If you have come to Goa to party, then this is the place for you to be!
You will see lots of different people from all over the world hanging out in Anjuna.
Anjuna beach has a Bohemian feel to it.
That includes Travelers, Artists and Avant-gardiste's, so if you are looking for a place to be inspired, then I would suggest to hang out sometime in Anjuna, and you will soon understand what I mean to say.
Baga is another Beach that was discovered by the Hippies, just like Anjuna.
Yet, nowadays it might remind you more of Ibiza!
The whole place is super commercial, so if you love shopping and clubbing then this is the place for you.
You will find anything that you can buy with the money in Baga, I really mean anything!
The Beach itself is a long stretch, which follows with the Calangute beach and starts at the North with a small river.
Nowadays Baga is visited by Domestic Tourists mostly.
Many British couples, who have been coming to Baga for years, are commonly seen there as well.
There are countless shacks and Restaurants and Clubs and guesthouses and anything you can imagine.
All in all, Baga beach is one of the hot spots in Goa, with thousands if not hundred thousands of visitors every year!
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Baga
Le Poisson Rouge - French Cuisine
Casa Portuguesa - Portuguese Cuisine
Baga Activities
Clubbing central of Goa
Many Live acts
Shopping Paradise
Water Sports
Dolphin Trips
Paragliding
Tattoo Studios
Loads of Alternative Health therapies & training such as Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Pilates, Tai Chi, Ayurvedic Massage etc
Upside
Beach Lifeguard
Long stretched Beach
Very Good facilities around
Top resorts, hotel rooms available
Infrastructure is getting better
Downside
Aggressive hawkers, beggars, stalkers
I do not recommend women to go to Baga during New Years time. Except if you don’t mind and if you know how to handle the continues harassment! (Don't make me say I told you so!)
Very Unhygienic Beach and Polluted with Garbage
Very crowded
Shacks are situated right next to each other = no space and too many beach beds
Sound Pollution -> Shacks are very competitive with their music
Calangute is the Domestic Visitors holiday Mecca, well at least that's how everybody sees it here in Goa.
The village and beach resemble Baga in many ways, yet I believe this is the most visited place by Tourists on the Goan beach belt.
Calangute is known to be a shoppers dream and apparently, it is supposed to be a foodies dream place as well (I am not convinced yet!).
Some famous hotels have opened up their doors to the visiting crowds a couple of years back and now it resembles more like an always busy Indian city.
Tibetan markets are often happening in Calangute, as well as live events in well known Beach Restaurants.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Calangute
Le Jardin - European Cuisine
Infantaria - Known since eons for decent baked goods
Calangute Activities
Clubbing
Many Live acts
Shopping Paradise
Water Sports
Dolphin Trips
Upside
Beach Lifeguard
Long Beach
Very Good facilities around
Top Resorts, hotel rooms available
Infrastructure is getting better
Great for Domestic Visitors
Downside
Aggressive Hawkers, Beggars, Stalkers
I do not recommend foreign women to go to Calangute during the high season. Except if you don’t mind and if you know how to handle the continues harassment!
I wouldn't recommend wearing a Bikini on the beach
Very unhygienic and polluted with garbage
Very crowded
Noise Pollution
Shacks are situated right next to another = no space and too many beach beds
Candolim Beach is known as a high-class beach in whole Goa.
The prices are higher and the quality (maybe) as well.
Top Resorts, Hotels, and Boutiques are commonplace here, yet Candolim isn’t that crowded compared to Calangute and Baga, except around the New Year’s period, when of the biggest Asian Electronic Music Festival is hosted for 3 days at the Beach.
A couple of years back, a ship stranded on the shore and until recently it was still there waiting to be removed.
I got to know Candolim only because of that ship, and I bet many people will still remember Candolim only because of that huge ship near the beach.
The Beach itself is quite clean and neat and the visiting crowds are a melange of International and Domestic Tourists.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Candolim
Republic of Noodles - Pan Asian
Candolim Activities
Celebrity Clubbing
Special shows and entertainment functions
Shopping Paradise (designer stores)
Water Sports
Dolphin Trips
Loads of Alternative Health therapies & training such as Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Pilates, Tai Chi, Ayurvedic Massage etc
Most of Dona Paul is mostly situated on a cliff, facing the City of Vasco de Gama.
Many celebrities and well known richer families own a villa in those heights.
Entering Dona Paul, you will know what I mean!
The infrastructure is more advanced and the whole village has been enjoying a special status in Goa.
Some of the most renowned hotels and Resorts are situated in Dona Paul and each of those hotels owns a little Private Beach and a Pool.
The village used to be quiet and the ambiance absolutely different compared to the rest of North Goa.
Skyscrapers have been mushrooming in Dona Paul and buildings are still going on.
That means young people and families from the Indian cities have moved to Dona Paul.
These people have a multicultural approach which gives Dona Paul a worldly flair.
The Dona Paul harbor is popular amongst visitors during the sunset time and you will even find a few Indian vendors (not Goans!!) selling little souvenirs.
Dona Paul is also a place for you if you are into Jet ski sports.
Goa Beaches Dining Recommendation for Dona Paul
Cidade de Goa
Dona Paul Activities
Special shows and entertainment functions
Shopping paradise (designer boutiques)
Hanging out at the Dona Paul harbor
Water Sports
Dolphin Trips
Professional, Special Alternative Health therapies such as Yoga, Meditation, Reiki, Pilates, Tai Chi, Ayurvedic Massage and more!
Upside
Beach Lifeguards
Special resorts and hotel security for the Beach areas
Small quite beaches, white sand
Quite hygienic
Top facilities around
Top resorts, hotel rooms available
Very good infrastructure
Luxury tourism
As a girl, you can chill on the beach in a Bikini without getting harassed
Downside
Beaches mostly only accessible by hotels and resorts
Costly (compared to the rest of Goa), prices can be compared to St.Tropez south France.
Something which you will always see on Goa beaches (except maybe in Dona Paul) are cattle's and dog's taking some rest or roaming around.
After all, Goa is still in India!
Don't worry they are not aggressive or dangerous.
Many of the foreign visitors actually love having animals around, but of course, that reduces the environmental cleanliness.
Don't expect Goa to be another Monaco or Miami and don't try to compare it with Thailand because Goa is in an own discipline here.
Since I have been in Goa, it has developed at an incredible speed.
It might not look like the same this season if you had visited Goa 2 years back.
Returning friends from all over the world are always awed at the amazing happening development changes here.
The beautiful side of Goa is that you can have it all, a simple Hippie backpacker being or the world of the rich and famous with all the commercial goodie styles.
Yoga or Party? Fun Sports or Beach Bum?
The best of Asian delicacies or European Cuisine?
All that is for you to decide and from now on you will have fun discovering Goa with my insider North Goa beach guide and useful tips!
