1. Popular Beaches
Beaches play a starring role among the attractions in Goa, contributing to why it’s one of the best places to visit in India.
Nearly every tourist who visits the area spends a day at Palolem Beach, a crescent-shaped stretch of white sand that overlooks the Arabian Sea in south Goa. While simply hanging out and soaking up the scenery is a perfect way to enjoy this beautiful area, Palolem Beach also offers an array of activities to fill your time. Choose from kayaking, yoga classes, dolphin-sightseeing trips, and swimming. You can also spend the night in one of Palolem’s rustic coco huts, which are erected at the start of the high season.
Colva Beach is another one of the most famous beaches in Goa, especially among Indian tourists. It has swaying palms and a broad stretch of bronze sand, where you’ll occasionally see herds of cows sunbathing next to tourists. You can rent Jet Skis, hop on a thrilling banana boat ride, and get a bird’s-eye view of the beach on a parasailing adventure.
Homestay accommodations in the area will give you an authentic local-style experience — plus easy access to Colva Beach.
2. Beaches Off the Beaten Path
While known for their spectacular scenery, the popular beaches in Goa tend to get crowded during high season, leaving some travelers eager for a quieter natural escape. Fortunately, Goa brims with undiscovered beach attractions that give you some distance from the throngs of tourists while still treating you to glorious sand and surf.
One of the best hidden gems in Goa is Butterfly Beach. It has a curving expanse of sand flanked by boulders that create a postcard-worthy cove, brimming with butterflies and blossoms. It’s also a great spot to watch dolphins swim in the distance.
You’ll need to embark on a boat ride from Palolem Beach or Agonda Beach, or tackle a challenging forest hike, to reach Butterfly Beach — but the obstacles to getting here help to thin out the crowds. You might even have the place to yourself.
While more developed than Butterfly Beach, Utorda Beach is another stunning getaway from the more crowded beaches around Goa. It features clean, blue water; silky sand; and a few small beach shacks. Look closely as you wade in the water, and you may spot some small starfish.
