12 Of The Best Beaches In South-Goa, From Famous To Underrated

Cabo De Rama Beach is a lesser-known beach in Goa and is rarely visited by anyone except a few locals. So it's recommended for that dip all by yourself, and you could even make a day picnic of it. Once here, Cabo De Rama Fort can be seen on the hill behind (you need to hike through and check it out). This beach is a bit rocky (the rocks appear and disappear with the tide), but still pretty good for a swim. It’s a spot where nature, history, and serenity come together.

Where To Eat: For food, try Dine at the Cape Goa for beachfront dining or The Cape, known for fresh seafood.

How To Reach: To reach here, you can drive 28 km from Palolem or 30 km from Margao—public transport is sparse, so renting a scooter or car is ideal. 

P.S. Looking to stay a night? The Cape Goa also has beautiful, luxurious and oh-so-romantic cottages.

Cola Beach is another serene spot along the coastline and most would testify that it is undoubtedly one of South Goa's best beaches. Be prepared though, for a small hike through the jungle by the cliff-side. Since we're not accustomed to hiking to reach a beach, it might seem like a challenge, but it's absolutely worth it. Once you make it through the jungle, the beach begins to come into view, and the sight is truly extraordinary. Cola Beach is famous for the beautiful lagoon that adds to the attraction, making you want to pitch a tent and spend your days here. LBB Tip: In this beautiful lagoon, you can also try your hand at Kayaking!

There are two premium resorts here if you want more luxurious accommodation. Dwarka Beach Resort is our favourite. Or, if you are willing to splurge some more, blindly book your stay at Cola Beach Resort & sip your wine while relaxing in your private outdoor jacuzzi! 

Note: Avoid this beach in the monsoons as the trek becomes risky and treacherous and most places are shut. 

The Butterfly Beach is another one of the South Goa beaches with absolutely no infrastructure, making it a beautiful, private spot. It is accessible by boat from Palolem or Agonda beaches or you can take a short hike to reach here. It's the perfect secret spot to have that overnight camping trip or a cosy picnic. Nestled between two hills with a thick jungle (like the wings of a butterfly!), this beach is like a cove with golden sands and the sunsets from here are just magnificent. This beach is loved by Goa regulars for its secret parties that happen occasionally. How does this not sound like one of the nicest beaches in the South? 

Disclaimer: This beach is not accessible during the rains. It's around 60 km away from the Goa airport. 

Galgibaga Beach is a pristine, white sand beach, and is also popular for being the place to watch the Oliver Ridley Turtles come to nest. So do not disturb their nesting period, but just watch the beauty of mother nature unfold. Be warned that the forest authorities have someone here to ensure that their habitat is not disturbed. Galgibaga also has a lagoon along with a decent number of staying and eating options, so you can definitely stay a weekend or more here. It also helps that this South Goa beach is open to everyone throughout the year. You can drive to Galgibaga by crossing Palolem, as it's just 10 kilometres away. Casa Galgibaga is a stunning property to stay. Remember though, that even though it's one of the best beaches in South Goa, it does become quiet in the monsoons, so plan your vacation keeping this in mind.

Just doing a day-long road trip? Grab lunch at Holy Turtle Cafe on the beach. If you're heading straight from the airport, it's about 70-plus kilometres away. 

Agonda Beach isn't a secret anymore but is a beautiful, clean beach nonetheless. This beach in South Goa has become popular of late for its good mix of quiet and lively with strings of shops, eateries and resorts. A great option to stay at for a couple of days, this one has enough for the children as well. Live music, hip bars, chic boutiques, vegan cafes... The whole vibe here is touristy but it helps that it's still not as commercial as its neighbour, Palolem.

How To Reach: To reach Agonda Beach, drive south from Margao for about 35 km, or take a bus or taxi directly from Palolem or Canacona.

Where To Stay: Our favourite places to stay here include Simrose, Agonda White Sand, The White and H2O when we're feeling a little indulgent. When bank account's crying, we check into Zest's eco huts, Fatima and Maria Paulo guest house, all of which are clean and relatively affordable. When here, do check out Zest, Kopi Desa and Jaali Cafe & Boutique. 

LBB-Tip: Remember that all the beach resorts/stays are pricey, and a lot of the smaller places to hang out and stay are shut during monsoons. Like most other South Goa beaches, this is also 60 kilometres from the airport. 

Around 19 kilometres and a 30-minute drive away from the airport is Majorda Beach. For those seeking white sands without the rustic, secluded atmosphere, this is one of the finest beaches in South Goa. With enough resorts to pick from (hey, Alila Diwa) and gorgeous homestays (hello, Vivenda Dos Palhacos), you can easily spend a couple of days here with bae/fam. Water sports abound with banana rides and dolphin spotting and shacks line the beach to ensure there's never a dull moment. We also suggest grabbing a nice Italian dinner at Salute nearby and lunch at the ever-so-loved Zeebop By The Sea. 

P.S. One evening, if you have the time, hit up this local bakery for fresh poi and pick up a Feni to get a taste of real Goa. 

While not as undiscovered as it was still a few decades ago, Palolem Beach is one of South Goa's most buzzing beaches. If you're travelling with the children or in a group where you do intend on going bar-hopping, shack-chilling, surfing and on boat rides, we recommend going to this beach down South. With a whole slew of restaurants (Magic Italy, Dropadi, Little World, Ciarin's, Zest Cafe and more) and our favourite island bar, where we often go to watch the sun go down, it's a good buzz to Agonda's quiet. They're both 20 minutes away from each other and great bets if you want to live the beach life in all its fun and sun-soaked frenzy, this South Goa beach isn't a bad option. 

Note: Palolem Beach and Goa Airport are 62 km away. 

While a lot of folks talk about Cavelossim Beach, few know that Mobor is just a couple of minutes away. Possibly the cleanest beach in South Goa, Mobor remains a stretch of peaceful sun, sand and solace for people staying at The Leela or Holiday Inn. That said, if you're staying in the vicinity, feel free to walk up here in search of beer or water sports and you won't be disappointed.

How To Reach: This stretch is about 30 km from the Goa airport and a good bet if you're doing a quick Goa getaway and not keen on driving up too far South. 

With a few shacks dotted across the beachfront, this South Goa beach comes to life post-October and is again, recommended for those who like a bit of peace with the side order of pina coladas. The point being, in the monsoons, Utorda beach becomes dramatic with dark clouds looming and rains lashing down but kept safe under the supervision of lifeguards, but it's really during season time that we enjoy it the most. Go jet skiing or parasailing but don't go here expecting a crazy influx of water sports or a crowd that's become synonymous with the likes of Colva. This beach in South Goa has become a sweet spot between civilisation and rustic goodness and is only 15 km from the Goa airport. 

White sand, orange-hued skies, and a peaceful stretch of beach - that’s Benaulim for you. Bring your journal and write your heart out in the space offered here. The beach provides a variety of shacks serving fresh seafood and drinks, and in the evenings, you can enjoy live music at some of the shacks. It’s also a great spot for water sports like parasailing and jet-skiing. It is ideal for families and couples looking for a peaceful yet lively environment.

How To Reach: It’s just 7 km from Margao, making it an easy ride by bike.

Where To Eat: For a fantastic meal, we recommend Cavatina, where traditional Goan dishes are given a modern twist, or you can head to The Southern Deck if you’re in the mood to learn Bachata while enjoying their delicious cocktails.

Betalbatim Beach is a fantastic location for swimming and was selected for the Goa Swimathon in 2023. Its golden sands and relatively quiet atmosphere make it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Locals refer to it as "Sunset Beach" because the evening views here are truly spectacular. While dining options are limited, you can easily find more choices by heading to Colva or Majorda Beach, which are nearby.

How To Reach: To get to Betalbatim Beach, drive about 8 km south from Margao towards Colva, or take a local bus or taxi from Margao. The beach is conveniently accessible by road and is well-signposted.

Varca Beach is a peaceful spot with swaying palm trees, scenic lava rocks and soft, white sands. Enjoy boat trips and dolphin watching in the River Sal, or simply relish the solitude of one of Goa’s cleanest beaches. The beach is bustling with several shacks where you can savour a variety of treats, including traditional seafood. It's easily accessible: just drive 10 km south from Margao, or take a local bus or taxi. Parking is available nearby. It's a great place to escape the hustle and enjoy a tranquil day at the beach.

If you venture inland, South Goa reveals its lush, green heart. It's like scrolling through a Pinterest board of fields, coconut groves, and charming villages where life moves at 2G speed - deliberate and unhurried. Keep an eye out for some culture as the Portuguese influence is still very much alive here, with colonial architecture standing as quiet, elegant reminders of a bygone era, like retro filters over a modern landscape. For all you foodies, we have a jackpot of the best restaurants on the southern stretch of Goa. Savour the best dishes and thank us later!