Heading To North Goa? Here Are Our Favourite Beaches There!

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The party capital of the country, known for the warm sun, tranquil waters of the Arabian Sea and a long stretch of sun-kissed beaches, Goa is just the right place to unwind. For those planning their Goan getaway, here’s a list to help you explore and find yourself a slice of tropical paradise - these are our picks for the best beaches in North Goa by a long stretch. Read on...

Keri Beach

Also known as Querim Beach, this is the northmost top of Goa and is situated away from the tourist hubs. With a beautiful stretch of sand, you can also walk towards one end and catch a glimpse of Maharashtra on the other side of the backwaters. If you like to explore the unknown, a short trek through the hill on the other end will take you to Arambol beach. Keri is not too popular with the tourists, but you will find locals and fishermen enjoying by the coast. Many deem this to be the most peaceful place of North Goa. Since the waves here are quite strong and there is a steep decline right at the beginning, it’s not recommended for a swim unless you're a pro. 

Distance From Panjim: 45km approx. it will take close to 90 minutes to reach the beach. Best if you're up for a drive along north Goa.

Dine At: Pagan Cafe for Alcohol and affordable grub. 

Sinquerim Beach

Sinquerim Beach is a short drive from capital Panjim, and is located right next to the bustling tourist zones of Baga and Calangute beaches. Relatively quieter and cleaner compared to its neighbours, this North Goa beach is known for its giant waves, coarse sand and opportunities for water sports. A peaceful stretch of sand that allows you to unwind, this beach is backed by green palms and the majestic Taj Fort Aguada. It's also a great spot to watch the sunsets, go cafe-hopping or try water sports. 

Distance From Panjim: 14km approx, will take around 40 minutes by two-wheeler

Dine At: Taj Fort Aguada seems like a fine option if you don't mind splurging a tad. If you ask us, the views of the Arabian Sea are worth it 

Kalacha Beach

Right next to Keri Beach, Kalacha Beach is a small and secluded stretch of sand that is a great spot for swimming. A sweet water lagoon makes it a scenic spot and since it’s not known by too many people, you won’t find many shacks here either. That said, homestays around the area are quite popular, or you can also take a day trip away from the tourist hubs to enjoy some peace and quiet here. This beautiful North Goa beach is also known for paragliding and some magnificent sunsets. Do know you will have to park your vehicles near Arambol Beach and then walk northwards down a path adorned with shops on either side to reach the beach. Fancy shopping? 

Distance From Panjim: 35km from two and four wheelers. Will take you approximately 75 minutes to reach there. 

Dine At: A little farther, Prana Cafe is the place we suggest you hit up for affordable, hearty meals.

Siridao Beach

Siridao Beach is a coarse sand beach that is located in Panjim. It is popularly known as the beach of the shell collectors because this is where you can come across a plethora of oysters and pearl shells. It's safe to say that people staying close by love this beach in North Goa for its calm vibe. This beach is easy to navigate as it is only 8km from the main bus stand at Panjim. 

Tip: The beach is also home to the Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth which is situated on top of a hill right on the beach. If you’d like to explore more, there are a lot of old caves carved out of stone that are a short hike away from here. 

Distance from Panjim: 8km from the bus stand. You can come here through public transport or two-wheelers and walk till the shore.

Dine At: Pinto Bar & Restaurant for a chilled bear and affordable meals.

Candolim Beach

One of the most popular beaches in North Goa, Candolim Beach is seen buzzing with tourists throughout the year. During tourist season (Oct-Mar) the beach is lined with shacks, bars and restaurants, and is a popular spot for tourists to hangout. Since Candolim Beach is located right next to Calangute and Baga, you can expect to find a lot of bars and shacks that play music here. If you wish to go for a dip, you can do so without fear as lifeguards man the beach at all times. 

Here's a guide to the best resorts around Candolim

Distance From Panjim: 13km approximately. Should take you about half an hour to reach candolim beach directly through two-wheelers. 

Dine At: Fisherman's Cove for fresh seafood.

Mandrem Beach

Mandrem Beach is another one of North Goa's best beaches. Despite its proximity to the hugely popular Morjim beach, it remains quieter. Since it is not too well known, you’ll find empty stretches of sand where you can lie down for a nap, read a book, or even enjoy a picnic. You can swim here too. It’s a wide, open stretch of sand that doesn’t have too many shacks either, but you can always walk down towards Morjim to get yourself a pint or something to eat.

Tip- This beach is great for practicing yoga or playing a game of football at any time of the day.

Distance From Panjim: 30km approximately. Takes an hour to reach Mandrem by two-wheelers.

Dine At: Terra & Mare- Mandrem Village Resort is the place to dine at for scrumptious Mediterranean food and breathtaking sea views.

Ozran Beach

Ozran Beach is a quiet, small and tranquil beach located right next to Vagator Beach and is often called Small Vagator. It is a small coconut palms lined cove that is popular amongst locals and few travellers who wish to enjoy the calmness of nature in Goa. Take the stairs to climb up on the cliff top, and sit back to enjoy the views of the sea and beach down below. There is a structure of Lord Shiva's face towards the left end of the beach. Ozran Beach is a kid-friendly beach and is also a great spot to swim thanks to the rocks forming a natural lagoon. There are a lot of beach shacks here too.

Fun Fact: Ozran Beach is where the hippie culture of 60s started in Goa!

Distance From Panjim: 22km approximately. Will take you close to 50 minutes to reach the beach. Might take longer if you plan to walk down from Vagator.

Dine At: Cuebebar for messy Burgers and Grills.

Tambduki Beach

Tambduki is located right next to Ozran Beach in Vagator. If you walk down Ozran and cross the rocks to get behind the hill, you’ll reach Tambduki, also known as Big Vagator Beach. If you walk along the beach and follow the path up to the cliff, you can enjoy a great view of both the Small and Big Vagator beaches. There are a lot of stalls here, and people selling souvenirs. If you’re up for a little adventure, you can climb up the hill all the way up to the Chapora Fort! 

Distance From Panjim: 22km, same as that for Ozran Beach. 

Dine At: Buon Appetito for their Italian fare. We hear their pizzas and lasagnes are all the rage.

Chapora Beach

Chapora Beach is one of the best beaches in North Goa that is made famous by the Chapora Fort (the place where Dil Chahta Hai was shot!). Located only 10km from Mapusa, Chapora Beach is easily accessible by road, and is one of the hidden gems when it comes to beaches in Goa. White sand, coconut palms and calm blue waters make this a tranquil spot, and for those who want entertainment, the Chapora Main Street lies just a short walk away. This is a kid friendly beach, and there are enough options for dining around. 

Distance From Panjim: 22km approximately, must take you around 45 minutes to reach by two-wheeler.

Dine At: Hotel Le Jardin smack in the centre of Mapusa market is perfect if you want an authentic Goan seafood fare.

Bambolim Beach

Bambolim beach is a hidden gem and can easily be included in the list of best beaches in North Goa. This secluded, serene, small beach is heaven for those who wish to break away from the crowd. Lined with coconut palms, it provides ample space to lie down and relax without the fear of getting disturbed. It’s almost like a private beach, where you don’t have any shopkeepers and tourists to bother you. 

Distance From Panjim: 7km approximately. Must not take you longer than 20 minutes to reach on two-wheeler.

Dine At: A Lua for fresh and affordable seafood. 

Arambol Beach

You could say this would be amongst the northern-most beaches of Goa. Arambol beach is well-known amongst tourists, especially those who make their way down to Goa from Maharashtra. The best part about the beach is that it merges with a fresh water lake or hot spring called Vagkolam where you can lounge and relax. The beach is best for families and you can try your hand at adventure sports like Paragliding or take a dip in the blue waters. There are plenty of shacks in the vicinity where you can eat and drink as well. 

Distance From Panjim: 35km approximately. You can get here by bus or rent a scooty and reach here in around 70 minutes. 

Dine At: Verandah on Ashwem-Morjim road is perfect for those of you up for a continental fare. You could also hit up their gin joint and organic garden. 

Morjim Beach

Vast stretches of white sand and blue waters lend Morjim Beach a calming touch. This beach was once known as Little Russia due to the amount of Russians who'd regularly frequent the beach. Here, you can go cafe hopping or indulge in water sports or if you just want to laze around, we recommend you grab a book and sit along the shore. Once home to Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, you can come across many new faces and interact with them about... life in general. 

Distance From Panjim: 30km approximately. If you're renting a two-wheeler, it should not take you around an hour to reach the beach.

Dine At: Tomato's Beachside Kitchen & Bar for their platters and desserts.

Anjuna Beach

If you're more into the hipster vibe, Anjuna Beach is perfect for you. Moving northwards from Calangute and Baga, this beach is flanked by Palm Trees and has unusual rock formations that would make for some great images on the gram. There are many spas and shacks where you can unwind and there are parties during the night(read: Shive Valley and Curlies). If you want to come with family, we suggest you come during the day. The beach is also known for its hippy culture and you will find the beach thronged by foreigners. You could also visit landmarks nearby, most notably St. Michael's Church and the Albuquerque Mansion. 

Distance From Panjim: 22km approximately. You will take 50 minutes to reach Anjuna through two-wheeler. 

Dine At: Angry Sardar Courtyard is best known for its North-Indian fare. 

Pro-Tip

While tourism is catching steam in Goa, it is advisable that you are fully vaccinated as most places allow entry only if you're fully vaccinated. 

Now if you want to check out the most famous beaches in Goa this list will help and if you want the best swimwear to nail the beach look, you ought to check out this list.