Resorts of South Goa: description, recreation, weather conditions. What to see in South Goa
Tatiana Solomatina
Which beach and resort to choose in Goa?
Good day, dear friends! I present to your attention brief overview resorts of Goa. I visited some of them personally, friends told me about some of them, so I allowed myself to characterize all the beaches of Goa. However, this is just my point of view, draw your own conclusions, there is a lot of information.
Goa is a great choice for beach holiday. There are gorgeous sandy beaches, warm, clean sea, comfortable sunny weather in season. However, all Goa beaches have their own characteristics, and if you don’t know about them in advance, your vacation can be completely ruined. This is what we will talk about in this article.
The state of Goa stretches along the sea for about 100 km. There are many beaches here, some have the names of coastal villages, but it is very difficult to determine where one beach ends and another begins, especially in South Goa.
The state is nominally divided into two parts, northern and southern. The northern part is more lively and prices here are much cheaper. The South is calmer, the beaches are cleaner, but vacations are more expensive. Although, of course, this general characteristics, there are always exceptions.
Quite small, it is geographically divided into two parts - North and South Goa. The resorts of North Goa are very different from the South in terms of pricing policy, level of infrastructure, tourists who prefer one or another coast of India, and other criteria that should be discussed in more detail.
Best resorts in South Goa
The beaches of South Goa are very exotic, have snow-white sand, beautiful nature in the surrounding area, and also differ from their northern counterpart more expensive hotels, high prices and vacationers who are not accustomed to counting the money they spend. Hotel complexes on the southern coast are as close as possible in terms of service to European expensive chain hotels, as is often stated in numerous reviews from tourists. There are significantly fewer vacationers in this part of India than in the north, so the beaches are not crowded and have a calm and measured atmosphere.
Let's look at the most famous and popular resorts south Goa, about which you can hear only positive reviews.
Resort Majorda, beach line which spreads over a distance of about 30 kilometers, is considered one of the best in India. Despite the fact that the sand of these places leaves much to be desired and does not have a pleasant yellow tint (it is rather gray), the nature here is beautiful, and the palm thickets and fruit groves that frame the beach, descending occasionally to the water itself, make you completely forget about the little ones. disadvantages of the resort area. The Majorda resort consists of 11 small villages with a single beach area. Between settlements There are good road connections and public buses run daily.
The smallest state of India lives its own, isolated life. Tourists often argue about Goa resorts: where is the best place to relax, talking about it as a separate territory, without mentioning that it is just part of a large state. Culturally and historically, the territory of Goa is divided into 2 parts ethnically, culturally and according to the focus of recreation. Located a short distance from each other, the northern and southern resorts differ greatly in their structure and entertainment.
India state of Goa
The present state of Goa has a rich history. Its territory either expanded, exceeding the area of present-day India, or shrank and lost its identity. During the active conquest of the colonies, in 1510, the first European, Afonso d'Albuquerque, set foot on the land of Goa, sailing by sea. He and his army conquered the country and turned it into a colony. Ancient city– Old Goa becomes the capital under his rule.
The second governor was the famous Vasco da Gama. Under his leadership, Goa began to flourish. The territory increased from Mombasa - Africa, to Macau - China. St. Francis Xavier carried out his missionary work in the old city and throughout the colony, and he was buried here.
Old Goa had a large number of religious buildings. For this it was nicknamed the “city of churches.” The mixture of different traditions has given rise to its own original style, unique only to Goa. Temples, pagodas, churches and residential buildings delight with their facades and decor.
At the end of the 17th century, the British and Dutch ousted the Portuguese, first encircling the territories of the prosperous state, then conquering it. Old Goa fell into disrepair and buildings began to collapse. Of some, only ruins remain.
Goa acquired its current status as a state of India in 1961, when Indian troops ousted the British and occupied the territory. For a long time, Portugal could not come to terms with the loss of fertile lands. Only in 1987 did she admit her defeat and the independence of Goa.
What is the difference between north and south
The state is the smallest in India, stretching along the coast from north to south for a distance of 101 km. From west to east, its maximum width is 65 km. To see the sights, it doesn’t matter which resort you stay at. Everything is nearby, a maximum of an hour and a half drive one way.
Upstate
North Goa can be most easily described by saying that it is favorite place hippie holiday. It was they who stood at the origins of turning the northern coast of the state into a resort area. Traditionally, young people relax here, who love active recreation, noisy parties, and are not pretentious about living conditions.
There are practically no prestigious hotels in the north, 3 stars and below. The cost of tours is significantly lower than the average price. The beaches are mostly public, not very well maintained. On them you can meet crowds of local residents, wandering cows that cannot be touched.
But in the evening, discos and nightclubs open their doors to energetic visitors. Music is also periodically played on the beaches and festivals are held. At one time, the famous Liverpool Four, the Beatles, vacationed and performed in the north.
The north is much richer in attractions; more precisely, traveling to them by motorbike takes on average an hour less than from the southern resorts of the state. Experienced tourists advise going to northern resorts for those who:
came to India for the first time and wants to study the life of the local people, their culture and traditions
young at heart, despite the numbers on your passport;
enjoys simple human relationships;
wants to see the most beautiful places in Goa;
the spirit of freedom values more than comfort;
a follower of the hippie movement and a Beatles fan.
Tourists are returning to the resorts of northern Goa who are able to dance and have fun all day long, then, if there is no hotel room, sleep on the beach for a couple of hours and continue to party.
South Goa
Lovers of a quiet, comfortable holiday come to the south of the state. The cost of travel is significantly higher. Resorts in the southern part of Goa are visited by people with good incomes and families with children. There is no noisy night entertainment here. Nature is inferior in beauty to northern landscapes. The sand on the beach is gray. But comfortable sun loungers, clean, high-level service.
Many hotels on the first line have 5 star hotels according to the international classification. Lots of shops, spas, sports clubs.
There are few attractions near the resorts. You can always rent a car with a driver-guide and go anywhere in the state and beyond.
To resorts in southern part Goa returns:
For family vacation;
high level comfort without everyday problems;
those who want to spend a unique vacation;
newlyweds;
lovers of nature and clean water;
those who want peace and detachment from the bustle of the city.
If you want to dance or spend the night listening to noisy music, nearby, an hour’s drive away, is North Goa with its nightlife and festivals. You can get there by taxi and come back.
The best resorts in north Goa
Resorts on the coast of the Arabian Sea are located nearby and it is not always possible to determine the boundaries. The beaches smoothly transition from one to another, differing in the types of sun loungers and the degree of grooming. Best time When visiting north Goa, it is considered winter. You can relax and swim well from November to March. The heat begins in April and continues until October. You can swim and sunbathe, but you can’t help but feel like you’re in a sauna.
Morjim
About 20 years ago, Russian tourists came to the small village of Morjim. They liked to relax in this place. Since then, the flow of our compatriots has only increased. The village remained several kilometers inland. Hotels, bungalows, restaurants are being actively built along the coast, shopping centers and other resort buildings.
Morjim is located at a distance of 27 km from the state capital of Panaji. The nearest airport is Dabolim a little further, 51 km away. To travel around India, you can use by rail. The nearest station is in Pernem, 20 km away.
A special feature of the Morjim resort is the large number of Russians. It is jokingly called Russian Beach. Not only are there many compatriots here, but in restaurants, except local cuisine They serve Russian. Many hotel staff and guides know the language of most vacationers. Thousands of photos of the resort and village have been posted on social networks. Every tourist considers it his duty to take a photo against the backdrop of the most beautiful places and post the pictures for general discussion on the Internet.
Prices for travel packages and hotel accommodations are above average in Goa. This is explained by the influx of Russian tourists. The beaches, 50 meters wide, are quite deserted, with developed infrastructure, stretching for 3 km. The sand is light, almost white and clean. The entrance to the water is gentle.
The road to the village of Morjim is difficult, confusing and not every driver will find it the first time. Tourists do not settle in the village itself. In addition to a hotel room, you can rent a bungalow or a separate house on the first line.
A palm grove separates the village from the resort. Vacationers love to take pictures against the backdrop of beautiful trees.
The beach, or rather all establishments on its territory, are closed by order of the state authorities at dusk. This is a manifestation of care for the most important attraction of Morjim - palm turtles. They sail to winter time to beaches and lay eggs. In the spring, together with their newly born children, they swim away to another place.
Mandrem
The resort is different from most located in the north Goa State. It is difficult to meet a noisy company in Mandrem. This is a family vacation spot. Children love to swim in shallow natural pools, formed in depressions on the sand strip along the water's edge.
The hotels provide conditions for children to stay. You can order dishes without curry, a traditional hot seasoning that is added to all dishes in India. Hotels with large areas have children's rooms and entertainment for children.
Arambol
The visiting card of the resort of northern Goa is Arambol. The busiest and most famous beach with yellowish sand. There are bars, cafes, and shacks along the trees. Behind them are a number of inexpensive hotels with shops and street trading. In the evening, a “drum circle” gathers on the beach. This market comes to see off the sun. Merchants lay out their goods in the evening and joke that they came to admire the sunset.
Calangute
The resort differs from its neighbors with developed infrastructure. It is a whole town of hotels, bungalows, and cottages for tourists. Finding free housing for anyone who comes on their own is not a problem.
The Calangute resort welcomes guests all year round. Even in summer and the rainy season, there is plenty for guests to do. Noisy companies can be found on the streets of the resort day and night. The types of recreation are varied, everything is for active tourists who engage in water sports during the day and hang out at night.
Candolim
Candolim resort can be called a transition zone between north and south. There are comfortable 4 and 5 star hotels, nightclubs and discos. Prices are above average. The audience is mostly “respectable”. During the day, numerous kiters and windsurfers can be seen from the beach and the mountain above. The descent to the sea is steep, so families can relax with teenagers. Younger children will not be able to swim in the sea.
Tiracol
The northernmost resort of Tiracol has wild beach with a single neck. On its territory, the river of the same name flows into the Indian Ocean. The hotel is located in a restored ancient fort. The wall around it and other buildings are dilapidated.
The hotel rooms are clean, comfortable, without pretensions to luxury. There is a restaurant on the ground floor. The windows offer wonderful views of the sea or mountains. The fort is located in the high point on the shore and surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Despite its location in the northern part of the state, the Tiracol resort offers its guests a quiet, relaxing holiday. Party-goers can go to neighboring villages and party until the morning.
Calm and uncrowded southern beaches
On holiday in south goa Respectable tourists come who have money to pay for comfort. The beaches have developed infrastructure and cleanliness. There are no cows visible on them and local residents rarely appear here to swim after a hard day.
In the southern resorts, especially in hotels with a large surrounding area, all the necessary conditions for recreation with children have been created:
special menu in the restaurant;
high chairs and cots for babies;
children's rooms with animators;
slides and attractions on site.
At 5-star hotels, the beaches are white sand, clean and well-groomed. They may have limited access to outsiders. But at any time you can call the waiter and place an order.
Colva Beach
A unique business card southern holiday. The longest sandy beach on the Goa coast is 24 km long. The weak current and gentle, even descent make it comfortable and safe for children. They happily splash in the shallow waters near the shore.
Colva Beach combines prestigious comfortable hotels with luxurious rooms and 3-star hotels and small guest houses. A quiet day's rest is complemented by active nightlife. In addition to bars and clubs, a night market opens at sunset.
Cavelossim
A small beach with white fine sand is framed by palm trees on the slopes of the Horn. Between them, in the first line, there are luxury villas and small hotels with luxurious rooms. The choice of entertainment is huge:
viewsurfing;
catamaran riding;
walks along the coast on a yacht;
fireworks and fire shows in the evenings;
numerous excursions.
Children love walks in the sea with dolphins. Young people spend a lot of time at discos. Party Zone has the best disco club in South Goa.
Marjorda
The most visited resort by Russians in the southern part of the state. Amazing beautiful scenery, magical sunset, white sand on the beach. Luxurious rooms and high-quality service create suitable conditions for lovers of comfort who have enough money to pay for everything.
Cafes and restaurants serve national and European dishes. The menu is in several languages, including Russian. Vacationers can practice any sport, from surfing to beach volleyball.
You can visit spa salons, massage, fitness club. The resort offers excursions throughout the state and country.
It is enough to accurately determine which type of holiday is preferable and choose the appropriate resort in Goa.
GOA - main resort India. It is completely different from other resorts in the country. Hotels located in South Goa are expensive and not only by Indian standards. They are visited by wealthy Europeans. North Goa is the complete opposite of the south. It is relatively inexpensive and democratic. Young people from America and Europe like to come here.
GOA is a state of India with an area of 3702 square kilometers. It is located on west coast peninsula of Hindustan. It is washed by the waters of the Arabian Sea. The population of GOA is 3.1046 million people.
Climate
The climate of Goa is considered subtropical. There is no usual change of seasons here. During the cool period from December to January, the minimum temperature is up to +19 degrees. The maximum temperature reaches +30 degrees. During the hot period from May to June, the minimum temperature drops to +25 degrees. And the highest is +34 degrees. Humidity in summer period moderate. Therefore, even too high a temperature is tolerated quite well.
January has a tropical climate. During the day the air warms up to +30 degrees. In the evening the temperature can be +19. There is no precipitation at this time, so it is comfortable to relax in January. The water temperature is +27 degrees.
Most hot month- May. During the day the air temperature reaches +33 degrees, at night up to +27. The weather at this time becomes hot and humid. June is also hot. It rains for more than half of July. August has high humidity. In September the temperature drops. It rains every other day and there is a lot of cloudiness. In October the weather becomes unpredictable and tourists may need warm clothes.
GOA has two seasons: dry And rainy season. The dry season runs from October to May. The rainy season begins in June and ends in September.
So, favorable holidays occur in the winter months from November to March. It is at this time that most tourists from Europe and Russia come here.
Types of recreation
Any tourist will find suitable entertainment for themselves in GOA. There are golden beaches, warm seas, and magnificent Indian architecture, which is surrounded by tropical landscapes. Vacationers can choose various types of recreation and entertainment, both extreme and more relaxed.
Beach holiday
If you like a relaxing holiday in deserted place, then you should go to the beaches of Majorda, Utorda and Betalbatim. It's clean and quiet here. There are no shops or bars nearby.
More lively atmosphere in Benaulim. Here you can sit in a restaurant or go to a store.
Mobor, Cavelossim and Varca are respectable resorts.
Excursion holidays
If you go on a trip here, be sure to visit the excursions. On them you can see the forts of Alorna and Aguada, the Cathedral of St. Catherine, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Those interested can also go to interesting tour"Night North GOA", take a ride on sea cruise“The Gold of Vasco da Gama”, admire the mysterious Dudhsagara waterfall, visit the Bondla Nature Reserve.
Active
GOA has excellent conditions for diving. Here you can also play paintball, ride elephants, and go crocodiles hunting. Water skiing and paragliding are among the most popular activities among tourists. Water sports are one of the reasons why people come to GOA. Local beaches are an almost inexhaustible source of seafood. Agonda Beach in Kankanoa is a favorite among fishermen. Salmon, mullet and other types of fish are caught here.
Wellness
In GOA you can undergo a course of Ayurvedic procedures. However, in order to get an even greater effect, you must devote at least 2.5 weeks to this course. Tourists can also attend an oil massage course or a natural treatment course.
Nightlife
Young and active tourists want to relax not only during the day, but also at night. GOA has some wonderful restaurants that travelers can visit. They play live music and show programs entertain visitors. Tourists can also explore the night markets. Night bars and clubs are open until the morning. They usually have cheap booze.
Shopping
GOA has many stores offering clothing, household items, shoes and other goods.
Where to stay in GOA?
The choice of accommodation at this resort will depend on the purpose of the trip. If travelers come on vacation with their family and children, they should choose hotels in South Goa that have 4 or more stars. You can also rent a spacious house or villa. If vacationers came alone with the purpose active recreation, suitable for renting housing in North GOA. There is a vibrant nightlife here, with a large number of bars and clubs. Tourists can stay in GOA in several types of housing.
Guesthouses
This guest houses, which are a budget option and are popular among young people. As a rule, they are a mini-hotel with its own territory. Most guesthouses are located in areas with developed infrastructure.
Hotels
Hotels may have different numbers of stars. Three-star hotels are perfect for independent travelers. They have the necessary service. Five-star hotels offer a wide range of services and excellent service. Such hotels are aimed at wealthy tourists and vacationers with children.
Houses, apartments, villas
They are preferred to be rented by tourists who want to enjoy a homely environment. Bungalows are small huts made of reeds or bamboo. Living in them is unsafe.
How to get to GOA?
You can get to GOA by plane, bus, taxi or rented car. Mostly tourists choose a plane and fly through Delhi or Mumbai. It costs less. A direct flight from Moscow to Delhi will cost 25,000 rubles. Travel time is 3 hours.
The train journey will be longer. From Mumbai to Goa you will have to travel 9-13 hours. A ticket will cost 450-3000 INR. It all depends on what class of carriage the tourist is traveling in.
The journey by bus takes approximately 11-16 hours. A ticket costs 500-2000 INR.
Taxi - convenient option for a group of friends or family. From Mumbai to Goa you can drive in 8-12 hours. In this case, you will have to pay 10,000 INR.
Pros and cons of holidays in GOA
GOA is real paradise for the tourist. But this resort has both its pros and cons.
Pros holidays in GOA:
- Wide variety of entertainment;
- Gorgeous beaches;
- Delicious food;
- Affordable holiday prices;
- Wonderful nature.
Cons holidays in GOA:
- Low quality of drinking water;
- Fraud and theft;
- Mentality of local residents;
- Disadvantaged areas;
- Chaotic traffic on the roads.
In general, most tourists evaluate holidays in GOA positively. After all, there is a magical atmosphere here, which is compared to Bali, Koh Phangan, and Lake Toba. Incredible nature, clean beaches, interesting entertainment- that's all a tourist needs. The warm sea and bright sun will give you a feeling of peace. Cozy lounger, coconut trees- all this is available even when you first get acquainted with the resort. The beaches of GOA are not crowded, where you can enjoy peace and quiet.
Enjoy your holiday in a paradise on the planet!
In the nominations "Best Resort" Indian Ocean"for 2004 and 2005 and "Discovery of the Year" for 2003.
State Goa located in southeast India. This small piece of land consists almost entirely of beaches unspoiled by civilization. 40 beaches stretch for more than 100 km along the coast of the Arabian Sea. Not all are equipped for swimming.
Goa is divided into North and South parts. Fort Aguada is considered the border. The southern beaches are sandy, clean, and designed (like hotels) for wealthy vacationers. The sea is warm and calm.
Poor tourists - students, hippies, musicians - prefer to stay in the north. The beaches host 24-hour discos, a lot of shops, eateries, and noisy bazaars.
All beaches are municipal, but those sections of the beach that are assigned to specific hotels are protected. Use of beaches and equipment is free.
North Goa
Tiracol
A regal structure rises above the deserted beach - Fort Tiracol, now the Heritage Hotel. Tiracol- most north beach Goa is most likely the wildest and most untouched by civilization.
Arambol
Beach Arambol also called Harmal. The sand here is soft and white, and cottages and a freshwater pond are located on the red lateral soil among rare stones. The road to the beach is lined with huts of local residents who sell souvenirs and clothing to tourists. The beach is limited by the Tirakol River.
Vagator
Tour operators have long mastered Vagator, so it’s quite difficult for “wild” tourists to find a place in a hotel. Like Anjuna, Vagator is experiencing difficulties with water supply.
The steep hillside leading down to Vagator Beach is home to Chapora Fort, built in 1617 by the Portuguese on the ruins of an older Islamic structure. The fort offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area. Particularly impressive is the place where the Juari River flows into the sea. This part of the beach has high cliffs, popular among honeymooners and those seeking privacy.
Anjuna
The beach is located 8 km from Mapusa town. In the 10th-12th centuries the city was a trading port for the Arabs and was called the "Chamber of Commerce". Now, every Wednesday, a flea market is organized here, the most famous and “richest” in the state. Here you can find anything from Tibetan weavers to porcelain cups from the British colonial era.
Anjuna- the most photographed beach in Goa. This means that you will not find privacy here. Exotic lovers come here from everywhere. Night raves are also held here during the full moon. You should be wary of petty thieves and drug dealers.
Baga
Small picturesque beach with a small number of hotels. It is difficult to say where Baga ends and Calangute begins. The area is clean, the sand is brown, there are many local residents - hawkers and fishermen. The main advantage is the Baga River, in the waters of which children love to swim. At the point where the river flows into the sea there are beautiful black stones, around which the water constantly “boils”. Not long ago, a Saturday (evening) market began to be held here. The market is not bad, but it is far from flea market in Anjuna.
Calangute
In the past Calangute was the main gathering place for hippies. Today, the 7-kilometer crescent of the beach is favored by organized tourists. Large quantity Beachgoers may have a negative impact on the quality of recreation for those who dream of privacy, but the infrastructure here is excellently developed. In Calangute you will always find somewhere to eat and stay. Some nightclubs are open until the morning. At Christmas it is better to book your seats well in advance.
In addition to traditional water and beach sports, Calangute offers short courses in meditation, yoga, reiki and even karate, as well as a variety of massages.
Not far from the beach is the Kerkar Gallery, where artists visiting Goa exhibit. Once a week the gallery hosts an evening of Indian music and dance
Candolim
Candolim is already more like the southern beaches - there are fewer careless tourists, less fuss and fun. On the road from Calangute to Candolim, travelers admire scarlet water lilies in a picturesque pond and typical Spanish buildings. The coastal wave in Candolim reaches a meter, the slopes to the water are quite steep.
Sinquerim
Sinquerim is popular among foreigners because it is spacious and not too crowded. The local population does not like Sinquerim because it has the same steep slopes to the water as in Candolim.
South Goa
Aguada
The gorgeous sandy beach, lying under the walls of the ancient Portuguese fort of Aguada, opens up a strip of beaches in South Goa. Luxury hotels and the Taj tourist village are available for vacationers. The beach is clean, well maintained and well equipped.
Miramar
Miramar is also called Gaspar Diaz. Located 3 km from the center of Panaji, behind a small casuarina forest. Children love to play in the sand on the beach; these places are also good for sunbathing and walking. Swimming in local waters is not entirely safe.
Dona Paula
Where two famous Indian rivers meet the Arabian Sea lies the Gulf Dona Paula with magnificent views of Mormugao Harbour. Cozy nest, hidden on the southern side of a rocky plateau separating deep rivers. In the western part of the beach there is official residence Governor of Goa. On the way to it are the remains of a small British military cemetery.
The beach is considered a lover's paradise and takes its name from Dona Paula de Menezes, daughter of the vice-governor, who, according to legend, threw herself off a cliff when separated from her fisherman lover. Her rebellious spirit still wanders around the area. They say that on moonlit nights she can be seen bobbing on the waves wearing only a pearl necklace.
Dona Paula is home to one of the best sports clubs in Goa. Here you can engage in any kind of water sports, from trips on water scooters to trips on motor boats.
Vainiginim
The beach is located in Kurlavangni Bay (or Kullavainkinim). Name Vainiginim comes from the word "vaingon". This is what the locals called the rice they used to sow the fields. In the 16th century, the Jesuits settled here and turned the bay coast into paradise, planting it with exotic plants brought from everywhere. So today tourists can admire the remnants of former luxury.
Mormugao
Mormugao is not actually a beach, but a natural harbour. But beauty lovers simply cannot pass by this large commercial port. In addition to the original landscapes, the ruins of a Portuguese fort and several beautiful Catholic churches have been preserved here.
Bogmalo
A small bay with sandy beach, surrounded by palm trees. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas. From here it is only 4 km to Dabolim Airport and 8 km to port city Vasco Da Gama. The waters are safe for swimmers, and there are many cafes and souvenir shops on the shore. On the way to the beach there is the Naval Aviation Museum. In the depths of the coast there are luxurious coconut groves.
Majorda
Majorda is a strip of beaches that combines sections of the coast near the villages from Velsao to Mobor (Velsao, Arossim, Utorda, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varga, Cavellosim, Betul, Mobor). The sands of Majorda are not very white. Everywhere groves of palm trees and fruit trees descend to the sea; among the sand and at low tide you can see many marine inhabitants: crabs, starfish and urchins, sea snakes, sea cucumbers and so on. Snow-white seagulls circle over the charming streams murmuring among the coconut palms.
Colva
Colva is the main one tourist center South Goa, although there are noticeably fewer tourists here than in Calangute. The fact is that this part of the coast is a little less developed, so Kolva is avoided by those who are afraid of facing possible difficulties. But the lack of visitors is more than made up for by local residents, who are attracted by excellent restaurants on the coast and many hotels designed to suit any budget. All these numerous and bright buildings slightly spoil the pristine splendor of the beach. However, lovers of solitude can walk along the shore to more secluded corners.
In September, a fair is held near the local church (built in 1630) dedicated to Fama, a holiday dedicated to the baby Jesus.
Benaulim
Benaulim has even fewer tourists than Colva. Meanwhile, there is more than enough local flavor here. Those who prefer noisy bars to small cozy cafes, and the hot sun to shady country roads come here. On weekends and often in the evenings the beach gets crowded local residents who come here by bus. In September, the wave height reaches half a meter. Large groups of dolphins are frequent visitors to local waters. They swim almost to the shore. The village of Benaulim is famous for its furniture and rosewood products.
Varga and Cavelossim
The most prestigious and respectable place on the coast. The most comfortable hotels are located here. Actually Varga over time it may turn into a beach unlike any other. Now it is a long, clean, fairly deserted strip of sand, enlivened by succulent plantings of casuarina.
Mobor
A long sand spit formed where the Sal River flows into the lagoon is surrounded on three sides by water. A lot of charming islands, sand dunes, white lilies in ponds - all this makes Mobor unlike other parts of Goa. The luxurious white sands, like all Indian beaches, are municipally owned, so don't pay too much attention to the advertisements local hotels that some part of the coast is intended only for their guests.
Betul
A hard-to-reach (compared to the rest) beach, which you need to reach by car. motor boat. Only a few swim here, but the daredevils are rewarded - local restaurants serve the largest and most delicious mussels in Goa.
Palolem
One of the farthest beaches Palolem Until recently, it was not included in the sphere of interests of the tourism industry. Therefore, the atmosphere of calm and naturalness is still preserved here. White sands, blue sea, green palm trees. Several tiny wooded islands diversify the seascape. They can be reached by paying local fishermen. There are not too many stalls with souvenirs here yet. At the northern end of the beach it beats fresh spring, large enough to form another island in the middle of it. The most popular activities are fishing and trips to the dolphin playground.
There are several currency exchange offices in Palolem, but no banks. The nearest railway station is three kilometers away; buses and taxis constantly run between the beach and populated areas.
