RESORTS & BEACHES IN GOA
Goa is a former Portuguese colony on the West coast of India. It is 135km long and 65km wide, bordered by two other Indian states and the Arabian sea. The airport is 30km to the south of the capital, Panjim.
Baga stretches north of Calangute and ends at the Baga Creek and headland. The long, golden, sandy beach is a very popular spot for water sports and beach shacks. The beach is also used by local fishermen, who haul their canoes with the day’s catch up on to the sand. The resort itself meanders alongside the seashore and is full of shops, wayside stalls, bars and restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine. The seafood is so fresh you can smell the sea!
Calangute is a medium size town by Goan standards and is a hub of activity both night and day. As well as basic facilities such as banks and a post office, Calangute has plenty of eateries, bars and pubs and is also a good shopping destination. Be prepared to get waylaid by a snake charmer, medicine man or performing elephant! Calangute gives you a taste of what the rest of India is about. Its beach is certainly famous enough – all 7km of it – and is a great favourite with locals and tourists alike.
Candolim is a lively and bustling resort just along from Calangute. The beach is still golden but is wider and backed by sand dunes. It is another popular water sports centre. The resort itself encompasses a small village with basic facilities and a must for every Goan village – a football pitch. There are great shopping opportunities here, with handicraft shops, antique stalls, fashion boutiques and lifestyle stores. You could eat different cuisine every night of the week as there is an excellent selection of restaurants and bars.
Dona Paula is a very picturesque spot with a quiet secluded beach at the head of the river estuary. It is a popular choice for water sports fans. There are a few shops and restaurants within walking distances but for more variety the best option is to go to Panjim just 5 minutes drive away.
South of the airport is less developed and the landscape changes from the open grasslands of the north to paddy fields, coconut plantations and distant hills. The Portuguese influence is stronger, especially in Margao, Goa’s second largest town. The South Goa beaches, with their pristine white sand, run almost unbroken for 26km and are prettier, quieter and more secluded than their North Goa counterparts. The further south you go, the more idyllic the beaches become, with swaying palm trees, sun drenched sand devoid of footprints and the cool lapping water of the Arabian Sea. The perfect place to watch the spectacular sunsets.
At Arossim and Benaulim you can watch the fishermen emptying their nets whilst you enjoy a cocktail in one of the shacks dotted along the shore.
Colva is a lively resort with plenty of restaurants, bars and all the amenities of a small village.
At Varca, once you have had your fill of sun and sand, you can head off into one of the shady beach shacks.
Raj Baga, just along from world famous Palolem Beach, is as far south as most visitors go and is a well kept secret from the rest of the world.
To make a booking call: 0845 890 2244.
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