As soon as someone mentions Goa, the first thing that pops into your head is beaches! A reasonable connection to make since Goa's coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea.
If you are wondering which beach to head to, we are here to help! Here are 5 beaches that you can visit to enjoy the beach experience, without burning in the tropical sun.
1. BETALBATIM BEACH, SOUTH GOA
This beautiful beach is located between Colva and Majorda beaches in Goa. It is around 11 km from Margao, via the St Joaquim Road. If you are travelling from Panjim, it is around 33 km via the NH 66 route.
What’s fascinating about this beach is that it has golden sand all along the coastline. Not only does it look like gold, but it is much cleaner in comparison to other beaches. Another fascination at the beach is dolphin-sighting.
You can only sight these friendly mammals meeting the local fishermen, who will be able to guide you into the sea to stop them. The beach has only a few shacks and not too many big resorts.
The best part of the beach is the number of trees around. You can sit under these to beat the heat. It's a win-win situation. You can enjoy the shade, have a picnic and take a dip in the sea.
2. VARCA BEACH, SOUTH GOA
Varca Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Benaulim. This beach is located at a distance of around 12 km from Margao via the Varca-Margao road. From Panjim, it is around 42 km via the NH 66 route.
The combination of the beach's white sand and the waves breaking upon the shore is simply relaxing and refreshing. Other than the white sand, the beach is blessed with shady trees that will protect you from the heat.
You don’t have to worry about where to have your picnic. You can relax and have a nice swim in the sea. There are no big resorts and hotels along the beach, but there are few shacks where you can get some appetising cuisine.
3. KAKOLEM BEACH, SOUTH GOA
This beach is considered one of the most secluded and beautiful beaches of Goa. It is hidden between cliffs and coconut trees and will definitely give you Hawaii vibes.
Located around 30 km from Margao and around 7 km from Cabo de Rama Beach, if you are travelling from Panjim, it is around 62 km via the NH 66 route.
Not many tourists are aware of this location, and it is definitely a paradise. To get to the beach, you have to do a little trekking downhill, although there is a flight of steep steps at one end of the cliff.
The beach is mostly deserted, and you will find only one resort at the top of this cliff. Yes, you will get a private-beach-moment feeling.
It is advised not to venture into the deep sea, as it has no supervision or lifeguard around, and swimming is at your own risk.
4. MORJIM BEACH, NORTH GOA
This beach is considered one of the quietest beaches in North Goa, unlike the other popular beaches located in the area. Morjim is around 28 km from Panjim via the NH 66. If you are travelling from Margao, it is around 61 km via Panvel-Kochi Kanyakumari highway.
Morjim is also known as 'Little Russia'. This is owing to the fact that the concentration of Russians is greater in Morjim, with restaurants that have their menus and signage boards in Russian.
This beach has a lovely panoramic view. You can even spot the Uddo Beach in Siolim from one point of Morjim Beach. This beach starts with Morjim and runs along Ashvem, Mandrem and then Arambol. There are no cliffs in between that break the sea flow in any way.
At Morjim, you will find plenty of shacks on one side of the beach. However, towards the other end of it is open space, and you will find trees that provide a lot of shade. You can sit under these trees to relax and escape the heat.
The sand found at Morjim is a mixture of black and white sand. Even the texture is different compared to the sand found in South Goa.
Morjim is not crowded like other famous beaches in North Goa. There are lifeguards stationed on the beach until evening. The water is very inviting and clean to take a swim in. Nevertheless, at one end you are cautioned not to swim because its where the sea meets the river and there are strong currents.
5. KERI BEACH, NORTH GOA
Keri Beach is also known as Querim Beach. A quiet beach located in north of Arambol, it also happens to be the northernmost beach of Goa. Keri Beach is located around 29 km from Panjim via the NH 748. If you are travelling from Margao, it is around 89 km.
Keri Beach can be reached through Arambol. At the beach, you will find a few shacks that serve local cuisine and fresh seafood.
There are no huge resorts or hotels near the beach. Across the river bank, you can see the famous Terekol Fort. To visit this fort, we have to use a ferry boat; there is no direct road access to the fort.
The Keri Beach is backed with lush coconut trees and casuarina trees that help us get some shade from the harsh sun rays. It is advised not to venture deep into the sea since the water is rough due to heavy currents.