Gorgeous beaches of South Goa – the complete guide

Goa is one of the smallest state in India. Its abundance of beautiful beaches stretching along the Arabian Sea draws millions of visitor each year. There more than 30 beaches to choose from right from North Goa till the southern tip of the state. In this post, readers get a guide to the best beaches in South Goa in addition to the list covering top instagram worthy beach locations. Whether the theme is to chill, party or experience culture, the state of Goa has covered all of them

In this guide to the best beaches in South Goa, I would be covering a few beaches in a multiple series of posts which happen to be my favourite over the years. I am avoiding Northern Goa iconic and famous beaches of Anjuna, Baga stretch as they are the ones which most travellers come to visit instead would focus on some great alternate destinations.

Guide to best beaches in South Goa

Polem Beach

This beach located in the southern tip of Goa. Polem Beach is s 82 km from the Capital Panaji while 72 km from Dabolim Airport.  Margao, one of the main tourist hubs in Central Goa is 52 km away while Palolem beach is  16  km to the north.

Polem is one of the quieter beaches than most of the others. This 1 km long narrow beautiful beach strip is the most southern beach of Goa. Frequented by the locals and the odd backpacker. Fishing and lazying on the beach are the two most adventurous activities one can do out here.

The beach is crescent-shaped, and one can view the entire beach end to end. Jutting rocks cap both ends and the depth of the sea increases gradually being shallowest at the northern end, making it safe for average swimmers.

Essential info about Polem Beach

This beach has some amazing locations where the pictures framed easily find the place among the top instagram worthy beach locations.

• Stay Options: Extremely limited. There is only one option ( Kamakshi Beach Resort )

• Eating Options: Again, very limited. Only two shacks serve food.

• Pro Tips: Plan to stay at Galgibaga (8 km ) or Talpona (9 km) and come visiting Polem.  Explore “Fish Land Café on the Goa Highway, which serves one of the best seafood in Southern Goa along with alcoholic drinks.

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Galgibaga Beach

It is one of the last of the legendary Goan beaches in terms of beauty and solitude. One of the frontrunners for being in the top instagram worth beach locations. The beach strip is around 2 km of pristine sand, and the approach to the Beach has dense pine vegetation which houses a couple of rustic options to stay. Galgibaga is 68 km from Dabolim Airport while Palolem beach is 12  km away.

The slope into the sea is a bit steep, but swimming is a great experience out here. Galgibaga beach is also known as Turtle Beach. The Beach, along with three other Goan beaches ( Agonda and Palolem) are part of the government, initiated the Olive Ridley turtle protection scheme.

The Southern end of the Beach has a small lagoon which is the biggest lure of this Beach. A dip in the lagoon watching one of the most glorious sunsets is something akin to magic.This Beach is unusually quiet, and solitude is the prime reason why travellers flock here. Mobile connectivity is patchy and nosy hordes of tourists are extinct.

Essential info about Galgibaga Beach

Read on, in this Guide to the best beaches in South Goa which have been visited by me over a period of time to assimilate the vibes of the beaches from the eyes of a traveller.

• Stay Options: There are a collection of basic huts/shacks /tents that offer stay option. Recommend Cassoi and Casa GalgiBaga.

• Eating Options: There are 3-4 eateries out here. I would recommend Surya Café.

• Pro Tips: Plan a stay here for maybe a night, preferably on the full moon for the midnite lagoon experience is something to remember for the entire lifetime. For a vibrant nightlife head over to Palolem beach which is 12 km away.

Agonda Beach

Welcome to one of the most picturesque instagram worthy beach locations of Goa – Agonda beach. It is a carefully concealed gem amongst Goan beaches situated near Palolem. Slightly secluded, and tucked away amidst palm fronds, this 3 km pristine stretch of beach is one unadulterated beauty.

Agonda is 68  km from Dabolim airport while Margoa is only 39 km away via National Highway 66. This Beach is all about the theme of “Letting it go” and hence draws crowds who are looking for just sun and sand.

One must visit the beautiful St Anne Church, which stands right at the entrance as one reaches Agonda. On  Sunday a lot of travellers who staying in and around Agonda come here for the morning mass.

In case one wants to enjoy the nightlife, head to Palolem beach, which is just 10 minutes away. However, the infrastructure at Agonda is quite good with ATMs, numerous street bars as well as upscale cafes to explore.There are multiple shops selling boho dresses and curio stuff for street wear.

Essential info about Agonda Beach

This is my favourite beach to explore and hang out watching the day draw to a close.

• Stay Options: There is something to suit everyone at Agonda. From basic huts to upscale, luxurious beach facings cottages are available. One can book using booking.com for the same. My recommendation is Saffron Sands ( budget accommodation).

• Eating Options: There are a  sufficient number of eating joints to suit every taste accompanied by some fantastic alcohol. My recommendation is Kopa Desa, Dersy’s place and simrose resorts.

• Pro Tips: Plan a stay at Agonda and head out to experience some trance and rave vibes at Leopard Valley nearby on Fridays nights followed by watching the dawn break over the waves at Agonda Beach.

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Guide to best beaches in South Goa, contd.

Palolem Beach

The current Rockstar among the beaches of South Goa. Palolem beach is 63 km from Dabolim airport while Margoa is 40 km away. This crescent beach has got it all from the soft sands to inviting warm waters all along a curvaceous coastline.

Palolem is a vibrant beach and the shacks that dot the entire stretch of the Beach are always brimming with revellers and tourists. Hence one cannot find the solitude of a quiet sunset out at Palolem. Out here, the mood is always high, and the party is never over. One can indulge in water sports as well as islands tours. There are dolphin watching tours also available at Palolem.

Essential info about Palolem Beach

Palolem is one of the most popular beaches of South Goa and hence the most crowded too. This beach offers everyone the liberation to be as they wish to be and hence the charm of coming over here.

• Stay Options Palolem is perfect for budget travellers as numerous guesthouses dotting the lanes leading to the Beach. Having said that, there are hotel properties too, including the luxurious Lalit chain of properties closeby.

• Eating Options: There are a  sufficient number of eating joints to suit every taste accompanied by some fantastic alcohol.My recommendation is Magic Italy, Art Resort cafe and Dropadi Cafe.

• Pro Tips: Palolem is always going to be crowded, hence stay at Agonda beach, which is nearby and for the party scene just hop over to Palolem. Visit Silent Noise Club for some great music.

Cabo de Rama Beach

Cabo de Rama beach is one of the best-kept secret beaches in South Goa. It is spectacularly beautiful. One needs to drive 54 km from  Dabolim airport or 19 km from Agonda beach in case one is staying over there.This beach definitely deserves to be included in the guide to best beaches in South Goa.

The sand here is light, delicate and pure. The water in Cabo de Rama is blue with luxurious green. Huge palm trees line up the surrounding cliffs, and there is a freshwater stream to the north of the Beach. One of the last beautiful wild beaches left in Goa. It definitely deserves to among the top instagram worthy beach locations.

Essential info about Cabo de Rama Beach

Cabo de Rama is an isolated beach and conveyance is not frquent. Better would be to hire a two wheeler for the duration of the stay.

• Stay Options There is only one, and that is “The Cape Goa”. Experience luxury by staying at this cliffside shack property.

• Eating Options: The Cape, Goa will cater to every wish and desire fo yours right from fresh catch from the sea.  

• Pro Tips: In case you don’t wish to stay at Cabo de Rame, just hop across to the multiple stay options at Agonda Beach. Also make sure that you explore Cabo de Rama fort for a slice of History, and some spectacular views of the Arabian Sea

Cola Beach,South Goa

The recluse amongst all the beaches. Cola beach also identified by the turquoise blue-green lagoon that entices the travellers who venture to this super secluded beachfront. One of the most beautiful lesser spoken beaches of South Goa with the blue Arabian Sea coming right on the doorstep. Definitely a place to click some top instagram worthy beach locations pictures.

Lined with coconut trees and obscured from any external view by thick vegetation and hilly terrain, Cola is like a paradise which is accessed through a mystical doorway. Cola is exclusive as well as rustic. There are two bays out here known as Little Cola and Big Cola, separated by the river Khola.

Ths Beach is not for tourists looking for a party zone. Cola is all about serenity, privacy, deep house music, yogas in the morning dawn and sunset while some great food and drinks in between. The blue lagoon makes for some great water time sipping on martinis.

Cola is 19 km from Agonda Beach while Margoa is 31 km away. To access Cola beach, one has to take a turn off at Cola bus stand which is 17 km from Agonda. After that, it is a rocky trail through the wilderness for next 2 km with the final approach being a steep slope downwards.

Essential info about Cola Beach

• Stay Options There are only two excellent properties for staying at Cola beach, and prior booking is a must.

• Eating Options: There are no independent shacks or hawkers at Cola. The properties mentioned above have restaurants which cater to the requirement.

• Pro Tips: This is a semi-private beach and rights are with the properties which take care of the entire beachfront and cater to the privacy of the guests out here. In case you are not staying here, suggest stay over at Agonda nearby and come for a visit here. Definitely cannot remain beyond sundown as the path to reach the main road is a rocky trail. There is no phone connectivity at Cola beach.

Nuem Beach

One of the smaller local beaches of South Goa, situated near Canaguinim. Nuem beach is characterized by black and red rocks owing to the iron content found in the earth here. It is 16 km from Agonda as well as Cavelossim Beaches.

I consider Nuem as the little brother of Cabo de Rama beach in terms of beauty. The Beach is very clean, safe and pretty with the local villagers coming down for a game of football or cricket.

Essential info about Nuem Beach

• Pro tip:  It makes sense to visit Nuem. However, it is preferable to stay at Mobor or Cavelossim Beach, which present more options.

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Cavelossim Beach

Cavelossim beach is one of the lovely beaches in Southern Goa. The Beach is 19 km from Margoa and is close to another beautiful beach known as Varca. Cavelossim is all about white sands and some tremendous beachfront shacks which allow the visitor to see some of the most magnificent sunsets on this coastline.

The Beach is comparatively big with close to 2 km of white sands, and the vibes here permit one to enjoy and chill down. It does not receive many visitors, and one can experience some lovely beach walks on Calelossim Beach. 

The surrounding area of Cavelossim beach is dotted with some great options to stay as well as eat &drink. One would be spoilt with the choices out there.

Essential info about Cavelossim Beach

• Stay Options There are  excellent properties for staying at Cavelossim to cater to every budget.

• Eating Options: The eateries out here offer live music and BBQ and is a pleasure to try the varied menu on offer. There are some exclusive eating joints such as Fisherman’s wharf which are highly recommended.

• Pro Tips: Cavelossim is ideal for those who wish to spend some quality time in Goa surrounded by luxury yet still be able to experience the simplicity of Goa and the allure of its amazing beaches.

Varca Beach

Varca Beach situated at the beginning of South Goa is 13 kms from Margoa and 9 kms from Cavelossim. It is a quaint neighbourhood and is close to the town of Benaulim.

This 2 km long white Beach is a preferred destination for those who seek luxury amidst Privacy and Goan vibes. Home to some of the most significant properties in the Hospitality sector, Varca beach has managed to retain its natural feel. One will not find any hawkers out here nor noisy crowds.

Evenings one can join the local boys for a game of beach football or just take a long walk with the waters of the Arabian Ocean lapping up the feet. It is also the place to soak in Goan culture and community vibes in the many lanes that lead up to Varca.

Essential info about Varca Beach

• Stay Options There are excellent properties for staying at Varca to cater to every budget. Having said that I would still prefer to stay at Cavelossim and wander to Varca when I feel like it.

• Eating Options: Not many eating options at the Beach. Hence one will have to either head to one of the many hotel properties else move over to Colva or Cavelossim.

• Pro Tips:  If you are interested in some fantastic morning shots which depict the vibes of Goa head to Varca early in the morning. You will be amazed by the ambience.

I have finished this post, Do share your thoughts on the beaches listed above and which appeals you the most. Would love to know that. Also, Chantell from ” Travel for your Life ” has an excellent compilation of beaches of North Goa. Read her article here to complement the beaches that I have summarised down south.

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