Top Three Beaches In North Goa

Goa is famous for its beaches and rightly so, with gorgeous sands stretching into warm seas and fringed by palm trees, it sounds like an image of paradise. There are lots of beaches in the state, which can make it tricky to know where to go first. If you're planning a trip to North Goa, here are three places you can't afford to miss.

Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach is one of the most popular stretches of sand in Goa, so it can become pretty crowded - but don't let that put you off! It spans around 7 km, so there's usually space to lie back and enjoy the sun. This is a great place to go at the start of your break, as there's lots to see and you'll find tour companies offering trips to other beaches around the state from here.The sea here is safe to swim in - which isn't the case with all Goa's beaches - and there is a host of water sports on offer for more adventurous travellers. Para-sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing are among your options if you want to do something a bit more active than lying in the sun. If you can drag yourself away from the sunshine and the sand, it's worth doing a spot of shopping as there are lots of stores in the village where you can pick up gorgeous jewellery and handicrafts. For a bit of culture, meanwhile, the Kerkar Art Complex is located nearby and regularly showcases work by local artists.Stay into the evening and you can experience Calangute's famous nightlife too. The parties from the bars spill out on to the beach, while regular trance parties are held here as well, so you can enjoy a few drinks and dance the night away under the stars.

Sinquerim Beach
Sinquerim Beach is a bit more peaceful than Calangute, so if you're looking for somewhere laidback and relaxed, this will be a better option for you. The sands here are beautiful and with the palm groves to one side and the ocean to the other, it's a lovely place for an early morning stroll - or even a jog if you're feeling energetic. Just because it's quieter, don't make the mistake of thinking there's nothing to do here. There are water sports facilities offering you the chance to try your hand at parasailing, waterskiing and scuba diving, among other activities, so you can be active if you'd rather not just work on your tan. Sinquerim is also relatively close to Aguada Fort, one of Goa's most famous landmarks dating from the period of Portuguese rule. Constructed on the headland above the Mandovi River between 1609 and 1612 by the European settlers, it was used as a vantage point to protect Old Goa. In the 19th century, a lighthouse was added to the complex and although some of the buildings have been converted into a prison, you can still visit the areas that are open to the public.

Baga Beach
If you really do want to escape the crowds, take a walk south of Calangute until you reach Baga Beach. While it's close to its much busier neighbour.This is an incredibly pretty seaside location, as a small creek runs down the beach from the trees and meets the Arabian Sea. Baga is a top destination if all you want to do is relax in the sunshine with a good book, but there are other activities available if you're interested. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is on a dolphin spotting tour. Head out in a boat to look for these marine mammals and enjoy the breeze as you travel further from the coast.