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.
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